Christianity Equals The Path to Perfection?
I know that real Christians wouldn’t agree, as the person who posted the other day, “All religions are but one…”, a quote by Ostad Elahi, but God keeps telling me in different forms it is the same. Now, it is true that the Lord had called me to be Christian at this time, and for this I’ve…well, I’ve taken the leap that wasn’t exactly faith, but wasn’t exactly NOT faith. I “chose” to believe because I felt this was God’s call on me at this time. In addition, following Christianity closely and devoutly has made everything in life just WORK better. (By that, I mean even the bad horrible unchangeable things.) On the Path, we were taught to experiment with concepts and that if we did, we would undoubtedly meet and begin a relationship with God. This was 100% true for me, the Path taught me how to get and grow faith – something that NEVER happened for me with the Catholicism or Christianity I was raised with.
And as I continue to muse on and wander what the nature of Christ really is, all the while accepting that He was a worthy sacrifice necessary to erase our sins from God, I move closer and CLOSER to God even while my questions become deeper. It’s not that the questions are getting harder, it’s that the answers…well, even when they don’t come, I’m ok. I don’t NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW anymore.
But sometimes, an answer comes when you least expect it. I was lying with my baby in the dark, getting her off to sleep, and a temptation came to mind. I could almost hear the enemy laughing that I would give in, but I just laughed back. I’ve learned that an EXCELLENT way to fight even the most difficult temptations is to praise God, loudly if possible. I praised Him softly (so Zoe could sleep), and thought again on the nature of Christ. I can only praise and worship God, if Christ is God then I can worship Him, but if Christ is a man with the essence of God, then I can only praise that essence. In thinking this, it occured to me that on the Path, we are taught that God forgives all sins (if you ask), but not the sins of others – you still need to make retribution and make things right with them, and this could take many lives. And you must improve yourself – struggle to overcome your imperious nature and have the nature of God.
Christianity teaches (the way I believe) that Christ forgives all sins, but you in all reality still must make restitution and gain forgiveness of your brothers & sisters. We are commanded as well in Christianity to forgive others “as your father in heaven forgave you”. Wesleyan doctrine teaches Christian perfection – and I think most Christian doctrines teach self-improvement – as a way of becoming more Christ-like. In fact, we should struggle to be “mistaken” for Christ. In Christianity, though, we are taught we only have one life.
And so, for me, the two disparate Paths are becoming one road less travelled. Continuing my journey, every day, every way, I remain, your faithful servant in God.
Are you a Wesleyan? That’s the denomination I was raised in.
Hi Katrina! No, I’m not Wesleyan, WAY too liberal for that! But must admit that John Wesley had some great ideas, and I did find God and love for even right wing Christians in a Wesleyan church. These people in this church are the Real Deal.
How did Wesleyan work (or not work) for you?
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.†I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
Hi Micky, I’m sorry to hear about your troubles but am rejoicing that God led you out of it. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your scriptures – I promise to look them up.
I had a near-death experience in 1999, and it’s only by the grace of God that I’m sitting here writing to you today. I guess we’re both here today because God values us MUCH more than we can ever fathom! Every day is a joy and a blessing, but sometimes as we move further away from the events that brought us TO God, we let the world slide in and forget. Hold on to that Joy with both hands, Micky!
Welcome to the blog!