Was rummaging through my stack of papers from college and found something WORTH reading: a paper for my Theology class, June 27, 2006.
At age 20, you’ve supposedly just squeaked by the awkward stage of adolescence, where you search long and hard for that identity you never seemed to have. You’ve graduated grade school and high school, where you learn about Science, Math, Civics and Culture, and of course, Christian Living. You now know what “peer pressure” is, not because of your D.A.R.E. classes, but from actual experience. You’ve tried to love and probably lost it, and in turn, you keep trying to get Love figured out (the sad thing is, I think I’ll never know true love… but that’s another story). You’ve questioned what or who God is several times over and of course, the inevitable search for the meaning of life. Heck, you’ve probably lost your faith in the process. I have.
I’ve done all of this of course. All my years growing up have taught me all sorts of lessons. My perception of what’s right and wrong has modified itself too many times over. I’ve learned that there are so many incidents in life where circumstance dictates what’s right and wrong. Many situations are relative, and the line between right and wrong grows thinner by the day. Before you know it, you don’t even know where the line is. Even my perception of God is cloudy. To me, God is that Supreme Being, the Universal Spirit that is the sole purpose for everything that occurs. He comes in several names: Christ, Buddha, Brahma, etc. I think what all beliefs have in common is Love. God is LOVE.
I’d like to think I am spiritual, but I am not so religious. I am not a very devout Catholic. Honestly, I hardly pray at night. The only religious thing I am still doing is living a good life. I hardly attend confession and I haven’t opened the Bible in a very long time. I also do not believe that one will go to hell if he does not believe in Jesus Christ, because I believe in the natural goodness of people. I believe that a person can still be a good person even if he does not attend mass on Sundays, or if he doesn’t open the Bible. I’ve learned that there are 3 relationships you juggle in life: one with God, with others, and yourself. I’ve been focusing more on the latter two; I have yet to find a solid relationship with God.
Although my relationship with God is quite vague, I do have my personal convictions, and these beliefs are what I have stood for, and what guides my decisions.
- I believe in TRUTH and HONESTY above all others. I try my best to avoid lying. I believe that the need to lie simply means there is something wrong with your relationship with that person. I try not to give myself any reason to lie to people. Goodness is Truthful, because we are naturally inclined toward the good. Everything follows from there.
- I believe in doing things that make me GROW as a person. I believe in developing talents and skills, and making the most out of every situation.
- I believe that it is good to stand back and reflect about things, to not always be swayed by the flowing river of modern living.
- It is absolutely necessary to respect every person, no matter how incredibly annoying, or vile he/she is. The key word is TRY.
- I have no right to complain about my life, for I try to keep in mind that there are millions of people who have it a lot worse.
Oh, I’ve changed… however my convictions are still standing strong. My faith, on the other hand, has been reinvigorated. I don’t feel invincible anymore… which is good.
Ante up.