I have been a born-again Christian since 1995. It was the year I renewed my faith. By God's plan, I was baptized at the same church, where I was Christened as an infant. I'm not on a crusade to wipe out all the cults out there like Billy Graham did. I'm just here to do my part as a Christian: follow Jesus' footsteps and share the truth about the gospel.
Even though I was brought up in a Christian family, my parents' beliefs differ from other Christians I have come to know and love. Growing up with my parents was far from being perfect in God's eyes. It was a total wreck and undeniably toxic. As a survivor of domestic abuse since I was a child and as an adult, I can only speak for myself. I'm very fortunate that God came into my life. No child should ever bear their parents' marital problems on their shoulders.
My faith is where I have chosen to believe the truth of Jesus' teachings. It has become my moral compass and guiding light. I will always test my faith regardless of others' foundation of belief. It is not to prove anyone is wrong, but to aspire myself to be a better person.
Per chance, maybe other believers have gained better enlightenment than I would ever have. One thing you can trust from me: I will gladly stand firm on the truth. How would I know what truth is? How would I know what is right and just? The question to ask: "Would the manifestation of one's belief prohibit others to live their life in peace, love and harmony?" If the answer is "No," then I will not apply the rudiment factor of imprudence.
I was researching on a common assumption about a Biblical rule of thumb regarding husbands beating on their wives if they "get out of hand." This article, "Do you love your wife enough to beat her? This Pastor does!" was enough to kick my emotions up to 11. I was even repulsed by the comment made by the author, Gabriel Reproba. He stated that: "We [Christians? Humans?] are to regard ourselves as slaves to God just as a wife is to a husband."
One: I do not like to be included as if the entire Christian community are in unison with such heinous creed.
One: I do not like to be included as if the entire Christian community are in unison with such heinous creed.
Two: I've read the Bible from cover to cover. It has never mentioned God ever inflicting suffering towards his children or his own people. God is Love.
Three: The author's message does not manifest in aspiring others to live in peace, love and harmony.
I'm not the one to judge this man, but it's plainly obvious that his message has been tailored to inflict suffering and provoke anger - leading people to sin before God.
I'm not the one to judge this man, but it's plainly obvious that his message has been tailored to inflict suffering and provoke anger - leading people to sin before God.
Just to clarify some things, the Apostle Paul had an ideal way of how a believer should raise a family. Even though he admittedly enjoyed being a single, unmarried man (1 Corinthians 7:7), he addressed the church's concern about marital relationships. As any religious leader should know, the message should be clearly coming from God and not from Man.
Apart from the Apostle Paul, all of Jesus' appointed 12 apostles were married with children. With that being said, the early Christian church of Rome had favored Apostle Paul's work since he was a Turkish Roman citizen. Go figure.
Apart from the Apostle Paul, all of Jesus' appointed 12 apostles were married with children. With that being said, the early Christian church of Rome had favored Apostle Paul's work since he was a Turkish Roman citizen. Go figure.
The truth of the matter is, Paul of Tarsus was addressing one church (Church of Corinthia) about the master and slave relationship (1 Corinthians 7:20-24) and to another church (Church of Ephesus) about a relationship between husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:22-33), neither subjects are related to one another.
To quote Peter the Rock, who has very opinionated perceptions of women (1 Peter 3:1), is not going to win your argument either, Gabriel Reproba.
To quote Peter the Rock, who has very opinionated perceptions of women (1 Peter 3:1), is not going to win your argument either, Gabriel Reproba.
Peter was so angry with Mary Magdalene because she had gotten all the attention from Jesus. It's plainly obvious why Jesus should pay attention to his own wife. If he had brought her along with him, she wouldn't have cheated on their marriage. Forgiving her infidelity made Jesus a better man than most.
Since Peter was given authority over the congregation, he had every right to be upset at Paul. As disciples of Jesus, you would think the two of them wouldn't have any animosity between them. In the midst of all the arguments among themselves, Peter addressed the congregation to be Christ-like according to their calling (1 Peter 2:11) by telling the slaves to follow their masters (1 Peter 2:18-25) and as for the married couples, to abide God's will within their marriage (1 Peter 3:1-9). I want to be clear on this. There never has been a Biblical verse where it stated that a husband is allowed to beat on his wife or treat her like a slave.
In fact, I will quote on Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that often times I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."(Romans 1:13, 18, 21-23; 25)
Since Peter was given authority over the congregation, he had every right to be upset at Paul. As disciples of Jesus, you would think the two of them wouldn't have any animosity between them. In the midst of all the arguments among themselves, Peter addressed the congregation to be Christ-like according to their calling (1 Peter 2:11) by telling the slaves to follow their masters (1 Peter 2:18-25) and as for the married couples, to abide God's will within their marriage (1 Peter 3:1-9). I want to be clear on this. There never has been a Biblical verse where it stated that a husband is allowed to beat on his wife or treat her like a slave.
