The hills are alive...
how come nuns are so wise?just read justyns and beckys musings and I think they lie in a similar thought pattern. this quote from mother Theresa came to mind...
'We become closer to Christ by becoming closer to others'
That is to say firstly, intimacy with others helps us understand what may be characteristics of God or Jesus. and secondly, intimacy with God (and perhaps inner peace) can only be found by looking outside ourselves.
I have often found that spending huge amounts of time thinking about stuff like 'how far I am from God' and 'how I'm never going to be truly holy' (two Christian concepts that, In my humble opinion, Suck ass) only leads to greater discontent with how my life is at present (perhaps what jus is feeling?) . when I take the focus off myself, I find much greater peace (other than the times when I read about global warming or free trade!).
In short, since un-becoming a christian, I've actually felt closer to God cos I'm so much less preoccupied with becoming the perfect Christian (though lets face it I was so close).
posted by jodes da princess @ 4:54 PM
10 Comments:
Maybe sex damages the brain.
It is unfortunate that much of our background does tend to emphasise personal relationship with God over interaction with others. I too felt a similar feeling when I unbecame a Christian (13th of April 2003 at 7.12 p.m when I unprayed the sinners prayer). However, what has got me recently is the need for a balance of the two. Solitary times of reflection and prayer seem important, particularly if we are following the example of Jesus, Martin luther King or Desmond Tutu among others. There is something about looking to the divine for the inner strength required to face life.
On an unrelated note, your blog provides me with plenty of laughs and food for thought at the same time. I also enjoy reading your comments (particularly the ones about neuro surgeons). So in reference to your post about career choices that disappeared and never reappeared , why don't you consider writing in some form or other?
Jon, tell me more about the time you unprayed the sinners prayer. Its a really interesting idea. How did it go?
thanks Jon, I'd love to write, even started a book or two before, but I just dont have the discipline! its still on my to-do list though! As for the job, I'm applying for a job at a sexual health clinic, so hopefully (if its God's holy will) I'll be doing that soon!
I fully am in favour of spending time in quiet (though dont manage it that often) but I think 20 minutes a day is more than enough, unlike carpesian monks who spend 18 hours in solitude and silence!!!!could not do that!!
Kiera, I am touched by your concerns. However, I never really unprayed the prayer (I never prayed it in the first place), it was just a joke (obviously not a very funny one). Sorry for any unnecessary emotional disturbance caused.
Ah gutted. You should steer clear of making the jokes Jon. I think thats two in a row that have backfired (family guy and this). Leave the joke making to the plebs, and you keep writing profundities for us to attempt to comprehend.
Its a cool idea though, unsaying parts of the Christian faith that you have maybe accepted in the past, but now can't accept. At least it's an honest faith.
Back to Jodies post, I agree that the sort of 'worm theology' that lots of Christians have is one of the most devisive and destructive things about the church in this country. The whole 'I'll never be perfect/ worth anything/ good enough' crap does my head in.
Just relax, enjoy the ride with God, do the best you can but don't kill yourself if you screw up, or find something to be not as you expected.
Also, I wonder if all this community talk is actually something fundamental to us being made in God's image. In that he is a community (the trinity). Ooh, I might have to go and write a post about that one.
No, I've changed my mind about doing a post about it coz its a pile of pooh. Animals live in community, yet we don't understand them as being made in the image of God. Ah well, it was fun while it lasted.
But it is still interesting at how much community is important though.
Don't toss away that thought altogether Tim. I like it. Write a post a about it anyway.
Yeah, I might do, but not today. If I do any more blogging, I might get the sack!
just wrote this amazing reply then managed to delete it - will try again.
Ben, maybe I've got the wrong end of the stick, but I do believe personal faith is very important, developing our own understanding of God and a relationship if you can, but I also believe community is important too.
the church we go to has a whole bunch of people with very different understandings of God, from those only just outside the evangelical tradition to those who barely believe in God. but when we get together we can all share our understandings and it helps challenge each other and explore others viewpoints.
I believe that a personal faith and understanding of God has an upper limit to what we are able to explore alone. by being in a community, our own experiences and beliefs can be challeneged leaving us with a much richer understanding of Gods character which we can then express in a personal way. that make sense?
Ben, maybe you should read my comments properly before slamming them.
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