INDIVIDUAL FAITH??

First, I am going to start off with Heschel!! The book is a little hard to understand. I stayed one one page for about 20 minutes reading it over and over again. I feel that this novel will have to grow on me!! I think that it will be beneficial because I always wondered about the life of a prophet!! and the information that was given in chapter one was intriguing!!! Never knew that the prophet life would be so gloomy and alone!!!...But understanding his writing style will be a challenge....can wait to see the outcome....

After reading Shane's book, it made me rethink my faith and direction. In terms of Christianity as a whole, my views have changes. The book opened up a wider aspect and vision for my direction of Christianity. I take the religion seriously. Reading the book, his presentation of Christianity and desire to serve became contagious. All of could think about was changing my life to follow God's direction. Shane confirmed that when in doubt God will lead the way. Not only that but gave me inspiration to give to others. His book also caused me to analyze Christianity in America. Growing up in a Christian home, all I knew was God. I had no choice. I remember how simple church was growing up before the advancements in technology. Shane's examples of how churches are changing brought sadness and hit home!!! My church is changing and becoming more materialized!! I wasn't going to include this part but I think that what I encountered should be heard!!! Yesterday night, a spiritual dance group that I am involved in had practice for a performance. We usually use the audio system in the sanctuary to practice but the system was down. So we used a radio for practice. The radio needed batteries, so we went to ask our pastor. His exact words were....every ministry provides their own equipment but if you need batteries you can BUY them from the church!! They are 3 dollars a pack!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!!! I was so shocked!! It was not a joke!! He was serious!! I felt as if my heart sunk in my chest and I had to leave!!! Thinking of what he said, I immediately thought of Shane and his perspectives of churches "changing"!!!!! This incident made me think about everything else in church that occurs that is ungodly!! My church sells DVDs and Cd's for 3 and 5 dollars a piece!! Instead of giving food to others that need it they sell it!!!! SO HUNGRY FOR MONEY!!! When will it stop? When will it end? Immediately, I consider going to my pastor but I am afraid I will offend him so I back off!!!! Later that night, me not standing up for what is right is ALL I can think about!! I am just adding to the trend not stopping it!!! Is my faith weaker than I thought?? Is God disappointed in me for not standing for him??? And how can I answer to him when I know it is wrong but I continue to go on like everything is right???? I NEVER would have even realized the actions of my church without reading this book. This book is a eye opener for me and ALL. i think that every church should have a copy because there is a individual relation for everyone implanted in the book!!! I pray that Christians will change!! I pray that my church will change!! I pray that the world will change!! Because as each individual relationship with God crumbles....the whole faith diminishes!!!! Can anyone relate??