Jason Boyett's O Me of Little Faith
11 Comments Published by Jason on Friday, July 09, 2010 at 7/09/2010 06:34:00 PM.
I rarely read a book in one sitting, but I did just that today with O Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett. (A hat tip to Mike Cope for blogging about the book and to Melanie Semore for posting a FB link to Mike's blog.)
I finished the book all of fifteen minutes ago, so I haven't reflected on it enough to muster a thoughtful response to it yet. In short, I laughed some, nodded in assent numerous times, and even cried a bit. Boyett's story as a doubter is very much my own. These are but a few of the passages that really resonated with me:
After acknowledging the sensibility of arguments for and against the existence of God, he concludes, “God is hard to prove. God is hard to disprove. The existence or nonexistence of God is unprovable.”
Later, comparing “spiritual heavyweights” explanations of mundane occurrences with his own, he writes:
“These super-believers are so full of God that there’s no room for doubt. They rarely ask questions, and when they do, the answers are not the findings of science. The answers are supernatural. The answers are usually the same: God.
God is rarely my go-to explanation. On the contrary, my life is so full of doubt that I can’t find room for God. Does that make me a bad Christian? Am I a bad Christian because I do ask hard questions? Am I a bad Christian because explaining every detail as “God at work in my life” seems like religious narcissism instead of profound faith?
I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”
“When it comes to matters of faith, I find more in common ground among atheists and agnostics than I do with doubt-free Christians.”
“I am not an emotional person. I’m an introvert. So in a Christian subculture that equates emotion with the presence of God, I shouldn’t be surprised that I ‘experience’ God less than everyone else . . . I don’t experience God very much at all, and I think it’s because I’m hesitant to automatically equate an emotional high with the presence of the Almighty.”
“Apologetics can only take a person so far, and it hasn’t taken me far enough. For some people, intellect may be an exit off the doubter’s road. For me, it’s the center line that keeps me on it.”
“What does authenticity look like when it comes to doubt? In almost all cases, it looks like humility.”
“There are few things that turn me off more than people who speak with absolute certitude about complex issues (like eschatology or the Bible) or deep mysteries (like God or the saving work of Christ).”
“I’ve seen brief glimpses of God, bits of glory and slivers of grace, but never the big picture. This frustrates me because the our world needs the big picture. For all the happy talk about God’s blessing and favor on Christian TV, you don’t have to look very far to find a God who seems less available than we’d like . . .”
Like Boyett, I try to "own up to doubt and keep moving."
I finished the book all of fifteen minutes ago, so I haven't reflected on it enough to muster a thoughtful response to it yet. In short, I laughed some, nodded in assent numerous times, and even cried a bit. Boyett's story as a doubter is very much my own. These are but a few of the passages that really resonated with me:
After acknowledging the sensibility of arguments for and against the existence of God, he concludes, “God is hard to prove. God is hard to disprove. The existence or nonexistence of God is unprovable.”
Later, comparing “spiritual heavyweights” explanations of mundane occurrences with his own, he writes:
“These super-believers are so full of God that there’s no room for doubt. They rarely ask questions, and when they do, the answers are not the findings of science. The answers are supernatural. The answers are usually the same: God.
God is rarely my go-to explanation. On the contrary, my life is so full of doubt that I can’t find room for God. Does that make me a bad Christian? Am I a bad Christian because I do ask hard questions? Am I a bad Christian because explaining every detail as “God at work in my life” seems like religious narcissism instead of profound faith?
I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”
“When it comes to matters of faith, I find more in common ground among atheists and agnostics than I do with doubt-free Christians.”
“I am not an emotional person. I’m an introvert. So in a Christian subculture that equates emotion with the presence of God, I shouldn’t be surprised that I ‘experience’ God less than everyone else . . . I don’t experience God very much at all, and I think it’s because I’m hesitant to automatically equate an emotional high with the presence of the Almighty.”
“Apologetics can only take a person so far, and it hasn’t taken me far enough. For some people, intellect may be an exit off the doubter’s road. For me, it’s the center line that keeps me on it.”
“What does authenticity look like when it comes to doubt? In almost all cases, it looks like humility.”
“There are few things that turn me off more than people who speak with absolute certitude about complex issues (like eschatology or the Bible) or deep mysteries (like God or the saving work of Christ).”
“I’ve seen brief glimpses of God, bits of glory and slivers of grace, but never the big picture. This frustrates me because the our world needs the big picture. For all the happy talk about God’s blessing and favor on Christian TV, you don’t have to look very far to find a God who seems less available than we’d like . . .”
Like Boyett, I try to "own up to doubt and keep moving."
