Craig,
Hey my friend, sorry I missed the chance to chat with you earlier today. I just checked FB and saw your question.
To answer your first question regarding why I am religious, I would say that we are all religious, in the purest sense of the word. We all carry out our lives based on what we believe to be the underlying truths that make up reality. Whether or not a person consciously explores the motivation behind their own thoughts and actions, we are all guided by the way we understand reality. That understanding guides and informs what we say and do, the choices we make, the lives we live. In a nutshell, it determines who we are.
Of course I am using a definition of religion which is very "practical." I think Wittgenstein has given us enough philosophical evidence to prove that defining religion in terms other than 'practical' terms is a waste of time. Its just like defining the word 'game.' Religion is not merely about what people believe, it's about what they do. Maybe I'm getting sidetracked here, but I just personally find it interesting when people try to explain that they are not religious because they do not believe in God or that God can be known, they do not like religion, and they don't attend worship services. We are all religious whether we realize it or not.
Your second question is more to the heart of the matter I believe. I am a follower of Jesus Christ (or at least, I am trying very hard to be). I strive to live like he did, love people like he did, surrender to God like he did. This does not mean that I agree with everything that every person in the last 2000 years has said or done in the name of Christ. Not everyone who labels themselves as Christian is truly a Christ follower. Jesus himself said that. Corruption is a good way to explain the history of religion. But I do not let this convince me that we cannot still somehow ascertain truth.
However, I must confess that much of the way I carry out my faith has indeed been influenced by individuals throughout the ages. It is an ongoing struggle to separate out the truth of God from the influence of corrupted individuals. For whatever reason, God has seen fit to communicate to humanity through humanity itself. And humanity, well... we are a messy bunch.
Dude, sorry for such a long response! It would be fun to talk on the phone sometime. I love talking about this kind of stuff with friends who think a lot, but aren't out to get each other. Feel free to call me 573.239.1492. It would be good to catch up.
Peace,
Andy
Hey my friend, sorry I missed the chance to chat with you earlier today. I just checked FB and saw your question.
To answer your first question regarding why I am religious, I would say that we are all religious, in the purest sense of the word. We all carry out our lives based on what we believe to be the underlying truths that make up reality. Whether or not a person consciously explores the motivation behind their own thoughts and actions, we are all guided by the way we understand reality. That understanding guides and informs what we say and do, the choices we make, the lives we live. In a nutshell, it determines who we are.
Of course I am using a definition of religion which is very "practical." I think Wittgenstein has given us enough philosophical evidence to prove that defining religion in terms other than 'practical' terms is a waste of time. Its just like defining the word 'game.' Religion is not merely about what people believe, it's about what they do. Maybe I'm getting sidetracked here, but I just personally find it interesting when people try to explain that they are not religious because they do not believe in God or that God can be known, they do not like religion, and they don't attend worship services. We are all religious whether we realize it or not.
Your second question is more to the heart of the matter I believe. I am a follower of Jesus Christ (or at least, I am trying very hard to be). I strive to live like he did, love people like he did, surrender to God like he did. This does not mean that I agree with everything that every person in the last 2000 years has said or done in the name of Christ. Not everyone who labels themselves as Christian is truly a Christ follower. Jesus himself said that. Corruption is a good way to explain the history of religion. But I do not let this convince me that we cannot still somehow ascertain truth.
However, I must confess that much of the way I carry out my faith has indeed been influenced by individuals throughout the ages. It is an ongoing struggle to separate out the truth of God from the influence of corrupted individuals. For whatever reason, God has seen fit to communicate to humanity through humanity itself. And humanity, well... we are a messy bunch.
Dude, sorry for such a long response! It would be fun to talk on the phone sometime. I love talking about this kind of stuff with friends who think a lot, but aren't out to get each other. Feel free to call me 573.239.1492. It would be good to catch up.
Peace,
Andy
Craig Crawford September 18 at 12:53pm
Thanks for the detailed and very thoughtfull response, I find myself agreeing withmost of what you say especially the part about discussing with friends who think alot, but aren't out to get each other. This I do belive is the heart of the matter and my problem with most forms of organized religion. I will call you soon, when I get a minute to talk without interuption.
Peace,
Craig
Peace,
Craig
