Very good thoughts. I agree- a focus on original sin leaves us in the past. Nice to understand but not near as important as our current experience. Freedom is exactly what Christ gives. The mystery of God's spiritual kingdom is that His spirit touches our spirit. That 'touch' if you will is a valuable part of prayer. The Bible talks about 'taste the Lord and see that He is good'- this speaks of a spiritual reality. Prayer certainly should be defined in this reality. It does give us perspective on life and provides us a sanctuary where God is grand and we are precious in His sight.
Very cool. I hope I didn't appear condescending in my post. Thanks for taking the time to explain that to me better.
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose. How did Christ message of selflessness become the Megachurch?
ask Constantine. you're right...Christianity is anti-establishment...in a non-violent way, obviously. the church has missed that over and over again.
Janis...Bobby McGee Jesus = love Jesus was selfless, we Christians aren't that way, we need His help daily, because we want to follow Him. EDIT- not to say Christians aren't selfless, just can't be that way apart from the grace given to us-- so in a way it's all Jesus fault when a Christian loves others. He put this love in my heart
Rhester and MadMax as always appreciate your thoughts and view points. Once again my own perception is that while the message of Christianity is love a big motivator be Christian and behave in a Christian manner is the promise of Heaven and the threat of Hell. Christianity isn't alone in this regard as it seesm to me like most religions have some sort of metaphysical motivation that contrast the physical world with some sort of higher, or lower plane, where faith is rewarded or punished.
One more thought to bring this back to the original topic. One of the things I found problematic about the original thread topic is the idea of the metaphysical reward. In this case it was if as a Christian you pray you are rewarded with a healthy Chuck Hayes. If the message of Christianity is love am I showing love by praying for Chuck Hayes to get healthy just so the Rockets can win?
Only if you also pray we win the NBA championship. love is a beautiful thing, in general wanting goodwill, desiring peace... this is what the angels said when Christ was born, Peace on earth, goodwill to men. love does not mean that we don't consider ourselves at all; the evil of selfishness is based in prefering ourselves above God and others leading to damage and pain and suffering in relationships. Selfishness leads us to neglect our duty to God and others and commit actions of harm. wanting a team to win or a player to do well or be well can all be desires for good will. I understand that God's love has no bearing on who wins a game or the injuries a player may experience- But His love for me certainly keeps Him in the loop of things I enjoy. I like basketball, like the Rockets and all that stuff- my 8 yr old like legos- alot!!! So I enjoy watching him enjoy building his legos. Not sure if that means anything at all, except that God loves you and me and Chuck Hayes. And praying isn't for selfish ends, but God understands the little things we pray for and the big things and He wisely sorts through it all without finding fault. IMHO
