OK, so religion has been on my mind a lot lately. I have started attending Powhatan Community Church. I enjoy the music and the messages, but I have so many thoughts and questions of religion and beliefs. So here we go: please feel free to comment. and if any of my references are inaccurate, please (nicely) correct me with proof, not just your feelings on the matter. But then again, that wouldn't be faith, would it?
1. Where did God come from?
I am a biology science teacher. I believe in proof and things I can see. So, maybe that is what makes it difficult for me to have a faith in something that I have personally never scene. I believe in the Big Bang Theory and in the Theory of Evolution or maybe more in the most recent theory of Intelligent Design. There are too many fossils, vestigial structures, homologous structures, chemical evidence, etc. to denounce that we were put here exactly as you see us now.
I do believe in the goodness of people. And a part of me thinks that has to do with the teachings of Christ. But would we be evil to each other if there were no Christ? Is it human nature to be kind? Now that can be hard to swallow sometimes, especially when you turn on the news. In addition to wars (which have been going on since the beginning of time) and most of these wars have to do with religious beliefs, look at our politicians, especially with the elections going on. How can you call yourself a Christian and turn around and say hurtful things about each other?
Just like Brian said in service last Sunday: we are so quick to judge each other and our behaviors. I use to be very quick to judge and can still do this at times. But I have learned to step back and think about the position the person is in? Can I honestly say that I would not act that way if I were in their shoes? I try to leave the Judging to God. But if we say that, then do we get rid of our judicial system and let those who we feel do wrong wait til their judgement day? The world would be ciaos. right?
2. Without faith, do you believe in God?
This was part of our small group discussion last night. I thought I fell somewhere in the realm of I do good works, but do not have faith. Maybe I am trying to find faith through good works? Now according to our book we are using to study James, that means you may have a bogus ticket to eternity with God. I will have to some back to that one...if I ever find faith. I have faith in people. So does that mean I have faith in God because he "made" people?
3. The Bible? word of God or just another book that was widely accepted/forced upon society to accept or die of heresy. (not sure on the exact history of that one)
My past religious experiences: grew up in the Catholic Church (mom is Catholic and I don't think my dad really cares what "label" he is, so we attended Catholic Church). Now, you have to know something about my personality to understand this part. I already told you I am a proof girl. In addition, I can be a bit defiant. I was definitely defiant in my youth. But there was (and still is) purpose behind that. I didn't believe in everything the Catholic (and most churches) believed in. Examples, the Pope (no harm intended), birth control, I am pro-choice , and especially now, women in religious roles. I applaud the churches that "allow" us women to lead service and have a place among what use to be only good enough for men. That will lead us into another discussion later. In addition, I do not judge homosexuality. I know the Bible says man and woman. But don't you think there is enough hate in this world? When two people (of any sex) truly love one another, how are we to tell them that it is wrong? If God says he is the one to do the judging, why can't we leave that one up to him? Lots of people think it is perverted...I know a lot of heterosexuals that do a lot worse, don't you?
I remember sitting in confirmation classes. I remember what our group leader said about confirming to the Catholic Church; the things we had (should) believe in to willing join on our own free will. I didn't agree, so I didn't join. What I do believe is that so many of my classmates joined because it was expected from them. It was hypocritical. They were my friends and I know what they did outside of church (sex, cursing, lying, etc.) things that a lot of teenagers did (I'm guilty as well), but why confirm and turn around and keep doing those things? I don't get it. Its' a lie. That's what I don't understand about so called Christians. They go to church on Sundays and maybe even a meeting or church supper on a week night or even teach Sunday school. BUT in their everyday lives, they speak bad of others, use derogatory language against other races, yell at their loved ones, physically and mentally abuse their loved ones, the list goes on and on. Why say your something you are not? Just because it is expected of you? your community will think you a good person because you attend a church? I DON'T GET IT! Your not a Christian just because you say you believe in God. You have to live it!
4. What are the true politics behind religion?
Religion (all religions) have a history. I find this exciting and something I want to know more about. In the past few years I have read some semi fictional books on things like The Da Vinci Code, the Templars, and the Gnostic Gospels. I am about to go out today and buy a book about the Gnostic Gospels. This fascinates me. And this is why:
Christianity tells us that God put his son on this earth to save us, help us, etc. He put him here in human form so we could relate to God better? so we could say that He understands our everyday trials of life? so Jesus could be a messenger and spread God's word? for whatever reason. So here are my questions and thoughts on this:
how do I start? I think it is very possible that Jesus found love and companionship with Mary Magdalene. I am sure that statement bothers/offends some of you. But if Jesus was truly human and he experienced all that we do, why is this not possible? If God gave us the ability to experience joy with another person (not sex, but true joy) why wouldn't he want his son to experience it as well? I know this humanizes (if there is such a word) Jesus. It makes him undivine. The Gnostic Gospel that were found tell us something of this union. Not necessarily a sexual union, but some type of intimacy between the two. I don't think the word intimacy always refers to sex. I believe you can have intimacy with anyone. It's a connection.
In addition to this, what about a bloodline. What if Jesus did father a child or two? Children bring us joy (and pain sometimes), but over all are a blessing. They teach us patience and remind us to slow down and remember the simple things in life that made/make us happy. Some books say that the Church had to keep this silent. That it would bring down the Church and all of it's teachings. I don't know about all that. I do know that I would rather know the truth. Why isn't is possible? Why wouldn't God want his son, Jesus, to experience being a father?
