I've mentioned before the bible study group with the retired ministers. I finally finished up my time with them. (not really, it's taken me a few weeks to finish this up)
What did I learn at the bible study?
Jesus can do good things in peoples lives. I heard a lot about Jesus in the time spent with the wise men. They love that guy! All of them seem to really believe that Christ was driving the ship, so to speak, and playing a significant role in their lives. And to be honest, I admired that about them. Their job has been to essentially help other people with their problems in life through the teachings of Jesus, God, and the Bible. Ministers don't have all the answers, and these guys made it known often they knew less than most. But they all seemed to really believe what they were saying, and what they were saying was if you have a problem, Jesus is the answer out.
I believe them too, for the most part. I've said this before, but if you have a positive outlook on life and use the teachings for the better, you will absolutely be happy as ten dudes. And I believe that as long as you can muster up the strength to keep the belief alive (faith as the wise men called it) the happiness will continue. Not feeling generous? Jesus has an answer for that. Wanting to punch your neighbor out? Jesus has an answer for that. Can't get naked images of the neighbor with the majestic beard out of your head?(ladies, I'm happily married) Jesus has an answer for that too.
A good amount of our discussions were about the difference between living like a good Christian and being a follower of Christ. My point of view comes from the idea that calling yourself a Christian is nothing more than that...words. Christianity, in a broad sense, is still an evolving set of beliefs, and for good reason. As times change, attitudes change, technology changes, interactions change (we Buddhists call it impermanence) and therefore, the teachings need to be changed. I believe its a good thing, and it's happened a lot in America. Some religious views needed to be changed, from interracial marriage, to same sex marriage, and todays craziness with mega-money hungry churches. But I digress...
So what is a good Christian? Saying you are a follower of Christ (or you have a personal relationship with him), or living like a good Christian? Or does it have to be both? We all have the same life problems. Missing lost loved ones, stresses of work and family life, low self esteem, whatever it may be we all deal with them in our own personal way. Jesus, and the other teachings, can give help and hope to people dealing life's problems. But it seems at times what you want becomes the message. When you want to make a lot of money, you might have to skew some teachings to still feel good about yourself, but look at the mega churches, it can be done...Praise Jesus! So clearly JUST saying you have a relationship can't be enough right?
Most of the wise men agreed you have to believe Jesus died for your sins to get to heaven. I challenged them by asking (I've heard this many times before) if one could still get to heaven if they never heard of Jesus. Most agreed if you lived a good life, were searching for the truth, but never knew of Jesus that God would still let you in. So living like a good Christian is all you need!? Not exactly. I heard Desmond Tutu say it was "silly" to think that the Dalai Lama would get to heaven and God would express his gratitude for all of his good deeds but would ultimately be shunned from heaven for not acknowledging Jesus as the son of god and the one true way to heaven. I couldn't agree more.
But they didn't see it that way. Until I expressed my belief that you don't have to ever say his name, if you use him as an example in your daily life. Look at Thich Nhat Hahn and how he has contributed to Gods people. I can't help but think the Dalai Lama completely understands the good in Jesus and his teachings. I'm sure he has used the power of the holy spirit (most likely calls it by another name) with his fellow Christians to do good deeds. Maybe he doesn't call it "being Christian" (although many monks consider being a good Buddhist the same as being a good Christian), maybe he doesn't claim Jesus to be his lord and savior, but he is probably one of the few people on earth today that is even close to living like Jesus asks you to. So how do you see it?
The group discussed people as individuals within the Christian community, and what we all understood is that a good Christian isn't good 100% of the time. This was another issue I couldn't get past in my young and know-it-all phase (trust me: the know-it-all phase isn't gone yet, to the chagrin of my wife). I feel like the bible study helped me realize the middle ground of Christianity. On one hand, no one can live up to the expectations of Jesus. On the other hand, you don't have to...he is very forgiving. This promised forgiveness is great, if not used as a blinder to avoid thinking about selfish actions. But, If you try to live just like Jesus, society is going to kick your ass and call you a crazy person. Turning the other cheek, loving your neighbor as yourself, helping the poor, sticking it to the man...that stuff doesn't fly today (and it will likely get you voted out of congress) This is America son. Land of money loving, freedom forcing, civilian suppressing/killing ...we aint got time for that. But its OK! All you have to do is "have a relationship with Jesus". Ask for forgiveness and you shall receive it. (But I digress...again) It's difficult to find your way in todays society with its constant barrage of distractions.
