So lately I’m reading a book called “12 ‘Christian’ Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy,” by Cloud & Townsend. Have I ever mentioned that I love Cloud & Townsend? I might even have a (platonic) crush on the both of them. They really know their stuff. The bulk of their work is from a psychology/counseling bent, but oh-so-much of their stuff applies to pretty much anyone.
The whole point of this one is exploring common (but wrong) ideas most of us have probably heard or been told in our quest for spiritual growth. Check out these assumptions—
- It’s selfish to have my needs met
- If I’m spiritual enough, I will have no pain or sinfulness
- If I change my behavior, I will grow spiritually and emotionally
- I just need to give it to the Lord
- One day, I’ll be finished with recovery
- Leave the past behind
- If I have God, I don’t need people
- “Shoulds” are good
- Guilt and shame are good for me
- If I make right choices, I will grow spiritually
- Just doing the right thing is more important than why I do it
- If I know the truth I will grow
Good stuff, yes? The tricky part to all of the ideas is that they sound good, and most people can spew scriptures that they think support all 12 of them. And each does have a bit of truth to it, so it takes some thinking and processing and discernment to sort out the good parts from the harmful.
I'm only on number 7, but based on the first half alone, I totally recommend it to pretty much anyone. Don’t get freaked out by the feely-words like “recovery” and "emotional"…I’m telling you, it’s a really good read.
Thanks LeVar Burton... I'm running down to my local library to check it out now!
ReplyDeleteThat totally read as if you were a little kid on Reading Rainbow spouting off about a new boook you just read...
Granted, I am sure its a good book and I know you don't talk like that in real life, but sometimes I wonder how you talk to yourself... you know, your inner monolouge.
Um, this is pretty much it. You could call it my inner 'monoblogue'
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