Anywho, there's been a lot of banter about religion lately (our favorite high-tension, debated subject, I know!), and I felt I should make it clear, finally, what my views are, exactly.
I do believe in a higher being, one we may put a label of "God" on.
I believe that this being created what is right, and, therefor, must be right.
I also believe that every church is flawed.
Jesus was an amazing historical figure. Yup, I believe he existed! Whether he is The Christ, I don't know, but he certainly had a lot to say that was incredible and a representation of what this God wants of us.
My faith exists in thanking the being who created me for giving me the opportunity to exist, and in treating all of the beings around me as the individual, beautiful, artistic creations that each one is.
Does not the Bible tell us to constantly strive to be more like Jesus? His theme of preaching was to love God and to love the people you live with.
So, yes, I suppose you could say that I am Christian. But I refuse to be a stereotypical, Bible-thumping, crazed, closed-minded and forceful Christian (I'm not implying that any of you are that. To be honest, I don't think I know anyone who is that extreme).
So smile at the people you pass by on the sidewalk or in the hallway, greet those around you, help others when any need arises, and value every person you meet as the incredible, complex, inspired person that he or she is.
I think that anyone, be s/he Christian or not, can do that- can strive to be an embodiment of compassionate, earnest, faultless love.
[If this post made sense to you, congratulations. If not, it's really okay, it's getting late and I'm a little loopy after only having four hours of sleep last night!]
I'll leave you with one last thought:
God may love each of us and want our love and worship in return, but this God also wants us to value all else that He has made, including our fellow beings, no exceptions. He left us here together to LIVE together and LOVE one another, so is it not the greatest thing we can do to purely care for and love each other?
