An exploration of Grace

Hey guys,

thanks for all the feedback so far. It's really giving me food for thought. I'm starting to get an idea of what I want Theology of a Broken Brain to explore. I still don't know exactly what it will say, but I am starting to see it come together. I need some direction if you guys don't mind and this is open to anyone reading this, regardless of whether I know you or not.

I've made a list of the major questions that I have either asked myself or been asked by others since I found out about my brain being so different. I am going to use it as a study guide over the next few weeks to guide my spiritual journey. I am looking for exactly what Scripture says about these things. I have opinions about what commentaries say and so I'm looking for primary source material right now, directly from scripture. Once I have the scriptures collected, then I'll explore the commentaries while I formulate answers.

I've posted my questionnaire so you can use it too. If you have some time and could give me some scriptures to look at for each of the questions, that would be greatly appreciated. I'll be using this with my spiritual director to find what God is trying to say to me and others with mental disorders.

When suggesting scriptures, please keep in mind, I am trying to have the overall theme in the book focus on God's ultimate grace. I will have heavy influence of things like Psalm 139 that God created us and so knows what we are like. The Ultimate Sacrifice and the penatly already being paid is another thing I will focus on. People with mental disorders frequently suffer from issues like self loathing, overpunishment and feelings of abandonment. I don't want to coddle these feelings, but instead speak to them from a loving standpoint. I hope to introduce people suffering from these issues to the God who doats on them and can forget about the things in their past. I also hope to fend off judgment of those who would say that we just aren't trying hard enough. I'll probably spend some time on the difference between lying and not understanding the truth as well.

Even if you don't agree with the standpoint I am taking, your time and input would be greatly appreciated. This is a spiritual learning exercise for me as well so I don't want to presume to know exactly what the answers are. The research for the book is teaching me at the same time as I am trying to communicate my thoughts. Also, even if you don't think you know much about the topic, even if you are a new Christian yourself. I believe strongly in the influence of the Holy Spirit so please give me whatever input you can. Many thanks.

You can either respond by posting in the comment section or email the responses to ldutz@godishere.com. Please include the word questionnaire in the subject so I know what it is about and don't garbage it right away.

Questionnaire


1. What does it mean to be a Christian?

2. What are the minimum requirements to call one’s self a Christian?

3. What spiritual disciplines are “strongly recommended” and why?

4. What disciplines fall more under “take it or leave it”?

5. What does a week in the life of a dedicated Christian look like? How much of this is required and how much is recommended?

6. What are the “no-no”s that will keep us from God?

7. Are Christians capable of sinning? If so, what do we consider a sin since we are already forgiven?

8. What role does attention play in faith? Does God care if we think about something else while we are praying?

9. What does the Bible say about emotions? Does it address what to do when a person’s body isn’t cooperating and they physically can’t control their emotions?

10. Is it sinful to be easily excitable?

11. Is Church as we know it a requirement of faith? If so, where is it commanded in scripture? If not, why is church attendance so important to so many people?

Song Lyrics that connect with me

In His Presence - Sandi Patti
An ever open door
to know our saviour more
in the presence of our Lord

Oh Lord, You're Beautiful
Oh Lord, Your'e beautiful.
Your face is all I seek.
And when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me.