I was raised more or less evangelical but I don't even know if I consider myself christian anymore after really exploring christian origins. In reference to the op's post with all the christian denominations, that raises a problem for me and the reason is this: If god really revealed himself through Jesus why is there so much division and confusion over what it is to be a christian? Why does everyone believe something different? This isn't a recent phenomenon, this confusion goes all the way back to the early christian period where right after the death of jesus there was immediate fragmentation with many different movements and interpretations springing up. So instead of bringing man to the truth nothing short of confusion has developed in his wake. So if it really came from god then the message should be clear, unfortunately it's anything but....so why is that?
you my friend are in a similiar boat than i .
Partly why i prefer the old testament. Also why im not sure what i believe about everyhing say..from 200 b.c on.
the idea of "dont put other god before me, be aware of false doctrines, and not to worship idols " only increases the stress of trying to figure out the truth. As you are doublly cautious and question everything.
i think now i am at the point i dont even know if i believe in the jew God. I believe in God, no doubt, true believer. But israeli God, for some supposed chosen people, or form the shasu tribe, war god????? Not so sure on that one. Seems very region specific. i tend to see God as a creator God, not a region specific, people specific God that later everyone decided to change there mind and make him everyones God.
It is something to think about, no doubt. And it is so confusing and full of potential corruption and variances one must wonder why the real God would give birth to such a senseless, rediculous line of theology and put it in the hands of some backwards tribe and pass it through multi god worshiping heathens to become some "chosen" peoples slave God from what orginally was some kind of war God.
And then to the gentiles...
Gee, thanks. What a gift. Its a mess. But im a true believer, i look at the stars, the soil, i feel God. I sense God within me. Looking through the mess of theology i see confusing, and confused peoples. Worse yet, these are the peoples example we are supposed to be following . Look within me i am more at peace. I at least feel a little better in the old testament. I read the new testament certain parts ring true. Others i just envision this is some peoples invented God of the slaves. Kind of like most of the bible is about the hebrews, the storys of the hebrews. Well, i ain't hebrew. The God of the bible is very region, people specific.
Not going to say i dont believe in God, earnestly do. closer to judaism in any sense of following probably. But not a fan in the sense of the chosen people and the God primarily depicted in parts of the bible. And david did this, these people were invaded, paul jumped on a boat. Entertaining, maybe a little interesting, but none of that speaks out to me as if it is meant for me. In fact most of the new testament and even some of the old i dont feel is meant for me. Suddenly everyone worships this God of the jews or of that region.
Well, maybe i have the same God, but i cant say he would give me that kind of thing to deal with and it sure wasn't written for anyone outside of that region. Kind of like you always hear about jerusalem but it is only a mile wide. Well, i think i prefer new york city. Always hear about the journey of christ, well get in your car and drive the same distance. Or even walk it. It aint that far. The bible seems so much BIGGER because it was written from a select group, about the people, in a certain region. Fantastic book though. I love the bible. Just not so sure on what exactly applies to me, and what exactly to believe . I do believe in MY GOD though. If that is the same God as the hebrews im thinking of reversing this whole thing and letting them figure that out for a change instead of me doing all the guessin and reading.
