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Comfortable Christians and Coffee // Haley Riddle

             In Canto III of The Inferno, Dante enters the "Vestibule of Hell" and is introduced to "the opportunists." These are the people who did not choose evil or good, but chose personal gain. "They took no sides, therefore they are given no place. As they pursued the ever-shifting illusion of their own advantage, changing their courses with every changing wind, so they pursue eternally an elusive, ever-shifting banner." 

            How accurate is this concept regarding how so many of us live life today? We live in a culture that is so scared of offending others that people rarely speak out about how they truly feel. I believe as Christians we are becoming like these opportunists in a sense. Yes, we might choose good over evil, but we also tend to stay where we are most comfortable for fear of offending someone or causing conflict. Instead of standing firm in what we know is true, our faith can be easily shaken when we consider comfort as more important. My pastor always says, "God comforts the afflicted, and afflicts the comfortable." God did not set us apart so that we could be like everyone else, we are supposed to step out in faith.

Side note: 

Something that inspired me to write about this issue was my experience at a coffee shop this morning. I went to a new place called Rooted and Grounded with a friend of mine, (totally recommend it by the way) and the whole atmosphere was Christian. My friend told the owner he appreciated the fact that they were so open about it because otherwise they would just be like another Starbucks just with a Christian label. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, let's not try and fit in... we don't want to be just like another Starbucks, after all... 





I commented on Lily's and Isabelle's posts. 


The Inferno (p. 42). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Comments

  1. Addison ZandaMarch 15, 2021 at 11:05 PM

    As Christians in this day today, many of us are seemingly scared to share our faith and why we believe in God due to so much judgement. I love your quote as well about us stepping out in our faith. We should always be sharing our faith if we're true Christians.

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  2. IsabelleMarch 16, 2021 at 8:52 AM

    Dante really inspires a moment of self-reflection. So many get caught in the fast paced world, and they waste their entire lives living for themselves or someone else. This world puts so much focus on being unique and standing out, yet everyone blends in with society's version of "eccentric." I agree, Christian's should challenge more and get out of our comfort zones. I love your post!

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  3. Braylan StringfellowMarch 16, 2021 at 9:10 AM

    I really like how you compared those who did not choose a side to modern day Christians. This past Sunday the guest preacher at my church talked about how Christians are not sharing there faith or standing for what is right; they are just staying comfortable where they are at. I have found myself here recently in the same position and really needed to hear this twice.

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