The moral of the story: find your own truth. Teachers are excellent resources (even bad teachers), but no teacher can show you the truth...just what direction to look.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
My understanding of Jesus
It was a nice run being Christian for the month. I really found a new appreciation for some of the practices, some of the practitioners, and a few of the modern philosophical teachers.
What did I learn? A lot. Do I feel more like a Christian? Yes and no. On one hand, I learned a lot of valuable things, listened to a lot of inspiring sermons/teachings, and met some pretty impressive individuals. On the other, I found my interpretation of this new information to distance me from the possibility of being a true Christian. I can see the truth in the teachings, and I understand the importance Christianity has in the world, but I can't fully buy the notion Jesus is the only way.
My understanding of Jesus:
I understand the importance and significance of Jesus' role in Christianity, but I also understand everything we know about him was written by man. It was interesting to read about the historical Jesus, and if you haven't done any research on the topic you might find it educational (no matter your religious leanings). What I found most interesting was how the story of Jesus may have lead him to be the son of Christianity. That may seem silly to you, but I was brought up with all the great stories about Jesus healing the sick and helping the poor. I was taught what the gospels told us about Jesus, how he was man and God, how he died for our sins, how through his grace we could find our place in Heaven.
The more I read about the history, surrounding the time and place of Jesus in the world, the more I started to find myself doubting. I am not intending to sway anyone's opinion on the subject. I hope that if you are reading this as a Christian you do not get offended, just as I hope any non-believers reading this do not think I am championing any anti-Jesus message. I do, however, feel like its important to hear multiple sides to a story and make your own opinions about the matter.
What new (for me) information caused me to doubt?
For one, Pontius Pilate was a real dick.
"Concerning Jesus’ executioner, Pontius Pilate, we have a considerable body of data that contradicts the largely sympathetic portrayal of him in the New Testament. Even among the long line of cruel procurators who ruled Judea, Pilate stood out as a notoriously vicious man. He eventually was replaced after murdering a group of Samaritans: The Romans realized that keeping him in power would only provoke continual rebellions. The gentle, kindhearted Pilate of the New Testament—who in his “heart of hearts” really did not want to harm Jesus is fictional. The New Testament depicts Pilate as wishing to spare Jesus from punishment, only to be stymied by a large Jewish mob yelling, “Crucify him.” The account ignores one simple fact. Pilate’s power in Judea was absolute. Had he wanted to absolve Jesus, he would have done so: He certainly would not have allowed a mob of Jews, whom he detested, to force him into killing someone whom he admired." (Joseph Telushkin. Jewish Literacy.)
Secondly, there are historians that claim the writers of those times often would describe people in ways that embellished ideals to portray a person. For instance, my wife is an excellent mother. So in those times I would have written a story about her taking in all the homeless children of Lexington, feeding them all and becoming a mother to all of them. The point is to explain that she is a loving mother, but the stories often times were skewed to make a point. One author explained that this was not intentional, but just the way of the times. So it is possible that some of the scriptural accounts about Jesus were dressed up a bit, to help get the point across.
To be honest with you, I am completely ok with that. It doesn't make the teachings less special, it doesn't make the truth less real, and it doesn't mean you can't use it to find whatever you are looking for. The Jesus I read in the Bible was a spiritual superhero. That dude was rad, and understood what it takes to live life (Unless, of course, your idea of having what it takes to live life includes living past 33). It's sad to see being a good Christian sometimes comes down to saying you believe in a story about a man, written by men, that could never find words to reveal the true essence of what they were trying to describe. When can we look past the notion that it has to be "this way" or "that way", and see that living the teachings is what makes you a good Christian? Who knows, maybe I'm way off...the opposite of what you know as true can also be true. Maybe you really can live your life selfishly and be saved by nothing other than asking for forgiveness.
Thirdly, I can't fully get behind the resurrection story. Not because I believe it to be made up, but because I know it "could" be made up. There are other parts of the bible I can't fully get behind either: People living 900 years, seven headed dragons (I've also read it as "beast"), Noahs Ark, Genesis...that'll do to make a point I suppose. I've heard my problem is a lack of faith. I would disagree. I have faith that people who follow the teachings of the bible can make the world a much better place. I found faith this month that many wise Christians are doing fantastic things in the world. In fact, my faith in Christianity has probably never been higher than since I started reading C.S. Lewis and listening to the teachings of the retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu this month.
So this is where I am at on the whole Jesus thing.
1. He is possibly the son of God, though I'm not going to bet my life on it.
2. We don't know as much about the historical Jesus as we think we do (at least I don't)
3. His teachings seem legit.
4. Following him with all of your heart will make the world a better place.
5. He would be ashamed of what people have done in his name.
Feel like I'm missing something, or I am way off base? (there is so much more I didn't have time/room for) Make a comment. I love the discussions.
