Posts Tagged ‘theology’

Most of you know me already as a big anti-fear guy.  I am finding that the majority of the reasons things are not done by a church or an individual is the fear of the what-ifs.  This fear can be formed out of a variety of things.  As stated in the book, fear is normal…but is it a pattern that God wants from us when we read Scriptures?

This is something that is tough for me as I look to those around me.  I hate even when I don’t do something because I am a wuss and am afraid.  This chapter though focussed alot on are you ready to be open to the Spirit?  Are we ready to let our guard down?  Can we open our hearts to the Spirit and what He has for us?

Recently in my own walk I have been trying to be more obiedient not so much in the “rules” of the bible but more in how the Holy Spirit is teaching me.  Things from being more organized to setting down foundational spiritual disciplines…all of these are keys to a fuller life with Christ.  So what makes us afraid to tread into the deeper waters? 

Chan has a header that questions,  “What if God doesn’t come through?”.  I think many times this can be us or the concept that nothing happens so now what?  Fear of praying boldy is a difficult journey at times.  As Chan continues to write I notice he goes after our own compensation for the lack of answer from him. 

There is alot in this chapter…so I want to hear from all of you on what it is that you are afraid of?  What slows you down with the Spirit?

 

“Fear is faithless and Faith is fearless!” – Roth

America…Christian Nation?

Author: pastoroffishing

Ok, first I am going to use this as my definition of nation as per Wikipedia:
A nation is a cultural and social community. In as much as most members never meet each other, yet feel a common bond, it may be considered an imagined community. One of the most influential doctrines in Western Europe and the Western hemisphere since the late eighteenth century is that all humans are divided into groups called nations.[nb 1] Nationhood is an ethical and philosophical doctrine and is the starting point for the ideology of nationalism; a nation is a form of self-defined cultural and social community. Members of a “nation” share a common identity, and usually a common origin, in the sense of history, ancestry, parentage or descent. A nation extends across generations, and includes the dead as full members. Past events are framed in this context: for example, by referring to “our soldiers” in conflicts which took place hundreds of years ago. More vaguely, nations are assumed to include future generations.


Is America a Christian Nation? Part of me really wants to say yes just to throw down in the mix of it all. I read alot of things that makes me think we are…now do we do it well? No but it seems that our nation was founded on the concept of Christian principles. We created an acccepting nation that welcomes people in. We have a mentality and spirit of the Golden Rule. Governmental buildings used to have biblical speech on them as well as using the Bible to solidfy the concept of telling the truth.


80-85% of the nation align themselves with Christianity. This begins to make me think that it is an affiliation more than a belief. I feel that American is a more Christian biased nation. It is a place that Christians are much more accepted than others of faith. It is also a nation that Christians have created alienation to the other religions and fringe groups.


In the end America is overall affiliated and aligned with Christianity. We wouldn’t have this stereotype for nothing in the world. Do we really look like Christ? No. Not at all, but I think within the nation the people of our country do think that American is Christian. God Bless America? The song that just shows our Christian affiliation.


Our past has Christian roots, I don’t see other religions having such a cultural impact as I do Christianity. Only until recently did the Fundamentalists gain power and influence that showed the negative of Christianity. The alienation of people and a overall elitist attitude.


Today, our nation is changing to a spiritual nation of monotheism. We are acknowledging God and mostly affiliate with Christianity, but there is a greater gain of influence of other religions. As time goes on according of the definition of Nation we have to look at the past, present and future.


In the end I think American started out with this Christian alignment but now it is straying more and more, its stuck in this religious identity. It wants to use spritual influence within its ceremonies and laws, yet wants to be inclusive. In the end it could become the downfall to the nation? No identity with religion?

Eh, anyways that’s my two cents.


Oh, just another thought…did the capitalistic society of America align itself with Christianity because it sells well?  Just another thought…Saw that on another post somewhere…

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