Wow, you've certainly been in a very thoughtful mood. Good for you. (: It seems like you've been nourishing your mind and soul. I like that your approach on daily life is to seek inspiration, while giving and taking information all around you. That's a very good attitude, and it's something I most definitely need to work on.
I just wanted to take a break and give you my two cents on Christianity. Don't worry, I'm not trying to convert you or get on the defense. I just wanted to share my personal experiences with it the way you shared your journey to spirituality with us!
I don't think Christianity is based on blind faith. A lot of religion is based on some sort of evidence, be it scientific, historical, or a personal experience that touches deep within your heart. Blind faith can easily be associated with any religion really, and I do agree it does happen. For instance, sometimes people are born into a religion and follow it their entire lives without questioning it because "it just is." Although Christianity is faith-based, God does not want us to simply leave our brains at the door and follow idly!
Here are a few passages I found online about this subject: * First, the book of Proverbs is replete with admonitions to increase in knowledge and wisdom. * The apostle Paul told the church at Thessalonica to "prove all things" and "hold fast [to] that which is good." (I Thessalonians 5:21) In other words, don't just believe things blindly. * The writer of Acts praises the Berean Christians for "searching the Scriptures" to verify that what the apostles were teaching them was consistent with the Old Testament laws and prophecies. (Acts 17:11) In fact, the Bereans were contrasted with the more gullible Thessalonians. * Finally, Paul told Timothy to "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed..." (II Timothy 2:15) In other words, never stop learning.
As you can see, Christians aren't taught to follow "just because." The Bible is filled with not only stories, but lessons as well. There's always a strong emphasis on how the Bible preaches and "condemns sinners", so we often forget about the good stuff! It shows us how to be tolerant, merciful, humble, compassionate, and more. (Pretty much all the stuff you see in the Foundation For a Better Life commercials lol) Although I was born into a Protestant family, I acknowledge that I do have a choice to accept or reject my religion. After all, we are born with free will. I have chosen to follow my religion because I feel a unique and intimate bond between Jesus' teachings and my personal life. To me, it feels like God is always looking out for me. During times of trouble, something serendipitous and out-of-nowhere always happens (bad or good), ultimately leading me to an incident that shapes my character for the good. I've encountered very special people in my life, and they've made me stronger in so many ways. Long story short, God has brought unique events and people in my life; all of which have led me to my purpose. Whenever I pray, God answers by providing me these wonderful people and events. In my experience, He has always answered me. It almost seems too good to be true!
Anyway, I guess I fall under that "experience that touches deep within your heart" category. There are no hard facts. I just have meaningful experiences that I interpret as God speaking to me. It might not be a concrete enough reason to believe for some, but it's definitely concrete to me. (: Anyway bottom line is, I agree! Religion isn't any good if you blindly follow it. It has to touch you somehow, so you can identify with your faith. What really matters is YOUR spiritual relationship after all. In the end, I think any form of spirituality is good because it gives you another set of morals to abide by. We all want to be good people of course! Also followers of your religion can act as a support system for you, since they most likely can identify with you in a way others can't. Last but not least, meditation, prayer, etc. isn't just a means of communication to your deity, it is calming as well! Great stress reliever, so you'll get points for good health.
I see that Christianity is not blind faith because it teaches us morals and rules in which to govern a righteous, proper life, but i guess my problem is that therefore, Christianity is what defines this proper life. They give people certain stories, whether truth or fiction, that lead one to think a certain way, reinforce it, and take it without question to apply it to situations in their lives. However, I want to ask why in every situation. What is right in one situation may not be right in another and i don't think that this can be portrayed through the laws that the bible has given us. The only truth is that you must decide what you have a right to do in living a life you deem proper. Thus this one truth will push me to continue asking why and so i must justify all my actions for their consequences instead of justifying them with a law taught to me.
There is the journal and relationship with the higher being part that i cannot attest to, but i'm having one heck of a time living with myself already. :P i think if i was my own best friend, instead of my own worst enemy, then I would be able to relax and do whatever i dream of (:
i am running on 2 hours of sleep in the last 50 hours so pardon if i don't make sense.
I just wanted to take a break and give you my two cents on Christianity. Don't worry, I'm not trying to convert you or get on the defense. I just wanted to share my personal experiences with it the way you shared your journey to spirituality with us!
I don't think Christianity is based on blind faith. A lot of religion is based on some sort of evidence, be it scientific, historical, or a personal experience that touches deep within your heart. Blind faith can easily be associated with any religion really, and I do agree it does happen. For instance, sometimes people are born into a religion and follow it their entire lives without questioning it because "it just is." Although Christianity is faith-based, God does not want us to simply leave our brains at the door and follow idly!
Here are a few passages I found online about this subject:
* First, the book of Proverbs is replete with admonitions to increase in knowledge and wisdom.
* The apostle Paul told the church at Thessalonica to "prove all things" and "hold fast [to] that which is good." (I Thessalonians 5:21) In other words, don't just believe things blindly.
* The writer of Acts praises the Berean Christians for "searching the Scriptures" to verify that what the apostles were teaching them was consistent with the Old Testament laws and prophecies. (Acts 17:11) In fact, the Bereans were contrasted with the more gullible Thessalonians.
* Finally, Paul told Timothy to "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed..." (II Timothy 2:15) In other words, never stop learning.
As you can see, Christians aren't taught to follow "just because." The Bible is filled with not only stories, but lessons as well. There's always a strong emphasis on how the Bible preaches and "condemns sinners", so we often forget about the good stuff! It shows us how to be tolerant, merciful, humble, compassionate, and more. (Pretty much all the stuff you see in the Foundation For a Better Life commercials lol) Although I was born into a Protestant family, I acknowledge that I do have a choice to accept or reject my religion. After all, we are born with free will. I have chosen to follow my religion because I feel a unique and intimate bond between Jesus' teachings and my personal life. To me, it feels like God is always looking out for me. During times of trouble, something serendipitous and out-of-nowhere always happens (bad or good), ultimately leading me to an incident that shapes my character for the good. I've encountered very special people in my life, and they've made me stronger in so many ways. Long story short, God has brought unique events and people in my life; all of which have led me to my purpose. Whenever I pray, God answers by providing me these wonderful people and events. In my experience, He has always answered me. It almost seems too good to be true!
Anyway, I guess I fall under that "experience that touches deep within your heart" category. There are no hard facts. I just have meaningful experiences that I interpret as God speaking to me. It might not be a concrete enough reason to believe for some, but it's definitely concrete to me. (: Anyway bottom line is, I agree! Religion isn't any good if you blindly follow it. It has to touch you somehow, so you can identify with your faith. What really matters is YOUR spiritual relationship after all. In the end, I think any form of spirituality is good because it gives you another set of morals to abide by. We all want to be good people of course! Also followers of your religion can act as a support system for you, since they most likely can identify with you in a way others can't. Last but not least, meditation, prayer, etc. isn't just a means of communication to your deity, it is calming as well! Great stress reliever, so you'll get points for good health.
Reply
Reply
There is the journal and relationship with the higher being part that i cannot attest to, but i'm having one heck of a time living with myself already. :P i think if i was my own best friend, instead of my own worst enemy, then I would be able to relax and do whatever i dream of (:
i am running on 2 hours of sleep in the last 50 hours so pardon if i don't make sense.
Reply
Leave a comment