2:168 – DoubleThink – What We Believe Isn’t What Everyone Believes

#faithbites #faithjourneu doublethink

Have you heard of the term, DoubleThink? It’s originally from the book 1984 and it refers to having two different opposite ideas in your head at the same time and believing them both. You may wonder why DoubleThink is the subject for today. That’s easy, it comes in what I believe a democratic society is and what my church believes.

Before we get into this, let me say this is a hard post to write as many may misinterpret it and may question my beliefs.

My church believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, that their are roles for men and women, that homosexuality is a sin, transgender is going against God’s plan. My church also believes that we should love all people regardless of what sins they have committed and we should help connect to Christ.

My understanding of a democratic society is that all people are created equal, all people have equal rights, and all people should have the same opportunities regardless of their race, beliefs, gender, orientation, or anything. All legal rights: marriage, right of visitation, taxes, inheritance, power of attorney, and such should be the same regardless of background.

It’s not hard to see that there are conflicts here. I was asked how can I espouse these views as a lay director of my church. This is hard as I hold both of these in my head. I know what the church says and I know how a democratic society should function. As we are not a Christian nation with a national religion, I can believe these and not see a conflict.

But I struggle every day.

Scripture

• And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24 (KJV)
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflection

I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. I believe in our creeds and statements of our faith. At the same time, I know that our country is not a Christian nation and I can’t force my beliefs on anyone nor should I.

Some wonder how I can believe these as the same time. I am not God nor do I know his plan. I do know that God wants us to love all people, he wants us to share his word with them. We should help people find the truth, the way, and the life.

God has given me the ability to hold both at the same time: DoubleThink. I love all of God’s creation, I will not condemn them becuase they don’t believe what I do.

To be 100% clear, I am confused at times. I wrestle with my faith, my religion, and my nation all the time. I am also in constant commune with my Lord to help me understand.

Charge

This is hard. How do we live as Christians when our faith is in conflict with our nation? Take time to understand your religion, all of it, and see how it applies to the world. Can you truly love those who don’t believe in your faith? If so, then realize that they are also God’s children. They may not know him in the way you do, but that means you should still love them and help them.

Prayer

Lord, help me when I have unbelief. Help us all to reconcile that we live in a non-Christian nation and we follow your way and your words. Our society may do things we don’t agree with but your law is above all laws. You will judge the living and the dead. Ours isn’t to judge but to love and show God’s love in all situations. Help us reconcile our DoubleThink. These are not easy times Lord, but we know you will help us in all things. We thank you and love you Lord. In your name,Amen

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