The exclusivity clause has always been one of my biggest issues with Christianity - so this chapter really hit home for me and tackled an important issue with my faith. It made me realize that it wasn't the exclusivity clause by itself that has bothered me for so long - really at the core of it was more-so the arrogance o f the people talking about it that turned me off so much. Here's what the chapter covered and my responses to it:
Q1: "Why do Christians think they're justified in asserting that they're right and everybody else in the world is wrong?"
A1: "First, it's important to understand that Christianity is not the only religion that claims exclusivity..All truth is, by definition, exclusive. If truth does not exclude, then no assertion of a truth claim is being made."
R1 : Well that certainly takes the wind out of the sails... But, being a highly rationale and logical person, it was a very important argument for me to absorb. It is true that nearly all of the major religions of the world claim exclusivity/truth....but when they have mutually exclusive tenants it's impossible for them to all be true at the same time. I believe, though, that this doesn't necessarily negate the argument that many of the major religions have aspects of truth. The ultimate argument made in CFF though is that Christianity is the only religion with the WHOLE truth. Christianity is the "seeing man" in the parable of the three blind men and the elephant.
"While there may be aspects of truth elsewhere, the sum total truth is in Christ."
"It's one thing for Christians to believe that. It's another thing to communicate it without sounding smug or superior, but Christians often come off that way."
"If truth is not undergirded by love, it makes the possessor of that truth obnoxious and the truth repulsive...One cannot communicate the love of Christ in non-loving terms." "Mahatma Gandhi said, 'I like their Christ, I don't like their Christians.' Friedrich Nietzshe said, 'I will believe in the Redeemer when the Christian looks a little more redeemed.' Their points need to be taken."
The response to that statement was one that I wish more Christians would take to heart - I think if they did it would open the door to a lot of people...I know I would've been more receptive much longer ago if they did.
Well, this entry is already getting pretty lengthy so I'll leave it here for now and let you chew on it..
TO BE CONTINUED...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Compassion
So I've gotten into a lot of deep conversations this week for some reason and am blown apart by how broken so many people's lives are. One friend is having a hard time keeping her marraige together, another her finances are devasted by a recent divorce, another is a former drug addict, another grew up without parents around and just fended for herself...
It feels that there is a sea of brokenness. That people aren't friendly because they haven't experienced geniune love. I'm starting to wonder if that is my call in this place. To be a voice of deep and radical love -- so people can see what it actually looks like.
I met a woman this week, who, in spite of having every possible thing pitted against her continues to reach out and look for a good life. She would be in the example book of "how people don't have to suck, even if they had a rough childhood." Though, because she's never seen it, she doesn't know what the life she is looking for looks like. She inspires me to want to show her what life can be....
I think I'm finding my heart softening as I begin to walk this road of faith and acceptance....
It feels that there is a sea of brokenness. That people aren't friendly because they haven't experienced geniune love. I'm starting to wonder if that is my call in this place. To be a voice of deep and radical love -- so people can see what it actually looks like.
I met a woman this week, who, in spite of having every possible thing pitted against her continues to reach out and look for a good life. She would be in the example book of "how people don't have to suck, even if they had a rough childhood." Though, because she's never seen it, she doesn't know what the life she is looking for looks like. She inspires me to want to show her what life can be....
I think I'm finding my heart softening as I begin to walk this road of faith and acceptance....
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
An arrogant prick...
So, I was chatting with mom last night and she commented that like all other smart people I can come off as an arrogant prick. I know its true and at the heart of this goal of mine is to not come off that way. But I have some grave challenges:
1. I'm an extrovert. If I think it or feel it, there's a good chance I'll say it.
2. Its really hard to "not be right" sometimes -- especially when objectively I am right
I talked to Ulrich about being genuinely open to other people's ideas and allowing things to go in ways that are "suboptimal." I think a lot of the time I can do this, but there are sometimes when it grates against my soul and it drives me nuts. In these cases, if I have the grace to actually let go and let someone else do it the "wrong" way, then I nearly always need to vent later or my emotions will fester.
Venting later means that I talk poorly of someone (or sarcastically) also against the heart of the goal.
Acceptance, the deep letting go, is hard. In realms of faith, I have an easier time...or at least, I've learned that I can let go and trust God and not have to control things. But other people -- I think its harder because people, unlike God, are not perfect and they suck sometimes.
