No Faking Faith

Back on Palm Sunday I wrote about Thomas and his doubt. I since then read this quote (which was attributed to Ray Hollenbach)and immediately thought, "Yes, that's what I enjoy about Thomas' story!"

"Thomas taught me that there are worse things than doubt. He taught me it’s OK to be the downer in the group, and if the group doesn’t like it, that’s mostly their problem. Thomas taught me that my doubts belonged to me, and I had no business trying to sell other people my doubt any more than I should try to sell people my favorite doctrines. Thomas taught me it’s OK to be myself, as long I as I wasn’t a jerk. Most of all Thomas taught me you can be unflinchingly honest and still get face-time with Jesus."

It's natural to doubt at times. And it's alright to be honest with God about it (I mean, He's going to know anyway). Deal with the doubt. Talk to God about it, talk with a mentor or close friend about it, but don't talk to everyone about it. It's not your place to poke holes in other people's faith. I've found a peace in embracing that I have some doubt and some unresolved questions. It doesn't shatter my whole belief system. And it gives me something to talk to God about. I ask Him lots of questions, mainly for the sake of asking more than expecting resolutions. I think He approves that I care enough to ask, even if He's also thinking, "Geez, Emily, stop questioning so much and put more into faith." Yes, I know I should do that, but God knows I'm imperfect and working on it. No sense hiding the work in progress from Him.

Religion Friday: Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zoroaster around 1400 BC in Persia. It’s the father of monotheistic religions. Followers believe the world is in battle of the good Ahura Mazda and the evil Aura Mainyu. The concept of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” is central. One’s place in the afterlife is determined by good deeds vs. evil deeds. Confession and repentance helps the scale weigh toward good. Zoroaster wrote poetic verses on his conversations with Ahura Mazda that are known as the Gathas; they are the core scripture of the religion.

Fire is an important symbol in Zoroastrianism. A sacred fire must be kept burning in Zoroastrian homes, and there are ceremonies for the creation of a new fire and purification of a fire. The faravahar (the symbol of the man in a disk with spread wings) is an ancient symbol first representative of sun-gods. Today, Zoroastrians have adopted it to represent one’s progression toward Ahura Mazda.

Though the faith is almost over 3,000 years old, there are only about 280,000 Zoroastrians in the world today. And while most still live where the faith was founded, in what is modern Iran, many adherents now live in India, where a group of Zoroastrians fled after Islamic invasion of Persia in the 10th century. I’ve never met one.

While I don’t really know much about this religion, it interests me because it seems to be the first religion that deviated from the polytheistic faiths that covered the western world at the time. The prayers, the prophet, the battle of good versus evil with good ultimately triumphing, the emphasis on good deeds are not completely foreign to me.

I’d guess that many Christians agree with Zoroastrians that good deeds outweighing bad deeds will secure you heaven. I agree that the idea is by far the most fair. But salvation isn’t fair, and that’s good, because otherwise I wouldn’t obtain it. It’s frustrating to think that a deathbed conversion of a murderer is just as good as someone who has strictly adhered to the Bible and done good deeds throughout his life, but it’s also reassuring that our evil actions and thoughts won’t keep us from salvation.

Next Friday: Judaism

World Religion Tour

Every Friday I'll post some basic facts and my thoughts on a religion other than Christianity. I've always been fascinated by different faiths, beliefs and rituals. And by looking at different faiths, I am often strengthened in my own. I'm a history buff, so the posts will probably include lots of history and cultural context of the religion. While I will try to make sure my information is as accurate as possible, understand that I'm only skimming the surface in looking at these different faiths and may misinterpret a fact or two. Corrections appreciated!

Kicking off the tour this Friday: Zoroastrianism.