STOLEN THOUGHTS
Originality to me is not having a thought for the first time in your mind that was thought by others on countless occasions. Just sort of sounds less than impressive to say what everyone else has said and claim it was your idea.
But it happens all the time. And never more often than with Christianity. Which is really pathetic.
I was in the gym the other day and this one friend of mine was discussing religion with another mutual friend. The first friend is a Christian and a member of the popular mega church.
I respect the sincerity of his faith, but unfortunately, like too many he relies upon his impression of other faiths from the canned teachings of other Christians. That was obvious by how his comments were to stereotypical.
That is the said part when we resort to limiting ourselves into only presuming and not try going to the source. Personally, I took time to actually read about other religions from their own teachings.
It didn't influence my faith in God or Jesus as Lord and Savior. But it made me appreciate what drew others to a different faith.
And with that exploration for me came understanding. I didn't just put people in a box that said if they believed a given concept or follows a given belief system then it means they are a certain kind of person.
In reality all faiths have those who are both moderate and extremist. That is not a problem akin to a specific religion.
Being a fanatic about one's faith doesn't have to be a bad thing. But if we use it as an excuse to call hate love then it is terrible.
How many times have people been harmed by such approaches? It never helps in the process of understanding or faith.
With our other friend who didn't follow any religion, he and I had a wonderful conversation once the other friend left. And it was nice to see him be willing to discuss the subject even though he wasn't decided on what he believed.
So I did enjoy feeling that perhaps by I did open a door that might have otherwise been closed. And I did it without having to claim what I knew was my own thoughts.
I'll have to wait and see if this bears the fruit it should. But in either case, I know that I said what God would have me say and that is worth more than any sense I knew it all that I might need for the sake of pride.
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