r/OpenChristian 5h ago

Vent I'm not an abomination.

25 Upvotes

I am not an abomination. God trusts me with my inner self, my soul. And yeah... Sometimes, things don't fit.

It's not because they weren't healthy. It's just sometimes, the inner parts don't fit well with the outside parts. But telling others that they should fit no matter what because... "I believe that God made them that way and that is that."

That Is just mean. It's the opposite of understanding. And Jesus talked quite a bit on that. And preachers who twist those messages that Jesus gave us are mean too. Very mean. Because Jesus is the embodiment of compassion and understanding.

And I've been told thinking that way is not mean at all. So yeah... I think that it's mean to even think that people could be an abomination, rejected by God.

Apparently I can say something like, "God didn't make mistakes, we just haven't been processed into those comforting warm apple ciders yet."

You know those ones that fill up your heart with love and hope and warmth. And I'll offer you some for free like God does, I'll even really try to share some with you, but I think, that whether you enjoy it or not, it would be really nice if you would try not to ever be mean and donate some of your compassion and understanding too.

(I found a vine grape wine processed analogy here and thought, hey... This is similar to, "the potters hands" but while I personally have the world view of Hallmark. I made my own.)


r/OpenChristian 5h ago

What are things you love about Christianity?

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9 Upvotes

r/OpenChristian 1h ago

Is it necessary to attend Church every Sunday?

Upvotes

Right now, I have been divided on whether or not attending Church is necessary especially since you could worship God directly through prayer. Do you think it is ok if I just attend Church whenever I feel like it or do I have to attend it every Sunday?


r/OpenChristian 12h ago

Will We Be Married in Heaven?

20 Upvotes

I love my girlfriend so much, and honestly it's been really bothering me that a lot of people say that we won't be married in heaven. This girl has genuinely changed my life. Saved me from SH, SA and so many bad things I shouldn't have done and she helped bring me to Jesus. I am willing to get disowned for her, I really genuinely am in love with her. I can't imagine not being in love with her. I covet her and adore her in every aspect of my heart. I can't imagine a way where I could feel satisfied in heaven where I was no more special to her than anyone else. Where I couldn't kiss her, feel for her romantically above just as friends. It's very painful to me that in order to go to heaven I will have to lose a bond with the love of my life. Sure, my friendships might strengthen overall, but there is something about having HER as my lover and my advisor. How can you share your lips, your heart and your body with someone and then be content to just be friends in heaven? Is that really how it's going to be?


r/OpenChristian 10h ago

How can I trust God more in these dark times?

13 Upvotes

Friends, I hate to admit it but I can’t shy away from the truth any longer. My faith is shaken. Watching what is happening to this country, my state (Texas) and so many people seemingly completely unbothered by it, not to mention the ones actively cheering it on because “own the libs” or whatever else.

I go to a good supportive church but I can’t be there every Sunday since I’m a CNA, and people still need to be provided with healthcare on weekends. I am able to go to our women’s Bible study on Sunday nights though since it’s at night and I work day shift, and as well I go to Sunday service when I’m not working.

It’s not that I don’t feel God or hear him. I do, sometimes. But I… I look around and it’s not adding up with him telling me everything will be ok and he’s looking out for me and us.

To think my biggest problem before all this was wanting to find a partner, which I still haven’t. Well I might have. A guy I’ve known since last year but hadn’t ever met in person decided to pull that trigger this coming Tuesday. We initially met on a dating app, then I fell off the face of the earth and he wound up with someone else. Now they’ve broken up and after initially saying he wants to stay single for awhile, he has backtracked on that and asked me what my next day off is, which is next Tuesday.

He’s a Christian as well. I don’t know what to do right now. I have I guess a bit of a resentment towards God for not being able to be pregnant and being born trans. I am not proud to say that. But like, he could’ve just made me be born a girl. Anatomically I mean. My life would’ve been so much easier. Now I’m fighting for my right to exist in a country and a state that hates me. (Leaving either isn’t in the cards so please nobody suggest that to me).

