One of the first authors of bible literacy that I read is Beth Moore. There have been times I have disagreed with Moore’s interpretations, but her conversational style of writing and enthusiasm increased my interest of studying God’s word. The study that came to mind when thinking of what influenced my own sense of call was James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore, specifically James 1:26-27. Moore breaks down what James’ interpretation of the law was through the lens of Jesus’ teachings by showing us what real religion should be and how it was to be exhibited at the time it was written and how it applies today.
Moore quotes Mark Twain, “Man is a Religious Animal. He is the only Religious Animal. …He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself, and cuts his throat if his theology isn’t straight. He has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother’s path to happiness and heaven.” Listing various events Moore shows how history has come to have a relationship with the term “religious”. Moore points out that the word alone is not inherently negative but that “once we drag folding chairs in to it and invite people to sit down and make themselves comfortable in our indoctrination, all bets are off”. This visual that Moore painted set the scene for me to self-reflect. Am I religious? Do
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When I first read this 4 years ago, I worked at a hospital where I was surrounded by homelessness, depression, illness, death, and poverty. I felt right in the thick of this world. It was mentally and at times physically taxing, but I loved it. When a patient or friend had no one else to be with them during these times, I was there. It may have been in a professional role or as a friend, but I liked being there with them, in the