Changed Beliefs?

Recently, it has come to my attention that beliefs have changed, not mine, but my children's. It should not surprise me as they are grown and have minds and opinions of their own. But still, I am shocked.

My son summed it up when after a particularly heated discussion, he said," The gap widens." He was so right. Some of the basic things I hold as truths are now discarded or questioned by my children. This was an unexpected development for me.

My daughter tells me, "Many theologians question the accuracy of Revelations? Some believe it was not part of the bible, some believe it is just there to scare people into behaving." God's word is to be accepted in its entirety or not at all. That was what I was told. That was what I learned. That was what I believe.

The Bible contains lessons which do act as warnings for us. Yes, if you believe what it says, you are scared. Supposedly you are scared enough to not sin or to live your life as a good Christian.

Can you pick and choose what to believe? It is pleasant to believe in the existence of heaven, but not of hell. We all want to think of God as merciful and kind, but is he not also judge? When we hear of the tribulation, many say my God is loving; he will protect me. He also helps those who help themselves.

My children do not believe there is a need to prepare for those black days. They feel prayer at that time will be all we need. I wonder? Much Scripture points to the preparation we should engage in, much Scripture paints the dreadful picture of how those days will be, but what do you say to one who does not believe the Scripture is correct? How do you fight that battle?

I can understand how easy it is to be misled. Science today can perform amazing feats. We can clone animals, make living matter from almost nothing, and produce babies in test tubes. The miracle of what God has done seems less spectacular now. Technology has given us the ability to be godlike in our knowledge and abilities. But we still are not like God.

We cannot heal the blind, nor command the wind, nor part the sea. Why, we mere humans cannot even forgive our enemies.

I believe in miracles, love is one. God loves us, protects us, and gave his son for us. Why can't we simply believe he has a plan for us? Why is it impossible to accept that in order to make a New World, the old sinful one must be destroyed?

If we believe the entire bible, we must believe Revelations. If we do not, what things will we choose not to accept? Some people may not choose to believe God rose the third day. They may accept the crucifixion, but not the resurrection.

Women do not want to accept the fact that we are to be subservient to our husbands. Children may not want to believe they must obey their parents. This could go on and on.

I believe as Christians grow in the word, more and more becomes understandable. They will eventually see that the Millennium, the Tribulation, Armageddon, and Revelations all are part of the eternal plan God has provided for us.

Some of the Old Testament seems to portray a cruel and unloving father. Many say that was God as a new parent without knowledge of how to yet parent. That seems hard to believe of an all-knowing God. So what is the answer? Is there one? Will we ever understand it?

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel