I was a teenager, quickly approaching my twenties, living on my own in the big city of Nashville. To say I was having a ton of fun would be an understatement. I was getting myself into all kinds of trouble, and one of my favorite troubles was my girlfriend. We were madly in…fatuated with each other. Like most kids who grew up in church, I loved the rebellious opportunities that were being presented to me but come Sunday morning, the guilt kicked in. So I started going to church on occasion. My girlfriend did not go to church, but she decided to attend a service with me.
I appreciate these insights so much; they make me feel a little less bonkers when I need it. I grew up reading scripture and then asking questions about various church practices and teachings based on what I was reading and then told I didn't have faith because I didn't just believe the words coming from the pulpit and church elders. Even now, I have a very good friend who says I don't have faith because I don't follow the Catholic Church. (I wasn't raised Catholic either, but I'm thorough in research and asking questions)
People wield Bible verses like a sword. Pick and choose your weapon. Justify your target and slay it. These words take some of the size and edge off the sword. They make more sense. Thanks for taking some of the bite out by explaining it.
I feel like this just healed a little part of me. I always thought that verse was so abrasive and unloving. While I identify more on the agnostic spectrum now, this gives me hope that I can live in peace and harmony with family members who are conservative Christians, that perhaps they could view it this way. Thank you.
I appreciate these insights so much; they make me feel a little less bonkers when I need it. I grew up reading scripture and then asking questions about various church practices and teachings based on what I was reading and then told I didn't have faith because I didn't just believe the words coming from the pulpit and church elders. Even now, I have a very good friend who says I don't have faith because I don't follow the Catholic Church. (I wasn't raised Catholic either, but I'm thorough in research and asking questions)
People wield Bible verses like a sword. Pick and choose your weapon. Justify your target and slay it. These words take some of the size and edge off the sword. They make more sense. Thanks for taking some of the bite out by explaining it.
I feel like this just healed a little part of me. I always thought that verse was so abrasive and unloving. While I identify more on the agnostic spectrum now, this gives me hope that I can live in peace and harmony with family members who are conservative Christians, that perhaps they could view it this way. Thank you.