Jealousy

A Cultural Misconception

More often than not jealousy is considered a very negative emotion. It is often considered a weakness that portrays several other emotions all at once such as fear, anger, betrayal, and abandonment. No one can contest that apprehension, suspicion, protectiveness, and skepticism are all common traits of those who feel jealous. Usually, all of these traits of the jealous are considered negative aswell. But why? Why is it believed to be wrong if someone is suspicious or protective?

A New Perspective

Jealousy is something I have always struggled with. It is fair to say that at some point in everyone's life they have experienced jealousy. I am not alone. But, if everyone experiences this at some point then why is it still considered so wrong? Why hasn't it been realized that this emotion is not only natural but perfectly acceptable? In fact, I claim that this emotion is not only healthy, but virtuous! Looking at it from the right perspective yeilds that if jealousy is addressed it is powerfully life changing.

"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God," Exodus 20:4-5

As you can see in Scripture, God is a jealous God. This is solely because God is jealous because we are giving to something or someone else that which rightly belongs to Him. We belong to Him and our praise and attention belongs to Him. He is jealous of what is rightly his! Much like God, the new perspective on jealousy is that we are jealous for the same reason as He is.

"14 and if feelings of jealousy come over her husband and he suspects his wife and she is impure—or if he is jealous and suspects her even though she is not impure- 15 then he is to take his wife to the priest." Numbers 5:14-15

In the right context, our feelings of jealousy are godly. Like God, we are jealous for what is ours. We aren't envious; we are jealous for what belongs to us. In regards to relationships, the promise of commitment that is made seals that belonging. Our partner belongs to us and we to them! It could be said that one lacks trust in his partner which is why he is jealous. But, if there is any suspicion at all, it needs to be addressed, for where did this suspicion, this skepticism, this apprehension come from? Something cannot be created from nothing. Jealousy follows that law just like everything else. Jealousy expresses the love and commitment one has to his partner. It expresses the hurt one feels from the actions of his partner.

"34 for jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. 35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is." Proverbs 6:34-35

As I stated earlier, looking at jealousy from the right perspective yields that if it is addressed, jealousy is powerfully life changing. How one uses this power, or even using it at all, is up to him. Just know that when you do remember to show no mercy. What has caused your jealousy cannot be undone, but resolving it is possible. If you believe in this perspective of jealousy then share it. Hold true to it and cherish it. Fix the problems that have become clear to you because of your jealousy.

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) Christianity is a religious epidemic. Following is my personal debunking of the belief that MTD Christians are Christians.

The following statements sum up Christian MTD:
1. The god that is believed in is one that created existence and oversees this existence.
2. The desire of the god of MTD is that people will live by the golden rule.
3. The most fundamental goal of human existence is to maximize self-utility.
4. The god of MTD is one that is only called upon by its believers when it is needed.
5. Good people go to heaven.

The following statements sum up Christianity in regards to the MTD summation:
1. God created existence and oversees this existence.
2. The desire of God is that people will imitate Christ and the Word of God.
3. The most fundamental goal of human existence is to glorify God.
4. God is not solely called upon when needed, but also is exalted, praised, and glorified.
5. Christians go to heaven.

Christianity is a relationship - a relationship with God. This relationship must follow certain criteria to be considered valid. If it does not follow this criteria, one is not a Christian. As far as I know, one cannot pick and choose what he believes and still consider himself a part of that given religion. That is what makes up that religion, the beliefs that it encompasses. Don't get me wrong, every relationship with God is different, but every relationship also has similarities.

The most powerful point I can make in regards to the need for a genuine relationship with God stems directly from cross analysis of the fourth statement in each category stated above. MTD "Christians" only call upon their god when they need him. How is this a relationship, or Christianity for that matter? It isn't. It is simply an attempt to take advantage of the deity one believes in! MTD Christians are not Christians. They do not have a real relationship with God. They don't actually know Him, and He doesn't know them as His. Thus, not only are their attempts to receive what is needed from God at the time unanswered, but God isn't even hearing them.

The thought of taking advantage of God in such a manner upsets me, but who's fault is it? Is it a MTD "Christian's" fault, or, as Christians, our fault? How can our and God's disciples have such a skewed view of Christianity?

All of the differences above and many more unlisted ones are what distinguish MTD "Christianity" from Christianity.

If you are interested in researching MTD more fully, consider this article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050418/moralistic-therapeutic-deism-the-new-american-religion/index.html