In fact, I will quote on Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that often times I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."(Romans 1:13, 18, 21-23; 25)
We are in the day and age where equality, freedom and human rights are America's prized image. Let us not pin this to the Muslims either. Their Holy Qur'an does not teach violence but peace. I am highly aware of their view on infidels, but that doesn't reflect upon how Biblical Jews view Biblical Gentiles either.
Let me make it clear to you that the laws during Moses' time, were implemented so as to bring the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob's 12 sons and their families) to come together as one nation. All 12 tribes had to unite, regardless of their different familial cultures and customs.
For all 12 tribes to come to an agreement, they were given the 10 commandments along with other laws set forth by Moses and the Levite priests. The men had to make sure their families were well provided and protected. The women and children were kept mostly at home because they were highly susceptible to diseases. Keep in mind, they did not have the Medical and Scientific technology we have today: running water, sanitized hospitals, women shelters, etc.
Since these technology and resources have became readily available, more women (full-time mothers) and children were allowed to venture off to go on picnics, parks, etc. Job opportunities allowed women to be independent and self-sufficient (single/part-time mothers or students). As for the women young and old alike, who have suffered domestic violence, rape or molestation can now rely on facilities, which help them in their time of need. They are no longer looked upon as property.
Do American mothers really want their daughters/sisters to marry their rapists? If it were not for Women's right in America, where would all the modern independent women be?
Do American mothers really want their daughters/sisters to marry their rapists? If it were not for Women's right in America, where would all the modern independent women be?
Frankly, Christians should not act like this whether they are in public or in private company. Christians who consider themselves devout in public are nuisances and an embarrassment. I will address this issue by clarifying the stigma Christians have to face on a daily basis.
This is the truth: those who do not display the 'Fruits of the Spirit' are not truly God's children. It is written, "Once we are with Christ in his resurrection, we are dead in sin but alive in Christ." (Romans 6:12) The sins which highly offends God, are also known as the 7 deadly sins: lust, greed, gluttony, jealousy, sloth, wrath and pride. I am not here to slander Christianity or any other religion. I am simply stating a grievance.
Let us not get all riled up with this assumption that the stereotypes for Christians: 'Bible thumpers,' 'Jesus Fanatics,' 'Science haters,' etc., apply to all Christians. No more labeling. It all boils down to one thing: respect.
If any Christians have been paying attention to what Jesus had done during his ministry, we wouldn't be in such a hot mess as we are today.
Let us not get all riled up with this assumption that the stereotypes for Christians: 'Bible thumpers,' 'Jesus Fanatics,' 'Science haters,' etc., apply to all Christians. No more labeling. It all boils down to one thing: respect.
If any Christians have been paying attention to what Jesus had done during his ministry, we wouldn't be in such a hot mess as we are today.
Jesus respected the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin even though they rebuked him in public when he taught the multitudes and performed miracles. He continued to study and learn from them about the Torah. He respected women and children especially those who were publicly humiliated. He respected the authorities. He told the people to pay their taxes to Cesar (Mark 12:17).
He stood still when he was accused of treason and allowed the Roman soldiers to arrest him. Pontious Pilate saw the truth and saw no fault when Jesus answered his questions. In addition to all that had happened, he respected the hurt, the lost, the poor, the hungry and the outcasts. In other words, Jesus stood for what was true and right (Matthew 21:12). Jesus led by example.
The journey to connect to the God of the Universe is, when you believe the gospel that Jesus, the Christ has taught his disciples, accept him as your personal Lord and savior, and live according to the laws God has made a covenant with Abraham, you will be given eternal life (John 3:16). Not your flesh that will live forever. It will be your soul. Your soul will be filled with God's Holy Spirit.
As a Christian, to be Christ-like is to follow Jesus' footsteps (Matthew 16:24-26). To be holy, is to know God is your Lord. For God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Holy by definition, is having a divine quality.
When you follow Jesus' teachings (Matthew 5), your faith is renewed (James 2). Once you declare your faith and commitment by being baptized, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. You become one with God (2 Corinthians 5:17). You will shine with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
As God's child, you will not only grow spiritually happy, but also grow righteously generous. In other words, your entire character as a whole, will change inwardly and outwardly to love unconditionally, share wholeheartedly, inspire encouragement and respect affectionately. It is written, "God is love. He who does not love is not born of God." (1 John 4:7,8)
Here is where the misconception of Christianity falls in: repentance vs. redemption. This blog is by no means to convert anybody. It's a piece of information to make you aware that not all Christian believers share the same beliefs.
