It's not secret there is a lot of turmoil in the world. War in the Middle East, war between ISIS and all things Christianity, war between races, Democrats versus Republicans. It's enough to make the most sane person insane. My husband and I often sit and try to solve the problems of the world from the comfort of our family room, and we think we do a bang-up job.
As I have posted before, I was raised in small-town America in a very fundamentalist atmosphere. My grandmother babysat me, and she only listened to gospel radio. I could recite the Bible with the best of them, but it was just that...reciting the Bible. I really did not know what I was reciting. I was only a kid back then, so that's part of it. However, I find myself now thinking of random passages from the Bible and really trying to figure out the meaning and where this all fits into my life as an adult. There was a week of "can you be spiritual without being religious" on TV last week leading up to Easter. Well, I guess that would depend on what you call religious. What makes you religious? going to church every Sunday? knowing your Bible verses? or is it simply living your life according to those Bible verses?
I moved away from small-town America when I was a young adult. I now live in slightly larger-town America, but the diversity is great. My hobbies and interests, along with my employment, have led me to meet people of all walks of life, all religions, sexual orientation, beliefs and spirituality. My exposure to all of these people initially caused me a lot of internal struggle as their beliefs conflicted with the way I was raised. This led me to do a lot of soul searching, and I came to the following conclusions:
** I believe in God.
** I believe God sent His son, Jesus, into the world as flesh, who died on the cross for our sins.
** I believe all people are created equal.
** I believe it is not my place to judge others.
** I believe I should not be persecuted for my beliefs, nor should others.
** I believe non-Christian religions, as long as they are based on goodness and love, are valid.
** I believe all people should be able to love who they want so long as it's consensual.
** I believe it is possible to have a personal relationship with God without attending church.
** I believe God has a sense of humor.
** I believe actions speak louder than words, so we should all do small acts of kindness each day.
** I believe the perception of Christianity in the world today is that of exclusion and intolerance.
** I believe Christians need to work to improve the perception through education and action
** I believe through God all things are possible.
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