For some reason I have re-stumbled on the dramatic audio series Left Behind.
You might recall the original series of books from 1995 to 2003. I never managed to finish the series but the publisher, Tyndale house, also made a dramatic audio series. Think of an old-time radio series. Just on the merits of the craft of theater of the mind, it is highly enjoyable.
Some of it strikes me as hilarious, of course. It is funny to hear references to video tapes and land lines and "small portable computers" that are the equivalent of our cell phones now, things of technology 20 plus years ago that have been wildly outpaced by actual events. Listening to it now is a great deal like watching a movie from the 1980's: recognized technologies, model of cars, and hairdos that identify a place and time.
But why, I wonder, do I find myself redrawn to this now?
It is not a secret that I have been struggling with my faith over the last year - not so much my belief in God as my relationship with church and really, my relationship with Christianity in the actual world. Given this, I am trying to find my way the best I can. I am trying to find it through more Bible reading, more prayer - and thinking about any other way I can to find a renewed sense of purpose with God.
I am not saying specifically that somehow a radio drama from 20 years ago is God specifically speaking to me, or even that I am supposed to pull things from it. But I do find it...funny...that something like this would come up precisely at this time.
What an odd post, TB. I have never read the 'Left Behind' books - would you recommend them to others?
ReplyDeletePerhaps if you focused on your questions and exactly what is causing you to question your church and chritianity - you might find why you are drawn back to the books.
Glen, it reflects the rather odd place I find myself in. Probably worth a second post to explain more.
DeleteThe questions are not a bad idea at all.
Emailing with Reverend Paul may help also.
ReplyDeleteIt's not hard to imagine why you are questioning a church relationship. Too many are "woke" and not following God.
Out of curiosity, have you found a church at The Ranch? Though I personally think The Ranch *is * a church in and of itself.
Be safe and God bless.
That is a wonderful idea Linda.
DeleteI have not formally found a church here at The Ranch, although there are several scattered about that would likely fit the bill. And yes, certainly I find God all around me here.
There was a radio series for the 60's called "Journey to Bethany". It was like that, too. And it was in super wide stereo. I don't really know how that works, but it is immersive. I think KHCB is the only place you can hear it now. They usually run it near Easter and maybe Christmas? KHCB.org you can listen online.
ReplyDeletePure religion and undefiled is this: to keep oneself unspotted from the world, and minister to widows and orphans in need. James 1:27
Find a way to serve folks that need it.
God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6 So your Bible reading and prayer are key parts of that. Don't be surprised when you "accidentally" stumble onto things that cause you to dwell on the Almighty.
I've always been a little hesitant to get too deep in eschatology. It's the easiest Bible study to do, since it's all about the future and doesn't seem to lead into a deeper walk. Although, I could do with more Bible study than I have been doing...
Thanks for the recommendation STxAR - I bet it is somewhere on the Interweb.
DeleteEschatology is one of the easiest things to argue about - and in some ways, the least useful. For all that have gone before, eschatology did not matter at all in the end, as they came to God before His return. They understand it perfectly now; we still wandered in supposition.
Simply: You are not alone. The organized Church left me behind, when they marched in lockstep with the powers that be. I felt betrayed on many levels. Like you, I have been re-reading my bible, and seeing things that I missed. We are made in God's Image, and it is up to us to let his gentle guidance steer us through this mess.
ReplyDeleteNowhere in the Bible have I seen God's people shrug with angst at the corruption surrounding them and do nothing. It usually gets a bit messy before things get better.
Thank you for that. I suppose that is one of my struggles, this sense of aloneness in the midst of the church, or at least where I am at the moment.
Delete