Controversy is a part and parcel of our lives. No one has yet lived to believe everything blindly. We all are rational human beings with a sense of logic and reasoning. But faith binds us all. Christianity is the common thread that connects all of us. We all have lived to believe in the views and opinions of the Bible. But exceptions are bound to happen. Even though the book of Bible has been a lovely read from childhood, some grow to disbelief it. There are many individuals, who question the whole theory of Christianity and the role and existence of Jesus Christ. You can say that it is the effect of modernization or our liberal thinking, which has widened its horizon with the development of science and technology. But the issue can be due to the different perspective of different individuals.
With years, the book of Christianity is being read and followed by all. So it is not unnatural that some people will like to justify it. Justification will certainly raise question and thus become the root to all controversy. The most storming topic can be said to be the reality behind the existence of Jesus of Nazareth.
Most Christians believe that there has been a person named Jesus indeed and he has been the son of Holy Father. This group entirely believes in the miracles and myths of the Holy Bible. The gospels are the source of inspiration as well as evidence for them. The doubt about his existence may be a subject of blasphemy for them. Indeed the question arises, why should one disbelieve the tales? It may have happened indeed. The “Gospels of Q“, which is supposed to contain the information that has been orally, expressed to the people by Lord, our Father. It is indeed a precious source for all Christian followers.
But however much our faith be, one cannot deny the various evidences that many philosophers and skeptic people have put forward to prove the non-existence of Jesus. Bertrand Russell has said in one of his books, “Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did we do not know anything about Him.” Many Christian men and women still believe that Jesus has been a fictional figure or a Jewish prophet. While the Jews believe that the originator of Christianity was actually a peripatetic rabbi, who lived in the first century. Flavius Josephus’s book “Antiquities of the Jews” tells that Jesus has been a prudent man and Pilate crucified Him. While the present day Christian theologians believe that he was actually a historical figure.
The variety in opinions also puts forth a shadow of doubt whether the New Testament provides us fact or fiction. But the most important aspect that a true Christian person should always keep in mind is that faith is something that requires ultimate devotion under the garb of truth and judgment.
Christianity has many aspects. One of the most vital aspects that Christianity stresses on is marriage. Marriage is one of the most significant decisions of life. Besides adding value to the society, it brings colors in your personal life. It drives away the loneliness that no person can live with. Marriage establishes a strong bond between two people. And it generates a lifelong partnership. Although exceptions are there, yet a marriage is supposed to be the best form of perfect communion. Christian faith stresses on the necessity of marriage. Christian views describe marriage to be an institution that is propounded by the god and it is our holy father who controls the knot. Marriage was indeed made in the heavens. Any physical relation outside marriage is sin.
The bible, which is the most important foundation of Christianity, says that marriage is premeditated by God to enable companionship and closeness, to push away isolation. The Bible thoroughly highlights the story in which woman has been built out of man, rather from the ones and flesh of man so that later in life, she can be someone, with who man will unite and become “one flesh”. The Old Testament and the New Testament gives weight to marriage. The many number of marriages that are shown in these books of Christian principle are a vivid proof of that fact. Adam and Eve are said to be the first man and wife, who became the symbol of conjugality. Then there has been Abraham and Sara, Boaz and Ruth, Jacob and Rachel, Isaac and Rebecca and many more.
Even Jesus supported the institution of marriage. By this he actually made people understand what exactly constitutes the kingdom of heaven on earth. The catholic believes that marriage is a way created by God self to show his love and care for his creations. The Christian view of marriage specifies that the process has multiple purposes. Besides companionship, it enables procreation and building up of a society that is moral and ethical. However, the eastern Christians hold a totally different view. For them, marriage is a kind of holy sacrament and a connection between the church and God. The Holy Spirit is the most essential in the process of communion.
The Christian marriage vows bring to our notice, how much interrelated are marriage and Christianity. The ceremony of marriage starts with a prayer to God, our Holy Father. However the Christian principles strictly deny adultery. The views in the Bible say adultery is equal to the greatest sin and it leads you to a life of sorrow and misery. Even though in the modern age, no part of the principles are followed but you should always remember that, however much you try to deny, every action has its equal and opposite reaction. If there is paradise, hell can never be far. So the best way to a happy life is to follow the principles of marriage that Christianity promotes.
Christianity has evolved since the time Jesus of Nazareth blessed the earth with His birth. The story dates back a long time, but the effect is still felt. Even now the children of God never fail to celebrate the birth of Jesus or even the Mardi Grass. Joy and feast is in the core of Christianity. The very faith of all Christians are dipped in those qualities. It is not abnormal that a true Christian never fails to celebrate the special days in a special way. The Christian calendar reveals that there are as many as sixteen rituals which the Christian populace follows.
The Christian year begins with the Advent. It is basically an indicator of the initiation of the church year. The Advent enfolds four Sundays, that starts from November 30th till the end of the eve of Christmas. Though there may be some variations in some other part of the world. The festival has historical significance. It is believed that an occasion of fasting has been first begun by the Bishop of Tours; and the council of tours named the period of fast as the Advent season. According to Christian beliefs, it is a very holy occasion and many an important tasks that are performed at this period is said to have yielded great results. In the recent age, Advent has become an occasion of mirth as it brings in the anticipation of the Christmas.