What did I learn? A lot. Do I feel more like a Christian? Yes and no. On one hand, I learned a lot of valuable things, listened to a lot of inspiring sermons/teachings, and met some pretty impressive individuals. On the other, I found my interpretation of this new information to distance me from the possibility of being a true Christian. I can see the truth in the teachings, and I understand the importance Christianity has in the world, but I can't fully buy the notion Jesus is the only way.
My understanding of Jesus:
I understand the importance and significance of Jesus' role in Christianity, but I also understand everything we know about him was written by man. It was interesting to read about the historical Jesus, and if you haven't done any research on the topic you might find it educational (no matter your religious leanings). What I found most interesting was how the story of Jesus may have lead him to be the son of Christianity. That may seem silly to you, but I was brought up with all the great stories about Jesus healing the sick and helping the poor. I was taught what the gospels told us about Jesus, how he was man and God, how he died for our sins, how through his grace we could find our place in Heaven.
The more I read about the history, surrounding the time and place of Jesus in the world, the more I started to find myself doubting. I am not intending to sway anyone's opinion on the subject. I hope that if you are reading this as a Christian you do not get offended, just as I hope any non-believers reading this do not think I am championing any anti-Jesus message. I do, however, feel like its important to hear multiple sides to a story and make your own opinions about the matter.
What new (for me) information caused me to doubt?
For one, Pontius Pilate was a real dick.
"Concerning Jesus’ executioner, Pontius Pilate, we have a considerable body of data that contradicts the largely sympathetic portrayal of him in the New Testament. Even among the long line of cruel procurators who ruled Judea, Pilate stood out as a notoriously vicious man. He eventually was replaced after murdering a group of Samaritans: The Romans realized that keeping him in power would only provoke continual rebellions. The gentle, kindhearted Pilate of the New Testament—who in his “heart of hearts” really did not want to harm Jesus is fictional. The New Testament depicts Pilate as wishing to spare Jesus from punishment, only to be stymied by a large Jewish mob yelling, “Crucify him.” The account ignores one simple fact. Pilate’s power in Judea was absolute. Had he wanted to absolve Jesus, he would have done so: He certainly would not have allowed a mob of Jews, whom he detested, to force him into killing someone whom he admired." (Joseph Telushkin. Jewish Literacy.)
Secondly, there are historians that claim the writers of those times often would describe people in ways that embellished ideals to portray a person. For instance, my wife is an excellent mother. So in those times I would have written a story about her taking in all the homeless children of Lexington, feeding them all and becoming a mother to all of them. The point is to explain that she is a loving mother, but the stories often times were skewed to make a point. One author explained that this was not intentional, but just the way of the times. So it is possible that some of the scriptural accounts about Jesus were dressed up a bit, to help get the point across.
To be honest with you, I am completely ok with that. It doesn't make the teachings less special, it doesn't make the truth less real, and it doesn't mean you can't use it to find whatever you are looking for. The Jesus I read in the Bible was a spiritual superhero. That dude was rad, and understood what it takes to live life (Unless, of course, your idea of having what it takes to live life includes living past 33). It's sad to see being a good Christian sometimes comes down to saying you believe in a story about a man, written by men, that could never find words to reveal the true essence of what they were trying to describe. When can we look past the notion that it has to be "this way" or "that way", and see that living the teachings is what makes you a good Christian? Who knows, maybe I'm way off...the opposite of what you know as true can also be true. Maybe you really can live your life selfishly and be saved by nothing other than asking for forgiveness.
Thirdly, I can't fully get behind the resurrection story. Not because I believe it to be made up, but because I know it "could" be made up. There are other parts of the bible I can't fully get behind either: People living 900 years, seven headed dragons (I've also read it as "beast"), Noahs Ark, Genesis...that'll do to make a point I suppose. I've heard my problem is a lack of faith. I would disagree. I have faith that people who follow the teachings of the bible can make the world a much better place. I found faith this month that many wise Christians are doing fantastic things in the world. In fact, my faith in Christianity has probably never been higher than since I started reading C.S. Lewis and listening to the teachings of the retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu this month.
So this is where I am at on the whole Jesus thing.
1. He is possibly the son of God, though I'm not going to bet my life on it.
2. We don't know as much about the historical Jesus as we think we do (at least I don't)
3. His teachings seem legit.
4. Following him with all of your heart will make the world a better place.
5. He would be ashamed of what people have done in his name.
Feel like I'm missing something, or I am way off base? (there is so much more I didn't have time/room for) Make a comment. I love the discussions.
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