I've recently fallen in love with an amazing woman that is completely devoted to christianity, and specifically Jesus. This has prompted me to examine my own beliefs. I've decided I have to read the bible as a first step. Sure, I've read parts here and there, but never with the goal of understanding it's message or value.
Quite a few people have shared some books with me on religion and faith. My intent is to read them all, but the backlog is growing. If I get some recommendations here I will consider them, but I'll prioritize my friend's and family's recommendations for now.
My intent is to be forthright and honest with myself and any readers I manage to pick up.
Where I'm at now is that the old testament God is much more wrathful, jealous, and vengeful than I ever imagined. I'd heard it said, but now that I've actually read it I know what it means. I'm finding it challenging to feel that He is someone I can get behind. I'll definitely need to read these chapters again to discover the reasoning behind the wrath.
I can tell you that the outpouring of support and willingness of people to listen and answer questions is awesome. I've always felt organized religion was "dirty". I'm not sure that has changed much. I have been introduced to the idea of following Jesus and his teachings and I'm much more into that. Every church I've attempted to go to recently (past year) has been flashy and boisterous. I'm used to a solemn serene church for worship. My "concepts" of church and faith do not fit well with electric guitars, amps, spotlights, and huge LCD screens.
My biggest issues are (off the top of my head right now):
- Why believe the bible?
- I don't believe God plays an active role in our world (really interested on what the bible says about this).
- What is important to God regarding faith? (i.e. can i be baptist, lutheran, mormon, catholic, etc)
I'll commit to weekly updates - and I'll shoot for Sunday. Hopefully that doesn't count as work on the Sabbath. :D
J
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