Those are the words that I heard a few weeks ago when I began to feel that this sense of need to write each morning was being taken a little too serious!
For weeks now I have been seized with wonder as to what might come to my mind as I read, or be called to my attention such that it merits "opine." Hope I just used that word correctly!
These blog posts are my accountability measure, given the vast margin of beliefs among my readership. In fact, a young editor friend has now begun extracting thoughts from these posts for a book we have agreed to write entitled, "Come Let Us Reason Together."
This morning, another young friend and fellow writer posted the quote captured in the graphic above for my encouragement.
Then another, who always offers a humorous, satirical edge, reposted an advertisement recruiting membership from "around the globe" for the Flat Earth Society. Think about that statement.
I actually looked up their web site (see link below). Established in 1847, and with a recent conference in 2020, they boasted of 600 members. Though I respect their right to exist, I'm not that guy!!
If you've been following of late, you know that I just finished a very slow and taxing read through Ezekiel, and am now looking forward to my read through the book of Daniel, one of my favorite prophets.
This book, similar to Ezekiel, is described as combining two types of literature: court narrative and apocalypse. Stories of God's protection, along with cryptic language and symbolic terms typical of apocalyptic literature.
These books offer record of the treacherous history of Isreal, as well as references to a day that when linked with others books of the Canon, support religious beliefs among Millenialists.
Note, I did not say Millennials! The latter and those generations that follow, some now referred to as "Nones" are likely unaware of the term just used.
These younger are my desired audience, so many long departing any formal engagement with the Institutional Church, though cutting edge in their search for truth!
I say that because many of these are next generation believers, and like the one who sent me the graphic above are looking for meaningful spiritual experience, but again, less enticed by what the institution of church has become. Many are even engaged in a process more widely known as deconstruction. Their attempt at unlearning a false narrative, that for some is now seen as even wounding. The body count is now too high for me to ignore!
Then as always, there are those who throw the "Babe out with the wash", spoofing anything that references a relationship with our "Sky-God".
Yet, even those admit to a desire for a culture based upon the love and virtue ascribed to the man, Jesus. Though they are quick to express doubt as to whether he was an historical figure, or religious myth!
When one is transparent with their faith, there will always be skeptics, and a slim margin of stubborn folk, so blinded by their beliefs, that their words provide humor, such as the case with this "global search for Flat-Earth members", adding fodder to the fire of those bent on "spoofing" the Bride of Christ.
So, where is the proof in our pudding, such that demonstrates the power professed by the church, at least the "early church"? Example given, Peter's words in Acts 3:6-8, "Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk".
Back to my excitement as I enter the writings of Daniel, one of four "Israelites from the royal family and the nobility, children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." Dan 1:4 KJV.
As a former science teacher, I'll ask those with an edge of distain for Ole King James, to excuse my preference, at least for the book of Daniel!
This is getting a little lengthy, though I must once more reference the fact that we are just beyond that 500 year mark which has historically delivered serious shifts in Christianity. So, I hope as you continue to read, you will sense my excitement, as we may be on the cusp of another transformational moment for the Bride of Christ as she matures!
I'll likely write more on this tomorrow. For now I'm going to enjoy one of those ancient stories from Daniel, the stories I was raised on!
Selah!