Do We Truly Know What We Believe (Pt. 2)

Sorry I have missed a few days between communications. I fear I'll be making many more apologies along these lines as the things of "life" press me from time to time.

My intent is never to make this forum a platform for debate, only expression . . . but I must tell you, I just read a comment on Part 1 from a dear friend and she summed up the intent of this present topic quite nicely. (Yes, I've officially been "out-blogged" friends and neighbors!)

While we each should feel it essential to truly KNOW why we believe what we believe so that we may be more effective salt and light in this world, we must primarily seek balance and walk in true humility (but I digress, as usual!) The point my friend made (other than the issue of balance between faith and science) is that, while most people of faith are not educated to the minutia of earth sciences, evolutionary theories (and facts), and like topics, the average person who only allows for scientific approaches to life and environmental issues isn't usually well-read or fully-knowledgeable on the tenets of faith. And it IS pretty difficult to allow God His "space on the throne" if we ourselves occupy it! An important thing to note here is that a large percentage of believers maintain this relational position, too, not just those who do not prescribe to the judeo-Christian ethic. Sad commentary . . . . . but ahhhh . . . what about grace!? All I can say about THAT topic (by way of mere introduction) is . . . . I am livin' in it BIG TIME right now. I am so blessed by the grace of God. Maybe we'll ramble on about that topic next time around.

As always, grace, peace and love, and thanks for tuning in, friends.

Do We Truly Know What We Believe?

I've never been one to believe that the One whom I believe to be the God of this universe treats the His children like we're in some sort of intergalactic chess game, manipulating us from His throne like pawns, knights, bishops and rooks. This topic, along with a great number of other things was discussed when I recently had a heart-to-heart with a close relative of mine (whom I love more than life itself, by the way). We have these deep conversations on a fairly regular basis, mainly because I'm one of the few (if not the only) person of faith he knows who seems to be able to openly discuss things like, creationism vs. evolution, the Judeo-Christian ethic vs. atheistic views, abortion vs. pro-choice, right vs. left wing political views and even various other hot button topics that usually get people throwing muck at one another. We are on opposite sides of the fence on most things, it seems. Like him, there are a great many people who were raised attending Sunday school and church on a fairly regular basis, who were taught most of the doctrinal truths from scripture growing up/ They were encouraged by example and taught to follow after the teachings of Christ, and yet somewhere along the way either "lost the faith," or become totally convinced that there is no God, and that Christians are fairly ignorant about most scientific things. Sadly, in most cases, he is absolutely correct.

to be continued . . .