Christmas is the most important occasion in the Christian calendar. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christianity. 25th December is a time of mirth and gals and the Christians leave no space for any kind of sadness at this occasion. Cakes and ales flow while the Christmas tree stands high with beautiful decorations. There remains expectancy for Father Christmas, Santa Claus and St. Nick. Boxing Day follows immediately after Christmas. Twelfth night is a day of feast celebrated on the last day of Christmas, on 5th January. January 6th marks the feast of epiphany. Though there is a controversy regarding the date of this feast but this little Christmas, as the Irishmen calls it, is celebrated after Christmas.
Mardi grass is the celebrated before the initiation of Lent. It is day of great celebrations and feasting. T is basically the Carnival period, before mourning. It is also a time of confession of all sins. Lent or the Lenten season begins immediately after Mardi Grass. It is a period of penance and fast, that prepares us for Easter celebration. It extends for 40 days. Lent begins with the Ash Wednesday. It involved the sprinkling of ash and staying in isolation until Maundy Thursday. The smearing of ash symbolizes mourning. Nowadays more or less no Christians follow strict rules of fasting. Palm Sunday is followed at the need of lent. It basically celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of the holy week of Easter. Easter is one of the most important occasions for all the Christians; it celebrates the resurrection of Christ. It also marks the spring festival. Besides other minor occasions like St. Patrick’s Day and St Andrews day, there is Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day that is universally celebrated by all followers of Christianity.
Christianity has grown in leaps and bound gradually over the years. More and more people are embracing the Christian faith in the recent times. It may due to the fact that people are finding respite and some sort of solace in the wings of faith. In the recent time, which is in this modern age, people are running against time. It is a life of ultimate race and speed. There are no values. Only materialistic aspects are the top most priority in our mind. We have almost become a machine. The basic requirements to our survival have become very gross. A good amount of cash is all we need to exist. But when we get a second’s break from this rat race, do we not question our self what gains are we ultimately hoping for. The huge amount of dollars that we desire to pile up every day, are they the only things that can give happiness. Our faith or rather the Christian religion says no, it cannot buy us happiness. Material pleasure can never provide consolation to the mind.
Ultimate happiness will be gained if you can make your mind happy. Do not think that you are being advised to go to church on a daily basis or turn into an ascetic. But the point is to train your mind in such a way that it remains serene, whatever be the situation. Christianity highlights on the value of prayer. Prayer to God shortens the distance between Him and us. That does never mean that you have to attend all the religious occasions or Christian rituals in your church and parish. Prayer is something that is required to be very personal. It will calm your body and soul. You will be able to pour out all your worries and anxieties to Lord, our father. A true Christian has full faith and confidence in the power of God. He will never question the sanctity of his existence. If you can share all your emotions with Him every day, we guarantee you that you will gain comforts. The lap of God is always soothing for His children. You just need to build up your beliefs in the principles of Christianity.
You may wonder why you need to pray. You may feel that the church visit on Sunday is enough to drive away all the sense of trouble and guilt, if there are any. But believe me, it is not the case always. Often times, it has been noticed that you are not able to open up your mind and heart in such public gathering. The best alternative that Christianity recommends is therefore appeal to God. The Christian book of faith also suggests that God has commanded all his children to pray. The Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving”. Thus follow the dictums that Bible suggest and live a liberated existence.
The world lives in the darkness of several visions and the light of the present. But the surprising fact is everyone is more inquisitive about what is untold and whatever are mysterious than what has been revealed to all and sundry. The population believes in the sagas of the past. Christianity, however modernized the faith may have become in the recent times, still proudly flaunts its myths and fantasies. We still believe in the stories of Bible. Though all may not entirely believe the Christian sagas in the Bible, but at least it is an interesting read. We still feel a chill in our spines, when we hear the stories of miracle that Jesus performed. Christianity continues to enthrall us, even in this age of technology and science.
There are innumerable Christian sagas. But thorough analysis by the littérateurs and analyst has proved that some of the myths have pagan origin. Some traces of Egyptian, Persian, Greek and many such sources have been noticed in the Christian myths. The most important aspect that has been noticed in the Christian myths is the infusion of certain pagan elements to add a touch of mystery to the otherwise normal stories. Early Christians declined to use the term “myth” to canonical stories. According to them, myth is something that is a lie or falsehood. However, the Christian scholars in the present age, after having researched on the topic, declared that the canonical stories are indeed the most original and true myths.
The most amazing myth can be said to be the seven day creation of the world. The account of the plants and the animals being created and how there was darkness, which God transformed into light is indeed the most amazing description. Then the rise and fall of Satan and the creation of the Garden of Eden is indeed something that inspires awe and disbelief. Noah’s ark is also something that is almost mythical. Though some believe that the boat shaped formation of rock that has been discovered in the rocky terrains of turkey is Noah’s ark, but the truth is yet an ambiguity.
The birth of Jesus from Virgin Mary is another most intriguing subject. The journey of the magi from so far and yet finding the perfect stable is indeed very captivating. The most amazing myths or rather magical stories are that of Jesus Christ and how he cured people with his magical touch and his resurrections. The enlightened birth may shake our scientific mind as to whether it is possible. But then faith makes almost nothing impossible. Christianity is indeed a core feeling. You have to understand the Christian in your heart to believe the myths. Follow your heart and feel the difference. In case you are an atheist, read the mythical stories, which are there in the book of Christianity, with pleasure not to contradict.
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