The theory of

We have all heard of the "theory of evolution."  Yet we talk of evolution as if it were a fact.  It is in fact, a theory.  That means that we really don't know.

Personally I am fine with micro evolution.   Small changes over time.  But I have trouble believing that one little amoeba became a fish, a bird, a pig and a human.  Somewhere I believe that God had a hand in creating different species.

The theory of evolution is a theory only.

Now let me slide over to theology.  There is the substitutionart theory of the atonement.  I have written about this many times.  This is the idea that God was mad and had to kill someone to get even.  So Jesus was our substitute.  While there is much evidence for this in the bible, it is not the only theory of atonement [how we are made right with God.] 

The original theory of the atonement was called the ransom theory.  God paid the Devil a ransom [Jesus] to get us back.  What a horrible teaching!!!  But it was the teaching for the first 600 years of the church.

The theory of the atonement that I subscribe to is called the moral influence theory.  It was first taught by Peter Abelard, died 1142.  This teaching suggests that in sending Jesus, God is showing us his love.  The cross is a sign of great love.  It is so moving, that it touches our hearts and changes us.  We not only come to love God, but we come to value ourselves and we come to live lives dedicated to loving others.  [That sounds like a Christ follower to me!]

Every thing that we have been taught about God is just a theory.  It is all someone else's ideas.  Just because I say something, does not make it right.  Just because your pastor stood up there shaking the bible and sweating during sermons, does not mean what they put in your head is right either.

Some Christians today have extra books in their Bible.
Some Christians believe that Jesus was a man that was adopted by God.
The rapture was not believed in prior to 1850.
Some Christians cast demons out of each other.

I want to keep it all simple.
Love God.
Love others.
That's it.

And to me, loving God and loving others feels like so much more than a theory.  It feels like the right thing, the good thing, the simple thing, the true thing.  It feels like something worth dedicating a life to.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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