Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three religions that have been influencing the way that people live for centuries. And like all things that have a long and deep history, religion is something that has undergone many changes over time. New theological, along with scientific, revelations can lead the deep faith instilled in these religions in one of two directions—it can either support them and encourage growth, or it can limit the faith required for the religion to survive. We see now more than ever a large number of people fighting to disprove the faithful beliefs of religious people, but yet the hope of a future salvation is still strong within the western religions. I believe that the history connected with these religions helps keep the faith strong and growing to this day.
In a lot of aspects, I think that whether people let history bolster or limit their faith just depends on how they embrace the new findings in scientific knowledge and how they relate them to what the past holds. For example, it was a lot easier to believe in miracles in the past when the resources weren’t available for people to try and question them. Some people view this ignorance as something to disprove, which certainly limits their faith today. However, in my opinion, the scientific discoveries linked to the deep past of my faith make is stronger. It helps me understand that science and faith can work together.
Additionally, the pure faith that people had in history is inspiring to me. As I was reading our assignments in The Smiles of Rome for this week, I was impressed with the letters that St. Peter and St. Paul wrote to the people of that time. It particularly struck me when I realized that the advice they were giving was applicable to my life now. St. Peter’s letter was encouraging to live as a humble and respectful person, which are things that we all should be mindful of. After reading his letter, I was reminded of some of the things that I need to do in order to live as a better person. It really bolsters my faith to realize that people in the past struggled with similar things we do today. They encouraged and supported each other in ways that are familiar to me from my family, friends, and church community. For example, St. Paul said, “Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind.” (pg. 83) Almost 2000 years later, I find these words encouraging and sensible in my own life, which bolsters my faith so much.
As time passes, religion changes and grows. Things are not the same today as they were in the Old Testament because with new discoveries and revelations people learn how to grow and become more faithful to their religion. If things were the same today as they were in the Old Testament, I think that people would have a lot of problems with religion and faith because it would appear as if our lives are not headed in any particular direction. However, because religion has grown so much as time passes, it helps bolster faith along with the time. It seems as though things are progressing towards something, such as the promised salvation for those that choose that path.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI liked what you said about the readings from this week. It really makes sense. I had not really thought about those things when I wrote my blog, and just took into account how liberal the world has become and that church is so conservative, and that since I know the world or society will not change, the Church must be the one to do so. However, you bring up a great point that people who are true to their faith, can find it encouraging no matter what is going on around them. That being said, I do believe that religion and faith can help people deal with some of the things that goes on in society.
Abby- I completely agree with the idea that history - such as the letters from Paul- has bolstered faith. Personally, I do find connections with my own life with those from the past. It is really amazing how similar we are and that we confront the same problems. At the same time - I am very appreciative of the fact that most religions have grown and expanded with the times. By acknowledging the changes- religion has strengthened itself. I think that by doing so- has allowed its followers to growth as well.
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