I've been on a path of personal development for a very long time and my view of what I think I "know" changes... a lot! Sometimes I'm seeking knowledge to be a better husband, father, and human and sometimes I'm searching for some sort of spiritual enlightenment. Lately, I have been headed down this path of wanting to know more about the Bible. Not that I want to become a Christian but because I want to know what this book is all about. Who is this guy that so many people are convinced "rose from the dead" and is the "son of God"? Is it real or a bunch of stories? What's the difference between those that take the word literally and those that see it more as a metaphor? Where in the book are the universal principals that mirror so many other religious and spiritual teachings?
The talk around organized religion is so charged most of the time it makes it hard to talk about. Growing up in Texas, I don't remember knowing anyone that didn't consider themselves at least a little bit Christian. Sure I knew people that didn't believe in God or weren't very religious but we sure as hell didn't know anyone that prescribed to any other religious practices.
My parents basically told us, "We believe in God but we don't go to church. That's something you are going to have to explore on your own." Today, I'm extremely grateful for the angle they took but at the time, I'd be lying if I didn't feel left out a lot. I think that's where a lot of my resentment towards organized religion comes from. This idea of being in the club or an outcast. You were either saved or you weren't. You either believed or you didn't. You were chosen or were going to burn in hell.
As I've gotten older and had more life experience, I know that a lot of what I experienced with regards to feeling left out, judged, or condemned was more about people's interpretation of religion than religion itself. I also have some responsibility left out because I had my own insecurities and always wanted to feel accepted.
My interest in spiritual teachings come from this overwhelming feeling that we are more alike than different. It is not lost on me that if I was born in another part of the world, I would probably be leaning towards a different religious book and describing a different cultural religiosity experience.
Recently, I was listening to Rob Bell on the Phil Drysdale Show and really enjoyed his perspective. I bought Rob's new book, Everything is Spiritual, and haven't put it down much in the last 3 days. What I have taken from his writing is, God is so much bigger than we could ever imagine. We are all chosen, we are all loved, and we are all "in," regardless of our works. We are all spiritual, everything is spiritual... and I can get with that
Be sure to check out the Phil Drysdale Show. He has some great perspective as well. Rob's book gets a big thumbs up from me... Thank you.
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High Cost of Anonymity Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/543980706306073
The Phil Drysdale Show - Episode With Rob Bell 072 https://www.phildrysdale.com/theshow/
Rob Bell's new book, Everything is Spiritual - https://robbell.com/portfolio/everything-is-spiritual/
