Well, here's a topic that I have a love/hate relationship with. Philosophy. Apparently it's a required unit for grade 12 on-level English students to be taught in my school district. Let's talk a little about this subject. Philosophers from the ancient times had all these theories on creation, free will, morals, higher powers, etc... and we have to learn about them. We have talked a lot about Dante's Inferno, and other philosophers that have scientific theories on our purposes and how we came to be. Our class discussions get pretty heated because this is clearly a touchy subject.
Reasons why I love it:
1- It tests my faith. There are times when I don't know the answers to some of the questions, and sure it is not the greatest feeling, but no one knows every answer to every question. It is a bit discouraging in the moment, but it makes me want to learn more and more about WHY I believe what I believe. No more "I believe this because I grew up in a Christian home". Instead, I found I believe this because I have seen God work in my life, and in the people around me. My faith has become more personal and real.
2- It teaches me to stand up for my faith. I always imagine God sitting in the classroom listening to the debate on whatever topic we are discussing that day. You would stand up for your friend if he was getting slandered, right? Well, that's what God tells us to do for Him. He says to never deny Him, because then He will deny you. [Matthew 10:33] HOWEVER, God also calls us to be still and trust in Him completely. [Psalm 46:10] Also in the Bible it says not to argue with a fool [Proverbs 26:4] Sooooo there are a lot of things to keep in mind when expressing your faith. I have learned to speak kindly with courage, and I found that when I speak, my words aren't coming from me, they are coming from God.
3- God works in mysterious ways. You never know if something you say, or write, could plant a seed in someone's life. Getting to express your beliefs is pretty cool because you never know who will be at least interested, maybe even touched, by your words.
Reasons why I hate it:
1- People are rude. It's frustrating when people not only disagree with your beliefs, but when they disrespect them too. Even if it's just the faint laughter among the kids in the corner, or the dirty expressions on classmate's faces; it's discouraging being put down in any situation. That's when you just have to remember: it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of you. Seriously. All that matters is every time you stick up for God, he has a huge smile on his face. However- keep in mind you don't ever need to defend God, He is mighty enough to defend himself.
2- Misunderstandings are not a rarity. Sure misunderstandings are a normal and daily thing, but some misunderstandings in this area could be fatal. A lot of people think that if you are a Christian, you have to be a perfect person. Other people think that Christians are all hypocrites and that they are just judgmental people all around. Those are two GIANT misunderstandings. First of all, there is no such thing as a perfect person. I don't care who you receive the information from, it is impossible. The only perfect person to ever walk this earth is Jesus. Second... okay let's get super honest here: when people ask what my "religion" is, I say I'm a Christian, no question. Dictionary.com defines religion as: "a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects." I don't necessarily look at myself as a religious person in that sense; I have a personal relationship with God. Sure I read my bible, and I (try) to follow the things that are written in it, which many other people also do, BUT my faith is so much deeper than that. It doesn't involve a "number of people". Just me, and God. Christians don't hate everyone who don't believe the same things as them, at least they shouldn't. They also don't hate people because of a certain sin they practice, at least they shouldn't. [Matthew 7:1-29] It breaks my heart to hear someone say things stereotyping "Christians", because it's usually just misinterpreted information. Even worse- sometimes that misinterpreted information leads to a hatred for God. *sniffle*
All-in-all, this philosophy unit, no matter how teeth-clenching it was at times, was a good thing to experience and go through. I learned a lot about my faith and other's as well. I haven't completely finished the unit, we have an essay due in about two weeks exploiting our beliefs on all of these controversial topics. I am excited to start writing all of my thoughts down, I just hope I won't get marked off for excessive writing. *wink wink* I think the best thing I have learned from this unit is the fact that if you whole-heartedly believe in something, be proud of it. Not proud in a sense that will cause you to become arrogant, but proud knowing that your faith is unshakable. It's also really reassuring to know that you can back up your belief in contrast to other religions/beliefs out there. So there is my rant about this philosophy unit.
I also just wanna add, shout-out to the people who gave me the nickname "The Holy Spirit" at my school. I hope I am living up to your definition that nickname holds. ;)
Sincerely,
"The Holy Spirit" of Hamilton High School.
xx
