I said I was committed to this thing, but that obviously was a bit presumptuous of me. I still find the idea of people reading random thoughts of mine to be somewhat disconcerting. I just don’t think that much of myself.
Anyway…
When I was in high school, early high school, ninth and tenth grades, I had a good friend named Eddie. Eddie told me one time that many other people had remarked that Eddie and I seemed to be the same person, except the only difference was that I had morals and he did not. He blamed my morals on the fact that I was an idealist, like that was a bad thing. I remember being extremely taken aback by this. I talked with my parents about whether or not that was bad and remember thinking that I hoped I never grew up to stop being an idealist. Well, I have. I am now the opposite of an idealist. Not a realist. Instead, I’m a cynic. Although I’m not sure that idealism or realism are particularly Christian virtues, I am almost certain there is something amiss with Christian cynicism. I regret it, yet don’t know what to do about it. There are certianly outside factors that have contributed to my cynicism, but I can’t shake the feeling that I take some pride in it. Like, I’m better to be on the fringe, cynical of all things “Christian” or “too religious.”
I’ve been doing some soul searching lately, trying to come to grips with the genuine love that I have for God, all of Him, Father, Son & Spirit. I think He certainly recognizes things as they are but I don’t think he’s cynical or sarcastic about it. What does that say about me?
I know what you’re saying. I like what you said about ‘…He certainly recognizes things as they are but I don’t think he’s cynical or sarcastic about it.” As God, He has the ability to recognize things as they are–I’m assuming you mean the things you notice and get sarcastic about?–and here’s the thing that’s hard for me to get a grip on….God doesn’t REact to things; He just acts. He would never react because He puts the plan into motion that brought things about. The hard part for me: As a human being, how should I react? Cynicism and sarcasm are at least the humorous coverup of flat-out judmentalism. And I do know that I am judgmental about how others show their Faith–Are the just in it for the money? To be the next big Christian fad? Is Christian music too trite? Why does everything have to be dumbed down?–and I show it through sarcasm, which seems ‘nicer’ than just saying “This is stupid.” or thinking “You don’t really feel that way.”
For me, the key is remembering not to REact, but simply to act, and support Christian thinkers who do the same. To “recognize things as they are” and then just start working toward how I think they ought to be, without passing judgment on anything that is already out there. Bob Briner, and now Charlie Hall–These are people who I think have done/are doing this. For me, it’s easier said than done…but that’s just what I think about it…
Well…You should stop being so cynical and sarcastic. Take me for example, I am neither cynical or sarcastic.
Wait…I think that was a little of both. Sorry.
I think you’re on to something here. In fact, I am sure you’re exactly right. I’m not sure if you can have one with out the other (cynicism and sarcasm), but if you can. I’d like to rid myself of the cynic. Who wants to be around someone who’s always finding something wrong? I could learn a lot from you, Kinsley.