Less than two weeks until classes are over. I'm really looking forward to the summer break. Especially since I made myself promise to not work on my book until my exams are done. It is simply because I need to focus on paper writing and bring my grades up as they have slipped since I've taken on a lot more as far as work, school, volunteering, etc. this year than any other years, so I'd kinda like to finish strong.
I went to a play last night, Bigger Than Jesus. It was what I expected it to be. It was very well done, performed and written. I just completely disagree with the playwright's position/argument and it bothered me. Perhaps the most bothersome line of his to me was "if Christians instead read the New Testament as beautifully inspiring literature than the actual word of God, then the world would be so much better." It bothered me because a) I believe the complete opposite, in that, if Christians, YES! including me, actually lived according to the New Testament as the actual word of God, then the world would be so much better off, and b) it bothers me because it is a poorly thoughtout position. He uses the word "inspiring." If it is simply an "inspiring" piece of literature, what is it to inspire people to do so? What is so inspiring about it if he is suggesting that we aren't actually suppose to believe and say everything that Jesus said and did? It would make more sense if he would have just stated that the world would be better off if Christians viewed the New Testament as "beautiful literature." The use of the word "inspiring" is an attempt to play it safe in my mind, but really, it makes his statement fall in on itself. Furthermore, the playwrights suppose that Jesus didn't die to save humanity since he wasn't the literal son of God (perhaps the figurative son of God. What does that even mean? I'm not sure if he even considered that before he wrote it). If Jesus didn't die as the literal son of God, then his death is nothing more than a shame; it just happened to be a painful way to die. His death ultimately has no purpose if his death doesn't accomplish anything. If he died as just another human being, then why should I even consider following his commands if we are all just going to die and become worms and he isn't who he says he is. Why would I forfeit my life for a cause that wasn't literal, but instead figurative? The New Testament as "beautifully inspiring literature" is a waste of time. One last thing, the New Testament (and particularly the Old Testament, but I won't delve into that since he wasn't talking about that) is not "beautiful." Since when was reading about the persecution of a church beautiful (unless you are some sadistic twit, OR if you actually believe they are dying for something worth dying for)? Since when was reading about a rabbi who made several very absolute statements beautiful (unless you believe his words have power)? Since when was reading about the spread of the Christian faith through the books of Acts and the epistles from Paul, Peter, John, etc. beautiful? (unless of course you think this widespread of the Christian faith is something that was ultimately good for the world. Especially considering that if it is not to be taken literally, why would we want to be reading about this group of people only being deluded and believing in something that isn't what it is made out to be. Is that not something to be sadden about? When people fall into a belief that is a lie?) It is this patronizing crap that bothers me. I would rather be told that I'm full of it than to always have to deal with these challenges and criticisms. It is tiring. I am not a pillar of strength. I am not a source of everflowing energy. They are always the same "arguments" and statements. I am tired.
Sometimes, I feel like Elijah did. Particularly after incident with the prophets of Baal. I'm tired of being told that my beliefs are based on a conspiracy and I'm radical for believing in Christ. I'm not wanting them to stop speaking about their beliefs against my faith, it is their right. They don't need to be censored, the Christian faith has lasted far greater challenges than a play or the Da Vinci Code. It will continue to outlast them. My sanity? That remains to be seen.....
Labels: play, school
