tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post4331013224422723359..comments2011-01-24T15:59:33.817-05:00Comments on Eclectic Experiment: To navigate the middle, or not.....carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483414028348315498noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-85962636614599604882007-05-02T15:25:00.000-05:002007-05-02T15:25:00.000-05:00I came back to say that I understand that you are ...I came back to say that I understand that you are doing more than "holding to a belief system," as I phrased it in my comment. I meant that in a generative way, not to minimize that your desire is to be found "in Christ."Ampersandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14469014547016164445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-33792037312796188492007-05-02T14:43:00.000-05:002007-05-02T14:43:00.000-05:00Carrie, just wanted to say that I appreciate this,...Carrie, just wanted to say that I appreciate this, from your comment to Julie:<BR/><BR/><I>Each day I find my life is full of big and small choices like these. Some of the choices I've made in the past year have at times left me with doubts about my faith and God's character. I think you know how that feels. I want to remain open to hearing other viewpoints and trying to understand them. I guess I'm just allowing myself not to let that make me question everything I believe. Make sense?</I><BR/><BR/>While I am, at least theoretically, willing to question everything I believe, I really understand how this is not the best path for everyone, particularly those that hold to a belief system.<BR/><BR/>I really appreciate how you try to navigate the middle and also respect where you draw your boundaries.Ampersandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14469014547016164445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-52992703415290586852007-04-24T12:55:00.000-05:002007-04-24T12:55:00.000-05:00Another thought...When I started writing the post,...Another thought...<BR/><BR/>When I started writing the post, I was also thinking about when it is okay <I>not</I> to "navigate the middle." I still want to do that. When is "fanaticism" and passionate obsession with something okay? <BR/><BR/>Carriecarriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483414028348315498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-43977345181808983272007-04-24T12:51:00.000-05:002007-04-24T12:51:00.000-05:00Hi Julie! I love seeing your comments in my inbox....Hi Julie! I love seeing your comments in my inbox.<BR/><BR/>There is a lot I'm not sharing, but it has more to do with time than anything else. I love thinking outloud, and had originally planned to do that here...try to sort through some of the steps I'm taking on either side of the line. It wouldn't be anything new for you, I don't think. Some of it is mundane...should the teens see this or that movie? Should I spend my time reading something that conflicts with my point of view or something that adds to it? How much does what we see or hear (or read) effect us as far as our own behavior? Will watching shows that include adultry make me more accepting of it? Will watching show that present premarital sex as a good option make my kids more inclined to follow suit? <BR/><BR/>Each day I find my life is full of big and small choices like these. Some of the choices I've made in the past year have at times left me with doubts about my faith and God's character. I think you know how that feels. I want to remain open to hearing other viewpoints and trying to understand them. I guess I'm just allowing myself not to let that make me question everything <I>I</I> believe. Make sense?<BR/><BR/>I like what you said here about doing something to become more competent to make judgements. I am trying to take steps that way, only it's not completely clear how to do that. I don't want to listen to other people with the purpose of finding flaws, either. I like looking for what the idea has to offer. I think at first I just didn't know how to "isten and learn" without feeling the need to accept.<BR/><BR/>Thanks!carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483414028348315498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-37830018125697085302007-04-24T08:56:00.000-05:002007-04-24T08:56:00.000-05:00I am sure there is a lot of stuff under this post ...I am sure there is a lot of stuff under this post that you are choosing not to share deliberately. On the surface, though, I wanted to say that I think you have been a more open person to other viewpoints in the last two years (at least for the sake of understanding how they work for others, even when you disagree) than in the years before. I find that wonderful about you.<BR/><BR/>I know for me, what I felt I had to do was become competent to make judgments for myself. I didn't feel qualified to evaluate ideas (particularly theological ones) so I entered grad school (not an option for everyone). It has helped me tremendously on many levels. Beyond the obvious training in how to think theologically, it has also helped me to become a better critic but also a better believer. I no longer evaluate views to find flaws as much as I do to find/glean insight. What does this idea have to offer (even if I disagree with the premise)?<BR/><BR/>Anyway, that's some of what I thought of in reading your blog. :)<BR/><BR/>Have fun this weekend. I'll be missing you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00088119765077193302noreply@blogger.com