I agree that principles are the bedrock of true Christianity. We have become entirely too ritualistic. For instance - After every public prayer, I and everyone else I hear, say "In Jesus Name". Jesus did say if if you ask anything in my name it will be given you. But tacking it onto the end of a prayer is pure superstition - as if those three words have magic power. That is about as far from what Jesus meant as one can be. I once saw a documentary in which a native who had previously gone about naked or nearly so was converted. The next shot showed him in a white shirt and coat. Is this the change Christ wants for us? There is an amusement park in Orlando whose theme is the the holy land. Have we made Jesus into a waterslide park. So many superfluous things for such a powerful message.
Maybe the pockets..I mean powers that be don't want people to take it too seriously. If we all went around loving one another and truly believing that we are brothers and sisters, if I hurt you I hurt myself, how would those powers line their pockets with our dollars that we spend on separating ourselves from one another and trying to have more and better than the next guy? Gotta leave it a belief, can't have it become a way of life, that would be too threatening to the bank accounts of certain people.
Unfortunately, lunaverse, I think you are right - re money being at the root of much...lining those pockets. How many televangelists would you say encourage one to read the bible for oneself? (None I have personally listened to...but my stomach has become weak for listening long to such.) Refering to Jesus as anything but white (He was JEWISH - lol) in some religions is considered wrong. Baptists think abstinence is the answer; but, wait a moment... Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding (at his mother's asking).
People who represent God,(or really any authority) go around acting better than thou'...that molest youngsters, that take advantage of the elderly, etc. I deeply hope there is a special in hell for such as those; but, then I don't guess that is very "good" of me. I guess that is my thing, my sin...hoping that those (I deem) deserve it get what they deserve.
Jesus literally ressurecting, denying the reality of other gods, and Jesus being the only Son of God are sort of central to the Christian faith. Paul even writes that if Jesus wasn't raised, our faith would be in vain. Son of God differs from us as the children of God as it pertains to who he is to the core of his very being. That is why it is often capitalised (along with Son of Man versus son of man).
Jesus came from the same place as you and I. Was of the same flesh, the same father, and the same spirit, he was no more a son of god than you or I . There is not one more single atom that was Jesus' alone then belongs to you or I. Do not be fooled by rank. I understand what is central to the 'Christian' faith. However in my opinion a lot of it is bastardized versions of what was really meant by the words and actions of Jesus Christ. God (in whatever form god is) is within each of us in equal parts, not one of us has any more or any less god within us.
Perhaps it may be sort of central to christian dogma but it is not central to christian practice. The difference is in this. In his mind and heart were nothing else but god.
I'd argue that what you believe is anathema to what Christ came here to reveal. Dope, I'd argue that practise reflects dogma and vice versa, and in effect is not separate
I invite you to. I think dogma reflects and emerges from disagreement. The word dogma comes from a Latin root meaning opinion. However by definition you are correct that a practice can be to act according to beliefs or customs of a particular religion. My practice is to keep the sayings of christ and in doing so I find a new appreciation for the world and I am able to share it.
People, like my nieces, are religious fanatics (fundamental Christians). They tell me I can't live with my husband unless we are married now (we were married, but divorced in 2002 and I moved back in with him in 2004; he's my common-law husband at the moment). They say that is wrong to do... This is the crap why I'm converting to Unitarian Univeralism. More openminded about things and people of all religions/philosophies can join. Thank God!!
Perhaps you can't go and accept how they act upon their beliefs but otherwise I don't see why you can't accept someone elses faith?
Calling one self a sinner and of the body of Christ. That is blatant insanity - king of lies. How many preachers try to justify this; one is too many.
I'm not sure where this is headed. Is it your contention that if one sins he is not of the Body? We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. If one says he is not a sinner, the truth is not in him. We are all sinners - saved and unsaved. Fortunately the sin of the believer is covered by the blood - by grace.
The truth is not sin. Therefore the "sinner" is the truth. If what I say and do is not the truth then my existence must be. I would not exist if I weren't the truth.
You have me a bit flummoxed here. Can you expond a bit on that statement. Of course truth is not sin - truth is a noun. Sin is a verb - a word associated with action. Truth is. The "sinner is the truth" uuhhhhh - are you pulling my leg or are you making a point.
Another one trying to justify a false relationship with Christ. No one said sin was never a part of our life. You cling on to sin because you are comfortable with it. Is Jesus a liar, one to set out goals that another cannot live or achieve. Be careful how you relate to Christ. Lying about being a sinner yet one with God is a blatant lie, false view of reality.
That is philosophical gobbly-gook, lunar. That's like saying the lie is not love, therefore the lover is the lie, completely nonsensical. And, to paraphrase Paremides, that which is, is that which is not is not. Is not that it? It is!