If I Were...Roman Catholic

If I Were...

If I were in the Roman Catholic world, my beliefs would fall under papal supremacy, which is the belief that the Pope is the supreme authority in the church (barring Jesus Christ).  In addition to following the decrees of the Bible, I would also regard what the Pope proclaims in an infallible declaration with the same deference.  I would view the Pope as having a direct connection with God, thus his words and mandates as the voice of God to modern man.

Pope Francis

Why I'm Not...

I believe the Pope does have a direct connection to God...just as all who are saved do.  I respect what the Pope has to say...just as I respect all followers of God who have engaged in intense, lifelong study of the Scriptures.  I do not view him as the supreme leader of my church, because I do not agree with him on some key points of Christian theology/doctrine...but I have no problem with such a system of church leadership structure, as there are plenty similar examples in the Bible (Moses, David, Paul, Peter, etc.).  For the most part, I really have no problem with the office of the Pope.

However, I cannot accept that he can, at will, declare something as the infallible word of God, unless He is directly quoting Scripture.  Otherwise, he would be adding to the Scripture, and the Bible itself denies that that is truth.

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. ~ Deuteronomy 4:2

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. ~ Revelation 22:18

Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.  Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar. ~ Proverbs 30:5-6

Who is the Pope to you? 

If I Were...An Eastern Orthodox Christian

If I were...

If I were an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I would consider "the world" to be the specific passions, or emotional temptations, that separate one from God.  My goal would be to deny these sinful desires in order to gain salvation (rescued from hell, entrance to heaven, one with God).  I would do so with the practice of asceticism, which in general terms, is the denying of pleasures in order to reject temptation and/or draw near to God.

Why I'm not...

My main issue with Eastern Orthodoxy is that there is no salvation by grace alone.  The whole reason Jesus died on the Cross is because it is impossible for us to deny enough sinful passions/temptations to gain salvation.  Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."  In other words, nothing I do makes me more or less saved.  It is all Jesus' doing.

Secondly, asceticism tends to call for its adherents to reject all pleasures or even to inflict pain and suffering on oneself in order to earn salvation.  Jesus "came that they might have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10).  There are plenty of pleasures that glorify God, and it seems to me to be a slap in Christ's face to intentionally reject them when He came that we might enjoy them.  I love Jesus, and while I am in this earthly world, I intend to enjoy what He has provided.

How do you feel about asceticism?

If I were...Christian (Hint: I am)

The World

If I were a Christian, my understanding of "the world" would be defined as all things not of God/Jesus Christ.  Sinful temptations and "fleshly" - not of the Holy Spirit - desires would comprise this world.  

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” ~ John 18:36

His World

If I were saved by Jesus' death on the cross, I would now belong to a different world: Christ's spiritual one.

You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[a] in you. ~ John 14:17b

My purpose would be to please my Jesus and deny my sinful nature.

My World

Jesus said that, as a child of God, I may be living in the world, but I am not of it.

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ~ John 15:19

If I were a Christian, I would face difficulty living in the world.  Not only would I have to fight my sinful nature, but many others would not like me simply because I follow Jesus and stand for His principles.

Why I Am...

I am only in this world for a little while before I die and permanently live in the spiritual world.  My sin nature condemns me to hell, which is just terrible no matter how one envisions it.  I am lonely and empty without Jesus in my life.  He is worth the trials that I go through because I reject the world.  He rescued me not only from eternity in hell, but a life of bitterness and despair.  He is my Best Friend, and I want to tell the world about His amazing love for me and let everyone know that He loves them just as much!

How do you view Christianity?

If I Were...Buddhist

If I were Buddhist, I would be living in the world.  Well duh, right?  No, not exactly.  I would not consider monks in a monastery to be in the world.

They aren't in the world until they cross the property line.

If I were Buddhist, I would be very focused on the material world.  Every time I enter a home goods store, I want more things to decorate my house.  A considerable amount of time at home is spent worrying over the finances, trying to accrue rather than lose.  Even my relationships with family and friends might be considered the material world, as I am trying to gain the affections of other people, rather than focusing on enlightenment.

More More More!

If I were Buddhist, happiness would not be achieved from any of the aforementioned pursuits in which I am currently involved.  Certain aspects of my life would be encouraged to take priority, however.  My search for wisdom should be increased and should influence every decision I make.  Sacrifice and service encourages perspective, so I should be giving away much of my possessions, rather than constantly gathering them.  Above all, I should be separating myself from the stresses and pulls of the world to meditate, let it go, and align my body and mind with the universe.

Release

Why I'm Not

Jesus calls us to be in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-19).  I am not supposed to hide away, but rather go and create loving relationships with people to show them the Good News of the Gospel.  Indeed, I should definitely lessen my focus on the material world, but for the sake of Christ's service and selflessness.  The wisdom for which I search is in the Bible.  When I meditate, it is not to become one with the universe, but rather to deepen my relationship with my Savior.

But if I were....

My life, at first glance, might be very similar to what it is now.  Many of the moral principles are the same.  But the reason for these principles are so different.  I would let go and be empty.

Instead, I let go, and I am filled.

How would your life be different if you were Buddhist?