Deep Thoughts
I have only recently begun to study religion from an academic perspective but ever since I started, I have really enjoyed talking to the very intellegent people that I have encountered in the religion department and discussing everything religion. FSU being a state university, it cannot teach any theology courses but, nevertheless, debates and discussions still arise (I hope no state officials or anyone from the ACLU are reading this...); all of these have reminded beautifully open-minded and no one ever takes the defense of one particular religion or criticizes a religion's views (I would say religion classes have the most mature and insightful students I have ever met at FSU). I firmly believe that "asking questions" about religion and indeed, one's own religion, is one of the most important steps anyone can take in regards to finding faith. Being introduced to legitimate criticism of the Christian Bible from an unbiased, academic perspective allowed me to ask my own questions and ultimately find MY OWN personal answers.
And for all of these questions, I have found answers that I am comfortable with personally. But an answer for one particular issue that I have debated in my mind for months now still has no real answer to me.
It's about those people with whom you have a very close personal relationship with, e.g. boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend, that you place among your most valued things in life... My question is, why do they end? I'm not talking about the trite, worldly reasons, e.g. argument, breakup, etc. But why, if God loves us so, would He introduce certain people into our lives only to have them disappear? I suppose being the person who gets "dumped" is the best example, although it is not perfect.
One is so incredibly happy and satisfied in a relationship only to have the rug pulled out from underneath him. What purpose does this serve? The best answer that I can come up with is two-part. Firstly, I suppose we are meant to learn something from the experience which, from my relationships, I certainly have. And secondly I think that we are meant to give God room to exercise His will- this person wasn't the "right one." But when we do find that right one, do we value him or her that much more because of failed past relationships?
I love it when things from church sermons make such an impression on you that they never seem to fade. A few months ago my pastor said in a sermon that we are constantly trying to wrestle control of our lives away from God, though usually unknowingly. His advice was to sit back and allow Him to have control again. I guess it's like those cheesy church billboards that say something like "Put God in the driver's seat..."
Between my reasoning and the pastor's, it seems like I would have my answer. But none of this seems to quite satisfy what I am looking for in my answer. I accept it and agree with it, but for some reason it doesn't seem quite complete- like a person cut off in mid-sentence. Since it obviously is sticking in my mind, maybe one day I'll find an answer.
And for all of these questions, I have found answers that I am comfortable with personally. But an answer for one particular issue that I have debated in my mind for months now still has no real answer to me.
It's about those people with whom you have a very close personal relationship with, e.g. boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend, that you place among your most valued things in life... My question is, why do they end? I'm not talking about the trite, worldly reasons, e.g. argument, breakup, etc. But why, if God loves us so, would He introduce certain people into our lives only to have them disappear? I suppose being the person who gets "dumped" is the best example, although it is not perfect.
One is so incredibly happy and satisfied in a relationship only to have the rug pulled out from underneath him. What purpose does this serve? The best answer that I can come up with is two-part. Firstly, I suppose we are meant to learn something from the experience which, from my relationships, I certainly have. And secondly I think that we are meant to give God room to exercise His will- this person wasn't the "right one." But when we do find that right one, do we value him or her that much more because of failed past relationships?
I love it when things from church sermons make such an impression on you that they never seem to fade. A few months ago my pastor said in a sermon that we are constantly trying to wrestle control of our lives away from God, though usually unknowingly. His advice was to sit back and allow Him to have control again. I guess it's like those cheesy church billboards that say something like "Put God in the driver's seat..."
Between my reasoning and the pastor's, it seems like I would have my answer. But none of this seems to quite satisfy what I am looking for in my answer. I accept it and agree with it, but for some reason it doesn't seem quite complete- like a person cut off in mid-sentence. Since it obviously is sticking in my mind, maybe one day I'll find an answer.
posted by Stephen at 9:34 PM
2 Comments:
Good post Steve.
I often think of that expression that "God never closes one door without opening another - but sometimes we look so longingly at the door that has been shut we fail to see the one that's been opened."
And I try OFTEN to remind myself of that. But it rarely makes sense. I have many points on this to ponder with you but I plan to wait until I see your smiling face on Thursday.
You are without a doubt the best brother a girl could have. EVER.
I enjoyed this post and completely understand the questions you have. In a lifetime so many people will touch your life...some in small ways and others with a greater impact.
Post a Comment
<< Home