Man of Concern
Since I was very young, I have always been one that saw the negative side of things. It is not like I don't also see the positive side of things too, but I feel the negative the most. I don't know why I am the way I am. Is my brain just wired this way? Is there something physically wrong with me? Is there something spiritual wrong with me? We seem to be living in an age of positive Christianity. Where people extract all the positive bible verses, exclude the negative, and just promote the positive. They seem to think that they are spreading Christian joy by doing so. And that this Christian joy will be contagious to the unbeliever. I admit that whenever people speak positivity into my life I feel better about things, even when the things around me hasn't changed.
I once knew a pastor who through is optimism caused the destruction of the Church he pastored. He wouldn't look at the problems He was causing, and fix them. In the end, the Church split, and later the building had to be sold to another denomination.
@tryingtosurvive2024
I've read somewhere that we are atavistically programmed to see the bad things first. For example, a view of a blue sky or a blooming tree is great, but not strictly tied to our survival. But a view of a thunderstorm coming or a viper in the grass can be a matter of life or death in a moment.
Also I have heard and experienced that seeing the bad things first can be a result of being raised by parents who were more strict than loving (e.g. alcohol abuse and/or religious extremism in a family may work like that).
I don't know how it is in America, but I think here in Europe we are still carrying some mental burden of World War II, which may have badly influenced the generation of our grandparents and their children.
With the religion, I believe, that's quite opposite: It is much wiser to show the better way, and accept the human imperfectness, than to see sin, vice and guilt everywhere. I believe this is a change from the punishing, violent (and reportedly even jealous) God of the Old Testament to a God of loving, mercy and understanding, who sent his son to be born as a human - to better understand the mankind (all in terms of reference to Christianity - other religions may have their own noble ideas).
@jacek73 Interesting perspective, but even the New Testament is not just a bed of roses.
@tryingtosurvive2024
Well, I think making people feel guilty is one of the surest ways of controlling them.
I am sorry. This was unnecessary.
That wasn't intended to invalidate your personal beliefs.
I am just not a Christian and not into the Bible. Made different choices, and I feel more of a Buddhist. That's all.
@tryingtosurvive2024 there's nothing physically wrong with you sweetie ❤ seeing the bad vs seeing the good is a thin line, I guess it's more about our perspective. Perspectives are easier to change than having a physical illness, so that's one good thing🙂 ❤ and religion, well each one has it's share of good and bad, but I think as long as you have something to believe in, then that's all you need ❤ hugs you tightly ❤ merry Christmas ❤
@Tinywhisper11 ❤ merry Christmas ❤ to you too. 😊 I got something religious on my mind that I want to write about.
@tryingtosurvive2024 I'd love to hear what's on your mind ❤ remember to tag me ❤