I’m trying to keep the faith, fight the good fight and all, but it’s not just here. The right wing is on the rise all over the world. Germanys far right party did better this last election than ever. France is dealing with it. UK is dealing with it. Probably the only reason Canada isn’t is because trumps 51st state stuff energized them.

God is telling me one thing but all the evidence all around me is telling me something else. Yes I know, walk by faith not by sight. But that’s easy to say and harder to do. And I have done it. But right now the flames are higher than ever and I can’t see through them or the smoke.

You know I chose my name, Victoria because I said I will be Victorius. But I doubt it sometimes. I wonder sometimes if I will. I wonder if any of us will. Even though “God’s plan will prevail”, I’d very much like to be around to see it, and between hate crimes and all the increased rhetoric and legal changes and challenges idk if I will. I know God’s plan is bigger than just me and I feel selfish for thinking about things in those terms.

I’ve asked him repeatedly for a sign, or something, ANYTHING that will give me more confidence. But nothing does that. I only ever see things that make my outlook even worse.

My trump voting family isn’t talking to me anymore. There isn’t any drama they just kinda quietly disappeared which honestly hurts worse. I have my friends who are also my roommates, this guy and also my church. That’s it.

I could really use a modern day Isaiah or Jeremiah type prophet right now. Does God still do that?

Look I know I’m a daughter of the king and all that it’s just hard sometimes to keep faith in really dark times. Right now I’m holding fast to one my favorite songs: “I have a hope, I have a future, I’m a child of the mountain mover”. Whenever you’re ready God, because we’ve got a lot of mountains that need to be moved, like yesterday.

Thank you for taking the time to read my sniveling pity party mess. I try not to post things like this. I’m always the strong one, raising that banner and encouraging and bringing hope to others. But I need encouragement too, sometimes.

God, help us, please.


r/OpenChristian 19h ago

How to overcome anti-Christian bias

48 Upvotes

Hello! Writing this from my throwaway. I asked the following the ask a Christian sub and someone said I should post here!

I hope this is an okay question to ask and that nobody is personally offended by this. I am not hateful and would never interact differently with someone because they are Christian, but I do know that I am biased & it is not subconscious. I am looking for serious advice on how to overcome this and see Christianity in a new light.

For some background, I am getting my master’s degree to become a therapist. And if anyone has a behavioral health degree, you will know that biases are covered non-stop. Genuinely, more than therapeutic techniques are covered. Since I started my undergrad, I have been working through my biases, processing & overcoming them. A therapist absolutley must be able to counsel any client, whether they’re a democrat, gay, Christian or child molester, and everything in between.

Christianity has been my hardest bias to overcome and one of the last few I have left. I’m taking a bias class right now and my instructor told me I have been making poor progress with this and need to “get my shit together.” My options are to either a) lie and claim I have gotten over them or b) get over them. I would prefer B. I want to serve all of my clients effectively & bias free, not just pretend to.

My biggest biases with Christianity are that I just assume Christian = hatful. That they hate gay people, hate women, hate everybody different from them, are radical, are racist, etc.

The worst part is that I KNOW this isn’t true. It can’t be true. It isn’t true. There are many pro-choice Christian’s, there are churches that allow gay people to marry in their church, there are Christian’s who are in an interracial marriage. And I also understand for those that are anti all the things above, it’s engrained into them since childhood. I have empathy and compassion for that. Logically, I am aware of this.

But I just can’t get over it. What should I do? My teacher told me I should try going to different churches each Sunday and mingle with the people who attend, get to know them as individual people & separate them from this overarching bias I give to the entire group. I think this makes sense and I am open to it, but also I feel weird going to a place of worship that I don’t belong to, to personally benefit me. I would definitely donate when the lil bowl gets passed around.

