This passage really reflects most Christians views of others. If they don't look like you and they don't act like you, they aren't worthy of the things you are. In my experience it really boils down to the way of worship. Some Christians seem really narrow minded in how it is appropriate to worship God and earn a ticket to heaven. I really think that's all backwards. It seems ludicrous to think that there is only one way of doing anything. And how can they be sure that theirs is the right way? What if they are interpreting the whole message wrong? Is that also a possibility? I believe that Sa-go-ye-wat-ha really had the right idea. Religion seems to be one person telling a bunch of other people what to believe, how to practice it, and what is right and wrong, but should those all be something that everyone should decide for themselves. One person can not tell another that what they believe is wrong because they themselves don't know the real truth. One of the most inspiring things that Sa-go-ye-wat-ha said was "We also have religion which was given to our forefathers and has been handed down to us, their children. We worship in that way. It teaches us to be grateful for all the favors we receive, to love one another, and to be united. We never quarrel about religion. We know that that the Great Spirit is pleased that we follow the traditions of our forefathers, for in doing so we receive his blessing." Aren't those the teachings that Christianity was founded on? Aren't those beliefs and practices a way of leading a good life anyways? It is this kinds of examples of bigoted Christianity that make me sad and wish for something to open their eyes and their hearts to what really matters.
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Amen to that! I am not religious myself, and don't generally touch religion with a ten foot pole, but I really agree with you. I've had a lot of experience with certain religions within Christianity and it all seems to put down others in one way or another. I could've sworn it wasn't Man's job to judge - supposedly it is God's. So why, then, are men judging men and not welcoming them?
ReplyDeleteI really don't know what else to say simply because you've done a good job of taking the words right out of my mouth.
Awesome blog!
I agree too. It seems a lot of Christians play the "holier than thou" card and it's a real turn off. People like that are, I believe, the ones that give Christians a bad rep. It's my belief that as far as getting to heaven goes it's completely between you and God. Just because the Christian minister went to church and did what he thought God wanted him too doesn't mean he's going to heaven. Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha said something along the lines of how did they know they weren't worshiping the same God? Everybody worships in their own way. Loved the blog, good job!
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ReplyDeleteI really liked how you put that. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and everyone should be more open minded. That just because one doesn't agree the same, or act the same, they should still have the chance to be respected. Just as sa-go-ye-wat-ha was toward the missionary, very kind, although the missionary wasn't in return. Like the blog, well stated.
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