thoughts.

I have a lot to say about a lot of things –they are my opinions, and opinions are not facts.

We live paradoxically, saying we value openness and diversity, yet arguing with and chastising those who hold differing opinions.

To believe is to put faith and hope in something.

Are the things we say we believe, that which we put our faith and hope in, justifiable opinions or verifiable facts?

If the Word of God is alive then shouldn’t meaning adapt to the culture or context in which it is being spoken?

Surely, we are not required to make sacrifices on altars. Are we?

Metaphorically, people sacrifice something for lent.

Why?

Because tradition dictates it.

Well, my God is not a God of traditions.

My God is a God of freedom.

My God is one who came to earth as a man, and while fully maintaining his holiness as God gave us authority to bind and loose, allow and forbid.

Matthew 16:19 says, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

To bind is to forbid. To loose is to allow.

This is interesting. Is Jesus allowing us to make interpretations of the Bible that are different?

I think he is.

Often we hear Him say, You have once heard it said . . . But I tell you . . .

Perhaps in our humanity, we have got it wrong? That is, what is at the heart of Christiainty.

In Genesis we read about God creating the universe in seven days. Am I not a Christian if I do not agree that I think each day mentioned is actually a 24 hour period of time?

Seriously?

Does that make me less of a Christian than someone who believes that?

Then again, how does he or she know? That person may be taking the Bible literally. I was not there when God created. I believe He did create. But I will let that mystery rest in His arms.

And isn’t the Bible something that should be read communally more than individually?

I believe that it is impossible to read the Bible without bias.

It is impossible for anyone to objectively read a scripture and tell someone the exact meaning. They can only tell you what they think it means.

So, I hear a lot in Church. I have heard a lot in Church growing up. There are some things I believe, and I others which I find preposterous and down right ridiculuous.

Is what I say I believe simply a pastor’s interpretation of what he thinks God is trying to tell us through His word?

Is what I believe merely an adoption of a larger institution which dictates the truths and standards, or lack thereof, with which I try and live my life?

Or, do I believe what I believe because others around me believe the same thing and there are enough of those people around me influencing me to believe these certain things that I am not making the decision objectively, but doing it thinking the majority is right?

Jesus had 12 disciples. They were not a majority.

I imagine some of you will think it is not Christian for me to have written this.

That is your opinion. You have just read my opinions. My opinions are not facts.

You do not have to agree with me. I do not have to agree with you

However, we are all part of a larger story. One that repeats itself from Genesis to Revelation every day. We are the Israelites who don’t trust God. How many of us are wandering? Knowing God can and will provide and choosing to fret? We all fall into sin like Adam and Eve, daily, yet Christ redeems and brings us home.

I am doing my part. Trying to contribute to the story, and figuring out the plot as I go along. By no means do I have anything in this life figured out.

I question things a lot.

I like to rethink what has already been thought.

I think that is what Jesus is trying to get at in Matthew 16:19.

I would encourage you to do some thinking of your own.

Cheers.