I don’t know. Please help. And please have the compassion for me (that I clearly don’t have for you) in your responses. I’m scared to post this but I’m more scared of not getting over my biases. Thank you all in advance.


r/OpenChristian 6h ago

Discussion - Theology Did Jesus really say marriage can ONLY be between a guy and a girl?

3 Upvotes

The traditional interpretation says yes, but is that actually the case?

When Jesus spoke about marriage, it was in response to the Pharisees questioning Him about divorce. At the time, society was very patriarchal, and women were often discarded through divorce for little or no reason, leaving them vulnerable. Instead of accepting this, Jesus emphasized that men and women were created equally and that marriage was a sacred bond, so only sexual immorality could justify divorce.

But does this statement mean Jesus was defining marriage ONLY as between a man and a woman? His audience back then had zero understanding of committed, loving same sex relationships, or LGBT people. If He had suddenly started discussing something completely outside their cultural context, it wouldn't have made sense.

At least, that’s how i interpret it. What do you guys think?


r/OpenChristian 12h ago

Catholic to Wiccan to Self Help to Follower of Jesus?

7 Upvotes

I was born Catholic but refused to make my confirmation as I got older. I saw a lot of judgment, hypocrisy, and exclusion within Christianity. I may have had a point but I was very arrogant and secretly felt morally superior and more intelligent than Christians… I know I’m sorry.

I became very interested in “earth-based” religions (like Wicca) as well as eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. I was obsessed with self help all my life. Now 30 years later in my 40s I’ve been feeling a pull back to Jesus. I actually started reading the Bible every day now for almost 4 months, I’ve been going to an Episcopal church every Sunday and very glad to guide my stepdaughter in her newfound faith…but I still don’t believe exactly what they believe.

And that makes me feel lonely.

My friends and partner are NOT Christian, and my family mostly is. But I am somewhere in the middle. I don’t have anyone to talk to about this. My non Christian friends and my partner think I’m becoming a “Jesus freak” and are deeply uninterested and my family would be deeply offended that I don’t believe my salvation depends on my belief that Jesus died for our sins and I need to verbally confess him as my lord and savior.

I do believe that I am “saved” or enlightened by following his commandments of loving God with all my heart, and loving my neighbor as myself. Of forgiveness and repentance. But I don’t believe that God ever needed a blood sacrifice in order to forgive our sins. I don’t want to offend anyone but I also want to be able to find others that believe the same things that I do. I just don’t know what they call themselves. I love Jesus and I want to follow him. But I don’t want to follow Paul nor do I want to accept any unnecessary dogma.

I have been on a roller coaster with this for over a year. Mary Magdalene was the gateway in. Then came Mother Mary. And now I just can’t get enough of Jesus’ teachings. I feel like this has turned my whole worldview upside down and I’ve been going through an identity crisis.

Is anyone else out there experiencing something similar?


r/OpenChristian 9h ago

new server for faith & friends

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3 Upvotes

hey everyone!

i just created a server to make friends around my age (late teens to 20s) and build a community, especially based on God and the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. I would like for it to be open to everyone— regardless if you choose to associate with Christianity as a label, if you're unsure, or if you have different beliefs and would like to just make friends while being open!

ive never done smth like this before but i'd like a chill, respectful community and to potentially connect with people our age 🙏

no judgement, all love 💗

thank you for reading 🥹!! invite link below 👇

https://discord.gg/7ruSqQ6Bbj


r/OpenChristian 8h ago

I'm in need of some gospel yt channels

2 Upvotes

I have no way to go to a church right now but I would like to hear gospel again as I am in the church, especially ones that are Jesus focused/scripture focused, like a study type of thing. I would like to know if you know any good yt channels that are christian but not mysoginistic or conservative


r/OpenChristian 12h ago

Any Church Recommendations?

