Right now, I am in the throes of deciding whether or not I'm ready to be saved. For some, it may not be a diffcult decision, but I want to make sure I do it right - the first time.
I'm in the teen class at my church, which on average has about five or six people in it. It used to have about ten. I am literally the only person that still shows up, out of the "old people"- the ones that have been there for years. It used to be me, two Erics, June, and Michael. Then, we lost Michael because he hardly ever comes anyway, June has a job, Eric has a job too (but stopped coming long before it), and the other Eric is in college.
Then, we gained a new family (who I'm sorry to say is probably the cause of some non-attendance) with two girls and a boy. There is also another girl besides me who shows up most of the time.
It makes me so sad because many of the ones that don't come anymore are people I wish I could see. My church is in a different town than where I go to school, so I never see anyone if they don't come to church. We used to all be a close-knit group that got along and joked, and enjoyed coming to church. It's not so fun anymore. I know church isn't necessarily supposed to be fun, but it should be something that you don't dread. Every time I go, I usually feel as though I am being attacked for my personal beliefs on politics, some morals, and even my choice of dress or music. (By the newest family with the two girls and the boy.) I recently said in class that I am not voting for McCain because I don't agree with a Liberal trying to be a Conservative, and that I in all likelihood would be voting for Obama because I like a lot of his policies. A rain of disapproval fell on my head because he does not support a lot of overly Christian values. Excuse me for having an opinion.
The saddest thing is that I'm not seeing a lot of reason to become a true member of the church by getting saved, if the attitudes of some is what I have to adhere to. Most of the people now not showing up were baptized into the church when they were young, about 12, and look at them now! They weren't ready then, and I feel as though I'm not ready now. But I feel pressure sometimes because I once was in a class by myself and my teacher asked why I wasn't baptized yet. I didn't really know what to tell him except that I didn't feel I was ready for a committment that I think is too important to just take lightly. I also feel that there are some things I do that I know I shouldn't, but I don't feel sorry about doing, you know? Like cursing. I know the Bible speaks against it, and I know it's wrong, but I still do it and I'm not ready to give it up.
As far as politics go, I'm very Liberal in my church. The Barack Obama issue is one; homosexuality is another. Just like my church, I think it's wrong, but I'nm not all for jumping down someone's throat for it. And it is not a deciding factor in who I will vote for. I want to be respected for my choices and not be ostracized by a family - or families - that have grown up sheltered and brainwashed.
Salvation at 17? I might not be ready at 27. But it's my choice and I'll make it when I feel ready.
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I have to commend you on this blog. First off you dared to be different, and different in a wonderful way. I do agree with your descision in voting for Obama. He does have alot of points on policies that I agree with. People have been telling me to vote for McCain cuz he is pro-life, but is that all I should vote for people for? And at your age brainswashed is exactly the word. Dont get religous hun, get acquainted, k?
Jasmin Muniz
I also commend you as well. I don't agree with many aspects of Christianity (hence why I'm not Christian), but I generally do not have a problem with those who do agree, as long as their ideas are well thought out and not just blind faith without reason. It's refreshing to see someone who questions their faith before they make the big jump, rather than jumping and realizing, "Shit, I don't have a parachute."
I'm also with Jasmin: Don't get religious, get acquainted. Look to see what's out there first before you make any decision about what's truly right for you.
First of all, I'd like to point out the baptism does not equal salvation. You don't have to be baptized to be saved and you technically don't have to be saved to be baptized. Being saved is a choice you make for yourself with your God. I don't remember off-hand what baptism was initially for, though I think it was a symbolic ritual of cleansing to show that you've chosen to be saved. From what I've seen, though, it currently symbolizes becoming an "official" member of the church you attend (unless you're Catholic, but that's a different story and from what you've said in your blog, it sounds more like a Protestant-type church).
Both your relationship with your God and your choice to get baptized are completely up to you, for you to do when you are ready. Don't let anyone pressure you into doing anything you're not ready for. Even the Bible says not to be showy in your faith, that your faith is a private matter to be practiced privately, for yourself and your God, not for anyone else.
-- quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
I'm a little confused. You talk about being "saved". Saved from what?