Note: This post, like many relocated here in 2013, was originally posted at coolreligion.net.
Why start this blog? At heart it’s because something is needed.
Cool Religion got grabbed for the resonance it has with my own desire to handle matters of religion with some coolness. What that means and where it will take us, who knows.
You might be forgiven for thinking me self-absorbed and, therefore, irrelevant…
Yet we are on a journey in life. We have only the smallest inkling of where we originated from, and even less of an idea about where we might end up.
My quest has become one of finding answers. Not definitive answers, mind… not the “this one fits all folk” type of answer. We are seeking practical answers here. Real answers… the kind that change you and help you to grow.
Who the heck am I?
Hmm. Disclosure would help here, I suppose.
Last year I started a personal blog. I quickly noticed that whenever I posted something related to my experience of faith the traffic would spike significantly. That being said, I didn’t want to turn my personal space into a religious blog.
As time has gone by, and my has it flown, I have come to realise that I need to talk about this stuff. The blog has been a great place for me to share some experiences and ideas. I guess that Cool Religion offers me a place to take that aside and develop it, allowing anyone else who wants to the chance to follow along too… but leaving everyone else alone to live as they choose, without a nagging religious commentary.
My life is undergoing major change. It’s a life that is seeking to move into a teaching career, and away from a business career. It’s a life that is really seeking to deepen and grow beyond the usual stuff that everyone else is hankering after. I have, for instance, little interest in wealth generation and owning the trappings of modern Western society.
More than that, full disclosure would require me to confess that I am allegedly a Christian by faith. I wasn’t always a Christian though.
Truth told, I am dissatisfied with “the Church”, unhappy about the gap between my life and my beliefs, and utterly opposed to blindly following anything without thinking it through first. I am seeking authenticity and spontaneity. This, then, will perhaps be the journal of my walk deeper into a lived-out faith.
How will we make this journey?
Well, to be honest, this is not set in stone either. That said, I feel that it’s time to start slow. One step at a time.
The old proverb goes something like, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” Yeah, I heard that somewhere… Chinese, isn’t it? Never can remember that kind of thing.
The point is that we have to start somewhere. Going slow, step-by-step, works for me better than rushing off to the conclusion. You are welcome to travel along too. In fact, to be honest, I will probably appreciate the company.
Where are we going?
Erm… I dunno. Religion is a thorny subject, filled with worry and anxiety for many people. Isn’t it something that we really ought to keep to ourselves? Well… I would challenge that particular view.
Wherever we end up, it’s worth pointing out that humans are inherently social. I don’t want to end up alone. Surely it’d be far better to arrive, at the end, with some people around you. I guess this is a desire to belong… to share what we are experiencing. That probably means that we are going somewhere that has room for a small crowd.
Will you get involved?
I don’t think I want to tell many people about this blog, at least not to begin with. That being said, if you’ve happened upon it you are very welcome to add a comment or drop in your own thoughts. I am interested in hearing from people of faiths such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism… and also from people of no particular faith, and from atheists too. You will probably find that you have something that you can share.
My only request is that you keep it cool… as in, respectful and calm and polite. I won’t want to leave posted up any rudeness or intolerance in this place. We are seeking a space for reflection and learning. If you are full of bile, please find somewhere else to unload it.
Will you get involved? Well, I guess we will have to wait and see.
Peace be with you.
I am a Christian. I was raised religious, but did nothing until 6 years ago he showed to me. And now he’s my Tom Tom for life. because: He lived 20 centuries ago. He wrote no books, made no wars, founded no religion, in short, he did none of the things that many others a place for themselves in history. However, his unmistakable influence. What’s so special about him?
Who can tell you the way for the trip of your life? Where to get the best information and best route planner? Jesus says of himself: “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14 verse six) This is something Jesus says! This text oozes of exclusivity, which Jesus himself fitting. He does not say: “I and many others …” No, he says: “I am …” He claims they are exclusivieit. He thereby makes himself someone who fully trusted, or the biggest liar.
He says he knows the way in this life, the truth, and the life. That’s everything! Jesus offers the best information and itinerary for this life. Frankly the best, he says! Jesus once every reason to be taken seriously and to sit down and examine what he has to say about life, truth and the way there.
It can also be your life’s journey to create the greatest accomplishment.
Jindra, thanks for the comment – and a “no holds barred” one too.
You know, as a Christian myself, I can’t really say that I disagree with you. That being said, I feel that Jesus was always more of the “come to me” kind of character, rather than a “you must listen to me” kind of guy.
Jesus was teaching the Jewish people – a nation formed by, and in a treaty arrangement with, God. To them he was very forthright at times, such as when he cleared out the Temple. That being said, when he was preaching in Galilee and walking among Samaritans he essentially invited folk to listen to his words… and showed them his power. In other words, he told off anyone who claimed to know “the truth”, while inviting others to “come hear the truth”.
This might seem like nitpicking, but his famous claim from John 14:6 was addressed not to a crowd of unbelievers but to his disciples – to people who were already believers. It was not a universal call to accept him as global Messiah… it was a revelation to those who already believed.
Look at how the Apostles and the early Church taught the faith. They lived it out and invited all who were interested to come and learn to live like that too. Exclusive claims generally fall on deaf ears… as happens whenever I walk past a ranting evangelist in the street. Real change comes from encountering faith in real people’s lives.
This is why I write what I write… to help people to first of all encounter the different faiths. In an age of confusion and intolerance it strikes me that the journey is more important than the destination.
Ha, ha, yeah I do not like detours, and like to say the way things are. I love the way you write, you are yourself and let people watch them in your mind. And I agree with you that everyone goes his own way in the faith, because I’m convinced that everyone ultimately leads to God. And you trip over there you will only get stronger in your faith!
It’s soooo good to have you come join us and talk with us, Jindra. Thank you for commenting… perhaps you’ll consider reading and contributing some more…?
I’ll definitely do that!