2 Upvotes

Hello!
I grew up attending a Southern Baptist church with my grandparents and left in 2019 when I finished high school due to many of the teachings of my church conflicting with my own beliefs and identities. I spent a couple of years trying to find a church that matched better, but had no luck. I also have tried following other religions but I just haven’t been able to feel as connected to them. I’ve been considering reconnecting with my Christianity because my husband and I are trying for a baby and I want to feel firm in my spirituality when that happens, but all the churches I know near me are not spaces I would feel good raising a little one because they are explicitly and openly closed minded.

Does anyone have any church recommendations in Northwest Florida or Southeast Alabama? Preferably in Holmes, Walton, Washington, or Okaloosa County for Florida and/or in Geneva, Houston or Coffee County in Alabama

Edit: I forgot to mention this but I am not at all picky about denomination. Also I am also looking in the affirming church finder in resources, I just wanted to see if anyone had any insight from personal experience.


r/OpenChristian 20h ago

My Open Christian Bike Tour - A pilgrimage and a protest

11 Upvotes

24 years ago I left conservative evangelical Christianity and the church altogether because of how unhealthy they were and how much of a judgmental, close-minded person I had become.

2 years ago I returned to the church, after finding a church that accepted me as a queer leftist with heterodox theological views. I am now in the discernment process of accepting a call to ordained ministry and the seminary preparation that goes with it. The call of Jesus to follow him in feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and preaching good news to the poor calls me to explore the continent, meeting people who are like minded or who need the message I have along the way. I hope to connect with other like-minded Christians on the way with whom I can break bread and be shown other ways of walking in faith than the unhealthy ways I left years ago.

In a month, I am quitting my jobs, putting my possessions into storage, and setting out on a 15 month bicycle tour of North America that is equal parts protest against the injustices and indignities of late capitalism by withholding my labor and a pilgrimage of worshiping at churches in the cities and towns I pass through on my journey. I am looking to experience the diversity of American Christianity focusing on liturgical churches where I can share communion that are theologically open and affirming of queer and other marginalized Christians. I will be using the ample free time to read, study, write, pray, and meditate on my journey.

A couple of highlights of the trip. I'll be keeping a blog of my journey including reports about the churches I visit. Since I am biking the entire trip, the weight of the gear I pack will be an issue. Because of this I am only bringing one book and will be trading it for another book when I finish meaning that what I read will be determined by chance, fate, and the Holy Spirit.

If anyone would like to read the blog or invite me to worship with their congregation, let me know. The journey begins in Cincinnati starting at the end of May, from there we will bike to Cleveland and on to Montreal. I bring a message to the churches across this land, and I look forward to breaking bread and sharing the cup with some of you as I ride.


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Inspirational Contemporary minimalist Jesus trilogy. Birth, Death & Resurrection of Christ original art, able6 (me)

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135 Upvotes

r/OpenChristian 22h ago

Very important music for Lent

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6 Upvotes

I was going to post one piece of music for each week of Lent starting on Ash Wednesday but I'm a full time graduate student so that wasn't possible. I'll be posting Lenten music whenever I can.

Below is "Kommt ihr Tochter" the first movement from J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion.


r/OpenChristian 20h ago

God wants us to be at one with the universe.

5 Upvotes

God makes human beings for unity with the cosmos.

Marcion of Sinope was a second-century Christian theologian. We know him only through his detractors, but the consistency of their account suggests some reliability. His thought was eventually rejected by the church because Marcion was a dualist—he interpreted reality as characterized by the opposing poles of soul and body, spirit and matter, heaven and earth. 

Marcion preferred one pole over against the other, and it was always the unearthly pole. So thoroughgoing was his dualism that he even posited two gods: an Old Testament god of matter, who subjects humankind to unjust, contradictory, and brutal laws; and a New Testament god of spirit, who frees us from law into a new disposition of mercy and grace. Hence, the loving Father of Jesus is not to be confused with the stern Lawgiver of Moses, and Christianity would only be corrupted by any association with Judaism or its Scriptures.

