I’m creating this post as a reference for newcomers to my blog and Facebook page because occasionally I am going to talk about how my faith and neurotype interact. I thought it would be easier if I keep in one spot a brief but rounded explanation of how I try to express my faith but still respect the autonomy of the world around me.
I’m not going to break down the exact tenets of my beliefs here, though I’m always open to discussing such things privately to those who ask. This has more to do with how I try to love people and live my beliefs authentically.
My beliefs:
- I believe and live most orthodox (traditional) Christian teachings
- I occasionally defend and debate with fellow Christians about living that lifestyle
- I don’t expect non-Christians to live how I live in order to interact with them
- I think good and bad are found in religious and non-religious circles, and want to promote good no matter where I find it
- I rarely bring up my faith unannounced as I respect there are legitimate triggers around the topic, and will use trigger or content warnings
- I do not identify with modern evangelicalism as it’s expressed in America
- I believe modern science speaks to how to explain the workings of the world
- I believe the Bible when read as intended speaks spiritual truth, but I don’t expect others to agree with me by implicit or explicit communication and I do believe other faiths contain truths too
- If I get angry publicly, it is almost always about “cleaning my own house” and chastising my own group
- I use anyone’s voiced preferred pronouns or names, respect anyone’s unions, give space for people to live their lives
- I think Christianity in politics has turned into a perversion of how to authentically express our values
- I don’t require that the law follow my personal beliefs
- I believe in defending the weak and helping the marginalized
- I loathe hypocrisy no matter where it’s found
Quick history of my faith:
I grew up in a Christian home that only sporadically attended church or had discussions about their faith. When I was 18 a coworker had a more in-depth discussion with me about Christianity, and since I was going through a personal crisis at the time I dove into the topic.
I have a B.A. in religious studies. At one time I wanted to be a professor of theology but that’s before I learned how expensive it is to be a professor of anything. I now just focus on living my faith for myself as I truly believe that whatever is true, right, and good in this world is first and foremost communicated with actions.
I’ll adapt this list as needed, if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or send me an email/private message.