Lately I've been reading this book, A Christianity Worth Believing: Hope-Filled, Open-Armed, Alive-And-Well Faith for the Left Out, Left Behind, and Let Down in Us All by Doug Pagitt. He raises many different issues and I would reccommend it to both Christians and non Christians. Anyway in chapter 8, "Together Again", He mentions five "aspects" (as I'm referring to them):
1) Repair
2) Restoration
3) Renewal
4) Completion
5) Cohesion
These got me thinking about the essence of Christianity. The God I know longs to repair, restore, and renew humanity. Also, in this chapter, he (Doug Pagitt) mentions the first 3 are what the Gospel is about. And the last two are "goals" of salvation: humanity was meant to be complete and coherent in Him. Every aspect of humanity that was broken is made complete again in Jesus.
Later in the chapter he writes three characteristics about what Christianity was never supposed to be about:
1) Alienation
2) Segregation
3) Disaffection.
I found these a little unsettling. If the Gospel is about restoration and renewal, how would we ever alienate, segregate, or discontent people with religion, not just Christianity?
Reading this hit me hard. I don't want to live out faith that I may not be aware alienates, separates, or discontents the world around me.
I apologize if this post seems "preachy." That was not my intention. My opinion is if I strived to repair, restore, and renew the world around me, the perspective I have would change.
Not everyone is like me or has the same views I do. However, I do know everyone wants to be loved and this is a step in the right direction.
All for His glory + Always <3
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