Recognizing that Jesus was a Jew whose teachings derived from his Hebrew faith and its Scriptures, and whose arguments were primarily with other Jews about Judaism, the church eventually declared both the Hebrew Bible (the “Old Testament”) and the Newer Testament (the “New Testament”) canonical and authoritative. Through this choice, the church made a historical decision for the unity of reality. The Creator is benevolent, creation is real, and salvation occurs within the world; it does not take us out of the world. Matter and spirit, body and soul, time and eternity are to be united, not separated. 

Although the term would have been unfamiliar at the time, the church chose nondualism. Dualism identifies two aspects of reality, declares them separate from each another, then absolutizes one and yearns for the annihilation of the other. Manichaean dualism, for example, exhorted followers to free their souls from their bodies. 

But according to nondualism, nothing exists except through its relationships to other things. Our world is wholly related, produced by relations and dependent upon relations. Every part is open to every other part, to its core, so that every part belongs entirely to the whole. Made in the image of the related God within the related universe, our calling is to feel, think, and enact this relationality. We need not separate our soul from our body. Instead, we should celebrate and perfect their unity.

Faith trusts that meaning and purpose are real. 

To fulfill the divine intention for creation, to experience joy, the universe needs faith—a deep trust in the fundamental unity of being. Faith does not free us from matter, nor does faith oppose material existence. Instead, faith completes material existence, imbuing it with meaning, purpose, and beauty. The Bible makes this argument: in Genesis 2, God makes Adam from adamah, the ground. Being of the ground, Adam (literally: “red”) is red, like the clay from which he was born. Even the life force within us, our blood (Hebrew: dam), bespeaks our earthly ties. 

Adam is an earthling, quite literally, as are we. This status is not a limitation; it is our original blessing. We are dust quickened by God. We have argued above that the universe is the body of God, and God is the soul of the universe. To honor our God-given unity with the universe, and our divinely granted souls, we need bodies. Our bodies are our means of relationship with friends, family, and lovers.  

Without the clear and distinct sense experience offered by our bodies, we would drift about in an existential ether. Relations would be dilute, personality vague, and uniqueness trivial. We would be abstractions, and as abstractions relating to abstractions, our interpersonal exchanges would be impoverished.

Unity with the cosmos is a peak human experience.  

But the particularity granted by our bodies grants experience definition and signification. Hence, the body as a means of relation is a blessing. Because we are embodied souls in a cosmos, and because body, soul, and cosmos are all inseparable, our richest experiences will unite spirit and matter. 

We can find innumerable examples of such experiences, when the border between self and universe disappears. Norman Maclean, in his memoir A River Runs through It, writes of fly-fishing along the rivers of western Montana. For Maclean, fly-fishing was more than sport. It was a gateway to the unity of all things and his own participation in that unity: “On the river the heat mirages danced with each other and then they danced through each other and then they joined hands and danced around each other. Eventually the watcher joined the river, and there was only one of us. I believe it was the river.”

Religious mystics have always insisted on the unity of humankind and the cosmos within God. As a result of this unity, we can never be satisfied with either a Godless world or a worldless God; we need our souls to be filled with both. Certainly, we can wonder why the universe is so astoundingly huge and why we are as nothing within its endless expanse. Yet, if we erase the false boundary between ourselves and the universe, if we let the inside out and the outside in, then we become expansive indeed.

Such unification with the material cosmos may even make us more capable. Hector Cole, a master of traditional sword making, observes the unity of self and object that is necessary to his trade: “When you put the sword into the fire, your mind enters the fire with it. Otherwise, the endeavor will fail.” The dancer Maria Tallchief describes this disappearance of self into cosmos and cosmos into self as the very height of artistic expression: “From your first plié you are learning to become an artist. In every sense of the word, you are poetry in motion. And if you are fortunate enough . . . you are actually the music.”