My perception of Christian beliefs may be jaded by my experience of being abused by certain Christian members of my parents' Christian community, but I still keep a general sense of the gospel the way Jesus has taught it.
How many churches have focused so much on repentance? How many Christians have realized they have been redeemed? The divided houses of Christ have separated themselves from the true meaning of what it is to be "God's child." How many have felt ostracized because of how they thought, looked or even spoke? How many have felt vulgarly labeled by those who proudly wear their religion like a badge of honor? In James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
Jesus' ministry is about love, mercy and redemption. God saw his creation as good. We are born without fear. We are born to learn, grow, live among and alongside each other. We have a responsibility to care for Earth and Earth's living creatures.
So, in amongst all of this piety, I have to make a stand to what is true and right. There is a fine line between what was written by the Apostles and what God has dictated to the appointed messenger. I am not a Bible thumper and I never will be one. I have witnessed a lot of suffering as a young Christian. I had to forgive myself for allowing all these hatred and microaggressions to be inflicted in my life. I am grateful I am still alive. With that, for just leading by example - the same way Christ had done over several 2,000 years ago, I will not condone to the things Contemporary Christians have inflicted to the rest of the world.
There is a time and place for everything. There are proper places to worship and praise God. A place of business has no grounds to solicit in a place of worship. Neither does a place of worship have any grounds to be in a place of business. Jesus had already made that clear (Matthew 21:13).
Last Sunday (Jan 26, 2014), I was approached by 2 young Christians who openly testified that they wanted to pray in public for people at the mall. The young Christian man told me that he was drawn to me because I have a lively spirit and he added that I should always stay that way.
I respectfully thanked him and told him I appreciate what he was doing, but it would be more appropriate if he could solicit his business elsewhere. Unfortunately, I did not finish my sentence because my boss had called me over to help a customer at the counter. Needless to say, Christians should learn how to be more respectful and considerate of others, especially those who are trying to work and keep a job.
I am not asking the Christians to stop evangelizing. I do not need to announce my religion or explain my status quo to prove my faith. People I barely know just pick up on my character - without even asking. It is exactly a true testament of what was written in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
When I was a young Christian, I asked for forgiveness. I asked for peace. I sought for God's guidance from all the corners of the earth (Not literally). As far as I could go where I was allowed to go, it was made clear as the Bible verse stated below:
If you want to be great in God's kingdom and want to be above the rest, you have to humble yourself and be the greatest servant of all (Mark 9:35).
I stopped complaining at the age of 10 about material things and worldly events that made me feel uncomfortable. I gave thanks even when I'm in pain. Yes, I do admit that I'm stubborn, opinionated, jaded, brazen, and self-indulgent to the bone. It doesn't mean I'm evil. It means I'm just as human as anyone else. Why should I pass judgment towards others, who are just trying to be? If you wait long enough to know me, over time, you will see the transformation of what Jesus was prophesying about those, who abide in His name.
True believers of God will not condone violence, incite hatred and pass judgment on others. True disciples of Christ, despite their tribulations, will reach out to the lost, the poor, the lonely, the hurt, the rejected or dejected, the hungry, the sick, the orphans, the widows, the elderly, the disabled, and the deviants.
This is my testimony. Nothing more. Nothing less. I know where I stand in God's court. Those who bother to pass judgment, beware. Just know that I'm only here to live my life to the best of my ability. For anyone trying to change my path and disrupt my journey to God's glory, is only going to make my life with them as hazardous than it already is. It is not my conviction to prove others that I am above or below them. I'm just here to fulfill what I am here to do. I exist therefore, I am. These Judgmental Christians asking me to conform to their own perception of reality of God's message is like asking a star to stop completely from shining at the nigh sky.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)
This is my testimony. Nothing more. Nothing less. I know where I stand in God's court. Those who bother to pass judgment, beware. Just know that I'm only here to live my life to the best of my ability. For anyone trying to change my path and disrupt my journey to God's glory, is only going to make my life with them as hazardous than it already is. It is not my conviction to prove others that I am above or below them. I'm just here to fulfill what I am here to do. I exist therefore, I am. These Judgmental Christians asking me to conform to their own perception of reality of God's message is like asking a star to stop completely from shining at the nigh sky.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)
Drafted on Jan 27, 2014
Published on Jan 28, 2014
Edited: April 30, 2015
Revised: August 30, 2022
