Bible Question (short): 'Gaijins' have nothing better to do? |
Question (full): Dear Lionstrong, Coming from a Buddhist faith, I was taught that Christians are divisive, argumentative, unwise, and lack faith, and that the Christian God is unfair, unfeeling, unnaturally divided Himself, and arrogant to boast of all creation. (I now know that the perception about God is totally wrong, but the perception about His people is mostly right :-) Trust, friend, I have very carefully considered this, and many other possible Christian conundrums, and continue to consider them as I try to preach and portray the Gospel of faith to the nation of Japan. Getting into a philosophical discussion with the typical Oriental athiest or nominal-Buddhist is a waste of time. I guess those that live in 'primarily Judeo-Christian' environments have nothing better to do? The conclusion of my consideration is to come to a simple, foundational understanding of God's will (the Good News), believe (receive the gift of faith), and walk it out in the leading of the Holy Spirit. Yes, there are a few verses that 'seem' to say something significantly different or controversial, but the balance of Scripture is so overwhelmingly in favor of a good God, a sovereign God, an all-knowing God, one God of three Persons (Japanese - 'Ranks'), that I do not see any edification in speculating about 'twists' in His holy nature or attributes. Frankly, I sometimes wonder which is the more 'inscrutable,' the Oriental, or the 'Gaijin' Westerner :-) The 'rest of the world' seems to have a pretty good handle on the problems of Christians. I only wish we could see things as clear as they do, and clean up (simplify) our act. Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |