Bible Scriptures that Really Tick Me Off

Those of you who know me best know that I was not raised in a Christian home. If it weren't for my grandmother I would have had no introduction to a loving God. Grandma was a Christian and although she was raised to be very God fearing, instead of living with a God that was loving as much as punishing, at least she was a Christian and taught me to pray. She prayed for me and if it weren't for my Grandmother I would probably not have ever had a good example of what Christianity was. I also remember a very gentle loving kindergarten teacher who was soft spoken and kind. Interestingly enough I go to the same church where I went to Kindergarten. My grandma's baby sister whom I didn't have much of a relationship with until I was an adult was also a very kind loving Christian lady. She stood up with me when I joined the church that I still belong to today.

As a child when I would try to read the Bible. I don't think that children should read the Bible, unless it is a censored version especially for children. I know that many would think that that is sacrilegious. I don't care. I say this because I was horrified to read about Lot's two daughters who got him drunk and had sex with him to carry on the family name. I was an excellent reader so I was only about 10 years old and was mortified by this. I also don't think that all of the wars, violence, pestilence etc, are good reading for children. The crucifixion was even more terrifying to me as a young child. I still temper what I say to children and wince when I hear others go into too much detail about the crucifixion of Christ. I might add the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain was another terrifying story for a child to read. I am still not sure that I can wrap my mind around that one.

I know that many may disagree with me, and I really don't care, that is just my belief. This isn't even what I started out writing about in my concerns about the Bible. I think it takes some maturity and discernment, or at least the maturity of other Christians to explain certain scripture to those who are trying to understand the Bible. I believe there was a time not too many decades ago when the Catholic Church didn't even believe that lay people should read the Bible. It was only supposed to be interpreted by Priests. Correct me if I am wrong. I am sure that there are many that will let me know if this is incorrect.

Two of the verses that really bothered me, and believe me there were many, were Matthew 35:10. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Micah 7:6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--a man's enemies are the members of his own household.

What? Why would Jesus want to tear families apart? I was really angry with that. I thought as a new Christian that Jesus was tearing people apart. It took me years and much pain in my life with my family to realize that it wasn't Jesus who was tearing families apart. It was people who were following Christ, who were being torn apart from those who were living immoral lives. People who are using drugs, or living in ways that are not pleasing to God, really are not interested in being around those who are trying to live Christian moral lives. I know that this might sound pious and self-righteous. I do not mean it to. I just know that when I turned my life around and have tried to live a life that Christ wants me too, I lost a lot of family members.

It was the best thing for us but it doesn't mean that it is not painful. I know that it is not God's will that we be separated. I know that God wants families to be close and to love and support each other. It is sad but it is a very common occurrence. When you come from a family which is like mine, and my husband's it would be unusual for us not to have discord with our families. I thank God that we have made our own family through church, community and 12-step support groups. The longer that I live and continue to live in a way that I believe is pleasing to God, the more that I understand the Bible and what He tries to tell me. We are to be examples of what Christ's wants us to live like. We are to love one another, to be kind and supportive of others but not to accept abuse or hate from anyone and that includes your family.