As promised, I bring you a theological discussion I had with the teacher across the hall from me:
A few days before Christmas Break, a conversation was struck with a fellow teacher about the nature of religion and the various religions that exist. It was her earnest opinion that any religion that doesn't involve becoming saved by Christ is a religion that's dooming it's followers to an eternity in hell. Now, let me state that I've only heard such an opinion before in the movie 'Saved.'
Well, the discussion continued, and I played devil's advocate to bring up my belief that any religious belief is fine, since they're all based on text written by men. She was adamant that the Bible is the one True source, and that other texts must be sourced back to the devil, since they invariably produce disharmony and strife into an otherwise Christ-filled world.
Let me list a few of the thoughts that came up during the conversation:
- The idea that America is so successful because we're a nation founded on Christian ideals.
- Brushing off the tragedy of Katrina (and what it shows about America) by talking about the hundreds of people left homeless who have found salvation in Christ during the aftermath.
- That it's a shame Christians in America have become so afraid of sharing their religion that they say 'Happy Holidays' at Christmas time.
- That Satan is very real, and that he works in our hearts and minds everyday trying to turn us from finding Christ and salvation through Him.
- The belief that our peacekeeping efforts in the Holy Land have continued to bring us prosperity.
- The idea that Christian religions are more true than others, since they are based on a relationship that each person has with Christ and the Lord.
Truly, this last one was the most fascinating to me. The way she described that she had this relatioship with her Lord, and that this relationship was the piece that was missing from other religions, was an intersting take on things that I'd never heard before. In fact, the discussion left me thinking for a few days, mulling over thoughts of a true world in my mind.
Is Christ the only figure in any religion whom followers have a true relationship with?
Aren't there other religions out there that build relationships with their Lord or world in other ways?
Too long, I know. I was just telling Jack yesterday that I've tried to start an entry a couple of times, but keep getting too intimidated by my own silence.
Anyway, I decided that I need to return to my roots here on the site. By that, I mean that I'm sure alot of you (all three of you) out there are wondering what I've been cooking recently? Well damn, what haven't I been cooking? Read on:
Since August, I have:
- Had an almost complete mental breakdown.
- Been completely cussed out by 4 different 13/14-year-olds on a weekly basis.
- Been on the road for 20 hours straight.
- Opened many cans of worms.
- Been introduced to a shitload of good music.
- Embraced my iPod.
- Been heartbroken.
- Been broken.
- Broke three different kitchen timers.
- Gotten angry with Teach For America.
- Been overjoyed with fellow TFA members.
- Visited the Outer Banks twice.
- Visited the library twice.
- Found that Rocky Mount really does have decent places to eat.
- Discovered some fantastic east coast beers.
- Gotten drunk to cope with the fact that I'm not a teacher.
- Become a teacher.
It has been a ride. An insane, shitty/awesome ride.
I'm now back in Tacoma for another week, and I'm just glad to have some time to not think about teaching. My hope is that when I return, I may be able to really hit the ground running this time instead of becoming roadkill.
I hope everyone is having a good holiday. Next post (this week), I'll delve more into some eye-opening religious conversations I've had with a co-worker.