Fi’s thoughts on Evil Etc. August 13, 2006
Posted by fionnaigh in Christian Thinking, Christianity: Comments and Questions, Faith, God, Religion, Spiritual Study, personal thoughts.trackback
More talk about sin and atonement. I can’t remember who said what, but one of the theologians on the DVD said that Jesus didn’t die for our sins, he died because of our sins. Which got us onto a discussion about the story that many of us learned in our previous church environments: We are all sinful, and Jesus died to pay for our sins. Which is a really manipulative story. Because all of a sudden you start noticing everything you ever do wrong, and feeling guilty about all sorts of things, because you know that somehow by being imperfect, you’ve killed Jesus. Well, that’s how I used to feel.
I left my previous church because I could not make myself believe that my parents were going to go to Hell.
Now I believe that Jesus lived his life to the full, that he stayed true to his beliefs in truth, love and justice, and he was killed because of it. I don’t believe his death some how makes up for anything I do wrong. But I believe the way he lived his life can teach me something about how to live.
One of the other theologians was talking about martyrdom, and people trying to get martyred, throwing themselves to the lions either literally or metaphorically. Anyway, he said “Before there’s something worth dying for, there’s always something worth living for.” Which I thought was cool. Ok, Jesus died for his beliefs. But that’s not the point. The point is that he lived his beliefs.
I think the theme of tonight was that, instead of telling people that they’re imperfect/sinful (and needing to be redeemed by Jesus’ death) we should be telling people that they are loved and accepted.
I have no trouble believing that the rest of the world are loved and accepted. I have big problems with applying that to myself.
You wrote:
“One of the other theologians was talking about martyrdom, and people trying to get martyred, throwing themselves to the lions either literally or metaphorically. Anyway, he said “Before there’s something worth dying for, there’s always something worth living for.” Which I thought was cool. Ok, Jesus died for his beliefs. But that’s not the point. The point is that he lived his beliefs”
You are very bright to understand this point.
Everyday you are surrounded by people and ideas and advertisments that try to distract you from living a good life. Jesus lived his life in the manner that he believed was good and right. He had plenty of help understanding what was good and right. You and I are not always so lucky and we have to think about it everyday.
I know two things in my heart: 1.God loves diversity-he created thousands upon thousands of creatures on Earth and He has never loved one more than any other. So too, with people. He did not choose tall people over short people, or smart people over average people. He made them all. And He made you the way He wants you to be: questioning, unsure, doubting Him when you need to. He made other people to be unquestioning, confident and cocksure they are right even when they are wrong. He will help them learn they are not always right. He will help you learn that He is right. Listen to your heart, that is where you will hear God, not in the distractions.
2. God wants to be found by all of us. I have tested and questioned Him every way possible and the road keeps coming back to Him. I still do not go to church but I read and I listen to Him in my heart.
Best of luck to you.