It seems that there are moments when you can't stand by and you need to stand up and be an arrogant prick -- or be right -- but then, blessed are the meek.
1. I'm an extrovert. If I think it or feel it, there's a good chance I'll say it.
2. Its really hard to "not be right" sometimes -- especially when objectively I am right
I talked to Ulrich about being genuinely open to other people's ideas and allowing things to go in ways that are "suboptimal." I think a lot of the time I can do this, but there are sometimes when it grates against my soul and it drives me nuts. In these cases, if I have the grace to actually let go and let someone else do it the "wrong" way, then I nearly always need to vent later or my emotions will fester.
Venting later means that I talk poorly of someone (or sarcastically) also against the heart of the goal.
Acceptance, the deep letting go, is hard. In realms of faith, I have an easier time...or at least, I've learned that I can let go and trust God and not have to control things. But other people -- I think its harder because people, unlike God, are not perfect and they suck sometimes.
It seems that there are moments when you can't stand by and you need to stand up and be an arrogant prick -- or be right -- but then, blessed are the meek.
Monday, January 10, 2011
CFF - Objection #1 - Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Loving God Cannot
This used to be one of my biggest obstacles with Christianity - it's still on the list, but I think I've come to terms with it to a certain extent.
How can we claim to have a loving, caring, father-figure God when so many horrible things happen around the world? I've come to terms with this issue on the small-scale, but large-scale suffering still gives me a hard time.
Small-scale: my brother's CP, and lack of progression despite enthusiastic praying as a child, caused me to doubt God. But there are two things that have helped me cope with this issue. First, an answer provided by CFF, is that God allows suffering in our lives as an invitation to seek him out. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that we are more likely to seek out God in times of tribulation than we are in times of prosperity. So even though we may be suffering - the relationship with God that we seek for as a result of it far outweighs the initial price. I can wrap my head around that and accept it. Throughout my own life I also came to terms with the fact that God puts things in our life as tests - and ultimately, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. We suffer because it makes us stronger in our faith, but also because it shapes us into who we are and makes us stronger individuals. If everything was easy, we wouldn't learn to be self-sufficient. So, small-scale; I get it.
Large-scale: whole other story for me. It's just so hard for me to understand how a loving God could allow natural disasters to kill thousands (Haiti), or for something like a drought to kill innocent children by starvation - all he'd have to do is send a little rain! How about the Holocaust - or genocide in Rwanda? One explanation provided by CFF is that God did not create evil - the fall of Adam and Eve is the cause of it all. So, it's all a result of our own free will - which addresses large-scale suffering like wars I suppose. But still; a father would do all that he could to keep his children from suffering - so when it comes to natural disasters it's hard for me to wrap my head around that explanation. Another approach that CFF takes is the analogy of the bear, the trap and the hunter...basically saying that we only see a fraction of the big picture and that we need to trust that it's all a part of God's plan. But really, what could be the good in large-scale suffering? I guess that speaks to needing to take a big leap of faith...
Ultimately, CFF brings its readers to the conclusion that it is impossible to have free will and to be completely free of evil/suffering. I can understand that - but there is large-scale suffering in the world that is not the result of human choice...so how can that explained?
How can we claim to have a loving, caring, father-figure God when so many horrible things happen around the world? I've come to terms with this issue on the small-scale, but large-scale suffering still gives me a hard time.
Small-scale: my brother's CP, and lack of progression despite enthusiastic praying as a child, caused me to doubt God. But there are two things that have helped me cope with this issue. First, an answer provided by CFF, is that God allows suffering in our lives as an invitation to seek him out. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that we are more likely to seek out God in times of tribulation than we are in times of prosperity. So even though we may be suffering - the relationship with God that we seek for as a result of it far outweighs the initial price. I can wrap my head around that and accept it. Throughout my own life I also came to terms with the fact that God puts things in our life as tests - and ultimately, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. We suffer because it makes us stronger in our faith, but also because it shapes us into who we are and makes us stronger individuals. If everything was easy, we wouldn't learn to be self-sufficient. So, small-scale; I get it.
