Sometimes I wish I could do the impossible. I wish I could forget everything I ever learned about the Bible in Sunday school. I wish all the influences from my upbringing were gone and my mind was a clean slate as far as the God is concerned. Then I would like to set down and read the Word with no preconceived ideas or prejudices. I wonder where I would end up?
Of course this is impossible, but do you think I could make it back to where I am today? Would I be a lost cause or an open mind listening only to God? Would I be the same, better or worse?
Just curious, but do you think it could be possible that we think we know God better than we actually do?
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Blank Mind
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9 comments:
What you learned while you were growing up is what molded you into the person you are today. Without that influence guiding your decisions, you probably wouldn't be anywhere near the same.
While a latter day study of the Word might change your attitudes and beliefs for the better, I still don't think you could get back to where you are today.
As for knowing God...there is so much about Him we can't understand that I lack any frame of comparison...yet at the same time he is ultimately knowable in our heart.
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psa 46:10
Not to be cantankerous... but if such a scenario as you described could exist (no preconceived ideas etc), you would lack the pre-conceived ideas and common understandings shared by the biblical writers and their original readers. Therefore, you would still struggle with grasping the precise historical meaning of the text.
I don't think preconceived ideas are bad---unless we refuse to acknowledge them. I think we should value our history and tradition because it represents the cumulative knowledge and experience of many Christians before us---but we should not deify it nor should we assume we can be detached from it.
Jason, You mean someone who previously knew nothing of the Bible could not understand it?
I am very proud! Congratulations.
I agree with Kim in many ways. I too spent time in church growing up, but found myself bored with youth activities and bible school. Because of my mind thinking more of sports and such, I find myself relearning a lot of the stories that Jodi and I are now teaching the girls. I know that I have read and heard the stories, but I never memorized things like the 12 tribes or Israel or even memorizing the books of the bible. Trust me, it has been a lot harder convincing myself to memorize the books when I'm trying to study on more "adult" themes. Not to say that I am not memorizing this stuff, because it is a little embarrassing that Abbie, who is five, rattles off these memory items faster than me. Ellie is not far behind, so I got to keep practicing on my speed.
I think we are built on the foundations that we learn as a child. Not saying you can't learn latter in life, but it is easier. I am very proud because my girls seem to have more fun at church than what I remember me having. I pray that their enjoyment will always continue, because they seem to be learning so much. I have to thank everyone at Sunshine for fostering the kind of love needed to teach our kids about God and Jesus.
PS Hey Mike, welcome to the blog. Look forward to future comments.
Scott: This may have nothing to do with what you are trying to say but Isaish 54:13 "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children" and "and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths" Isaiah 2:3. I am so proud of Sunshine and the Spirit Club they have started for our children. This is a wonderful learning tool for them and they will always benefit from these teachings. The decisions of youth are great and important and God must have confidence in our youth. The most important decision in their lives are usually made by the time they are twenty to twenty-five years of age (and earlier if they are like Mom and Dad who married at 19 years). 1. WHO WILL BE MY MASTER? 2. WHO WILL BE MY MATE? AND 3. WHAT WILL BE MY JOB OR OCCUPATION? Do we always know the difference between that which is truly important and that which is not. These three things all play a truly important part in our receiving the eternal reward in heaven. As a youth I did not have access or realize the importance of the bible studies. Now as a mature christain adult I do know the importance and realize the responsibility is on me to study learn and pray because I want to have that eternal reward.
This is my first comment so forgive if I got off the subject somewhat. I enjoy reading all your comments.
Love You All - Irmalee (Mom to Scott)
Scott,
I think the deleted comments may have been your mom. Not real sure, but pretty sure. She was trying to figure out how all this stuff worked on Sunday the 8th and mentioned it to me at church that night. Jason gave her some help with stuff and apparently everything worked out fine considering she posted successfully!
By the way, very nice comment, Irmalee!
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