Much of history (and definitely religious history), is a history of men. Male writers. Bishops. Priests. Padres. Pastors. Presbyters. Even Popes! (sure a lot of P's) But who mainly represents church attendance? Who did the early Christian leaders most complain about? Felt they were TOO NOISY. Well, it was the women (and the roman slaves). Support for early Christian leaders came from rich greek women. And early Christian women prophesied and spoke in tongues. But that was before the 'late-writings' when they were requested to 'keep silence'. [*]
Now, to be truthful, I only mention the women and the moms to get you to think. What decides most people's religion? Why do we have Christians? Or Muslims? Or Buddhists? etc. Well, mainly it's your parents. Ok, MAYBE your dad. But definitely your family. Don't believe the part about the women? Check out a church that is slowly 'dieing' or a new church. See who attends.
Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona. It's one of those places the kids remember until they die. Warm summer days. Green leaves in the trees. Flowing bubbly creek. Relaxation and fun. What it means to be a family.Now, here's the question. If you're a Christian, how much research did you do, to make sure it all made sense? Was 'right' for you. Would save your very soul? My guess? Not a lot. Did some reading? Plus you probably accepted somebody's word concerning it's reliability.
AND AS A CHILD
Soooo ... who did you listen to concerning your belief? Again, most likely your parents. They demanded you go to church. Dress up. Attend classes. Listen to the priest or pastor. Be nice. Learn adulthood. Read some verses. Memorize! Christmas plays. Summer Bible school? And eventually ... adulthood freedom. Yes, Marriage. Ooops. Back to church again!
Miniature Golf. It seems to have a simple appeal. Relaxing and good for families. Los Abrigados, here in Sedona, has a really nice public course next to the creek. Sycamore trees high overhead. Birds. And few get past the water-trap!I doubt very much you cared about who 'Jerome' was. Or a small monestery in the Sinai desert full of old dusty manuscripts. Archi-whaty? No, you listened to your parents and the folks at church. Told you what to believe. Told you about heaven and hell. Told you about faith, obedience, marriages and funerals.
RESEARCHER'S FIND ERRORS IN THE BIBLE!
And now, you hear on TV about how the Bible might not be true. Made up? Men with a sneaky plan for you. Oh, the devil is at work, huh? Or ... maybe it's true. How CAN you tell? Or maybe just continue the cycle that your parents gave you. Decisions, decisions.
Actually (from a statistical viewpoint), it's not likely you strongly care. Chances are(!), if you stopped attending church, it wasn't because of your distress with the Bible. The cause was more likely frustrations with the Christians. Their words versus their behavior.
But in the back of your mind remains 'the Bible'. Is it just a book? Were you wrong to trust your parents? What did they know?
In the next sections, let's go over 'the Bible' and take a look at some of the criticism.
P.S. Oh, by the way. Did you ever think about world religions in general? Almost all insist you go through a priest or shaman, in order to communicate with the god(s). The Christian religion was almost unique at the time in demanding you communicate with God yourself. Interesting. (of course the priests are still trying to insert themselves)
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