Jason EarlNov 11, 2022

#introduction time!

My name's Jason and I've dedicated the last decade of my life to ministry in the church, only to be essentially forced out when I started asking questions about complementarianism (which I've decided is basically just patriarchy, and not biblically mandated).

Still love Jesus, but my wife and I feel like the church has muddled our minds about what "Christian life" should look like.

Proud dad of a 5 year old and an 18 month old, both boys.

Show threadLaury Silvers
@JCEarl Agree on complementarianism! Yeah, communities can really muddle the heart of the message. Is this what is inspiring your question about Islam?
Nov 19, 2022 at 4:46pmWeb
Show threadJason EarlNov 19, 2022

@laurysilvers

Sort of, just questioning my blind acceptance of everything I was taught.

Still a faithful Christian, but the dogmatism about beliefs built on shaky foundations is becoming less and less attractive.

Show threadLaury SilversNov 19, 2022
@JCEarl As a Muslim, I would suggest find what you know to be true in your heart of hearts about your own tradition. Let your conscience speak to you and everything will sort itself out. In my own experience, when I started questioning it was because my conscience was awakening after attempts to smother it with divisive dogma.
Show threadLaury SilversNov 19, 2022
@JCEarl Trust that Islamic dogma, practices and life is as beautiful as the most most beautiful aspects of Christianity and as ugly as the ugliest of aspects of Christian dogma, practices and life. If you open your heart and mind with that view in mind, you'll see so much.
Show threadLaury SilversNov 19, 2022
@JCEarl And, I want to say that I went through this after my conversion to Islam over thirty years ago. I forced myself into a dogmatic obedience that is not "Islam" but one way, and when I recovered my conscience, as you are now, I found the way that resonated with me so deeply my experience of Islam is a beautiful home and world for me now.
Show threadLaury SilversNov 19, 2022
@JCEarl Christians that I feel close to from every denomination love Thomas Merton. He speaks right to the heart and the conscience. Maybe you'll find something resonant there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton
Thomas Merton - Wikipedia

Show threadJason EarlNov 19, 2022
@laurysilvers thanks, I'll give him a look!