Monday, December 1, 2008

being challenged

i listened to a man speak about absolute truth last night. Raising the question of "is there a general standard of right & wrong"? He also played a video of normal people out on the streets, and their answers to this question. I was surprised by all variety of answers people were giving. Some would say yes, some would say it depends, and some would say no. Then he gave his perspective on the question. From a Christian perspective, he went on to say that there is absolute truths. Up until very recently in my 9 years of being a Christian, I have become more open minded to the possibility that there is not absolutes when you are a Christ follower. Now, hold on, before you get all crazy on me- :] - I am not saying that I agree with the fact that there are not absolutes, I am just stating the fact that I am listening more to what other Christ followers believe, and challenging myself in what I believe, especially when our two answers don't match up. I think that is how we should be as Christians. I think that is how Jesus wants us to be.
On Thanksgiving, I was so grateful to take part in a wonderful, loving, conversation on the topic of prop 8 & homosexuality; and where we as individual Christians stood on these issues. I say it was wonderful and loving because we all had so much respect for one another, and it really challenged me to be more open minded to hearing what others have to say. Again, this is not me saying that I have changed any of my views, however just that I am being more of an understanding, loving Christ follower. Well, at least I am trying to.
Even though our views and perspectives on the Bible and God's commandments are very crucial to being a Christian, it is not the most important part. I love this scripture, because it is so comforting to me in times of confusion & debate.
Matthew 22:36-40 [the Pharisees went to Jesus, and a lawyer asked Him this to test Him]
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."

I just think it is rad that Jesus says this. Overall, THIS is what matters the MOST. Christianity in its simplicity: LOVE GOD. LOVE OTHERS.




5 comments:

  1. Nice post! I also greatly enjoyed the Wednesday night conversation for the way it was respectful, and focused on dialogue, not just debate. I really appreciate how you write about your willingness to have an open mind, because I think that as Christians we should, regardless of what we believe about absolute truth. Regardless of what we believe, if we all walk around with a mentality like, "I am right and you are wrong," then what good can we really do in the world? Absolute truth is an interesting thing. Maybe we should have our next dialogue on that! :)

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  2. I am down whenever you are girlfriend :]

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  3. P.S. I meant Thursday night, not Wednesday. :)

    Happy December!

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  4. wow, this is so good, Brenda. i hope i can remember this always.

    p.s. i'm just creeping through your archives...hope you don't mind;)

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