Faith, religion, God, and sin. The perfect recipe for corruption, finger-pointing and judgement. But just because someone does not exhaust themselves in the same manner that you do, does not give either party ground to pass judgement. It goes against the teachings they see fit to criticize over. So why does it happen? Why do some feel they are in such a superior position to speak and expect for us to stop everything, listen, and then execute their demands?
Oh, this post is sure to ruffle some feathers, which is exactly what I excel in. I'm sure that I have mentioned previously how I am not opposed to confrontation and that I sometimes even thrive off of it. This is one of those times. I believe in God. Love him, even. But I am not about to ram my opinions and beliefs down anyone's unsuspecting or unwilling gullet. I think we should be free to believe whatever we like, how we like, when we like and in what fashion we like. If the shoes fits and all that. I also think that people who persistently and vehemently try to force their beliefs onto others are both rude and misguided. As we all know, the two things people can never discuss are politics and religion. So why do they do it anyway? Why do some feel the need to smash our face into their beliefs? Does it make them feel superior? Do they think it really is the right way to go about it? Are they certifiably insane? (I'm just going to answer 'yes' for each question). I understand everyone has their own ideas and beliefs and I both respect and am in awe of that fact. I love learning about things and seeing things through others eyes - just as long as it is not expressed in a condescending and arrogant way. I really wish we could all be, not only tolerant of but could graciously accept each other for who we are, what we think and how we feel and really be ok with it. Out of everything, I do know one thing for a fact, the bible clearly states this: “This is My commandment: that ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12 ~A.S. | I grew up with a belief. A firm foundation in my faith. I was raised attending church. I grew up knowing God. That has caused me to have a relationship with Him. In all that I was taught and in all that I have learned, nowhere to my knowledge is it suggested to judge another. Not for any reason. So it's beyond me why some feel the need to crucify another because they don't attend church, know all the prayers or hymns, or that their kids don't attend Vacation Bible School in the summer. Although I was raised attending church, I do not feel that church is a requirement to have faith. I think faith is bigger than church. Bigger than any lesson that can be taught to you in mass. Because I think faith comes from within. I think it is something you choose to have and incorporate in your life based on your belief. Church is more of a 'middle-man' when it comes to you and God. That type of organized religion works for some, but it's not for everyone. I don't think that faith and religion are one in the same, though they seem to be easily accepted as though they are. I think people define themselves by their religion: Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, etc. and that explains their line of the belief they practice. But what about faith? It's not something that you can exercise with reading The Good Book or bowing your head over your plate. It's a feeling. It's something inside your soul; your being. It's not so easily defined. And in that fact, I think is where the lines blur. That is where I think some tend to go too far and take the stance that if you don't attend church, you can't be a good Christian. I disagree. Even if that were the case, who are they to judge anyhow? Last time I checked, it says (on multiple occasions) in the Bible lessons on not judging. 'Judge not, lest ye be judged' (Matthew 7:1) and 'He who is without sin, cast the first stone' (John 8:7) to site a few. I think, maybe, these so-called 'Christians' need to look in the mirror after some heavy reading and truly reevaluate their approach. And just because you talk about your affiliation and involvement in church, doesn't make you a good Christian. It doesn't make you anything more than a bragger. I won't like you more or have a higher regard for you because of it. If anything, that lessens. And to adopt this mentality that you only have to see to Him and explain yourself to Him is a load of it. That's an excuse to deflect from taking responsibility and having to apologize to any of us, here on Earth. You're not too good. None of us are. As long as you're not hurting anyone (or yourself, for that matter), believe what you want, attend whatever church you want, have faith if you so choose. Just don't judge me or mine if it's not the same. -Y.S. |