I feel like lately I've been saying things that come out sounding like, "Life is so much better here! I'm learning so many things and rebelling against my upbringing lol so great!"
Hear me when I say: I would not trade growing up in Woodland for anything.
Somehow I grew up thinking that Christians were against Democrats, alcohol, feminists, gays, dancing. I also grew up thinking that Christians were kind, generous, committed to helping needy people around the world, and committed to fellowship and celebrating joy in life.
Even the things Christians were against, I can think of people within Woodland who either supported those things, or opened my baby fundamentalist eyes to something new. For instance, while Woodland does not support women in leading roles of the church, I loved summer mission trips where women were encouraged to do the heavy labor and do construction alongside men.
What I mean is, I'm confused how I used to be so fundamentalist. I think mostly I learned through snide comments and facial expressions and jokes. That's what taught me who I was supposed to approve of and disapprove of.
Even that, I dunno. All I can say is I used to be against Democrats, alcohol, feminists, gays, and dancing. Now I'm okay with them all. The people and the institutions that formed my opinions are sometimes the same as the ones that changed my opinions. Sometimes they are different.
Maybe none of this makes a whole lot of sense. I just don't want to offend anyone from my past because I get excited about new ideas. I love Woodland, and that church will always be my home and my family. 95% of who I am is still bound up in lessons I learned there. It's just that 5% of me has changed.
" All I can say is I used to be against Democrats, alcohol, feminists, gays, and dancing. Now I'm okay with them all." Tricia, you are just maturing and opening your mind beyond the narrow perspective of many conservative Christians. I've often wondered what Jesus' reaction would be if He came to Woodland and stayed awhile. During His ministry here on earth he associated with every sort of person. If He were here in a physical body. would he have a beer? Dance with a pretty lady? Vote Democratic? Or would he just surround Himself with other folks who have narrow perspectives and look askance at the rest of the world as it goes by? What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think Jesus would make every single Christian uncomfortable in some way. We are all following Him imperfectly, while thinking we are doing it right--because obviously I've found all the answers, or I wouldn't believe them :)
ReplyDeleteJesus would definitely drink. He hung around women all the time, and I don't think dancing would be out of the question. I bet He would hang out with gays and CEOs and single mothers. And (ugh--stab me in the heart) I think He wouldn't prioritize social reform, because He would say His kingdom is more important than America.
Living a life that is honoring Jesus is super tricky, and I think a huge step toward doing so is admitting just how hard it can be, whether you're Evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, Charismatic, or Independent. We're all doing things well and poorly. Thankfully God is gracious and patient!
We Christians talk a good talk about loving all people just as Jesus does, but when push comes to shove we usually only love a few folks and like a few more. All the rest we ignore or avoid because they are "different" from us. Jesus would not do that, and in the process we would be made very uncomfortable indeed. Christianity, real Christianity is a difficult path, and whether or not one drinks or dances or smokes or whatever has nothing to do with it. Trisha, you are wise...
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