The Computer Carpenter: June 2007

Random thoughts to anyone who has drifted or is drifing away from their Faith:

Asking questions is not the same as having answers.Just because you haven't found answers, yet - doesn't mean they don't exist.
Just because your parents/teachers/etc. may not have all the answers or be able to debate with you, doesn't make you smart and them foolish. It means they found confidence in their Faith due to other events or issues than you are trying to argue.
Just because you borrowed your faith from your parents doesn't mean their Faith is on loan, too.
Attacking Christians because you think they attack people they disagree with... is like the Pot calling the Kettle 'black'.
Complaining that Christians hold their Faith without being able to intelligently debate their beliefs maybe a valid critisim, but it's more an issue with the Human Condition than Faith in Christ.
Take any large group: movie lovers, animal rights, democrats, etc.. and you'll find the same from rank and file members. Most argue just to argue - with little or no facts behind it. They will repeat what they've heard rather than actually taking the time to study it for themselves.
The church is made up of flawed people just like every group. If you expect church members to be different in this respect, it's no wonder you're disappointed.
Drifting away from your faith doesn't invalidate the Faith. It just shows you held it without conviction and/or understanding of why it was valid.
Not finding intelligent debate and solid theological truths in random 'christian' chat rooms does not mean Faith is invalid or Truth cannot be known. It means you are looking in the wrong places. It also means you are probably not really looking for truth... just a fight.
The pharisees did not get into trouble for how they lived... it was because they equated it to THE WAY to God. I will agree that today many Christians not only live on the safe side but suggest others MUST do the same.
Again, this does not invalidate Faith... it just points to the fact that we ALL need love, patience and forgiveness.
Avoiding "vices" has several obvious advantages - if if hurts your feelings to be reminded of possible spiritual advantages - take your pick of all the physical ones.
It seems everyone is telling everyone else how to live - don't smoke, don't pollute, don't wear fur, listen to this music, this is out of fashion, don't support Walmart... People telling Christians what they should and shouldn't do...
However, it's Bible-believing Christians who get yelled at for it. At least they are showing concern for your well-being and eternal life - not just some shallow cause. Cut them some slack.
Want to be radical and REALLY embarrass your friends and family? Live LIKE Christ!Try using your Liberty in Christ to... I dont know... live FOR Christ. And I don't mean the sandles and robes (but that would pretty much do it), I mean live by the principles He taught. If nothing else, live by the Sermon on the Mount. Read it... THAT would be radical!
Liberty in Christ doesn't mean you can do anything and everything you want.
I believe Paul used the phrase, "God forbid!"
It just means you aren't in danger of Hell-Fire. It's what your grandparents would call getting in to heaven by the 'skin of your teeth'.
If you Use your liberty to live selfishly and for personal pleasure, don't be surprised if people think you are living selfishly and for personal pleasure - and call you on it.
It might not be right... but hey, they have liberty in Christ too... :)
"I have come that they might have LIFE, and that MORE ABUNDANTLY" John 10:10. Means something.
Christ has called us to Holiness - not worldliness. If you find yourself bitter, angry, unhealthy, miserable, frustrated that people judge you... It might be time to rethink the whole "I can live like I want" thing.
How's that working for you?
Giving up on your Faith does not mean God has given up on you...

This blog may sound like an attack, but it is not. It's intended as a friendly presentation of random observations. Understanding and acceptance is not the same as not having opinions and ideas. Keeping them to yourself is another matter...

...but where would blogs be if we all did THAT?! :)