Actions: Faith-based or Popularity Based?

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Jamie and I recently had a discussion around Christianity and its use in today's society.  By adding my thoughts here, we will be able to continue that dialogue.  Before I jump into my personal thoughts, I have to tell you how this conversation came to be. 


One of my co-workers came to my office to discuss the controversy around the movie Noah that she had just learned of via FB.  From her recount, I learned that she really wanted to see this movie until she found out that the movie wasn't based on the biblical account of the story.  She also stated that Christians should not watch the movie because the director is an Atheist therefore he doesn’t know about Christianity.  As she finished her thoughts, I simply stated that she should not discount the director’s knowledge of Christianity simply because he is an Atheist.  I went on to explain that many “non-believers” have studied more about Christianity than many “true” Christians.  I also told her that, from my perspective, if she wanted to see the movie she should see the movie because nothing in the movie should be able to change her personal beliefs.


So, what made this conversation interesting?  For me, it was interesting because the commentary and decisions appeared to be popularity-based NOT faith-based.  Isn’t a part of teaching the gospels understanding those who don’t believe so you can learn to teach them?


Let me stop here, because I don’t want anyone to think that I consider myself a devout Christian or that I am passing judgment on anyone.  My questions here arise because I am not a “true” Christian, I did not grow up in the church and do not feel compelled to go to church every Sunday.  I don’t quote bible scriptures or pretend to know all Christian beliefs.  I do believe that a higher power does exist and my relationship with that power is personal.  I have a high set of moral standards that I try to live by and those that know me know that I am a very caring and giving person; they know my heart.  


To dig a little deeper into the conversation with my colleague, we have to understand the term religion and what it means to people.  For me, the definition of religion in itself states that the beliefs and practices are personal.  However, there is another part of the definition that refers to an institutionalized system that I believe is portrayed in my co-workers commentary and feelings.


An institution is an organization, establishment, foundation, society,or the like, devoted to the promotion of a particular cause orprogram, especially one of a public, educational, or charitable character:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/institution


Using the term institution as it relates to religion gives us the sense that religion varies based on the primary (popular) cause of a given set of individuals.  Does that mean that in any given religion I am only being taught what someone else wants me to know?  If so, are the decisionsand life choices I am making truly mine?  Am I going against my religion by seeking understanding other than what is taught to me?

 

I am not asking these questions to deter anyone’s thoughts or beliefs.  I ask these questions because my fear is that at some point, we stop seeking understanding for ourselves and simply go with the popular belief.  For me, religion/faith should not be something that you bring up when it is convenient or when it seems like the ‘proper’ thing to do.  Your beliefs should always be forefront in your life.


So tell me, what are your thoughts?


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