This is a guest post by Rana Tarakji
Being modern is usually defined as being accepting or being comfortable on some level with all the diverse options the world has to offer. Not being defined by any labels and having the freedom to move between any available trains of thoughts is a highly-valued option as well. Some trains of thought when it comes to a national identity, are often caught between two polar extremes, for example, the concept of being liberal or conservative.
These two options can be considered as broad-brushing, but in popular and repetitive culture around the globe, these two ideas are among the most popular. Persons deeply entrenched in both camps always would look to make the other side appear as the devil incarnate. The reality is usually quite shocking, no one person is 100% a liberal or 100% a conservative on all issues facing a nation.
The concept of freedom is an expression that is extended into the realm of the supernatural. As such, many persons will sign onto the idea of being spiritual but not religious. Spirituality is a belief in a higher power, it hinges on individuals having personal experiences. It takes issue with organized religion at least in its current form, as it is viewed as being given a set of rules and restrictions instead of daily improvement. A religious movement, on the other hand, has a declared moral barometer stemming from a faith system based on supernatural beings.
The Attraction of Being SpiritualThe issue the Church of today has with spirituality can be summed up in one passage:
Revelation 3 verse 16 "But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"
God is giving a charge to each person to pick a side and remain with that side until their end of days. Just as how most persons would be a proud citizen of their country until their death, so too must Christians have a grounded faith. The issue many persons have with attending church and participating is usually surrounding a man driven doctrine vs a biblical principle. A key example can be women wearing pants in some denominations and in other denominations; worshipers are barred from attending social events such as the movies and even dating. Given the high standard set by Christ, few persons of the world can stand the scrutiny that comes with being a Christian. Therefore, the application of faith must be shown in a way that celebrates God's plan of wanting good superimposed upon Him wanting to bless and expand our holdings while on earth.
Conceptually speaking, it must be made clear that God loves all, but it is the sin of our actions that he despises. It is O.K to think and be a scientist, it is O.K to ask God why once the line of blaspheming and denying the Lord is not crossed.
Christian art can only reflect the beauty of a part of his Kingdom; the rest must be reflected in you.
Author bio: Rana Tarakji is an entrepreneur and a contributing writer at Stylerail, a lifestyle blog.
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