A Matter of Redemption

 

I’ve never really liked the phrase “born again Christian.”  To me it always brought up images of the moral absolutist who was seeking to erase all of his/her past sins through religious extremism.  This image represented much of what scared me about organized religion, no matter the denomination.  Recently I had a bit of a religious conversion and I tried to find the words that best characterized what I’ve gone through.  Although “born again” would be fitting in most people’s eyes I just couldn’t bring myself to use that to describe myself, so I have opted for saying that I have been redeemed.

 

If in reading this you are looking for quoted scripture or biblical references then you will be disappointed.  I’ve been re-reading my bible, but my ability for memorization is sadly lacking and I’m not able to flip right to the book that explains my thinking.  The process I have undergone has been more about faith, understanding and fellowship and less about memorizing scripture.  It used to amaze, and honestly frighten me a little, that my former father-in-law could quote scripture in context on the spot when we were debating various philosophical points, and I imagine that at some point in the future I might be able to do so as well, but I’m a long way from that.

 

If you look in the dictionary you will find a number of different definitions for the word redeem.  The one that I think applies to me most appropriately is “set free; rescue.”  On one hand I feel that I have been rescued in a matter of speaking.  In a time when I was traumatized by the events in my life I was brought in contact with a pastor who spoke to me in a way that I could relate to.  His words touched me deeply and I decided that I would try going to his Sunday services. 

 

Now part of the problem I have always had with organized religion was church.  I had been to a number of different churches over time and had never found one that I really cared for.  And to make things worse I often felt that as a non-regular member of the congregation I was treated as an outsider.  To me church is supposed to be a place of equality and fellowship: the stranger visiting for the first time should be accorded as much friendship and courtesy as the member who has attended service every day for twenty years.  Much to my surprise my wife and I were accepted openly to this new congregation.  After attending services for nearly two months now I can honestly say that the congregational attitude towards anyone who stops by has not changed.  It’s an awfully refreshing thing to witness.

 

I feel that the words of this man and the fellowship of the congregation have brought me back to Jesus.  I have a new found respect for Christianity and the bible. Oh, sure I still recognize that there are those who interpret the bible differently than I do and that I may not agree with everyone in regards to their interpretation, but everyone is entitled to their views and beliefs.  My newly revived connection with Jesus rescued me from a downward spiral I would surely have fallen into otherwise.  I pray with all of my heart now and not just because I feel it is required.  My spirit has been set free and I am a better man because of it.  I have been redeemed and now I plan to live as an example, not of the perfect Christian, but as a man trying to do his best to live as Jesus asked us.