Biblical Gobbledygook
It’s like with any subject. Knowledge can be a powerful weapon of control.
I received an offline comment from a friend following yesterday’s post about going to church for the first time. She states that this is exactly where she happens to be and wondered about how to figure out which church to attend.
So let’s go there, shall we?
My advice is coming from my being a Christian, but if you want to apply it to other religions, I think it is still a rational approach. It also works in other academic disciplines as well.
Whoever you are, trust this about your journey. If you sincerely ask, God will answer. In other words, if God exists and is active, he can be sought. Will he appear like the genie in the lamp? I wouldn’t bet on it. In fact, my money is on him not showing up at all as you expect he will. I bet he will surprise, even possibly shock you.
So what does this look like in practical moves you might take?
Let me ask you first.
What is it you lack right now to decide how you might best grow spiritually?
Let me guess.
You lack knowledge and understanding in this particular subject area.
So what you really need, in good Christian terms, are good Bible guides.
As I see it, there are two ways into biblical studies.
One way is to follow The Leader. Throw all your eggs into the basket of one charismatic character. That’s how people end up in cults. They are instructed to listen only to their Oracle. You will be told that all others, especially those willing to admit a few doubts of their own, are of the devil.
One big clue you have walked into something weird is the teaching and preaching are fear and authority based.
Don’t get sucked in. Get out quickly.
Another clue you are in the wrong place is that this group’s dominant subject or theme is predominantly personal and worldly success. When you encounter this step back and note that those who teach this are justifying their own levels of wealth.
Here is a quote from Jesus on the matter.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
The best way is toward clarity, helpfulness, and making complex things understandable. In other words, you want to find a faith based community where the Bible is taught even to the little ones and it has an atmosphere of encouragement and acceptance. Going this direction encourages you to learn, study, and think for yourself.
Does this mean you shouldn’t learn from people who know more than you do?
Of course not.
At first everyone might know more than you do, including the kids. I’m just saying don’t fall under any self-promoter’s trance.
Instead as your understanding of the Bible grows, this openness to listen to many voices then becomes your strength and shield against lies and gobbledygook.
So…
Ask for guidance.
Seek to learn.
Look for a community of happy believers who love God and the Bible.
Mingle with those who are not threatened by tough challenging questions, even if they themselves don’t know the answers. They will be willing to seek answers with you.
And avoid fear-based gobbledygook- filled snake-oil salesmen.
