I saw a bumper sticker which said, “Teach your children how to think, not what to think.” I really like this. It is a what I am hoping to do with this blog. I want to be perfectly clear (no, I am not related to Dick Nixon), I am NOT trying to tell you what to think. I simply want to encourage and empower you to think. Do not be afraid to question things that you have been taught from early in your life. Do not be intimidated by those with positions of power, titles, or academic degrees. Listen to what they have to say but never forget the position, title, and/or degree does not automatically insure what they are saying is true and accurate. You also have a brain and the ability to think, learn, and become more skillful in your beliefs and perspectives.
This attitude is especially needed when dealing with religious leaders. Whenever someone tells you, “I am not doing anything but telling you what the Bible says. If you disagree with this you are not disagreeing with me, you are disagreeing with God,” it is bullshit!
Do not be afraid to question things that you have been taught from early in your life.
When someone quotes Scripture and says, “That means . . .,” they have just given you their personal opinion. Actually, just quoting Scripture is to put forth an interpretation. Whatever Bible we use has gone through many revisions and translations. We do not have a single original text of any book in the Bible. What we have is a text that has had many, many decisions made by many people as to what should be included and what is the best way to convey what was being said in a different language, era, social climate, geographical region, and ethnic setting. Whatever version of the Bible you use or is quoted to you it is an interpretation.
I am not saying that those who say to you, “I am just telling you what the Bible says,” are necessarily bad people trying to mislead you. In their minds and hearts I believe most of them truly are wanting to do good. But use the brain that God has given you. Question what you are told and think for yourselves. And, if someone says that you are wrong simply because you do not blindly swallow what they tell you . . .
Think about it.
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