Jan 20: Defense of 'Larry' and my response

The following was meant to just go under comments, to address what had been said there and keep the main part of the blog about my recovery, life, etc. But it was too long for the comment section. I enjoy spirited debate with worthy opponents, but don't want the overall blog to get bogged down with them. PLEASE do not feel that you have to defend your Church or beliefs, try to convert me or show me the 'light'. These are just my opinions, to which everyone is entitled. If you don't like my opinions or point of view then either ignore them or don't read further. This blog isn't meant to be a religious boxing match.

Ya know, I've read 'Larry's' comments again, and there really isn't anything objectionable. His phrasing was much more impressive than was mine, and I'm really impressed by the Greek/Hebrew type-set! On re-reading, he actually backs up what I initially said regarding the phrasing of Jesus' title. And he is correct that once posted on the blog it's public, nothing he said was disrespectful, although the quote wasn't necessary. In a tone trying to be respectful of a differing opinion, here is my response:

Larry, to answer your question regarding my feelings of the Jewish faith: based on what I'd said you weren't leaping to conclusions if you thought I had Jewish leanings. But, in my opinion, the Bible is not the word of God. I believe the Bible is a collection of stories which have been in existence for a long time and have become tradition. To my mind there is no difference between the stories in the Bible and those of Greek and Roman mythology, they were just the first ones written down. Every civilization throughout time has had some interpretation of creation, tried to find order in the universe, what happens after death. All of these stories are trying to explain basic human questions of where we came from, what the earth around us represents and our relationship to something greater than ourselves.

The rise of Christianity, while initially rooted in Jewish tradition, flourished for other reasons, explainable if you look at the political and social situations of the people who were attracted to the teachings and promises Jesus represented. Unlike the prevailing religions at the time which required money to attract the favor of the gods, Jesus' religion promised that just believing was enough. What a change to a mostly poor and downtrodden populace who couldn't hope to compete with the rich gifts they had been told were necessary to the other religions!

But it doesn't mean any of that is the word of God.

Larry, based on your references and obvious knowledge of Biblical history, you must know the rather checkered beginnings of early Christianity and how the gospels were initially communicated. Room for lots of mistakes and elaboration by well-meaning people trying to attract others who were used to being told stories of gods and goddesses which were filled with magic. "King of the Jews" was meant as a deliberate insult, referring to the Jews refusing to worship Cesar as a god. And, as the Catholic church grew in power and influence, deliberate interpretations which would increase their standing with kings and countries which would support them financially, increasing their power.

If Christianity works for you, Larry, then that is great. If it makes you a better person, helps you through the day and gives you peace regarding what comes after this world, then it fulfills what religion should represent. But my issue with the very vocal Catholics/Protestants that seem to have the greatest influence on our country and politics right now is that someone else's religious beliefs shouldn't be imposed on me, or my country which was founded on the principal of Separation of Church and State. The 'religious right' who claim that their interpretation is the only one, that they know what God wants and are channeling his wishes. (Robertson's statement that the earthquake in Haiti was a result of their 'deal with the devil'. He's the 'moral majority'? Yikes!) In the Old Testament Moses is permanently changed by his personal encounters with God, and yet these Bible-pounding evangelists claim to have a direct line of communication? Anyone who says they KNOW what God wants makes me very, very afraid. It seems to be the very definition of hubris.

More concerning is that these 'ministers' who have such large followings and profess to be such good Christians don't follow what Jesus taught: they are horribly judgemental, don't show compassion for those less fortunate than themselves, believe in forcing their interpretations on everyone, feel that they are justified in their bad behavior because they have God on their side. That is a very dangerous point of view. Didn't Jesus lead by example? Help others without requiring them to believe in him, but know that he was teaching in the way he treated anyone with whom he had contact?

Jesus taught surrounded by nature, he didn't ask, much less demand, large expensive structures to be built to his or God's glory--that was man's interpretation. These cathedrals built at great expense, the leaders of both Catholic and Protestant religions dripping with expensive cloths and gold adornments, standing on a stage covered with silver, gold and jeweled cups and such representing someone who dressed simply and lived sparsely? How much money is wasted on glorious representations of what was a plain wooden cross? The Catholic Church controls their believers with threats of purgatory and hell, which isn't what Jesus' message seems to represent to me. If you read anything on the history of the church you see that over the centuries they have been tremendously hypocritical in what they actually practiced, changing the 'message' to glorify themselves, just using God as an excuse. They favor the subjugation of women, promoting disparity between the sexes instead of recognizing and appreciating what men AND women can add to humankind. Why do the gifts that we bring as individuals have to be judged in worthiness based on our sex?

These are just a few of the reasons why I'm so against the C/P religions, although not the people who try their best to live what truly is a Christian life, live the teachings of Jesus, which is why my phrasing always excludes them. People who live lives of service, helping others, sacrificing themselves and putting others before their personal wants: those are the people who are truly followers of Jesus Christ. To me a Christian doesn't need to quote scripture of questionable origins, but they live the teachings, the essence of what is contained in those gospels.

There are so many wonderful teachings from other religions, mind-stretching and elevating words from 'regular' people as well, some better known than others. My favorite UU bumper sticker is "God is too big for just one religion". How can we think we can totally understand something as vast and wondrous as God? Yet all religions have something akin to the Golden Rule. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could just deal with others as they would like to be treated? And respected the right to have different opinions with the understanding that no one really knows what or who God is?

That is what I've always strived to do: treat others as I would like to be treated and respect opinions which differ from mine, even if I don't agree with everything expressed. All I can be responsible for is how I live my life based on my interpretation of the Divine. Some days, some moments, I do a better job than at other times. I only hope that in the end my life averages out to having done more good than bad, having made my tiny corner of the world left better with me than it was without me, to make a positive difference in other people's lives. Because, regardless of what comes after this life or whatever your definition of what God wants, that can't be the wrong thing to have done.

Wishing you peace and understanding, regardless of your choice of religion. Laurie

P.S. I keep going back and revising, editing and tweeking this--gotta get some sleep!