If we expose the claims of the gospels to the heat of historical analysis, we can purge the scriptures of their literary and theological flourishes and forge a far more accurate picture of the Jesus of history.

Zealot
Prologue
Reza Aslan

Image from:
Wikipedia

I recently started Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth after talking to a Madison Coffee Shop breakfast regular about the book.  He spoke wholeheartedly about the book, how much he was enjoying it.  I’m about 45 pages in as of Monday, October 7, 2013 and so far the Coffee Shopper is correct.  The book is quite well written.  I understand the author is exploring the historical Jesus Christ so I’m clearly cognizant of the above quote and why Aslan wrote the quote.

However, being as spiritual as I am I find myself being challenged by it.  I can’t separate the scriptures, let alone purge them from my worldview.  They are as much a part of me as my faith is.  I bet you’re thinking now:
But Chris, you don’t attend church.  You’ve said so countless times here before.  How do you rectify your feelings about the scriptures and the fact that you don’t attend organized religion?

I will refer to another quote from another book.  One of the characters in The Color Purple said something to the effect of:
There are so many more things that I do to show my faith other than attending church.

That’s how I feel.  My life is completely blessed.  My faith has seen me through countless challenges in my life and I KNOW beyond doubt that God/The Divine/my Higher Power is always by my side.  Much like the poem Footprints in the Sand, I’ve felt HIS presence in my life many times over.  One particular time I’ve written about here in Been there.  Done That discusses an extremely low point in my life and how I felt the Divine reach out to me.

I understand this may cause some consternation, however I sincerely believe one can have a relationship with God and not be involved with organized religion.  For what does God want from us but a relationship?  I have a relationship with HIM.  I talk to HIM all the time and I hear his responses.

Signs, Divine Intervention, Messages?

They come to me all the time.  I choose to see these things as responses from God.  That’s why the above quote is so challenging for me.  I think anyone who is spiritually inclined would have the same challenges with the passage.  How about you?

Be Happy!  Be Well!  Be Positive!
Blessings to you.
—
Chris