A Confession

No. Better. Tune. Anywhere.

 

Thank you for the thoughtful and kind responses you crafted. You certainly seem to have evolved to a more expanded view of today`s Christianity. To this I can only congratulate you.

In that spirit I would offer this: The word you use ..."repentance" may be of particular interest. It was derived from the Greek word "metanoia" which means "to change one's thinking". If you plug that into a common biblical passage --"Lest ye repent ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven" and alter it to say "Lest ye change one's thinking...." well it kinda takes on a whole new meaning, eh?

The story of Jesus was a template for many similar stories in ancient times when storytelling was a means of transmitting eternal truths. In fact, I can think of at least 7 similar epics that follow the storyline of the God that sent his son to earth in mortal guise to somehow redeem humanity for their mistakes by sacrificing himself/herself. It was a common theme meant only as an instructional moral guide until early Christians dared propose it as historical fact and thus birthed the first "pyramid scheme" as I called it. Up until then it was only a story taught to preserve and pass on archetypal truth.

I want to clarify that my description as religion being a tool is not intended to legitimize religion as being the only way. It was meant to illustrate that the power of emotion is the real prime mover of one's soul. Some arrive at that power by a book, some by life experiences, some by some by looking into the night sky. The paths to awakening emotional power are as varied as individuals and they are all "legitimate".

That said, your last lines illustrates my problem with today's religion--it in many cases is a disempowering influence. If you have arrived through religious teaching at the conclusion that "you are weak" then I'd say religion has not been good to you. You are not, in my opinion, weak at all. Your powerful words are a testament to that truth! (Amen)

 

As I stated before, I am not called to change your mind. I am merely called to be a source of information and assist those that want to know more.
I love breaking down the Bible and decifering different interpretations. You can really gain a much broader understanding of the text that way. When I translate words to thier greek origin, I usually try to use the definitions in thier entirety instead of giving partial definitions that suit a pre determined narrative that I am trying to relay.
For instance, in your example you use a partial definition of the greek word "metonia" for which the full definition reads "change ones way of life resulting from penitance or spiritual conversion". You see the difference there, right?
Anyone can use a partial quote or definition out of context to make it seem as though it supports thier position.
I'll close with this. Religous teaching did not deem me weak, a long look in the mirror at how I had been living did.
✌

 

A good place to leave things. Thank you!

 

finish thy books lad.I just turned 50...... Got the Hog, the pete ,the old pick up, an the street rod.Its all good,still feel 20 but a lot wiser, But I still know it all.lol

 

Just was thinking that you might like to read this wonderful little book composed by an anonymous monk of the 14th century. I found it to be one of the most spiritually uplifting books on the Christian doctrine I ever read. In it, the monk describes a truly modest method by which one can directly connect ones soul with God.

Skip over the introduction and first go to the "meat" of the writing. Then refer back to the intro for an interesting overview. PDF version of "The Cloud of Unknowing"

 

Thanks, I will check it out.
I would like to recommend one to you as well. Its titled "The case for Christ" written by an atheist (at the beginning of his project) Lee Strobel.
He was an investigative journalist, and he set out to basically disprove christianity.

 

Let me guess....and he ends up "proving" Chritianity?

 

Amazing Grace

 

Gentlemen, please don't make a liar out of me.