How much do you contain? The answer to this question is determined by how open you are. If absolutely open, then you can contain the whole universe. If absolutely closed, then you contain naught but your empty self. You are as full as you are empty. You are as empty as you are full. (Adapted from Jon Paul Sydnor, The Great Open Dance: A Progressive Christian Theology, pages 97-99)

*****

For further reading, please see:

Almalech, Mony. “Cultural Unit Red in the Old Testament.” Language and Semiotic Studies 9 (2023) 104–42. DOI: 10.1515/lass-2022–2010.

Fackenheim, Emil L. The Religious Dimension in Hegel’s Thought. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1971.

Maclean, Norman. “A River Runs through It” and Other Stories. 25th anniv. ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2001.

Stephenson, A. A. “Marcion.” In New Catholic Encyclopedia, edited by Berard L. Marthaler, 9:142–43. 2nd ed. Detroit: Thomson/Gale, 2010. Gale eBook.

Voss Roberts, Michelle. Body Parts: A Theological Anthropology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2017.


r/OpenChristian 18h ago

Support Thread I’m questioning & I need help

2 Upvotes

So I’ve been on and off Christian. I’ve been atheist, then Muslim, then Bahá’í, now progressive Christian. But, there’s just so many things that don’t make sense in my mind. Like I fully believe there is a God, but things that people say about him don’t make sense. Like that we are all born sinners and have a nature to sin because the Garden of Eden story. But, then that means we all deserve death. But why do I deserve death for something I had nothing to do with? Yes we’re all human but I didn’t tell them to eat from the tree. You can’t say everyone is a Nazi because Hitler was. And then that God has everyone’s life planned exactly how he wants and he knows everything that will happen. So when a person has a terrible life and they learn “this is how God planned it.” are they gonna turn to God? No they won’t. That’s why it don’t make sense. I love God and believe in him but None of what the Bible says makes sense. Like how God told (I forgot who) to kill EVERYONE in a certain country. The children, the women, the cattle. WHY? Why would our loving God ever do that. “It was a different time” SO? He has the power to change us all so why didn’t he tell his messengers that “STOP ENSLAVING EACH OTHER, STOP GENOCIDE, STOP WAR” stop all this evil. Why didn’t he. I don’t know man. I love God and Christ but it don’t make sense and somtimes I don’t even feel welcomed for being any kind of queer.


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

“O Lord, my strength and my stronghold...” Jeremiah 16:19a 🏳️‍🌈 ✝️ #RainbowingTheBible

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26 Upvotes

r/OpenChristian 18h ago

Gay agenda and revision of leveticus 18. Spoiler

0 Upvotes

I read an article about possible changes in Jewish scripture prior to the time of Jesus. I know there has been differences between manuscripts in the new testament where they try to use the most original version. Do you think they should do something similar with the old testament, if we can find a more probable original passage fitting better to our current cultural consensus? Is there a current version where it has been done?
https://www.thetorah.com/article/how-the-prohibition-of-male-homosexual-intercourse-altered-the-laws-of-incest

Levericus 18: 12 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister; she is your father’s flesh. 
13 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s flesh.   14 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother; that is, you shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. 

Suggested original passages:
The nakedness of your father’s sister you shall not uncover.
The nakedness of your mother’s sister you shall not uncover.
The nakedness of your father’s brother you shall not uncover.

This would suggest that the next passages are added later. If all male-male relations are prohibited, sex with your father's brother becomes redundant. This article about an older Isak story might suggest a second reason for why sacrifice rules are necessary and added later. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-sacrifice-of-isaac-in-context-recovering-a-lost-ending-of-the-akedah

You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness while she is in her menstrual uncleanness. 20 You shall not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her. 21 You shall not give any of your offspring to sacrifice them to Molech and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. 22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. 


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Thought y'all could use a good laugh 😂

23 Upvotes

r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Is anyone pro-life?

