One Step at a Time

I'm overdue for a new blog post. No point in making excuses, this blogging thing just has never really been a high priority thing, but more as a way to document milestones.

I always enjoy stumbling across (friend's? acquaintance's? complete strangers?) blogs that give me something to think about and learn more about who I am... and since I just posted over at one, I figured I'd share the link:

A Proposal of Evolution

I realize I left my response a little open-ended, but I'd rather the discussion continue than start to debate faith - which is impossible to do given the basic definition of the word (from m-w.com: faith - a firm belief in something for which there is no proof).

Don't get the wrong impression that I think of the Bible as a just another "story," or as something that is not divinely inspired by God - I do - it's just that I get frustrated when verses are taken out of context and applied to whatever subject suits the speaker's mood. The Scriptures don't work that way. I consider myself to have a very shallow understanding of Jewish culture and ancient history, and even I know that a lot of the "laws" that are quoted from the Old Testament are meant to be there more as a way for me to understand the New Testament and the importance of the New Covenant that God made, rather than just an additional list of rules that I am required to follow, because I am a Christian. Yes, there is definitely something to learn from those laws, because they cover issues that can lead to harm and hurt others (think adultery) or our own self (think of the "unclean" foods). But the consequences of disobeying these laws don't have to be carried out the same way any more - sure, stoning your son-in-law to death because you caught him with another woman might make you feel better, and would definitely keep him from ever doing it again, but did he get a chance to learn anything from it? Would YOU have learned anything from it, for that matter? Or would it be more effective to force him to LIVE with the consequences of his actions and witness the hurt he's caused his children or his wife? I suppose it ultimately shows the true character of that man - in how he chooses to live his life after his action is revealed - as well as the character of his family - in how they choose to accept or not accept him back into their lives, and how they heal or don't heal, from the feelings of distrust and betrayal.

I think "eye for an eye" and "turn the other cheek" may have a deeper meaning than the physical after all.

...

Meanwhile, I've been lucky to come across a group of young adults that meets on Tuesday nights for group discussions on topics like the above and for fellowship, so I have something to look forward to every week. It is definitely helping to fill that need in my life right now - to connect with people my age and seek spiritual guidance together. I find it odd that I'm in the age group that is often the most likely to turn away from churches and the Church, and my home church was doing very little about it. Discussions with Nooma DVD's and Rob Bell aside, there's not much available to draw the college-age/20-somethings to church only on a Sunday morning.

Which is why I am VERY happy that someone finally got "the right people" - not just enough people, or the same people who have been asking for something like this for years - to get excited and start up a Saturday evening service. Once this gets rolling, don't be surprised if I am missing from your weekend party-stravaganza between the hours of 6pm to 9pm. And if this sounds like something you would be excited about too, please let me know and I will make sure that you are there with me!

Hope everyone is taking time to make this "Holy Week," well, holy!