Why couldn't Jesus be more human and open to the entire experience of man? Would it make you doubt your faith?
I need to do more research and determine my beliefs on these issues. I have to understand I may never know all the answers, but at least I can say I took my own journey. I didn't just believe since I was told to....
off to do more research!!!!
5 comments:
Whoa! This post covers quite a lot of information. Since you asked for commentary here's my (completely unbiased, tee-hee) opinion.
1. Where did God come from?
That is an interesting question that I've wrestled with and will probably continue to wrestle with for the rest of my life. It's definitely hard to comprehend with our limited human understanding what exactly the concept of God is.
This is where faith comes in. It's very hard as people in our generation who are taught at a very young age to be logical and scientific, but in reality science is merely conjectures within human understanding. In genesis it explains what happened, not how it happened. We have to take that step of faith and truly believe that God is real.
As far as human nature is concerned, we are quite sinful 99.99% of the time. This is why Christ came. I can't count on my fingers and toes how many times I had argued with christians in my early years with the scientific argument. At the end of the day, I felt empty and the question still loomed in my mind... "What if this God stuff is real and I'm making a huge mistake?"
2.Without faith, do you believe in God?
It's impossible to believe in God and not have faith. They are one in the same.
faith /feɪθ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[feyth] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
As for homosexuals and abortion(pro-choice), it states in the bible that they are a sin(along with a lot of other things we do on a daily basis). The teachings of Christ tell us not condemn anyone who sins but I do not believe that God would specifically endorse sin. It would be very hypocritical to tell his people not to do something and then endorse it later on. Christ is the main reason for us all. We are all unclean in his eyes and in need of salvation and grace.
Grace... Now that is an intresting subject. I guess I can best illustrated that by a personal experiance of mine. When you hit rock bottom and you expect the world to condemn you for your actions and they just forgive you right on the spot. It gives you a windows into the love that Christ has for you and I. His love never quits. He was not sent to judge but to save. Like a father to his son, he forgives us everyday so we may have a personal relationship with him.
This is a lot of text for a comment, but this is a lot of text kind of subject.
Hope all is well,
Patty P
So excited that someone else has those questions as well. Jason and I have been regulars at the contemporary service at Red Lane for about 6 months now. I know that going to church has made my life much more fulfilling and I feel that it has definitely made me a better person. But, I have those questions as well. I was not raised in a church, so I feel as those I leave church with as many questions as I had before I walked in. One of my biggest questions is if GOD is a god that cares for us and is the one to take care of us... what was the point of Jesus? Couldn't he have taken away our SIN with out killing his own son? And - this is a stupid one - if Jesus rose from the dead - where is he? Did he die again? Jason says I should just stand up in the middle of church and raise my hand and ask all of my questions... lol. We should get together and discuss these things!
And I vote no on the nose ring. Just looks like a whitehead pimple!
Love ya,
Tiffany
Karen..
Wanted you to know that I did INDEED read this... WOW... but I want to say two quick things....
1.) I am so glad that God brought us to your group...and glad that you felt comfortable enough to share openly
2.) Faith is hard....but necessary to feel the complete peace of God. BUT...I think it is great that you are researching and studying to aid you in your search for answers.
and
C) I am praying for you without ceasing and can't wait to talk more with you about all your questions....
much love...
Kelley
I wrote a three page comment.
And blogger ate it.
GRRRRRRR....
I'll follow up later, but in short:
1) Good questions. God says "if you seek me with all your heart, you'll find me." Sounds like you are seeking. Paul told a bunch of new Christians in Philippians to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling". I cling to that, because I never have it figured out. The process matters as much as the answers. Faith is "evidence of things hoped for and not seen". Some things will be forever unanswered, at least this side of heaven.
It's late and I'm getting tired, but I want to encourage you to keep on digging - but don't ignore the Bible in your research. If you are going to follow Jesus, which seems to be what you are exploring, you need to find out who he really was and what he did and said, without the filter of a church or some interpretation. Read the book of Matthew, the book of John, both of which detail his life. When I first became a Christ-follower, that's exactly what I did. I also read a powerful book called 'The Jesus I Never Knew' by Philip Yancey. He grew up in church but became very disillusioned. He researched his way out of confusion. I think you'd appreciate that book...
It seems that you are already in a process of growth and exploration. That's a great place to be, and you've put yourself in a position where you're asking questions in a safe place, among people who won't claim to know every single answer, but who will commit to walking with you through the journey. That's me, and Brian Hughes, and Kelley and her small group, and Patrick, and a whole host of other folks. So keep asking. God can take it.
Let's get together sometime; I'm sure we could find a babysitter. How about dinner one evening?
Glad you're in our midst; hope to get to know you better!
Karen,
I am so excited that you are on this journey. I am convinced that God is not trying to hide from you. With everything in me, I believe that God wants you to know Him. He has a life for you that is better and more fulfilling than you can possibly imagine. The kind of peace and security and joy that is available to you through Him is literally indescribable.
But at the end of the day, faith is a journey. You keep seeking and you WILL find the truth about Jesus Christ. I'm convinced of that.
Let me recommend 2 books to you. One is Lee Stroble's The Case for Christ and the other is James Emery White's The Search for the Spiritual.
Thanks for letting PCC be a part of your journey...I'm looking forward to hearing good things about what you find along the way.
Brian Hughes
Post a Comment