IS GOD AND CHRISTIANITY STILL WORTH TALKING ABOUT?
It recently dawned on me that England has been exposed to Christianity for far longer than the United States has even been a nation. When some dear English friends asked me, “What do Americans think of us where God is concerned?” I replied, “Well…I’d say you’ve grown weary of religion. Is that Fair?” They responded, “Yes.” And then we proceeded to continue a riveting conversation about Faith, God, formalized religion and the like at 1:30 a.m. over Chinese food in Soho. It was definitely one of my coolest experiences to date and I was on the hot seat the whole time.
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Posted: by Norman Anthony
Category: Bigger than Me, Character, Skills, Today's Post
Cake or death! Totally true…when centuries have gone by and monarchies and governments have used religion to control the people there is no longer the desire to be controlled. Apathy begins….Thankfully we are His people and He will always show those of us who are seeking that He is more than those who use His name for their own power, just like the scripture that says they went casting out demons in Jesus name and the demons said Jesus we know, you we don’t know. This is a growing concern as middle eastern countries use the Muslim “faith” to control the people. It is not based on faith, but fear and this is not of God.
I come to this as a non-Christian — basically a non-believer, so take this as you will . . .
I’ve always found it amazing that so many Christians seem to think that Christianity is the basis for being a good person. I’m a good person. I know plenty of good Jews. I know good pagans and atheists, too. And the idea that all good comes from being a Christian has always seemed arrogant to me. It warms my heart to read this post and to listen to your words (in the video) because you decided to have an open conversation with people who aren’t necessarily of your faith and realized that they, too, are trying to the best they can in this life. I wish more Christians in this country would seek out opportunities like that. Though I imagine it’s hard since most non-believers have no desire to really discuss these issues for fear of being prosteletized to. But dialogues like you had are so important in advancing the cause of understanding and empathy.
Keep on with striving to understand and connect, Norman. It’s a great thing to do.
Mickaella…first of all, how cool is it that we shared a clarinet in sixth grade…sixth freakin’ grade man. And I still say you got the best end of the deal and that’s why you were better than me. I digress. But I am thankful for you valuing the message of the post. I’ve been immensely impacted by people in the various places around the globe and here at home. I’m an advocate of discourse knowing that it isn’t always reflective of shared views. I do, however, think that it is always possible to be peaceable because most are trying to do their best and be their best. I’ll always believe that we’re all making a spiritual pilgrimage. And if I believe that, I have to respect the part of the journey anyone may be trekking through. Where do I or would I ever get off demeaning or sentencing people. It doesn’t mean I agree with the worldviews expressed which are, in whole or in part, contrary to my own. But my job is to be an arbiter of truth as I understand it while embodying a desire to listen, love and share without pretense. At least that’s what I’m learning how to do. Learning how to love people, defend the helpless and represent a Christianity that is honest and yet not repulsive because of my own pride.