What I’ve gained from Christianity: #1 Forgiveness of others. Truly the one real difference from other decent human beings. Not that you have to be Christian to forgive, but it’s a moral imperative for us, so I don’t often rationalize my way out of it. #2 Humility — not that I’m never arrogant, but saying every week, out loud and with others, that I’m not perfect and that I regularly fail, I think it does make a difference, makes it easier to admit when I’m wrong, and apologize. #3 Singing with others. Not super theological, maybe, but it’s this little bit of fun I have every week, which I couldn’t get in many other ways.
I like it. I'd add, the Peace with God and, therefore, with the "big picture" (not the way things are, immediately, which can be aweful) which gives me a grounded Hope; the experience of Not being Alone during the worst of times; a Joy which stays with me regardless of how unhappy I may be; knowing how much I am Loved in spite of how I or others feel about me; I could go on. But all this is because I know God as Someone who has made all this possible in and thru Christ Jesus, "God in the flesh" taking on all humanity's shit which ultimately wants God dead.
What I’ve gained from Christianity: #1 Forgiveness of others. Truly the one real difference from other decent human beings. Not that you have to be Christian to forgive, but it’s a moral imperative for us, so I don’t often rationalize my way out of it. #2 Humility — not that I’m never arrogant, but saying every week, out loud and with others, that I’m not perfect and that I regularly fail, I think it does make a difference, makes it easier to admit when I’m wrong, and apologize. #3 Singing with others. Not super theological, maybe, but it’s this little bit of fun I have every week, which I couldn’t get in many other ways.
I like it. I'd add, the Peace with God and, therefore, with the "big picture" (not the way things are, immediately, which can be aweful) which gives me a grounded Hope; the experience of Not being Alone during the worst of times; a Joy which stays with me regardless of how unhappy I may be; knowing how much I am Loved in spite of how I or others feel about me; I could go on. But all this is because I know God as Someone who has made all this possible in and thru Christ Jesus, "God in the flesh" taking on all humanity's shit which ultimately wants God dead.