So, I looked back and noticed that the title to my first "Who Do They Say I Am?" post said "part 1". At the time I assumed that it was going to be a series. How ambitious of me. Well, in order not to disappoint 2010 me, I have decided to meet the expectations of that title. Here goes.
My entire Christian life, I worked tirelessly so I wouldn't be seen as one of those Christians. You know who they are. The ones with the signs! Not all signs are created equal. I mean the Christians with those signs. The signs which list all the things God supposedly hates, usually using racial and other slurs, sloppy graphics, and, of course, bad grammar. Also, not all signs are on billboards. Other signs are loud voices on talk shows, appearances at inappropriate places, lifestyles. I've seen those Christians and struggled not to be linked with them.
I never wanted to be a Christian who was more interested in being a Christian than in BEING a Christian. That is, I wanted to be a Christian at home, at school, at church, and at work without forcing my Christianity on people in all of those places. I wanted my life to be worship. But, while worshipping, I didn't want to accidentally be mistaken for one of those Christians. So, many times I downplayed my faith in public and whitewashed a lot of my beliefs so, I wouldn't be taken as a wierd extremist. I was so worried that people would take my real me the wrong way that I inadvertently created a quasi-me, a "me lite", if you will--a washed out version that in no resembled the fullness of me.
I like to think I've changed and I'm different. Who knows? But, here goes an attempt to show the unwatered down version. Here are two of my "CHRISTIAN" beliefs.
1. I don't believe abortion is right, for any reason--even rape, incest, or the mother's health. But, I do not believe this is a decision anyone is entitled to make for another person, especially through a law. As Christians we should try as much as possible to provide the support people need to make the right decision in these cases. But, to somehow pretend you are more moral than others because you think the government should force all women who get pregnant to carry the baby to term is silly. As Christians the goal is conversion. We want women to choose to keep their babies--to know that God will provide. (We also want underaged women to abstain from sex, so they don't get pregnant with babies for which they are not prepared.) But, forcing our faith on others is a cheap way of carrying out our commision to spread the gospel.
2. I think the idea that being a Republican and being a Christian are one in the same is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. I cringe because I feel that a lot of Republicans run on a platform of religious beliefs that mirror mine, but their lives, campaign style (the venom they spew through ads, and appearances) and every day statements they make seem so at odd with what I believe.
There! I have now exposed my "Christianity"!
...(maybe 2017 me will have a part III)
Thoughts?
My entire Christian life, I worked tirelessly so I wouldn't be seen as one of those Christians. You know who they are. The ones with the signs! Not all signs are created equal. I mean the Christians with those signs. The signs which list all the things God supposedly hates, usually using racial and other slurs, sloppy graphics, and, of course, bad grammar. Also, not all signs are on billboards. Other signs are loud voices on talk shows, appearances at inappropriate places, lifestyles. I've seen those Christians and struggled not to be linked with them.
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| This kid's parents think this sign is appropriate. |
I never wanted to be a Christian who was more interested in being a Christian than in BEING a Christian. That is, I wanted to be a Christian at home, at school, at church, and at work without forcing my Christianity on people in all of those places. I wanted my life to be worship. But, while worshipping, I didn't want to accidentally be mistaken for one of those Christians. So, many times I downplayed my faith in public and whitewashed a lot of my beliefs so, I wouldn't be taken as a wierd extremist. I was so worried that people would take my real me the wrong way that I inadvertently created a quasi-me, a "me lite", if you will--a washed out version that in no resembled the fullness of me.
I like to think I've changed and I'm different. Who knows? But, here goes an attempt to show the unwatered down version. Here are two of my "CHRISTIAN" beliefs.
1. I don't believe abortion is right, for any reason--even rape, incest, or the mother's health. But, I do not believe this is a decision anyone is entitled to make for another person, especially through a law. As Christians we should try as much as possible to provide the support people need to make the right decision in these cases. But, to somehow pretend you are more moral than others because you think the government should force all women who get pregnant to carry the baby to term is silly. As Christians the goal is conversion. We want women to choose to keep their babies--to know that God will provide. (We also want underaged women to abstain from sex, so they don't get pregnant with babies for which they are not prepared.) But, forcing our faith on others is a cheap way of carrying out our commision to spread the gospel.
2. I think the idea that being a Republican and being a Christian are one in the same is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. I cringe because I feel that a lot of Republicans run on a platform of religious beliefs that mirror mine, but their lives, campaign style (the venom they spew through ads, and appearances) and every day statements they make seem so at odd with what I believe.
There! I have now exposed my "Christianity"!
...(maybe 2017 me will have a part III)
Thoughts?