Large-scale: whole other story for me. It's just so hard for me to understand how a loving God could allow natural disasters to kill thousands (Haiti), or for something like a drought to kill innocent children by starvation - all he'd have to do is send a little rain! How about the Holocaust - or genocide in Rwanda? One explanation provided by CFF is that God did not create evil - the fall of Adam and Eve is the cause of it all. So, it's all a result of our own free will - which addresses large-scale suffering like wars I suppose. But still; a father would do all that he could to keep his children from suffering - so when it comes to natural disasters it's hard for me to wrap my head around that explanation. Another approach that CFF takes is the analogy of the bear, the trap and the hunter...basically saying that we only see a fraction of the big picture and that we need to trust that it's all a part of God's plan. But really, what could be the good in large-scale suffering? I guess that speaks to needing to take a big leap of faith...
Ultimately, CFF brings its readers to the conclusion that it is impossible to have free will and to be completely free of evil/suffering. I can understand that - but there is large-scale suffering in the world that is not the result of human choice...so how can that explained?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Stumbled upon this...
It doesn't really explain what I believe ... but maybe the fact that I find it interesting/intriguing somewhat points to some of my struggles. Of course, while I find it intersting, Adam scoffed at it ~ maybe I can have a little more open conversation about it here. I guess what I find the most interesting is the description of the soul. I think the meaning of life being maturation has some level of applicability to Christianity... Just thought I'd throw it on here since it ties in with the theme.
http://www.galactanet.com/oneoff/theegg_mod.html
http://www.galactanet.com/oneoff/theegg_mod.html
Monday, January 3, 2011
Stops Along the Way...and Where I Am Now
In order for you to understand where I'm coming from, it would probably help if you knew where I've been. I know Adam told me way back when that he talked to you about my not previously being a Christian and my conversion...but I'm not really sure how much you really know. And, honestly, I'm not sure I've ever really sat down and thought it all through. Feel free to skim the following anecdote of my spiritual life...I'm sure it's about to turn into a rather lengthy post as my introspections tend to do...The last paragraph or so is likely to be the most important.
Both of my parents were brought up in Christian families - but in both my grandfathers, as far as I can remember/know of, did not attend church. Grandmother (mom's mom) attends a Methodist church and MawMaw (dad's mom) attended a Pentecostal church. I guess my dad was pretty involved in the church (played in the band and such) way back in the day; but I've never been to church with him as far as I can remember. I guess this is all important because even though my family has Christian backgrounds, I have never once been to church with my parents. All of my church-going experiences as a child were random goings with my grandmothers' when I stayed over on a weekend.
I'm one of those people that doesn't remember a lot about their childhood - but I do remember praying quite emphatically for God to help Lee walk. I think that maybe the lack of miraculous intervention there is something that eventually started my disenchantment with God and Christianity.
In the 4th or 5th grade was the first time I remember wishing my parents would get a divorce. I don't know how much Adam ha s told you about my home life; but I would definitely describe my dad as emotionally abusive. He has never become physically abusive with my mom or us kids; but honestly there have been times that I've wished he had because then something could be done about it...whoever came up with the "sticks and stones" rhyme certainly never lived in a house like mine. I'm not sure if my house has always been like this; but, like I said before, I don't remember a lot from my childhood. Looking back at it all now I can understand that the stress of having a child with a disability is enormously stressful - perhaps it was the trigger for my dad's anger. But, there's no excuse for the things he has said and the way he has treated his family. My inability to understand how God could allow that sort of situation to occur further complicated my ability to believe in him. It also seriously affected my ability to understand the Christian view of God as a loving father.
Then there's the fact that I've always been kind of an old soul looking for answers. In middle school, of my own accord, I did quite a bit of research on religions around the world. I think that was in 7th or 8th grade...I guess I knew I was missing out on something, or I at least wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
8th grade is when something finally made sense to me, and when I found a group of people who had questions and beliefs similar to mine. I found my first real spiritual connection with Wicca. The power and beauty of nature was something undeniable and tangible. There was no obscure ultimate God to try to come to terms with - and it provided an affirmation of sanctity of female as well as male. (I still have issues with how male-dominant most religions are - but the book Captivating helped me see the female side of Christianity). By not having a "loving father-god" with an "ultimate plan" I didn't have the same wanting for an explanation for my life's situations; some things just happen - they test us and make us stronger and that's it. Wicca also gave me a sense of control over my own life; and I had a small group of friends that further researched and practiced it with me. It was the first time I felt like I belonged spiritually. This was also the time in my life where my Aunt Angela re-entered the family; she introduced me to astrology and tarot. It was nice to also have a family member that saw things differently.
