The Pauline Letters

OK, so I have wondered periodically about the conflicts that can be seen in Paul's letters, namely how Paul thought, or at least implied, that the end times were at hand--so much so he though people shouldn't get married. I guess I have mostly ignored that there are discprencies between what Paul thought would happen, and what actually happened. I never questioned how Paul's views on Parousia would affect his theology, which I guess is a silly assumption to make.

Honestly, this class is seriously making me doubt the absolute certainty I had in Biblical scripture. I had always grown up with the belief that scripture is perfectly inspired by God, and thus cannot be wrong.

But what I am coming to discover as we learn about the Bible from a more historical perspective and with historical context is how vulnerable the Bible is to cultural influences. I don't think this necessarily means I doubt the Bible, but I do think I have learned how important it is to read the Bible with the understanding that the people who wrote it were just that--people. They are not perfect, they were wholly susceptible to cultural influences and were completely limited in their knowledge based on their own human experiences.

And while that is not to say that Paul was not awesome, but I was struck by what (Savannah I think?) kept saying in class about how Paul would be considered a wack in today's times for thinking the end is at hand, yet we consider him an expert and inspired by God.

I can't help but wonder at the discrepancy. And I can't help but wonder how much value we should place on someone's theories, especially when that person has been proven wrong about other things.

The church community

This is going to be a short blog probably, but, as I mentioned in my discussion board, I just loved Paul's emphasis on the importance of community. I am a very community-oriented type person. And I depend on my community for a lot. I have a few close friends who I depend on for advice, mentor-ship, love, strength and just enjoyment. I have a family community, and I depend on them for much of the same.

Recently, however, I have been struggling with my church community. Well, basically since I came to Baylor I have not found a church community where I just really fit in, a place I felt was home.

And some of this, I realize is on my shoulders, but when you go to church every week and can maybe name of 5 other people who go to your church--well that is just not a very good thing. Especially since I am a very social, quite outgoing individual. But I just never felt comfortable going up and forming relationships with people in authority, people I felt like could mentor me in my life. And I believe this is one of the purposes of our community, and I think Paul would say the church community is the most important one you can be a member of.

So...guess what! I joined a new church last week, and it was awesome :) :)

I am so excited. I believe they are really living out what Paul wants in a church community. First and foremost, they LOVE everyone who walks through the door. It is so incredible. I don't think I have felt that loved by a group of strangers ever.

Second, they encourage each other. They build each other up and they are in the Word all the time--they are serious about living for God and giving it all they have got.

I am excited to join this church and hopefully live out Paul's dream for what a church is supposed to be :)