Changing a Mind
Many of us have changed our minds on certain view points, beliefs, and political views. What is it that makes us changes our minds? Usually its something that sounds more sound, factual, or evident.
Many things we may change our mind on, aren't a big deal, so it doesn't take much to change it. Like whats for dinner. I really want to have sushi for dinner tonight, however thats not going to happen, so I think I am going to have left over hamburgers from this weekend. Easy change.
What about your political view? What would it take to change your political view, or maybe who you support? It would probably take something that appeals to you. You want to know that they will keep you safe, they will do their best to take care of you, and the candidate that is closest to your idea, will get your vote.
When it comes to religion, what makes your change your mind? Is it that something sounds more logical, how about something that sounds more realistic? What is it that says, "what you currently believe is wrong, and this other thing is better?".
Something has got to cause an upset in your current beliefs. Thats why the older you get, the less likely you will change your beliefs. Once they are set, and you feel certain with them, its highly unlikely that you will change your mind on them. The down side to that is, you could be wrong. Where did you get your beliefs, and how did you test them to be true? What happens when something comes along and your boat gets rocked?
When it comes to religion, its difficult to say. All religious beliefs are backed up by a religious book or special person. If you want evidence or help, the only place to turn is to that specific book or people in the religion. I am curious where people get this strong hold for their faith, and I want to try to find out. I am curious how many people truly seek out the knowledge for their faith, or what makes them accept it. What makes people believe what they do, and what would it take to change their minds?
6 comments:
How do you know that 2+2=4?
You test it.
We hold up 2 fingers, and 2 fingers more and realize it's the same as 4 fingers.
Faith is the same way.
If we do not test it, it isn't real (or very weak at best).
We test things God says about himself, and then we see if they hold up. (They do, even if sometimes we don't see it)
Anyway, that's just some of my thoughts.
For things that have some ambiguity, as far as theology within the realm of a specific faith, I have changed my mind a few times.
I have switched positions on baptism, losing salvation and free will. With most of these at first I was not comparing scripture like I should have. Secondly, I was in churches that weren't contrasting different positions to strengthen their own.
I finally reached a level of spiritual maturity that I just wanted to know the truth and am humble enough to admit that I was wrong. So for me it was just wanting to know truth.
Dead on Roland. People think that we as Christians are working on Faith and Faith alone as far as why we believe.
I don't trust in God solely on Faith. The facts are all there. Not only have a felt and experienced God in my life, but his book has proven itself over and over again. It's simple for me really.
As far as specific doctrines within my faith, I leave that up to the Bible. If the Bible says it, (given it's track record for accuracy,) I believe it. Call me naive.
These are all great answers, how they dont answer the question I am asking. At least not the way I thought.
What made you choose to become a Christian, leaving behind whatever you believed in prior?
For me, I knew God was real after the 1st time I died and was brought back. As for why a Christian? I was raised Catholic, but left the church upon graduation from HS. Unlike many after hs, I continued to read a variety of things. I read about what interested me. There was evidence about much of old and new testament claims. Christ was written of by Tacitus and others. Also, other books pointed out that Christ, and the movement that followed his crucifiction, the conversions that didn't stop despite persecution, usually do not happen for false people. Yet, does it not, for us, all boil down to Faith? I've read much, yet it is all history, supposedly verified by others. I believe, because of events since I came back to faith in Christ. Things have happened that I cannot explain, other than answered prayer. Thus, my faith is strengthened.
Let me explain, no wait, there is too much. Let me sum up:
I was reading the book of Daniel. I had history books about Greece and Alexander the Great. I noticed how nicely they lined up. If it were all just a hoax, written after the fact, why be so obscure about it?
If it was written ahead of time, it was spot on!
It made me realize that God wasn't just a god, but THE God. He is completely in control and knows all about us.
I had been religious up until then. I was even attending a good fundamental Baptist church.
Those things helped me. Yet the church I was in had forgotten about compassion and grace. Funny that grace is in the name of the church I was at. Anyway...
I left. And attended a place where believers actually spent time helping each other. Both Republican and Democrats attended. And they were friends! Imagine my shock. Such things didn't make sense.
And now, some of those 'liberals' are my friends.
And my beliefs changed even more.
When that church folded, we were led to a large mega-type church. They don't think of themselves that way. And it shows.
It is amazing to see how God works with each person as an individual.
And how He treats each person as such. Not by pressing them into a cookie cutter and removing needed parts. But by allowing them to grow into Christ and letting things change as needed.
I believe you were looking for a testimony. In short, that is mine thus far...
Post a Comment