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I'm sure most people have the same questions he had, those are even present here in CF.He writes a lot of legitimate questions in the article. I hope that he searches for the answers rather than just leave the questions open. I think many people ask the same or similar questions, suffer with the same doubts; I did and came back to the church. But when one stops searching and asking is when one truly leaves. If one thinks one knows the answer, that the only answer possible that there is no god, then that is when one is lost, for the time being anyways.
The thing about "dating Jesus" is weird.... his reasons for leaving are understandable but nothing new. In fact, from what I see in the article, it would just be a matter of letting go of the more 'charismatic' styled approach to the Christian Faith, realign it with a more moderate view on things, and reorient his thinking to go deeper philosophically than he ever has before.
Then...he might find that his view of faith can be 'redefined' yet still remain Trinitarian, and maybe through that, and with the continued prayers of the saints and further providence by the Lord, he can believe again. The plus in this, too, would be that his new Christian theology would be more practical and not quite as filled with all of the cheese-puff interpretations that too often go around in the more 'spiritually filled' churches.
The thing about "dating Jesus" is weird.
Date Jesus for a year of course is give Jesus a try. Yeah to me that's beyond unsettling and disrespectful to one who came down to the earth and had spikes driven into his hands and feet and a spear into his side.....he deserves MORE than a try.....but a life long commitment to the one who gave everything to provide our redemption.“I remember being uncomfortable with certain things,” he said in his youth. “Praying in public always felt like some kind of weird performance art. Emotional cries such as ‘Holy Spirit come fill this place’ always felt clunky and awkward leaving my lips. A youth conference I attended encouraged every team to sign a pledge that they would ‘date Jesus’ for a year. It felt manipulative and unsettling to me. I didn’t sign it.”
I am more focused on the "dating" idea.Date Jesus for a year of course is give Jesus a try. Yeah to me that's beyond unsettling and disrespectful to one who came down to the earth and had spikes driven into his hands and feet and a spear into his side.....he deserves MORE than a try.....but a life long commitment to the one who gave everything to provide our redemption.
Have you experienced that on person?The purity preamble was very damaging. Some parents place spiritual education in the church’s hands with little input at home. They’d be bettered by honest discussions acknowledging temptations and consequences instead of the silliness they’ve been fed.
~Bella
What did you find strange about the evangelization?The "dating Jesus" thing would have driven me from any church that brought that up to me.
Hopefully, he'll come back. I was raised in a Christian family but never really understood the gospel. I think I asked many of the same type questions. In college I met some Christians trying to evangelize, and they were just really strange in how they interacted with us. I would have told you I didn't believe. Got married in a church because I knew my parents would want that.
Started attending church in my 30s because my wife wanted to and I thought it would be good when we had kids. In some ways it was comfortable and easy. Over a few years I became more open and then found a Pastor who helped me really understand the gospel - so I went from unbelief to believer. I pray the same type thing for him.
What did you find strange about the evangelization?
... his reasons for leaving are understandable but nothing new. In fact, from what I see in the article, it would just be a matter of letting go of the more 'charismatic' styled approach to the Christian Faith, realign it with a more moderate view on things, and reorient his thinking to go deeper philosophically than he ever has before.
Then...he might find that his view of faith can be 'redefined' yet still remain Trinitarian, and maybe through that, and with the continued prayers of the saints and further providence by the Lord, he can believe again. The plus in this, too, would be that his new Christian theology would be more practical and not quite as filled with all of the cheese-puff interpretations that too often go around in the more 'spiritually filled' churches.
I can relate, one group felt like they were doing a script and even though I told them I was Christian, the way they continued the conversation sounded like if they were talking to a no-convertWhat I found strange was way they acted. I felt like I was a project to complete, not someone they cared about. Looking back it might have been my lack of openness, but I was interested in the message at least intellectually. I went to a couple of meetings they had. I wanted to get to know them, to understand why they were so committed. But I felt like they didn't really want to get to know me - just get me to become saved and then give a list of do's and don'ts's I should follow.
I hope that too.I would say that much evangelical faith doesn't go that deep and I like "cheese-puff interpretations" which I have seen in that movement quite a bit. I do hope he researches more instead of just leave and join the corus of anti Christianism that goes around
The thing about "dating Jesus" is weird.