There are a lot of Atheist blogs out there, and for everyone of those there is a Christian one bent on refuting the Atheist claims. There are Muslim blogs, New Age blogs, hedonist blogs, Buddhist blogs, Agnostic blogs and so much more. As I continue reading, I find that must of us are focused on either defending our beliefs or disproving the beliefs of the others. This makes for some great controversy. Interminable comment strings of impassioned cries clutter the screens on our blogs. In the middle of the crossfire, sharp lines are formed. A feeling of “us” and “them” develops. Communities are established by the clashing of the swords of ideology.
We all have our communities. Those havens of solitude where others feel and think the way we do. In these places, we can hang our hats, take off our shoes and socks and spread ourselves on the couch while enjoying a glass of milk from the fridge to which we helped ourselves. Take a look at someone’s blogroll and you will discover their faith community online. For example, check out Suddenly Atheist‘s blogroll. It is decidedly atheist. Now look at my blogroll–decidedly Christian in worldview. When I read through my blogroll, I am at ease and looking for a good time. I almost always leave with a smile.
When I look through his blogroll, I am tense and looking for controversy.
I almost always leave with more wrinkles on my forehead.
Faith builds communities. These communities are not like American communities; they are more like Third World communities. They have walls with shattered glass on top. Faith by nature shields its residents and keeps vigil against those outside the walls. Keep “us” in. Keep “them” out.
Faith is certainly important, but it is not paramount in God’s kingdom. There is yet another which trumps the wall builder. Love.
Love does not push Faith out, but it loves to jump walls and watch Faith shake her head in helplessness. Faith is scared and awkward in other faith communities. Love laughs at fear and embraces the people in the other community. Faith must be right all the time. Love must be sincere all the time. Christianity at its core should be built on love, not faith. Love of a Savior. Love of a God. Love of others.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8 (NIV)
While we were still in the other faith camp, Jesus died for us. Even while we did not believe in Him, He gave up all He had that we might have eternal life. This is love that jumped every wall among humankind in a single bound!
So, I ask: How then shall we live? Shall we continue on with the bitter war of ideas? I’m sure we will. However, I would make the argument that argument never convinced anyone of anything, but the ever-winsome call of love has won over many. Besides, it’s the only thing the Bible says will never fail.
To which faith community do you subscribe?
You know, there was a time that I would try to argue with people about God and how He is right vs. (pick some other religion here) you name it. I always ended up just getting angry. I tend to shy away from arguments. I can’t answer every little thing about God. Sure there are certain things I can say that are certain because I believe the Bible, but to beat someone over the head with them seems unproductive. The only thing I can say for certain is that God is the only one who can change hearts and minds and me arguing with someone isn’t going to help in that arena. 1 Cor. 13 is a great way to define our walk — “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Showing everyone how wrong they are can be tiring for sure! We must find that balance between loving the truth and loving people. When we get there, it will be amazing.
I attend Ohio State University, and have the opportunity to encounter many different views and beliefs. I have found that the only way to connect with these individuals is to look at them through the eyes of love, not religion.
In the past I felt threatened by other religions due to insecurities I’ve had with my own faith. These insecurities kept be bound in fear, causing me to resent other religions or religious views. I felt as though the whole world were in competition, and in some small way I played my part.
Now I am firm in my faith and understand that love truly does cover a multitude of offenses, allowing individuals to cross whatever barriers that stand in between fellowship. After all if we are unable or unwilling to form a relationship with the lost, how will they be found?
I think that’s the issue right there. We feel threatened because of our own insecurities in our faith. It’s as though the doubt of others is placing a spotlight on our own doubts and it makes us uneasy, awkward and defensive. I rest in the fact that if God is who He says He is, than I don’t have to be His defense attorney. He’s big enough.
good post !