I had someone label me as an Agnostic a while back. Until then, I'd always thought of myself as an open-minded Atheist.
Turns out that's pretty much the definition of an Agnostic. So yes, I guess I am one.
I've been observing things lately. Trying to talk less (which is difficult for me. Very difficult.) and see and hear more. By hear, I mean listen. Actually listen to what people have to say.
I'm not a Christian. I don't believe in a God. Any God. That doesn't mean I'm not religious.
I try to think of Jesus as a prophet more than anything.
I follow his teachings as best I can. Whether he existed or not, whether he was the son of God or not, someone, somewhere came up with those teachings, and had them written down in a big book.
And let's face it, everything that that man apparently said, was brilliant.
One story that stands out for me, is the story of the adulterous woman;
About to get stoned, probably to death, for committing the act of adultery, a lady is brought before Jesus by various Scribes and Pharisees, and he's asked to cast judgement.
He ignores them, and instead begins to write on the ground with his finger.
Desperate for an answer, the group of people repeat their question to him until he simply stands up, looks at them and says;
"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
And then continued writing on the ground with his finger.
Of course, no-one could. And so they fled, one by one. And when Jesus looked back up, he found only the woman there.
"Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?"
"No man, Lord"
"Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
This was a whole new approach. As opposed to "An eye for an eye" they now had this man questioning their way of life. Asking the accuser if actually, they were as guilty as the one they were trying to condemn. At the same time, he didn't point the finger, didn't condemn those who were accusing, but instead let them reailse it for themselves.
This story is more relevant today than ever. More applicable than it has ever been.
I often do this. I point the finger, before I even know the circumstance.
I try to judge others when in fact, I'm no better than them. In fact, I'm probably worse.
Next time you point your finger at someone, notice that there are three pointing back at you.
