READ THIS
{This is the first instalment in what I’m calling: “Uh – I don’t think so” examining mis-held assumptions that cause discontentment}
When i was younger I somehow came to the conclusion that ‘blind faith’ was the most pure kind. Belief that stands in the face of what is right in front of you. I think it went something like this: Jesus rising from the dead seems impossible; therefore it IS impossible; therefore believing it is a ‘really strong faith.’This lead to discontentment as I have always been a very logical person (yet always coupled with childish child-like humour!) and so this often didn’t sit well deep within me.
Later in life I was exposed to Christian Apologetics – where believers use real historical evidence, and logical thought to lend support to the claims of the Bible and the church. This sat much better with my mind that was always trying to find explanations. However these claims felt like they were in a separate category. They were some kind of ‘small proofs’ to support specific claims of the Bible (resurrection, creation, crossing the Red Sea etc) – but just made you felt a bit better about the whole ‘blind faith’ bit that got you into this in the first place.
In my mind the ‘purest faith’ was one that stood in the face of the evidence – it wasn’t supported by it. /Blind faith/somehow seemed ‘stronger’ or better because it was standing all on its own.
I’m 40-whatever now (no that’s not being cheeky – I honestly have to either calculate or ask my kids) but I realize there is still so much baggage I’ve carried with me about my faith that is just incorrect assumptions that I absorbed decades ago.
This idea that we shut off our minds when we come to faith robbed me of a lot of contentment, for years of my life.
DO THIS
If you’re struggling with this I suggest reflect on the following:
One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”‘
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.
Luke 10:25
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. – 2 Tim 2:7
When you read this, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ Eph 3:4
Jesus’ parable of the good soil: “the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields,…” Matt 13:23
At least Ten times in Acts that Paul is said to “reason” as a method of telling others – including Acts 17:2,4,17; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 20:7; 24:25
PRAY THIS
God who created our minds,
Who gave us logic, intellect,and curiosity
Who gave us the ability to think as well as to love and believe
Guide us to a place where we truly love you with all our heart
all our soul
and all our mind.
Amen
READ THIS
{This is the first instalment in what I’m calling: “Uh – I don’t think so” examining mis-held assumptions that cause discontentment}
When i was younger I somehow came to the conclusion that ‘blind faith’ was the most pure kind. Belief that stands in the face of what is right in front of you. I think it went something like this: Jesus rising from the dead seems impossible; therefore it IS impossible; therefore believing it is a ‘really strong faith.’This lead to discontentment as I have always been a very logical person (yet always coupled with childish child-like humour!) and so this often didn’t sit well deep within me.
Later in life I was exposed to Christian Apologetics – where believers use real historical evidence, and logical thought to lend support to the claims of the Bible and the church. This sat much better with my mind that was always trying to find explanations. However these claims felt like they were in a separate category. They were some kind of ‘small proofs’ to support specific claims of the Bible (resurrection, creation, crossing the Red Sea etc) – but just made you felt a bit better about the whole ‘blind faith’ bit that got you into this in the first place.
In my mind the ‘purest faith’ was one that stood in the face of the evidence – it wasn’t supported by it. /Blind faith/somehow seemed ‘stronger’ or better because it was standing all on its own.
I’m 40-whatever now (no that’s not being cheeky – I honestly have to either calculate or ask my kids) but I realize there is still so much baggage I’ve carried with me about my faith that is just incorrect assumptions that I absorbed decades ago.
This idea that we shut off our minds when we come to faith robbed me of a lot of contentment, for years of my life.
DO THIS
If you’re struggling with this I suggest reflect on the following:
One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”‘
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.
Luke 10:25
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. – 2 Tim 2:7
When you read this, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ Eph 3:4
Jesus’ parable of the good soil: “the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields,…” Matt 13:23
At least Ten times in Acts that Paul is said to “reason” as a method of telling others – including Acts 17:2,4,17; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 20:7; 24:25
PRAY THIS
God who created our minds,
Who gave us logic, intellect,and curiosity
Who gave us the ability to think as well as to love and believe
Guide us to a place where we truly love you with all our heart
all our soul
and all our mind.
Amen
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