I lead a women's bible study at my church. Not surprisingly, I am the youngest member, and the only single member. I don't have a lot in common with anyone else in this group, except the fact that we all go to the same church. Right now we're reading a book called Tactics which is an apologetic text on how to defend and talk about faith. Today we watched clips of the the author in action, arguing against a new-age author Deepak Chopra. It was interesting. I like Eastern philosoph, I find it fascinating and it gives me something to think about outside of the box of Christianity that I have been raised in.
What I found funny this morning was a comment made by one of the women. She had gone into Barnes and Noble recently and was appalled that Eastern religion books were next to books on Christianity in the religion section. I said that those are religious books too and this is America so all of those types of books should be displayed equally. This didn't seem to satisfy her, and I would have like to have discussed it further--but this never happens. Interuptions abound in this group and no train of thought every really gets to finish.
So why am I in this group? I mainly keep going because I cannot make it to church on Sundays and want to stay in touch with this part of my life--the spiritual side of my life. Also, they're like my family, grandmothers and mothers and aunts, and since I'm far from home their presence is comforting. So I keep going, putting up with the sometimes close-minded, set-in-their-ways tendancies.
2 comments:
Hey, great post! Yeah, the whole "freedom" thing can be tricky. As a Christian, I believe we have the truth, but it's a beautiful truth that should never be forced on people--i.e. through regulations, banning things, etc. I don't like seeing all the religious books lumped together either, but its part of what being a free society means. Back in the day, the Church tried to force any other way of thinking or believing out, and look where it got them. I think we should be glad that all faiths are allowed in America. We don't have to like it, just acknowledge the fact that if we restrict other beliefs, then we too will be restricted. Censorship always, always works both ways! Anyway, happy writing! :)
mime32, thank you so much for your comment. Didn't know anyone was reading this blog. It is a beautiful truth, and freedom is tricky, I agree. I have always struggled with freedom, having too much, or feeling like I don't have enough.
Thank you for you insight, happy writing to you as well.
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