and
Dirty, nasty Christian propaganda. I finally realized why it was so difficult to read and finish this series (and this was a while ago, it's taken me some time to get around to writing this). These books, these characters, assume that your best life will come around by being Christian. If you have fallen by the wayside, and let sin in - your life is going to suck until you get right with God again - and then things will magically fall into place.
That's what is so disgusting about this series. No, there are no perfect relationships (I'm specifically referring to Ashley's life with her husband and children - gag.) I've stopped believing that there is "one" person for every one out there, and you will never truly and completely be happy until you find them (the main character - I can't think of what her name is right now). And most importantly, God does not promise perfection. He doesn't even promise happiness. He says He will watch over us and hold us when we are going through storms, and yes, on a psychological level this is comforting - but please.
I can't hold out for a man who may not exist. Yes, I could wait for a Christian guy to come along - but that's not a promise he wouldn't hit me, or be into drugs, or whatever else. We are a fallen people - and coming to Christ helps us be better, inspires us to be more than we are (or at least attempt to be, in His name). But - the notion that I should be looking singularly for a Christian man is as ridiculous as holding out for one with blue eyes and blonde hair, because that "is my type".
Christianity does not equal a good person (and in many cases, is a promise of the exact opposite). I've known just as many, if not more hateful, spiteful, terrible Christians as I have not.
Of course, that's not the way Jesus wants it, but as I said - we are a fallen people. We are all striving towards something more, something better (or we should be, at least) - but your religion changes nothing about you, singularly.
Meaning, it is not the deciding factor. Yes, a person can accept a personal relationship with Jesus and their mindset and demeanor can completely change, and they can become a "better person" - but the fact that you go and sit in a sanctuary for an hour every week does not make you a better person. It could, in fact, make you worse - if you then use that insignificant fact to elevate yourself above those who do not.
Yes, a Christian mate could make a better mate - but life is so short, why wait?
I believe we all have a path - God's Will for our lives. And as many times and I have veered from my faith - I still feel as though regardless of what I do, it's all been known before. Regardless of what I do - I still think I'm going to get to where I'm going, eventually.
If I make the scenery a little more colorful along the way, I would assume that would only make Him smile. Life is a gift and I do not wish to waste it.