This all lasted - off and on I guess, I certainly wasn't any sort of a devout practitioner - for a few years. Pagan beliefs coupled with astrology gave me just enough of a sense of spiritual direction that I didn't start searching for more again until Sophomore/Junior year. Again I started researching religions on my own trying to figure out what was missing. I became more and more aware of the fact that I could relate with bits and pieces of many religions - Christianity, Paganism and Buddhism especially; but I was unable to accept any of them in their entirety. I lacked the ability to have faith - I wanted something to give an explanation for everything, and that just wasn't happening.
Then came Adam and the late night debates on religion and politics. Of course over the years bits and pieces of us rubbed off on each other. The biggest breakthrough I had at this point was being able to separate the church as a political entity from the actual teachings of the Bible. I was able to realize that so many things that didn't make sense to me, and still don't, are constructs of the church and not necessarily from the teachings of Jesus. This went a long way in my being able to accept Christianity as a religion and a way of life.
The final push was when Maw Maw passed away. She died with her Bible in her arms. It made me think that if she held onto her faith so desperately til the bitter end; there had to be something worthwhile about it. So, I opened up - and took a leap of faith. But I feel now that it was half-hearted and not exactly for the right reasons.
I accepted Christianity for Maw Maw and Adam more than I did for myself...and that lack of true commitment is what I think I'm fighting with today. It also makes me feel like I've lost a part of me - the intellectual religious debater. I still want to mix and match parts of other beliefs with Christianity to make it more whole for me; but I don't think Adam would be very accepting of that - like it would make me a faker/not a true believer. But I still question that.
I question the exclusivity clause of Christianity. I question whether or not Christians today really have the full picture of what God/Jesus intended the focus of the religion to be. I cannot accept the Bible as the infallible word of God because I know that it has been written and re-written by men throughout history with a multitude of different motivations - not all of them being holy or pure. Do I have to accept these things in order to be a Christian? I don't know...I'd like to say no, but I feel pressure to say yes.
Like I said...lengthy lol.
Both of my parents were brought up in Christian families - but in both my grandfathers, as far as I can remember/know of, did not attend church. Grandmother (mom's mom) attends a Methodist church and MawMaw (dad's mom) attended a Pentecostal church. I guess my dad was pretty involved in the church (played in the band and such) way back in the day; but I've never been to church with him as far as I can remember. I guess this is all important because even though my family has Christian backgrounds, I have never once been to church with my parents. All of my church-going experiences as a child were random goings with my grandmothers' when I stayed over on a weekend.
I'm one of those people that doesn't remember a lot about their childhood - but I do remember praying quite emphatically for God to help Lee walk. I think that maybe the lack of miraculous intervention there is something that eventually started my disenchantment with God and Christianity.
In the 4th or 5th grade was the first time I remember wishing my parents would get a divorce. I don't know how much Adam ha s told you about my home life; but I would definitely describe my dad as emotionally abusive. He has never become physically abusive with my mom or us kids; but honestly there have been times that I've wished he had because then something could be done about it...whoever came up with the "sticks and stones" rhyme certainly never lived in a house like mine. I'm not sure if my house has always been like this; but, like I said before, I don't remember a lot from my childhood. Looking back at it all now I can understand that the stress of having a child with a disability is enormously stressful - perhaps it was the trigger for my dad's anger. But, there's no excuse for the things he has said and the way he has treated his family. My inability to understand how God could allow that sort of situation to occur further complicated my ability to believe in him. It also seriously affected my ability to understand the Christian view of God as a loving father.
Then there's the fact that I've always been kind of an old soul looking for answers. In middle school, of my own accord, I did quite a bit of research on religions around the world. I think that was in 7th or 8th grade...I guess I knew I was missing out on something, or I at least wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
8th grade is when something finally made sense to me, and when I found a group of people who had questions and beliefs similar to mine. I found my first real spiritual connection with Wicca. The power and beauty of nature was something undeniable and tangible. There was no obscure ultimate God to try to come to terms with - and it provided an affirmation of sanctity of female as well as male. (I still have issues with how male-dominant most religions are - but the book Captivating helped me see the female side of Christianity). By not having a "loving father-god" with an "ultimate plan" I didn't have the same wanting for an explanation for my life's situations; some things just happen - they test us and make us stronger and that's it. Wicca also gave me a sense of control over my own life; and I had a small group of friends that further researched and practiced it with me. It was the first time I felt like I belonged spiritually. This was also the time in my life where my Aunt Angela re-entered the family; she introduced me to astrology and tarot. It was nice to also have a family member that saw things differently.
