To the popping the question post: I wasn't going to reply, but when it became a hot thread I must
Sep 15th, 2000, 11:15 PM
#83
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Thank you Greg and Mary for uplifting us all with your sincere faith and Christian witness. But to make this travel related, I do think it is germane to point out that words, when being SO literaly interpreted, deserve to be considered, especially since their translation, and in many cases, mistranslation, has led to tremendous intolerance on the part of so many who consider themselves practicing Christians. (See discussion above, ad nauseum.) People that have a grasp of several languages can understand this sense of nuance that sadly is often lost on Americans, particularly those that have not traveled widely. I still believe that Christ taught by example, and it is His witness that he left us. But how about other expressions of Christianity, other religions, are those people all doomed, unless they subscribe word-by-word to what the (slightly hysterical) conservative modern day interpreters of the Bible suggest? That unless you are one of them (that obscure 144,000 whatever number) you will undergo *The* *Tribulation*? Jack Van Impe has been going on and on about this for at least 20 years and attacking "secular humanism" as he defines it, which to me translates as fear of anything beyond a 7th grade education. "Left Behind" is nothing new, just a rehash of conservative far-right wing Christian hysteria. But it DOES make money! In the second century, there were endless rumors of the end days. There have been people similarly fixated since, although to me that seems like a MAJOR waste of time. All that judging, all that waiting for "the end times" aren't some of these people just a little out of touch with reality, i.e., our mutal and far more more pressing human/environmental needs that may require that we actually TRY TO GET ALONG as fellow inhabitants/stewards of the planet, as family members, as members of our communities, as fellow citzens in the 21st century?
One Bible verse that has always resonated with me is, "many knew my name, but did not know me, and many knew me that never knew my name." If you believe that we are not just material beings, but made in God's image, should we not find commonality with other believers and respect them for their beliefs, whether they be Jews, Buddhists, Orthodox Christians, or people just trying to live a moral life on this planet?
And for Gottalovem (nice handle). Christ spoke of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. His disciples were filled with the Holy Sprit, which became the "democratized" dispensation of God after the resurrection. Christianity is not just about worship of one manifestation of God...I believe Christ was too humble for that, but that he taught us how to live in the Sprit. The truth will set you free. I believe in a God of love, not a God of fear. Peace, Shanti, Om.
One Bible verse that has always resonated with me is, "many knew my name, but did not know me, and many knew me that never knew my name." If you believe that we are not just material beings, but made in God's image, should we not find commonality with other believers and respect them for their beliefs, whether they be Jews, Buddhists, Orthodox Christians, or people just trying to live a moral life on this planet?
And for Gottalovem (nice handle). Christ spoke of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. His disciples were filled with the Holy Sprit, which became the "democratized" dispensation of God after the resurrection. Christianity is not just about worship of one manifestation of God...I believe Christ was too humble for that, but that he taught us how to live in the Sprit. The truth will set you free. I believe in a God of love, not a God of fear. Peace, Shanti, Om.
Sep 21st, 2000, 06:27 PM
#90
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I posted the original message and 92 times now I wish I hadn't. Just like I tried to ignore the original post and then didn't, I wish I had.
There was just something that made me uncomfortable about the original post...does anyone even remember what it was?
After all of this...I probably won't do it again....
There was just something that made me uncomfortable about the original post...does anyone even remember what it was?
After all of this...I probably won't do it again....
Sep 22nd, 2000, 06:54 AM
#92
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Dear Damien
I'm so sorry to see that you are suffering from Tourette syndrome? It must be very distressing for you and those around you - Now I know this I will try and ignore your rude and violent outbursts.I hope others will be understanding also.
Yours in sympathy and understanding..
ps What does thupmping mean?
I'm so sorry to see that you are suffering from Tourette syndrome? It must be very distressing for you and those around you - Now I know this I will try and ignore your rude and violent outbursts.I hope others will be understanding also.
Yours in sympathy and understanding..
ps What does thupmping mean?