[b][url=http://www.uggsoutletshopus.com/]www.uggsoutletshopus.com[/url][/b] Gentlemen will never seriously the very options many girls make. You'll must find the latest fantastic offer substantially much less concepts giving as part of your range of wallets and as a consequence an essential lower range of types somebody could use. Maybe commonly the rationale powering adult men most normally related with pretty much all ages fall short to chiefly display plenty of desire to creations seeing as well when should really many persons acquired an additional remarkable offer a lot more choices gentlemen will certainly arrive at be eager on his or maybe her's possibilities..
[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonwebsite.co.uk/]Louis vuitton uk[/url][/b] Star stylist Caroline Sieber inside a substantial advertisement within the private demonstration of 8 different variations of modeling as well as Speedy Bandouliere bag with abilities and time and energy to spare into the traditional sample. LV (Louis Vuitton) African royal travel wardrobe the concept of your 2009 Wintertime Monogram sequence bags by Paul Helbers penned exterior in honor exceptional practicality. Hexagone, which include new faces, together with the football deal Monogram Monogram the Revelation, Monogram Escapade Monogram.
[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonwebsite.co.uk/]louis vuitton outlet[/url][/b] To the beginning about 2000, within a international circumstance Maruti Alto your fifth era from Alto fashion was the truth is introduced and featured toward the Indian Field. This particular motor vehicle ended up being conquer within the Maruti 800, and possesses extended been changed using the Maruti A-Star sequence. This unique subcompact auto is indisputably built with all the assist of 4 doorways and it is for regular hatchback body.
Controlling these interactions would be the crux of developing an innovation firm. Inside of a phrase which will recur in the course of this e book, innovation is usually a social course of action. Which course of action could only come about when men and women do that straightforward, profound thing -- hook up to reveal challenges, possibilities, and discovering.
[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonpursessalenow.com/]louis vuitton purses[/url][/b] Louis Vuitton Malletier, commonly often called Louis Vuitton, or shortened to LV, can be an worldwide French trend residence specializing in trunks, leather-based merchandise, ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewellery, components, sunglasses, and textbooks. Known the world in excess of for its iconic LV monogram and emblem, Louis Vuitton is among essentially the most recognizable manufacturers during the planet. A very long time symbol of status and prosperity, the business commands a lot of the best rates in the global manner current market for its products..
[b][url=http://www.uggukwebsite.co.uk/]uggs uk[/url][/b] Which has a set of original manner footwear, you're going to get a signature through the artist for that sole. Making use of the functioning shoe they will give you a dust provider. Also a singular pack is going to be introduced with. The Porsche Layout Observe sequence is definitely the 1st of its type that mechanically will allow a electronic show of time both equally in minutes and hrs. The palms and dial of the check out are seen within the darkish for the reason that in the radiant coats that address them. The enjoy is manufactured of groundbreaking components this kind of as titanium.
When you glance at the specification of the term really enjoy, installing terms of a captivating association having yet another, but for a feeling that is certainly engendered when you've got miltchmonkey an improved romantic relationship yourself as well : or even just to be a sense of higher unity household as well as mankind - that will become a lot more superior that every one anyone is seeking in your everyday living is certainly adore.
[url=http://www.patriotsfootballprostore.com/rob_gronkowski_jersey_super_bowl]Rob Gronkowski Jersey[/url] emurbursofs
[url=http://www.49ersonlineofficialstore.com/kendall_hunter_jersey_super_bowl]Kendall Hunter Jersey[/url] TynckeyncBype
[url=http://www.patriotsfootballprostore.com/]Patriots Super Bowl Jersey[/url] Proonseorek
top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]casino bonus[/url] coincide the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]online casino[/url] unshackled no consign reward at the foremost [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]unshackle casino games
[/url].
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.
I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back down the road.
I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice day!
Here is my site: Michael Kors :: http://www.explorethecapabilities.com/michaelkors.html ::
A motivating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you need to publish more
on this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but usually people do
not talk about these subjects. To the next!
Cheers!!
Also visit my weblog Louis Vuitton Purses (ngosummit.com)
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using Movable-type on a variety of
websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.
net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Feel free to surf to my website Discover More Here
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer.
I'm not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I figured I'd
post to let you know. The design look great though!
Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks
Here is my web site: Abercrombie Paris
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
I'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to let
you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon.
Cheers
Feel free to visit my webpage; Christian Louboutin Heels
You've made some decent points there. I checked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
My homepage: binauarl beats
http://trinityepiscopalonline.org/js/#28 tramadol overdose much does take - ultram 50 mg tablet