The New California Republic wrote:Dumb Ideologies wrote:
Huh. I guess that makes sense. Internally at least. Having had no religious experiences or calling to religion it of course sounds like utter bobbins to me. I've experimented with trying to force myself into belief but I just feel faintly ridiculous and like I'm making shit up.
But as I've said before given the long-lasting popularity of these things it's quite possible it's all true and I've been given a spiritual smoothbrain that can't see because I'm unworthy in some way.
I was Anglican, but clearly I didn't run into the aforementioned suicidal impulses without it or else I obviously wouldn't be here. I still read the Bible, but doing so doesn't hold any special significance except academic curiosity, similar to when I read other books like the Koran and Book of Mormon etc.
The two most important stories to the Bible to me are the raising of Lazarus and the raising of Jairus' daughter. However, I would recommend one read Dostoevsky as well, as many of his characters' speeches about Christianity are quite beautiful and express what I think is the most beautiful part of Christianity. That is, that all will be forgiven.
And He will judge and will forgive all, the good and the evil, the wise and the meek.... And when He has done with all of them, then He will summon us. ‘You too come forth,’ He will say, ‘Come forth ye drunkards, come forth, ye weak ones, come forth, ye children of shame!’ And we shall all come forth, without shame and shall stand before him. And He will say unto us, ‘Ye are swine, made in the Image of the Beast and with his mark; but come ye also!’ And the wise ones and those of understanding will say, ‘Oh Lord, why dost Thou receive these men?’ And He will say, ‘This is why I receive them, oh ye wise, this is why I receive them, oh ye of understanding, that not one of them believed himself to be worthy of this.’ And He will hold out His hands to us and we shall fall down before him... and we shall weep... and we shall understand all things! Then we shall understand all!... and all will understand