Christianity......what I have learned on here.

[TLC209]

No such thing as mystical theology.

Its not hard to read but offensive or what the Bible calls a "hard saying". .

The idea of a Dark Night of the Soul simply as a lie promises a higher consciousness .Obvious above the consciousness of God that he has revealed in his word .

Sounds like descendants of Simon the sorcerer. If he had any descendants they would be mystics. And they would write books like that for profit. Cursed money...

 

[garee]

Sounds like descendants of Simon the sorcerer. If he had any descendants they would be mystics. And they would write books like that for profit. Cursed money...

Amen...Cursed money or indulgences . Six of one a half dozen of the other.

In that way no man could serve two masters . One reducing the fullness of Christ grace to a unknown remnant . The $$$$$ multiplier. . .Follow the dark trail .

 

[Dibby53]

No such thing as mystical theology.

Its not hard to read but offensive or what the Bible calls a "hard saying". .

The idea of a Dark Night of the Soul simply as a lie promises a higher consciousness .Obvious above the consciousness of God that he has revealed in his word .

It is the consciousness of love itself. And you are right. That is not a doctrine or theology. It is a mystery.

 

[Dibby53]

Looks like you've gotten a lot of opinions and reactions to your post. I haven't read 7 pgs so forgive my asking if it's already been said. What are you seeking here at a Christian site? Just wondering. It's obvious that you don't agree with the Christian worldview. So are you angry because of past experiences? Just trying to understand. Also, have you read any apologetics?

No. I wouldn't say I was angry. I am looking at the Christian message in a new way ( similar to what some other Christians have thought in the distant past). My reason for this thread was to highlight what I have come to see as some of the absurdities of modern, intolerant evangelicalism. Not all evangelicals are intolerant, but many are.......as some of the responses to my thread prove.

 

[kaylagrl]

No. I wouldn't say I was angry. I am looking at the Christian message in a new way ( similar to what some other Christians have thought in the distant past). My reason for this thread was to highlight what I have come to see as some of the absurdities of modern, intolerant evangelicalism. Not all evangelicals are intolerant, but many are.......as some of the responses to my thread prove.

As I have said, I didn't read through all the pages, though I did speak to one response. When you use the word intolerant what do you mean by that? It's a bit of a loaded word. I believe marriage, according to the Bible,is between a man and a woman. But I don't hate gay people, nor do I think God hates gay people. So in your view would that make me an intolerant evangelical? And I'm asking sincerely, please believe me. How can I reach out to someone who is gay if I don't believe exactly the way they do?

 

[pottersclay]

Truth of the matter is this, because of sin all of us have been compromised. We have been lied to, blinded by, and reprogrammed to think of ourselves higher than we should.
Our hearts are deceiving and wicked, our tongues are that of vipers, our thoughts are far from God. Our deeds are filthy rags.
That is the truth about us. (Mankind).
If you want to rethink the gospel message and invent a new God then the God that you invent will be as corrupt as you.
It's been done before and still being done to this day.
That's why Jesus said "you must be born again" . God doesn't take your bad traits and make them good, nor does he give you tasks (commandments) to make you a better person or earn your way to the kingdom.
He starts by offering you acceptance just the way you are. He offers you a trade for all the bad you have done for a pardon and forgiveness. He vows to never remember them anymore. He loves you to much to leave you as you are so he gives you a new heart.
That new heart he gives you only starts to grow by the nourishment and water of God's word.
Jesus is the one who made this all possible. Even while we were yet sinners he died for us. Offering up himself the perfect sacrifice
Unto the father on your behalf. Taking away the sins of the world.
Only through Jesus may we enter into the father's presence and only through him are we forgiven and excepted.
This world will deceive you, lie to you, in any manner it can. Be it pleasant or hurtful .
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge him in all your ways and he will direct your path.

 

[Dibby53]

As I have said, I didn't read through all the pages, though I did speak to one response. When you use the word intolerant what do you mean by that? It's a bit of a loaded word. I believe marriage, according to the Bible,is between a man and a woman. But I don't hate gay people, nor do I think God hates gay people. So in your view would that make me an intolerant evangelical? And I'm asking sincerely, please believe me. How can I reach out to someone who is gay if I don't believe exactly the way they do?

We live in a pluralistic society that is going through tremendous and fast change. It is a tricky situation when rights clash, such as religious rights and gay rights. We need to accept that not everyone shares our world view and sees things the way we do......thats a start. Intolerance is not recognising this fact and insisting on our way, even over people who do not share our views. I believe in the separation of church and state. The state should not force churches to conduct gay marriages. But neither should the religious be able to dictate to the state that they should not do what another section of citizens clearly want. Love for people, even our enemies, means that we accord to them what we want for ourselves...the right to think their thoughts, speak freely and the right to self determination. In a world of media driven by salacious gossip and the excitement of conflict it can be hard for people to keep cool heads. A "gays" versus "christians" narrative makes for better television viewing ( and hence viewing figures and advertisement revenue) than people co-operating to find the best way forward.

Kayla, you and I don't agree on these issues. But that doesn't stop us from recognising that we can disagree civilly and I hope respect each other.

 

[EleventhHour]

But neither should the religious be able to dictate to the state that they should not do what another section of citizens clearly want.

And how far do we carry that maxim?

 

[Dibby53]

And how far do we carry that maxim?

Hi EleventhHour,
Could you perhaps give an example of what you mean?

 

[EleventhHour]

Hi EleventhHour,
Could you perhaps give an example of what you mean?

This much I will state......... a society that does not have certain immutable moral precepts as its foundation will certainly collapse in time.

 

[ForestGreenCook]

1. God writes books. Unfortunately it is not always that clear. Hence, the arguments, even amongst believers.
2. God loves everyone; but if you worship the wrong God he will command your execution and favours certain ethnic groups and people.
3.God wants us to fear him, but love him at the same time. And if we don't love him, we are condemned.
4. The right beliefs and thoughts in our heads are more important than being kind; beliefs will save you, kindness won't.
5. The "Good news" of the gospel is not that good. Since most are condemned.
6. Everyone I love and care for who has the wrong beliefs and has died is going to burn and suffer for eternity. God will helpfully wipe my memory of them.
7. If anyone has a different major opinion within Christianity it is perfectly acceptable to shun them.
8. Deviation from what is perceived to be the "truth" will not be tolerated.
9. No one can do anything good, or be good before God without the correct beliefs. Since people are basically depraved, sinful and anything they do is "dirty rags".
10. Since Christians are saved, have the holy spirit and are God's beloved children and now have the source of all goodness and love within them, then they are living the most beautiful, loving and blessed lives that can be imagined. They are a real beacon of goodness in the world in a way that non-believers are not........or are they??

You come across as pretty arrogant in claiming that a specific doctrine will save you eternally. The scriptures do not teach such a thing.