stuff and thoughts

seems like all I do these days is work and homework!  time for a work break

I took some time today to get caught up with a dear friend of mine.  I love her to death, and when we spend time together she usually brings up something(s) philosophical or theological.  or both.  she’s a Christian who’s digging out some religious/legalistic roots in her beliefs, so these talks get pretty deep and interesting.

Something she got me pondering on the way home, and I thought I’d write a little about here to think it all out.  She’s asking some hard questions that theologically I think I can answer, at least with answers I’ve been trained to say.  but, what do I really believe?  she’s asking questions I ask myself, I just don’t have the guts to voice them out loud.

For example, so I don’t sound so vague! why did God put THE tree in the garden?  why didn’t He intervene when Satan started deceiving Eve? or at least say something before Adam took a bite?  I’ve been taught that He wanted people to have the choice to worship Him.  But isn’t it like putting cookies in the kitchen and telling a child they can eat anything except the cookies?  aren’t they eventually going to want a cookie?  especially if a mischievous cousin comes over and tempts them?  then the parent is going to cast the child from their presences for all eternity?  and the parent is going to require animal sacrifices in hopes of being right with them again?  maybe that’s making it all to simple, but these are the types of things we talk about.  Yes, parents aren’t holy like God is.  But if God is love… ugh.  my brain hurts.

See where I’m coming from?  or am I bringing up things we just don’t talk about?  things we just take at face value because the Bible tells us so? 

What if we didn’t have the Bible?  there are thousands if not millions of Christians in persecuting countries who cannot own a Bible.  What do they believe?   Can you learn about Christ without one?  Can revelation that comes from the Holy Spirit be enough?

Stepping on religious toes, I can feel it. 

maybe I should let this rest a little before I sound like I’m blaspheming, which I’m not intending whatsoever!

on a related topic, I’ve felt spiritually dry lately.  I read my Bible, I try to pray often, I listen to worship music…  but lately it feels like I’m just going through the motions.  Trying to be good enough, so to speak. Maybe that’s it right there – trying too hard.  I just need to be.

just some things to think about, because I don’t have enough going on! 😉