Human at the Center

I learned a word recently – anthropocentric -  and decided to use it to explain a viewpoint I hold.  Mankind is anthropocentric in the same way individuals are (egocentric). We place humans (ourselves) at the center of the world, then explain spiritual matters from that position.  That is, we are applying what humans know from historical or scientific records as well as personal observation, to spiritual matters, where humans have very limited observations.

Most people simply ignore religion. In the USA, it is considered a subject not to be discussed simply because it may offend someone. Sort of as politics – we may hold deeply held convictions, but they are only to be shared within groups of like-minded people. Open discussion will most certainly offend someone.

Anonymous comments on the internet offer people the opportunity to complain publicly how offended they are by religions and people who believe. I prefer discussing what and why I believe, knowing that my own personal observations are very limited and I’d like to learn more. I worked in an international environment and learned that many international employees were more than willing to discuss their beliefs.

We should be prepared to discuss our beliefs at any time:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)

Once we come to grips that the center of everything, not just the known universe, is God, we can either cower in fear, rebel against authority or accept all that He offers. That includes adoption:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15 KJV)

Let me tell you, it’s a huge family!! It is not as exclusive as some would make it appear. Anyone can join:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Joining doesn’t make us better than anyone else, it just means we trust. We have faith that He not only is able but willing to keep His commitments:

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according  to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:9-12 KJV)

That day will come. He described it, He promised it, He will deliver.