My Experience at the Jewish Temple

This weekend was interesting. I went to the Jewish Temple with my former boss who was Jewish (guess you knew that). I enjoyed the service and it was a first for me.  I have never really ventured out into other faiths and religions in my life. I was brought up in the Christian faith and predominately in the African American church and it is a part of me and is responsible for who I am today.

One thing I did like were the prayer books and the recitations. Once I figured out what they were saying and singing I enjoyed it. It was interesting the history that I was shown and the knowledge of her faith that was portrayed.

Knowledge about what you believe in is something that has been getting to me lately.  Having an educated faith....sometimes the more I learn the more I question, but I still realize I know what I believe in. I then think back to my older family members who did not have the education, but believed and live a life that I admire and was devoted to God.

Another struggle with my faith....

God's Work vs. Church Work

This was a post I wanted to write last Sunday, but just did not have the energy to do it.  I made a status on facebook a while ago...Not all church work is God's work and that got some of my friends to thinking....even got me to thinking. Sometimes I feel that we get so  busy doing work for the church we miss what God wants us to do.

What do I mean? I think, or I observe that people get so busy do work in the church they do not go out and help and be an example to others.  Sometimes I am out and I see people that I go to church with and I attempt to say hello although I might not know their name and they don't even speak back. 

Some people's lives revolve around church, but not God. They take no time out for themselves, their social lives all revolve around church and church people.  They are not well rounded.  They put their faith in the man at the pulpit and look to him as their God.  This is not good.

I think the world would be a much better place if people would not put all their focus on church work and think about God's work.

Having an Educated Faith

One thing that gets me about my faith is there is a lot to read & know and honestly....I have not done it. I think over the past year I have developed and want to learn more about what I believe in because of questions that came in my mind that I had yet to receive the answer for.

Merriam Webster's dictionary defines faith as:

1.a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2

a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust

3

: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs faith>

I think all a great definitions, but the key that got me that I think that faith should be educated and backed up....even if there is no proof. II Timothy 2:15 says "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Which I agree with, but how can every person have the education and the ability to dissect the scriptures and the history?

I think about my older family members and their faith some did not have a college education, or even a high school diploma, but they studied their Bible and were able to back up what they believed in. When I see some people who have a zealous love of the Lord, without any understanding of the scripture I wonder sometimes is that ok?  I mean they live out their faith without a complete understanding of what they believe....no proof.

I think rather you are person that believes in God or any religious faith you have to have some realization that some things you just can't explain. We do not have the answers to everything....probably will never have the answers to everything.

Just some things I have been thinking about when it comes to my faith this week.  We will see where this leads me.

Insanity

Insanity....doing the same thing and expecting different results. I have heard this quote so many times, but when it comes to my faith I question "Am I insane?" I think yes, there are aspects of my faith that I do not understand and I do not have the answers to, but I think that is a part of faith....you don't have the answers. Some things in my life I do the same thing and I expect different results, which might considered insane, but in some ways to me it is an aspect of faith. People pray and hope things change, which I believe works, but I also believe you have to play a part...I mean if you are praying for a job, but not making yourself a desirable worker what is the point?

My church is doing a series on not quitting.....I am enjoying and learning from it.  I don't consider myself a quitter, but in some areas I am not a finisher....might explain in another post, just got some inspiration.

I struggle with the insanity, but sometimes I think it is a necessary insanity...we shall see.

I am tired, I went to the African Street Festival this afternoon and had fun, but the heat got to me and now I have a major headache and for some reason my face won't stop itching....not a good combo.  Time to lay it down! Good Night!

New Series: Faith

Yesterday while I was reading and thinking I decided to start a series on my blog about faith. On a few of my posts I have talked a little about my faith and what I believe in and even some of what I question. I think faith is a process and we have to grow and learn more about what we believe in. 

One of the girls I mentor through my church stated she was an atheist, I said okay and asked why, she then said she was joking, but was shocked at how I responded. A lot of people like to quote the scripture Joshua 24:15...."but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I am not saying the agree or disagree with that, but I believe that people have to come to a decision about their faith for themselves. I feel that people have to be educated about their faith and not follow blindly, if the girl I was speaking with could articulate why she believed what she believed, I might disagree, but it might be a part of her figuring out her faith in the long run.

I question a lot of things, just not about faith, but life in general, so why should my faith not bring up questions in me.  I know what I have been taught, and I know what I have been told, but I am in the process of learning and reading for myself. This series will help me process some of what is in my head and in my heart. Some things will be funny, some things will be serious, some might even be controversial, but everything will be what I observe, question, and feel. 

I think a lot of times people subject their faith to a feeling, an emotion, or just ritual.  I am not saying those things do not play a part, but I do think whatever you believe in should be backed up by knowledge, you don't know everything, but you should be able to defend your faith....even if others disagree.

These posts will usually be on Sunday afternoons after I leave Church because it will give me a time to reflect and think. I am open for questions and suggestions. Hope you enjoy and join in the convo...

Sidenote.....It is 2:00 am and I am up, WHY???? I need to go to sleep because I will be up in a few hours. It is going to be a long day!