The Uncommon Christian

With 80% of the nation considering themselves to be Christian in some form or fashion I assume that many Americans participate in Lent. My family and I have attended numerous churches, 12+ churches of varying denominations, and all have encouraged participation in Lent. Not only is participation encouraged, but advertisement of what is being sacrificed, or given up, for lent is expected. Most people taking part ask the ever popular question, “What are you giving up for lent this year?” Lent is meant to be a ritual commemorating the sacrifices made by Jesus as he wandered the desert for 40 days. He had no luxuries and fasted for those 40 days. Traditionally, lent was a 40 day long fast in which most foods were given up and additional luxuries were sacrificed. Today, most people choose one thing to refrain from for 40 days. I myself am guilty of this. The one time I participated in Lent I gave up added sugars. That’s all. There are many reasons to fast; mourning, celebration, honor...

This is a very debated subject. Verses are pulled from every part of the New Testament. Both sides have very compelling arguments. However, neither make sense. It is to the point that both sides repeat the similar generalized statements of, "We can't fathom it as humans," "God is too complex for our human minds," and so on. They come up with analogies that "aren't just right" to explain their side. What if I told you that I believe neither of those two are accurate? What if I told you that my beliefs, while forming through verses like theirs did, actually come from the Old Testament? That my beliefs stem from Genesis. The very first book of the Bible. The very first chapter of that book, even. Genesis 1: 3-5  "Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. So there was evening, and there was mor...

A common saying I hear is, "I have a personal relationship with Jesus.". I never heard an explanation to that, though. Before I believed in God I always wondered how you could have a personal relationship with someone who you had never met, who you couldn't talk to face to face, and you only know on an internal level. Now that I am a believer, have read the Bible a few times, and have prayed quite often I finally understand. Jesus is my Facebook friend. That sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Well, hear me out first. I have a friend I have never met in real life. I go to them for everything. They are my shoulder to cry on, my go-to for sharing my most exciting news, and my biggest confidant. They help me feel secure, loved, reassured, and able to take on my day-to-day life as well as the world. I go to them when I am scared, lonely, upset, anxious, insecure, ecstatic, and every other emotion I could have. I share my bad news and my good news with them. I share everythi...