We are all brought up with the beliefs, spiritual or otherwise, of
those around us. As they grow older, some people try to rigidly adhere
to those beliefs, while others begin to question, sifting through the
notions handed down by others.
It is not disrespectful to question the authority figures in our
lives. Not to do so places us in jeopardy of stunting our potential for
emotional and spiritual growth. To paraphrase a quotation I once heard:
An unquestioned faith is not worth adhering to.
Why do people who consider themselves “conservatives” often fall into
the paralyzing trap of fearfulness? Some modern Christians seem to
forget that they would not be called by His name were it not for the
enormous courage of the early believers. We must not forget that Jesus
Himself was considered a dangerous radical, far too liberal, motivated
by demons, etc. by His enemies who outwardly adhered rigidly to the
rituals and beliefs passed down to them. Just take a look in your Bible
and see the proof of what I am writing.
I’m sure that some people still live entrapped in modern versions of
rigid, doctrinal belief systems that they reject, deep down inside.
The Bible has much to say about cowardice. Revelation 21:8 says:
8. But as for cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the
cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive…all of these
shall have their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone.
This is the second death.
(The Amplified Bible)
In the complete verse (Revelation 21:8), part of which I’ve quoted
here, cowards are listed with murderers and liars, among others.
We ARE to challenge those doctrines and traditions that promote or
justify cruelty and indifference to the well being of humans, animals,
and the environment. We ARE to bring God’s heavenly peace and will to
earth as it is in heaven, regardless of what some people may say.
