Not what I expected

Okay, well I was looking forward to this World Lit. class, but now I'm having mixed feelings. I was excited about discussing passages from the Bible in class, but it's not really going the way I hoped for. My professor definitely isn't a Christian, which is very evident in how he goes about teaching the class. He treats the Bible as a book full of stories, and nothing more. When discussing passages such as the creation of Adam, Noah's ark, and the whole deal with Job, he says that these stories were written to teach us lessons. He completely abolishes the idea that it actually happened. Another thing that really upsets me is how my professor (and most of the people in the class) talks about God and Christianity in general. We've read Genesis, Exodus, and Job so far, which are all the in the Old Testament. The Old Testament focuses more on the wrath and power of God, rather than the loving and forgiving aspects of God like in the New Testament. One girl made a statement today in class. Laughing, she said, "After reading this, I've realized that God is really mean." Of course, my professor agreed with her. We aren't assigned any readings from the New Testament, which really disappoints me. I know that God's not mean, he's just and fair. I just wish the other people in the class could see the entire picture of who God is. He's not one extreme or the other. Yes, He does have more power than we could fathom and He has a mighty wrath, but He also shows unconditional love and forgiveness. Their views on God are so shallow and one-sided. It takes a lot to get me really upset and fired up, but after today's class, I was about ready to scream. They basically mock the Bible and everything it stands for. Even though I am having a hard time with it, I do think it's going to make me stronger in the long run. I've discussed my beliefs with non-believers before, and it was pretty easy. I didn't have to defend myself against legitimate points. My professor loves to find inconsistencies and things that don't make sense in the Bible, and I'll admit that some of his arguments are very thought provoking. It makes me examine my own beliefs, but God just reaffirms everything time and time again. I know that it's going to make me have a firmer foundation with my faith, even if I am gaining it through these circumstances. Hopefully I can use this class to stand up for the God I know and the God I serve. But I know I can't do it alone. So, with His help and your prayers, I'm gonna put on my armor and make the best out of this class, doggonit!

Back to school

Well, school started back yesterday. I think it's going to be pretty rough. Two of my classes require quite a bit of reading. I'm actually looking forward to my World Lit. class (big surprise). Most of the class is centered around religious texts. As a matter of fact, our first reading is from Genesis. We'll also be reading texts from the Qur'an and texts from Chinese, Egyptian, and other various religions. I really don't know that much about other religions, so I'm glad I get the opportunity to gain that knowledge. I think it's very important, and even necessary, for someone to know about other belief systems in order to fully develop and support their own belief system. I've always been very firm in what I believe and I've discussed my faith with other Christians and non-believers, but I've never had to discuss Christianity with someone who practices a totally different religion. Gaining knowledge doesn't mean I agree with that knowledge. I think it's really going to help me grow in my faith and also make me more objective when it comes to witnessing. We'll see how the class goes.
Encounter finally started back tonight too. I've been going through withdrawals. There were soooo many people there. Every seat in the AUMC main santuary was full. Then people had to sit in the choir loft and balcony. Plus there were tons of people lining the walls. It was so awesome. I'm ready for next week already. Well, it's been a VERY long week and I have to get up early. So goodnight and God bless.

It's that time again...

Yep, the summer's coming to an end and band camp has begun. It's going all right I suppose. I'm exhausted so I guess that's a sign that I've actually been working. I finally got to move in to my duplex yesterday, which wasn't easy considering we only had a couple of breaks here and there. I'm almost settled in, but I need to do some more decorating and stuff. I get a break from band camp tomorrow to go to Alicia and Mike's wedding. Anna and I have to play at the reception. Hopefully that won't be too bad. I finished Human Anatomy and Physiology with an A last week, thank goodness. I'm glad to have that over with. School starts back at Auburn in about a week. It's so crazy to think that I'm almost halfway done with college. I'm growing up faster than I can keep up with. It's kind of scary to think that I'll be heading out into the real world. I don't know exactly where I'll be and what I'll be doing five years down the road. But I know it will all work out one way or the other.
It's been a really long time since my last update. Between working and class I just haven't had time to do much of anything. I did have the privilage of speaking at Prattville FUMC last Thursday. They were having Youth Week and Scott (youth director) called and asked me to come. It was a blast! We had "fear factor" type competitions and we got to get really messy. My group even came in 2nd place. Good times, good times. Well, I have to be at the band field at 7:20 in the morning for RAT drills. I'm a RAT leader this year which is fun, but I have a hard time getting up that early. Soooo I think I'm going to head to bed. Goodnight and God bless.