11
votes
What's something you want to bring up but never get asked about or have the chance to?
Maybe it's a delicate topic people always dance around. Maybe it's a sensitive topic people just avoid. Maybe it's something that's been brewing but you never really seem to have an outlet for it. Maybe it's something niche enough that you don't ever really see anything else about it around.
Whatever it is, what is it you want to talk about but never seem to be able to?
I'm of the same generation as you, and I grew up not discussing almost anything of import. Politics was off the table, while religion was not insofar as we could talk about surface level stuff but never really dive deep into the tougher theological or philosophical concepts. My parents were big on the idea that negative emotions or feelings should be given over to God, so if we ever had uncertainty or doubt or confusion, we weren't supposed to ask about it but instead simply pray.
I understand where they were coming from, but it was an incredibly stifling way to grow up. I remember getting my hands on a tome called Systematic Theology in college and it was like a massive door opened for me that I never knew was closed. Here was a book that encouraged deep, profound thinking! It was so much more than "unquestionably accept" or, in the absence of that, "unfailingly submit."
I don't necessarily know where I'm going with this story other than it mirrors what you've shared. That said, I would love to hear your thoughts on the influence of Judaism and Christianity on western culture, if you're willing to share. I know that's a huge topic, so feel free to narrow it down to whatever you're interested in addressing.
I'm also curious to know what have been some of the more important takeaways from your Biblical studies. (I actually meant to ask you the last time you posted about it but forgot!) How has studying the Bible in a more rigorous and formal sense changed your understanding, perspective, and faith (if you're a believer)?