I find it hard to establish my opinion and beliefs on the bible, and thus Christianity. In one sense, I want to take the entire bible as truth, as the word of god, but at the same time I feel that I have to be skeptical about my interpretations of the bible and how I read it. It really bothers me to think that my opinions are based strictly on convincing arguments of others, because usually good arguments are one-sided and ignorant to a second or even third side of the issue. I want all of this knowledge about the characters of the bible, the history, and the context so that I may make my own decisions about controversial topics. The problem, I think, is that no matter how much knowledge I have, I will really never know for sure. And thus lies the most mystical and at the same time torturous characteristic about Christianity arises- the mystery of God. What little we actually know about God, and what little we can conclude about God. Maybe I just need to get out of the mindset of details (i.e. sins to avoid, etc), but those guide the bigger picture. They exemplify how to love, etc. So instead of taking the bible word-for-word, maybe I should take it concept-for-concept. Things I do know about God’s will for us: 1. The golden rule: Love your neighbor as yourself and love god with all your heart, mind and soul. 2. Don’t judge others 3. Forgive 4. Pray 5. Have faith and hope 6. Repent. The details follow along with rules in Paul’s letters.
My problem lies with the concept of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I believe that Jesus was sent by God and that he was the fulfillment of God’s prophesy. I have faith that there is a God, and that God will forgive me my sins, and that he will guide me. However, I am not convinced about a heaven, or more, and afterlife. What is the point of my faith without the goal of an afterlife? I think that my strong faith that God exists along with the belief that the bible is a book of wisdom for how to live life to the fullest (as god intended) drives me to do the will of God. It gives me a purpose in life (or more of a hypothetical purpose at this point) and general means for fulfilling that purpose. I believe that I am here for a reason; I influence the world in a unique way. Sure, there may be many other people with the same personality and goals as me, but each of us influences our direct world differently, and thus our indirect world as a whole. As the bible says, we all serve as different parts of the body- the body as a whole wouldn’t function as well if any of the parts were missing.
I think that any person (in any religion) that believes in God and believes in and acts on the main concepts of what Jesus preached (i.e. Faith, hope, love, etc) is just as admirable and OK by God as Christians. Often, however, Christianity gives people a means for self-reflection and self-betterment.
Anyway, just a few thoughts for the second day of lent. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear thoughts, opinions, beliefs, whatever!
2 comments:
I absolutely am in sync with your opinions but I would like to add that we really feel God's presence in times of trials and tribulations.When you walk alone and there is no one to hold on to just ask God to help and see the magic!!.
Thanks. I fully agree. I have definitely felt God's presence the most when I've been at my lowest points, pleading for help. I think that's why my convictions of God's existance are so unwavering, regardless of where I stand (or don't stand) on controversial issues or other topics. But yes, the power of God's presence is absolutely amazing.
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