I have always been surrounded by a religious family. Growing up around them, you learn all about your family’s religion. I am a Christian and will always be one, however I have a problem grasping a few details. I feel like this is where the last chapter came in when Borg discussed the memory metaphorized and the metaphorical narrative. The way stories have been retold make my mind wander and I try to imagine them really happening. The one thing you cant be taught however is the God is truly everywhere. Many people don’t believe this when they are told, so it is hard for them to accept it. When Borg says, “Thinking the word “God” refers to a being separate from the universe, “out there” and “not here” is a major cause of atheism, agnosticism, and skepticism,” really made me think. If you don’t think that someone is not in your own universe, wouldn’t you have a completely different out look on him or her? I feel that there are so many different definitions of whom God is and where he is, that it confuses the majority of non-believers.
As a Christian I feel that I could be more religious. By that I mean I feel as if I should go to church more and become closer to God. However, as I read this chapter it reminded me that I don’t have to go to church for God to be near me. I can be in my room, driving, or even hanging out with my friends and I know he will be there. This is not something that I easily discovered. There were many times that I never felt he was with me, but I now know he is.
“I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (6.1-3)
As Borg showed me yet again, everyone has his or her own experiences with God. They may be life changing ones, or they might be simple ones that direct you back onto a better path in life. Mine came to me my freshman year of college. I went on the freshman retreat with my three best friends; I didn’t really think anything of it on a religious point of view. I feel like I should have though. On the last night there, another speech was being given, like every night, but this time it hit me. I felt that all of a sudden God was right next to me telling me that everything was going to be all right. I of course wasn’t in any real danger, just the normal stresses of college, but it was very comfortable knowing he was there. Ever since that time on my freshman retreat I have had more faith and known for a fact he is always with me. That same weekend we had a night where we told what we were thankful for and lit a candle for that. I didn’t realize how lucky I was until then. I feel that everyone will have a different experience with God. Mine was a small one, but it made an enormous impact in m life. Borg once again reminded me of this and it strengthened my faith even more. I feel that a lot of questions are brought up in my mind from reading his book, however it also makes me look at things in a different perspective. With further reading I hope to discover more questions so I can find new answers.
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