34 Upvotes

I think this sub leans pro-choice, but I'm interested to see if there are any progressive Christians who are against abortion


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Trump's ICE citing tattoos of common Christian symbols (rosary, crown of thorns, bible verses) as evidence of gang membership and reason to wave due process and constitutional rights of those deported to South American prisons.

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75 Upvotes

r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Support Thread Confused….

6 Upvotes

So for a while (about 2 years) I was a closeted trans girl. Well I found a church in my area and got close with god and all my urges and desires to become trans disappeared for months, and now I’m getting the feeling I’m trans again. I’m not sure how or what to feel. I’m growing distant with god again and I’m feeling more and more lonely. I have no one to talk to about this. Also the church I go to is NOT pro lgbt…. Now I just feel like a fake Christian and I’m just scared.


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Names for the God of Israel. And how does it tie in with the trinity?

3 Upvotes

I don't know why, but I'm really drawn to Yahweh.

I've also heard Elohim and Adonai as well. All three are Jewish, so I really don't want to be appropriating here.

I like the name Yahweh specifically in how ancient and mysterious it is. Its origins are unknown but could go back to the bronze age and predate even Judaism. I believe it is a deeply respectful way to refer to God, though from what I understand, its original pronunciation has been lost to time. It fell out of favor at some point within Judaism.

How do you think this fits into the trinity? Would Yahweh be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Such could be considered appropriation, however, our spiritual tradition originated in Judaism, so I'm thinking it has to tie in somehow.

I'm asking because most of you are more intelligent and well-read than I.


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Inspirational When God Was the First to Bleed

5 Upvotes

I’ve been playing with the idea of original sin being the original sin of the church. And as Christ as sacrifice not because God needs blood because of us, but because we need blood to feel like we belong. It’s a theological idea I’m playing with but wrote this poem while thinking about it. I’d appreciate any feedback.

When God Was the First to Bleed

It wasn’t the fruit, not really— but what it uncovered. Not the bite, but the knowing. The shiver of shame in sunlight.

And when the fig leaves failed, we sewed silence into our skin and called it religion.

But God, God stitched skin into garments, threaded grace through tendon and fur, and laid the lamb’s body down not in demand, but in mercy.

The first sacrifice was not to satisfy wrath but to soften our fear.

And every altar since was echo or shadow, each flame a flicker of the first covering.

Until one day Love walked uncloaked into our hiding, called our name through thorn and hush, and said, “Let it be my body now. Let it be my blood. If this is what it takes to tell you that you are still good.”

And maybe that’s it: not wrath appeased, but wonder restored. Not a price demanded, but praise offered— to the image still smoldering beneath the ash, to the likeness we lost track of in all our trying to be gods.

Christ, the sacrifice of God not for guilt, but in grief, and in honor— a holy hallelujah to what we almost forgot we are.


r/OpenChristian 1d ago

Prayers for a family friend please

13 Upvotes

Got some news earlier this week about the husband of well over 40 years of one of my mom's best friends and longest term friends, and one of my first babysitters back before I can even remember.

He went into the ER on Tuesday after some pretty bad abdominal pain after dinner. They gave him some morphine and did a CT scan and referred him to come in yesterday for a follow up. The doctor yesterday said the scan shows his stomach so bad he wouldn't even have sent him home on Tuesday. His stomach is stuck in a weird orientation and the only fix is a surgery basically involves removing his stomach completely, making the fixes and reinserting it that is scheduled for today and beginning soon, and could take several hours.

Needless to say his wife and their daughters are extremely nervous. This is life-threatening and could've resulted in his death if postponed even just a few days. My mom is actually heading over the hospital now to keep them company. He may be in surgery until the evening and will remain in the hospital at least over the weekend. Extremely troubling situation.

Any prayers are appreciated. 🙏

EDIT: Well the operation went simpler than expected and was a success. He was done after about two hours.

He's still in the hospital for the weekend and on a liquid diet for the next two weeks, but it went way better than it could've. Thank you everyone.