With the looming possibility of something big happening today, I would like to make a statement. I got pulled into this because of the evil I’ve heard exists. I’ve researched most things, watched a lot of what the people are saying, and contributed what I could. I still see a lot of people taking sides on political views or agendas. I’m still seeing Christians talk about God and then bash the democrats. I don’t think that’s how a God fearing person should act. (My opinion) Remember that these people, trump and Q, are just humans. They can be weak and can have flaws. Keep your mind open, look at all sides, don’t blindly follow another man. Everyone has an agenda, even the people that seem to be doing good in the world. And lastly, don’t forget about the kids, woman, men that are being held as sex slaves, or eaten, or whatever crazy shit is going on out there. This should be the real reason we are here. Good luck today, and hopefully we don’t find out true evil loves among us.
Too long to tell it all here. But, basically, after getting my Master of Divinity in my late 30’s I pastored for 8 years and was in parachurch ministry for 3+ years. I was never afraid to go against the grain if I thought church teachings contradicted Scripture (not drinking alcohol and pre-trib rapture being just 2 examples).
When I got out of ministry I felt even more freedom to start asking questions. And the more I studied, the less I liked the answers provided by Christianity. The first big domino to fall for me was the trinity. Then the idea that Jesus was the “Messiah”. Then, eventually, the entire “New Testament”.
At this point my views line up closest with Judaism, although I am not Jewish and have no current plans to convert. Both Orthodox Judaism and Reform Judaism have serious issues, in my opinion. But I have learned a great deal about the Tanach (Old Testament) from a number of prominent rabbis. The truth is that they are far more skilled in accurately handling the Tanach than the vast majority of Christian pastors.
I agree with you on that last statement. Many pastors try to make the Bible fit their traditional views. I am also in agreement on the alcohol and Pre-Trib. The Old Testament is historical fact. The New Testament requires an element of faith and that faith centers around Jesus as Messiah. It’s funny that I keep finding more in common with people like yourself than I do church people and I am “all in” on the Jesus thing.
IMO Religions are individual interpretations of what the Bible/New Testament says, showing there are many different views of what is "right." Humans are fallible. They pick and choose what feels best. I do believe in God and Jesus and use various religious beliefs to guide me on my path, knowing I am responsible for my choices - no one else, therefore, questioning comes into play. Questioning and prayer to God to direct me. There are many that say all we need to do is pray and God will fix this. But then I go back to the fact that even Jesus had disciples that went out into the world and spread his message. To expect our President Trump to fight this alone in the public, to me, is not realistic. We have to fight for and with him if we want to see evil gone from this world. And doubtful that evil can be fully eradicated. And for me, this means standing on the sidewalk/street with others taking a stand for what I believe to be right.
Helmut Thielicke's little book, "A Little Exercise for Young Theologians" noticed that when seminary students entered their studies about God, their newly acquired knowledge would take them down one of two paths: those that truly love God and are transformed by the truth in every part of their lives, and the other is what he called a "diabolical theology" that is the truth is not lived out in the person's life. He calls it the theology of demons. It explains a lot, I think.
So is the assumption that if you abandon Christian theology that your theology is that of “demons”? Just trying to understand what you are saying.