These beliefs, for me, include: the presence of a loving and involved God (yet indescribable), who is the creator, the belief that Jesus provides the ONLY path to heal broken lives and a broken world, a belief that Jesus became the manifestation of God, a belief in service, a belief in the promotion of and the fight for justice, a belief in the ultimate triumph of justice, a belief in the power of love and forgiveness, a belief in the possibility of sanctification (becoming Godly) and justification (becoming pure) before God, a belief that all actions have consequences, positive or negative, a belief in free will and freedom, a belief that humans do fall short of the expectations of God, a belief that true salvation (or wholeness, which is the actual Biblical term) entails humility, peace, patience, and the rest of the fruits of the spirit, and a belief that every life, young and old, has innate worth which God expects us to care about.
These beliefs inform my lifestyle. Contemporary Christianity, especially since the revival movements of the 19th century, has, I believe, constructed a flawed view of the message of Jesus. It simply calls us to accept him, or believe in his lifestyle. (And the goal of this is to escape an everlasting hell; I also disagree that this was the chief goal and result of Jesus' message. I think it encompasses much more.) According to most Protestants, we can be "saved" by simply making a decision for Christ. I STRONGLY disagree. I believe that we must accept not just him, but his lifestyle. His purpose. Simple belief doesn't change the world. Simple belief isn't hard. Simple belief is not what God calls on us to have. He calls us to have a lifestyle that "bears fruit". As James 2:20 says, "faith without works is dead".
I find the belief that Jesus is our savior very ironic. Ironic because of many people that believe it. Since He is our savior, the question is "What is He saving us from?" I would argue it is not just hell, but a life without purpose and true satisfaction. People say that Jesus is "their savior". They say they believe in Him. Yet they live no different from anyone else. They lie, they gossip, they cheat, they hate, they are materialistic. What do they need a savior from if they enjoy the very life that Jesus preaches against? Why do they say they "accept Him" if they don't accept his lifestyle and life purpose?
Jesus death and resurrection is important. It should not be understated or undervalued. However, I care more about the way He lived than died. I don't care to fight over dense theology. I don't like rigid moralism or strict beliefs. I believe in respect for other religious traditions, not just inside Christianity, but outside. I believe in a respectful dialogue. I think other religions offer a great deal and can be used by God. This is because I don't base everything on definitive beliefs. I support inquiry. While most Christians like to act like they know exactly what the Bible means or how exactly God works, they don't. What is important is that we live out our values. That we serve God with humility and try to understand and respect the lifestyle of others, even if we may disagree. I think it is wrong to be obsessive when it comes to theology. Jesus will ask "Did you clothe the naked? Did you feed the hungry and the thirsty, did you visit the prisoner, did you invite the stranger in?" (Matthew 25:34-36). God does not require us to answer multiple choice questions on theology correctly. He requires us to "Love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with Him" (Micah 6:8)
These are not beliefs, they are actions.
2 comments:
I know you said that Jesus is the only way for salvation and so I hope that this is consistent when you talk about respect (respect could be interpreted differently) of other religions (their traditions and what they believe)...such as a religion that doesn't believe Jesus is the only way, or if they don't even believe in Jesus. Not another religion but one example are Mormons, they are one of the greatest when it comes to social activism and trying to reach people for their church (something we should all be doing as commanded by God) but since they don't have that foundational belief it is hard for me to accept much more than their commitment and fervor for reaching people. There are many other religions that are devout to certain convictions which are very well and good but without Jesus they are lost. I do fully agree with your caution of being saved by decision only, it can only be a start to having a personal relationship with God. And of course, in the end, God is the ultimate judge of someone's heart...all the more reason to not get caught up in frivolous quarrels. :)
I already told you how much I respect Mormons. But I don't believe in their soteriology (the theology of salvation).
I believe that some "Christians" are more lost than some from other religions. Because I believe it is more about living Jesus' lifestyle, life values, and life goals than a belief in him. But I do understand your point.
I just think it is ridiculous and arrogant for one group to push their views on another. None of us really knows. We believe things, but it is all based on faith. I have a different point of view than a Jewish person. I can tell them about my view and help them understand it but my view really doesn't hold any more salt than theirs except in my mind. Because, as you said, God is the ultimate judge, not us.
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