An Evolving God-
I entered college a Christian and left an agnostic. I had no desire whatever to be “washed in the blood” again. The question I had been avoiding was, Do You want me to become a Christian?
No, I don’t want you to join any denomination.
“Is it okay for me to read about Jesus?” I asked about Jesus rather than Christ. Jesus is an historical person, who certainly existed, but whether he was the Christ, the Messiah, is a religious question. I did not want my question to prejudge the answer.
Yes, but reading through the Old Testament first is a good approach.
“The God of the Old Testament seems terrifying. You do not seem terrifying, Lord.”
I was young then. I had not had much experience with people. I am an evolving God.
God was young then? He is evolving? I thought God was supposed to be perfect, eternal, and unchanging. I had been an agnostic, but I thought I had a clear idea of what I was agnostic about. I was often disturbed when I was told something that did not fit with what I had been taught growing up; however, this bit of news, while puzzling, did not upset me. The God who spoke to me was very much a personal God. It was surprising but not out of character if, like other persons, He changes over time. Later I would learn that this is why God wanted to talk to me.
Jerry L Martin October 5, 2012
Some readers may balk at this point. You might have a theology that views God as unchanging. As you can see, I was surprised too.
But I would suggest that you just set aside parts you can’t accept. What I am told early on is often modified, refined and put in a much larger context later. God started a dialogue with me for a purpose. It is worth hearing Him out.