This all lasted - off and on I guess, I certainly wasn't any sort of a devout practitioner - for a few years. Pagan beliefs coupled with astrology gave me just enough of a sense of spiritual direction that I didn't start searching for more again until Sophomore/Junior year. Again I started researching religions on my own trying to figure out what was missing. I became more and more aware of the fact that I could relate with bits and pieces of many religions - Christianity, Paganism and Buddhism especially; but I was unable to accept any of them in their entirety. I lacked the ability to have faith - I wanted something to give an explanation for everything, and that just wasn't happening.
Then came Adam and the late night debates on religion and politics. Of course over the years bits and pieces of us rubbed off on each other. The biggest breakthrough I had at this point was being able to separate the church as a political entity from the actual teachings of the Bible. I was able to realize that so many things that didn't make sense to me, and still don't, are constructs of the church and not necessarily from the teachings of Jesus. This went a long way in my being able to accept Christianity as a religion and a way of life.
The final push was when Maw Maw passed away. She died with her Bible in her arms. It made me think that if she held onto her faith so desperately til the bitter end; there had to be something worthwhile about it. So, I opened up - and took a leap of faith. But I feel now that it was half-hearted and not exactly for the right reasons.
I accepted Christianity for Maw Maw and Adam more than I did for myself...and that lack of true commitment is what I think I'm fighting with today. It also makes me feel like I've lost a part of me - the intellectual religious debater. I still want to mix and match parts of other beliefs with Christianity to make it more whole for me; but I don't think Adam would be very accepting of that - like it would make me a faker/not a true believer. But I still question that.
I question the exclusivity clause of Christianity. I question whether or not Christians today really have the full picture of what God/Jesus intended the focus of the religion to be. I cannot accept the Bible as the infallible word of God because I know that it has been written and re-written by men throughout history with a multitude of different motivations - not all of them being holy or pure. Do I have to accept these things in order to be a Christian? I don't know...I'd like to say no, but I feel pressure to say yes.
Like I said...lengthy lol.
Your Goal
Now that we have a good start on how to tackle my goal; I think it's time for you to tell me how you want me to help you with yours :) Do you want to just come to me with specific instances that occur - or is there a larger more generalized discussion you want to have about acceptance/non-judgment...? I got a feel for what you're going through when you described your goal - but maybe some more specific examples of things that have happened that you don't want to happen again would help me understand.
It seems like the ultimate goal is to get connected with your new community (naturally, the issue with acceptance/non-judgment is currently hindering that). I wish I could say I knew more about what kind of progress you've already made in that area...but sadly I know that we don't talk as much as I wish we did. What kind of steps have you already taken towards connecting with your community? Have you found a new home church/small group?
I'm glad you're on board with blogging - it's so much easier/faster for me to get stuff out in writing than it is on the phone (not to mention us finding common down-time would probably be a nightmare).
It seems like the ultimate goal is to get connected with your new community (naturally, the issue with acceptance/non-judgment is currently hindering that). I wish I could say I knew more about what kind of progress you've already made in that area...but sadly I know that we don't talk as much as I wish we did. What kind of steps have you already taken towards connecting with your community? Have you found a new home church/small group?
I'm glad you're on board with blogging - it's so much easier/faster for me to get stuff out in writing than it is on the phone (not to mention us finding common down-time would probably be a nightmare).
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Getting Started...
Hey sis :)
So I was thinking that this might be a good way for us to keep in touch on our goals - I know we're both really busy and our schedules probably won't always line up; so this would give us a way to keep in touch on our own time :)
I think working together through the Bible will definitely help - I'm also thinking that I might re-read Strobel's Case for Faith and bounce ideas about that off of you.
Let me know your thoughts when you're up to it!
So I was thinking that this might be a good way for us to keep in touch on our goals - I know we're both really busy and our schedules probably won't always line up; so this would give us a way to keep in touch on our own time :)
I think working together through the Bible will definitely help - I'm also thinking that I might re-read Strobel's Case for Faith and bounce ideas about that off of you.
Let me know your thoughts when you're up to it!
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