Why is christianity so confusing

Christianity is often confusing to the outsider and even to the insider. We often hear different things in different denominations, different churches and different college courses. Where do we go for a straight answer? The evidence. Christianity is a relatively coherent system about which historical facts exist. If we plunge immediately into the deep end of the pool in the midst of diverse theological arguments, we quickly become confused and discouraged.

Despite our talk of grace, we tend to demonize those who struggle to believe or who question our specific theologies or practices. We forget ourselves. Why do we yield to this pressure? Perhaps we fear -- understandably -- being eaten alive by other Christians around us. But our pretending to be perfect or to have all the answers is much more harmful than being honest. But the bulk of my faith journey is better represented by the confused shock of Good Friday and Holy Saturday than the glory of Resurrection Sunday.

Much of my life has been about wrestling in the wilderness like Jacob in the night -- about the fury of prolonged waiting, and the fear of having been abandoned by God. About longing and desperation for an indiscernible Christ. I used to think this was a horrible thing, my being such a doubter. But now I see it as just another facet of my singular embodiment in Christ as a pensive, somewhat nerdy, wounded and at times depressive Korean American woman.

I believe that the feeling of being alone and at the mercy of a senseless, hostile universe may be more common in the faith lives of Christians than we let on. We need to more openly acknowledge that doubt and feelings of lostness are as much a normal part of the faith journey as the confident joy of being found.

Rather, it isolates those who are suffering and alienates those with legitimate questions that have no easy answers. Perhaps we fear that God disdains questioning of any kind. For the sake of young people who may feel confused, for the sake of older people who may feel disappointed or forsaken by God -- for the sake of all who may question or struggle, we need to be more welcoming than condemning.

My hope is that the church, and especially Christian leaders, might give more attention to the reality of Holy Saturday in our daily lives. May we all grow in knowing the love of our unfathomably merciful God in the midst of ongoing doubt and struggle, for our own sakes, for the sake of the church, and for the sake of extending the grace of the risen Christ to the world.

Amid all the controversy about critical race theory, an educator sees the possibilities offered by having the painful conversations. Emphasis on the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible suffocates those who function outside the construct of whiteness, writes an assistant professor at the McAfee School of Theology.

And which one is right? A Church with the authority to tell us what Scripture means and to guide us in living it out. This, to me, makes far more sense than each and every Christian being expected to decide, and make sense of Scripture, for themselves.

Because look where that has gotten us. I have never been more grateful for my spiritual lineage than I am now, as a Catholic.

Ironically, my Evangelical past has given me a robust knowledge of the Bible. And a thirst for God. It began for me, in part, but looking around and making a stark discovery. If God is good then why is Christianity so confusing? Get newsletters and updates Close. Also, send me the Catholic Newsletter and special offers. Also, send me the Catholic Newsletter.

Toggle navigation. Home About K. August 20, by K. Albert Little. August 20, K. Albert Little Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. I ended my career as an Evangelical in a phenomenal non-denominational church. Then I became Catholic.

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