I struggle a lot with when to speak up and when to be silent, especially when social media is involved. Do I use my platform for good, or am I just adding to the noise? As a descendant of immigrants who fled to America to escape the pogroms, silence in the face of injustice is never an option for me. I have a small but somewhat stable platform, and I feel irresponsible to not use it for greater good- not just to promote my book or my blog. •
I have friends who can moderate very thoughtful discussions on controversial subjects on social media with people on all sides, and I greatly admire that. But when I try to do it, it turns into a shit show. Maybe for some people it’s a spiritual gift 😂 •
I would hope that no one who truly knows me is surprised by the causes I care about. •
There's always the hope that someone's mind could be changed by reading something, but I know that doesn't typically happen. Rather, I hope to encourage other people who are just as outraged as I am. Hopefully that anger will lead to productive activism.
#faithblog #faithblogger #bloggerlife #bloggersofinstagram #christianblog #christianblogger #christianauthor #christianauthors #christianauthorsofinstagram #christianlife #christianliving #authorsofig #bedeeplyrooted #beauthentic #shareyourheart #whatsyourstory #writerslife #writersofig #writersconnection #gritandvirtue #womenlivingwell #episcopalian #rockymountainnationalpark #estespark #socialjustice #comelordjesus #righteousanger #neverlosehope #wellwateredwomen #tellthetruth
Something on my mind lately: Christians are pretty quick to say that the gospel is offensive (and it is). We’re told not to fear if people take offense to our message, and basically have a free pass to say, “It’s not me you have a problem with, it’s Jesus.” •
We’re told not to be afraid to push buttons with people outside of the church. But what about *inside* the church? In my experience, the experience is quite different. Suggest a sermon topic about sex or politics (this can be done without endorsing a specific party or candidate!) or some other “hot topic,” and you may hear: “We can’t talk about that- people will get offended.” •
When did Christians become so sensitive? Why is it okay to take risks with the people we want to know God, but not with each other? What happened to iron sharpening iron? What happened to testing the boundaries of faith- the places where perhaps cultural biases or non-spiritual agendas have crept in- to see if they are solid? •
Maybe this is my bias talking, as I come from a background in Reform Judaism. where debate is practically a form of worship in itself. But in many Christian circles, it’s like we care more about preserving feelings than addressing real issues. Surely we can do better.
#faithblog #faithblogger #bloggerlife #bloggersofinstagram #christianblog #christianblogger #christianauthor #christianauthors #christianauthorsofinstagram #christianlife #christianliving #christianbooks #authorlife #bedeeplyrooted #beauthentic #shareyourheart #writerslife #gritandvirtue #womenlivingwell #episcopalian #blackcatsofinstagram #blackcatlove #wordbeforeworld #reformjudaism #womenoffaith #ironsharpensiron #shereadstruth #solovelysofree #spiritualjourney #christiancommunity
Recently a friend asked, "How can Christianity be true when the Bible is so hard to understand?" •
This question drove me to agnosticism for a few years. Lots of people have been driven from faith by this question, and honestly? I get it. Entire wars could have been avoided if the Bible were a bit less ambiguous about certain things. There may be a lot less hate in the world. •
But. On some level, I think the ambiguity is part of the point. •
Maybe it sounds like a cop-out to say, "God wanted some parts to be less clear so believers could gather together in community and learn from each other." Or maybe God's message was perfectly clear, but the human scribes mucked it up. Regardless, I know from Jewish experience that thoughtful, respectful biblical debate that doesn't resort to accusations of heresy can be done. In fact, I've seen it done enough times to believe that this is one of the best ways we can learn about God from other people. •
Wrestling with difficult texts is one of the most Jewish things you can do. Jesus would have known this. •
If the Bible is "perfectly clear" about anything, it's this: humans are fallen creatures. This world is a messed-up place. Jesus redeems both. To paraphrase Rabbi Hillel, the rest is commentary.
#faithblog #faithblogger #bloggerlife #bloggersofinstagram #christianblog #christianblogger #christianauthor #christianauthors #christianauthorsofinstagram #christianlife #christianliving #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorsofinsta #bedeeplyrooted #beauthentic #shareyourheart #whatsyourstory #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #writerslife #writersconnection #gritandvirtue #womenlivingwell #episcopalian #nofilter #biblequestions #judaism #wordbeforeworld #biblestudy
