Maybe Some in the Faith are Waking Up


A review of a recent sermon by a mega church preacher provided a hint of light. The sermon reviewed the preacher's experience talking with those who have doubts about the faith. He said doubters' minds are open to generalizations about how to live as supposedly taught be Jesus. But, doubters minds are closed to claims attributed to Jesus like "I am the one." They just don't buy the claim of exclusivity: Jesus is the only God franchise so all the God business goes through him. 

I can't remember ever reading an article like this that concluded, "They just don't believe our stuff anymore." The only acceptable preaching has always been, "Shame on you who don't believe. Shape up."

It was back in 2009 Bart Ehrman's book casting doubt on who wrote the Bible was published in Newsweek. This was not new but Ehrman's ability to put doubt into play helped move along what was already happening. Highlighted was the fact no one knew, or knows to this day, who wrote the various books in the Bible. On top of that are quotes of Jesus but no one claims to have been present when he supposedly said these things. While the rest of the intellectual world was demanding double checked sources those who taught the Bible said it was heresy to question. Can it be any surprise so many today cannot swallow, "I am the one."

Polling about Christianity would be improved is pollsters would ask fewer questions like "Do you believe in God?" and more about what people believe and don't believe in the faith. A thread might be found that could be followed to expand instead of contract the faith. 

How could Christians convince the public to bring back belief the Bible was written by God and contains truths found no where else? Can't be done. It started flawed and remains that way.

Nevertheless, the preacher above who has started listening to non believers is on the right track. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Maybe the "Original Sin" Should be Reassigned

Image
We can all agree most Catholic priests are fine people and not guilty of sexual abuse. What Catholics must face, however, it that their church harbors executives who are dishonest . There is an incredible story about the Argentine Bishop Zanchetta. The Pope worked with him in Argentina and they are considered friends. Around 2015 Zanchetta sent nude pictures of himself and they began circulating world wide. He also was too friendly with young seminarians and some left because of him.  Three different officials say they made formal complaints to the Vatican about Zanchetta between 2015 and 2017. Yet, in 2018, the Vatican claimed it was unaware of any complaints about Zanchetta. This might be a good time to repeat the Catholic hierarchy claims to have the sole authority handed down from Jesus to what the faith stands for. It condemns as sinners those who practice birth control, have abortions and gay sexual relationships. Handing the hierarchy this responsibility would make som
Read more

The Religious Capitol Invaders May Yet Win

Image
So much about U.S. society and religion can be learned from the Civil War and what happened afterwards. After its defeat, the South started a myth about the unethical soldiers from the North. The South fought for principles of God and states rights. The North did not. It was the South, this propaganda told the country, that had the high moral ground.  The Capitol invaders, encouraged by Trump, swallowed the myth that Biden's election was stolen. Thus, they think they held and still hold the high moral ground. This was reinforced by the cross and prayers during the invasion. Even with Trump is gone, we will see political opportunists like Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley stroking crowds and feeding the same lies as Trump. Like "the South will rise again" these gullible followers will talk of victory over the unclean. After the Civil War the South rallied around the phrase, Lost Cause. For decades, and maybe to this day, there are ceremonies remembering fallen martyrs, Re
Read more

Father Frank Pavone, the Ultimate Crook

Image
Recently, the Vatican defrocked Frank Pavone. His diehard fans are outraged. This is because he cleverly manipulated his fans and the press all the while living well from donations and, apparently, abusing some women. By making abortion the "sin" of the century, and himself the main opposition to this one sin, he himself could get away with any sin he pleased.  As the link points out, Pavone was the perfect priest for the Trump era. Trump is so self-important laws have no role in his life. He felt accountable to no one. Women were there to be had. Pavone and Trump are interchangeable.  Pavone was very successful raising money. In his mind, abortion was so important in Catholic beliefs and he was so important in anti-abortion the money he raised opposing it was his to do with what he liked. The Catholic Church, the brand name he used to raise this money, thought the money belonged to it. When he gave the Vatican the bird, it gave him walking papers. With polls showing the majo
Read more