Let's talk religion

Hi all! I think it's time we have a chat about religion. I've mentioned religion in passing a couple of times on my blog, but faith is a big part of my life and how I view the world, and I think it's time I was upfront about that. So here goes. I am a Christian. Now when you hear that depending on your background and experiences your probably thinking one of these it's either "oh she's a christian she wouldn't support me" or "oh yay another one saved let me comment about how she should do x,y,z to be a better Christian" now yeah these are slightly exagerated comments but I fully recognize that many have trauma with the church or have heard people using God as an excuse to treat people very badly. I am not that, and I don't just say that; I show that. So let's dig in.

I am a protestant, I am undenominational, and so is my church (they were kicked out of the Brethren denomination for hiring a woman pastor). I was baptized this past year at the age of 16. My parents, sister, and grandparents are also Christians. My faith is no longer my parents' faith but my own, and I know about other religions, but I don't know everything. Now I believe that a relationship with the creator is between two people (well, I guess God isn't a person), it's a relationship between them and me. This is one of many reasons I haven't brought up my faith on here and with some people. Not because I am ashamed, but rather because it's not always the place, and that's valid. So, just because I am now coming out and saying this, does that mean my content is going to change? No, it will stay the same.

Now it's time we address the church's wrongdoing from abuse, the crusades, financial misconduct, and using their position of power for evil. The church is just like any other institution; it's really messed up. Now, I don't say that to brush it off; I just want to come to terms with the fact that I don't think anyone is surprised that, if you give someone power, nine times out of ten, they're going to misuse it. Many so-called Christians have used the word of God to tear others down instead of building them up, where the Bible calls for us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and take care of the poor. Yet we see people use God's name to throw out the immigrant and distance themselves from the "unclean"; the word of God has been used to shut out the LGBTQIA+, justify slavery and racism, stamp down women's rights, allow inaction, and ignite hatred and violence. I stand by none of that. You will not hear me justify any of that. It's disgusting and horrifying.

I am a Christian and not just in word but in deed. I fight for justice, I seek out those less fortunate than me to learn their stories and help them get on their feet. I do not do these things because I must, but because I want to. I want to see people clothed, full, and taken care of. When the Bible says "lay down your burdens, you heavy laden," I do so, and when it says "take up your cross and follow me," I do the same. I am a Christian who believes the bible should be read and followed to its full extent, not the extent that is comfortable within my complacency.

Often, the Bible is not read in its entirety, but rather passages are selected to suit an individual's desires. That is not how the Bible should be used. There are people who will come up to you in stores or at a park and try to tell you about Jesus. They will hand out tracts and preach at you. I do not stand by that. I think relationships must be built, time spent together, love shared, and then if the non-Christian brings it up or asks a further question when I say "oh, I can't do that, I'll be at church," then I can share, not in a judgmental way, in a loving way. That's how I think we should fulfill our calling to "make disciples of all nations."

As a disabled person with other marginalized identities, the church can be an uncomfortable place. I often feel like the only one who cares for those outside the church in a way I deem healthy. When the middle schoolers say 'oh that's so zesty' because it's somehow edgy to imply someone is queer in the church. Or I tell someone about my disability, and they ask if they can pray for my healing. The church can feel really isolating; some have said they are a Christian, but they don't go to church. I think church is such an important way for me to grow in my faith, but some days I do see what they're saying. I think that people's hearts when they ask to pray for my healing are in the right place, but it's uncomfortable for me because I believe that my disability is actually a gift that can be used to further my Lord's kingdom, but others don't know that. Others seem quite uncomfortable with the idea that we all will suffer, and some of that will be visible.

So, this is my heart on this topic. I'm so glad if you stuck around until the end. This post is scheduled for Saturday because I will be at winter camp. Another reason I thought this week was the perfect time to talk about religion. This weekend, for me, will be dominated by religion, by what I see to be the positives and negatives of it. So I hope you have a good weekend, and thank you for tuning in!