Jesus Loves Me, This I Try To Know
Nathanael Berends March 25th, 2004
I Wrote This Five Months Ago…
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As a student of Grand Rapids Christian High, I am automatically a part of something. I am representative of a certain group of people. I am representative of the Christian community. As if there was no chance to consider ones spirituality, I am automatically assumed a Christian. It seems that the teachers spend too much time discussing how to use our faith, without even considering the fact that there may be students in their classrooms that are still developing said faith, or perhaps may even be claiming an alternative religion. I suppose that some people – teachers included – would consider the weekly chapels an active attempt to foster a Christian faith. I would agree – keeping in mind the phrasing I used in the last sentence - …an attempt…
It has become apparent in the past few months that GRCHS chapels are too cookie cutter, in both their structure, and content. They start with a few songs, showcase a testimonial, then a message, prayer, and more songs. The message seems pretty consistent: There are ups and downs (chronicled each week by someone’s personal tale of triumph over sin), but in the end it gets better, and the essential message is conveyed - always remember… “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.”
Everyone knows Jesus loves them, and everyone knows that God will forgive them if they humbly ask it of him. What we need is someone who will give their struggles, rather than regurgitating a testimony that “Sounds Good”. Our school has plenty of people who are at total peace with their relationship to God, and his place in their life. Conversely, there are as many – if not more – people who are in a constant struggle with faith – sometimes not even with regard to the Christian faith itself.
Here Is Where My Story Begins – Or At Least Continues:
I have many reasons for my current stance on faith. First being that I can’t bring myself to claim membership to the harsh and hypocritical group known as the Christian church of America.
[I Never Wrote Past There...]
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FYI - CLRW Has Been - For Me, And A Host Of Others - Such A Letdown… I’d Love To Explain… Ask Me…