Don't get me wrong, I certainly find value and purpose in scripture. I was a devout Christian until my teenage years which were really formative for me. In some ways I've passed the point of no return, but in others I actually believe certain things more strongly than I had as a regular church-goer.
I subscribe to Jordan Peterson's approach to the Bible nowadays (which is far closer than I was as an angry atheist). Its a balance of transcendent principles and secular thinking that mixes well for me. I'm at the point where I'm agnostic in the sense that, while I cant bring myself to interpret the Bible literally, I'm no so ignorant to the miracle that is existence that I can claim that we're simply an anomaly who don't matter.
It's been a weird journey for sure. That said, I've always appreciated the openness that you and others offer whenever I've mentioned it. I miss the security and comfort of believing, but I really can't see a way I come "fully" back without lying to myself.
My hope is that if I can utilize scripture as a philosophy that successfully propelled humanity to where it is today, strip out the superstition, but live by the principles as well as I can, that maybe I'd be shown mercy if my non-literal interpretation turns out to be correct.
I went to church up until I was about 16 or so. I began to question a lot that didn't quite make sense to me around then and it eventually lead to my leaving the church completely.
I had my "militant atheism" phase since I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder, but that eventually faded and I came to appreciate the value of Christianity while not necessarily subscribing to it personally.
It was less of a decision and more of a realization. I wanted nothing more than to go back to believing, but it was like peeking behind the curtain with no way to turn back.
For what its worth, Jordan Peterson speaks on it in a way I'm on board with. I cant go back to believing in a literal sense, but the idea that there are principles that we can consider to be transcendent (which I guess would be God as far as translation goes) is something I do hold to be true.
It's constantly on my mind. I like to think that I believe "enough" of the spark notes so-to-speak. I live my life as though there is a god, so Hell, maybe I'm more Christian than I realize.
The morality is something I value very much, but the superstition doesn't jive with however my brain works.
I had much the same journey; I have a lot of trouble saying I believe in God, but symbolically, in my mind, when I think in those terms - well, it seems to have an effect on my mitochondria. I feel a sense of energy..
..and maybe that is enough to make it true (or I'm just mad lol).
This stupid little meme comic is actually very remoralizing
Jesus is Alpha Chad. I say "Jesus if I am not on your side, you kick my ass until I am."
Amen!
The lion of Judah :)
I'm not even a Christian and it still gives me hope.
Good. I hope you reconsider your stance on Christianity friend. There are many uplifting quotes and life values you can learn from.
Don't get me wrong, I certainly find value and purpose in scripture. I was a devout Christian until my teenage years which were really formative for me. In some ways I've passed the point of no return, but in others I actually believe certain things more strongly than I had as a regular church-goer.
I subscribe to Jordan Peterson's approach to the Bible nowadays (which is far closer than I was as an angry atheist). Its a balance of transcendent principles and secular thinking that mixes well for me. I'm at the point where I'm agnostic in the sense that, while I cant bring myself to interpret the Bible literally, I'm no so ignorant to the miracle that is existence that I can claim that we're simply an anomaly who don't matter.
It's been a weird journey for sure. That said, I've always appreciated the openness that you and others offer whenever I've mentioned it. I miss the security and comfort of believing, but I really can't see a way I come "fully" back without lying to myself.
My hope is that if I can utilize scripture as a philosophy that successfully propelled humanity to where it is today, strip out the superstition, but live by the principles as well as I can, that maybe I'd be shown mercy if my non-literal interpretation turns out to be correct.
You'll be alright, I know it :)
No matter how far you walk away from God, you are only one step back to Him.
never too late . . . Christ would for you to join Him
I appreciate it, friend.
I went to church up until I was about 16 or so. I began to question a lot that didn't quite make sense to me around then and it eventually lead to my leaving the church completely.
I had my "militant atheism" phase since I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder, but that eventually faded and I came to appreciate the value of Christianity while not necessarily subscribing to it personally.
It was less of a decision and more of a realization. I wanted nothing more than to go back to believing, but it was like peeking behind the curtain with no way to turn back.
For what its worth, Jordan Peterson speaks on it in a way I'm on board with. I cant go back to believing in a literal sense, but the idea that there are principles that we can consider to be transcendent (which I guess would be God as far as translation goes) is something I do hold to be true.
It's constantly on my mind. I like to think that I believe "enough" of the spark notes so-to-speak. I live my life as though there is a god, so Hell, maybe I'm more Christian than I realize.
The morality is something I value very much, but the superstition doesn't jive with however my brain works.
What is it that makes you unable to believe? I guess, I'm asking what was behind the curtain that you saw?
I had much the same journey; I have a lot of trouble saying I believe in God, but symbolically, in my mind, when I think in those terms - well, it seems to have an effect on my mitochondria. I feel a sense of energy..
..and maybe that is enough to make it true (or I'm just mad lol).
I quit going as a 'rebel teen' as well.
I came back in 2015 by believing Donald Trump would be President.
heh heh heh
Tis a very deep meme, this.