There's NO confusion about what I think of you and your ilk.
You might just say it is "interesting" that I study history and tradition as well as interpretations, theology and belief.A7 is evidently stuck in the four Gospels and under the Law that
was given to the Jews only. Interesting.
Then lets emerge from your own exile in the wilderness and be accountable for your own feelings here:There's NO confusion about what I think of you and your ilk.
I am not aware of being "inept" but quite possibly I have been.I'm only concerned about your "ineptness."
You might just say it is "interesting" that I study history and tradition as well as interpretations, theology and belief.
Jesus, to me, is the norm of the Bible. And the thinking and additions of men came afterwards--and are still coming.
Jesus was a man and that is absolute fact. Jesus is the Messiah, Lord, God, Son of God, etc. Those are faith statements, not actual events.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
***There were those who saw Jesus and said "That's God! Let's follow him."
***There were others who said "This guy is boring. I'm outta here."
***And there were still others who said "This man is dangerous. Let's kill him."
ALL of these people have a right to their own thoughts and beliefs.
And so do you and I.
I am not aware of being "inept" but quite possibly I have been.
Why don't you specifically list those times I have seemed inept to you and we can certainly go over them together.
Thanks in advance!
Grosnick, what is it that is preventing you from coming out and being more clear-cut with your denunciations and condemnations?
Sometimes as children we are loathe to speak the unvarnished truth to our own parents, simply because we are afraid of their anger and do not want to be left "out in the open" to be judged by them.
Is that what is going on with you here? Don't feel bad. The only way I can recognize that in you is because I myself am intimately acquainted with such feelings as well.
What is interesting to me--and what I think you do not know--is that I try to continually read beyond the Gospels.I don't consider you a "True Believer" because you reject,
by your own words, anything beyond the four Gospels. So,
you've chosen to be under the Law even though you're a
Gentile.
I am not the one who is alarmed, defensive and angry with me. You need to be accountable and own your own reactions here.[/B]
That's your problem. Deal with it.
What is interesting to me--and what I think you do not know--is that I try to continually read beyond the Gospels.
I have a curious mind and am an inveterate reader. These days I can relate almost everything I read to the figure of Jesus of Nazareth. Believers would be astonished and dumfounded to learn of the DNA studies, the archeology, the reading of ancient texts and other literary forms of the past, sociological truths that relate to those living in Jesus' day, mythological studies, history of religions, and the economies of the first century that drove Jesus' intimate concerns with those who followed him.
Experts have recently uncovered what is most certainly Peter's home where his mother-in-law lived in Capernaum. And archeologists have discovered some fish processing plants around the Sea of Galilee. They almost certainly were squeezing out the profits the fishermen in the area were scraping together to make a decent living. And why they may have chosen to follow this astounding rabbi instead of staying around home.
New information--from wherever--makes my faith richer and deeper. I don't have to waste time being alarmed and defensive about different ideas and additions to the story of the Redeemer.
Albert Schweitzer, The Quest for the Historical Jesus:
He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside. He came to those men who knew Him not.
He speaks to us the same words: "Follow thou me!" and sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time.
He commands.
And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is.
Noted.It would be of no value. You wouldn't be interested. Rest with that!
Noted.
Jesus' body is now exalted. It is not a literal body.Are you a member of the Body of Christ?
Any native speaker of English knows that term does not connote agreement.I'm happy you agree.
Jesus' body is now exalted. It is not a literal body.
I understand the personal theology you are advancing here. I just do not take it literally.
If you are defining Body of Christ as the church, then why not say so?
These ancient formulations that were come up with after Jesus lived are no longer compelling or persuadable to folks living in an interconnected global culture.
Blah! blah! blah! Jerry S. Keep posting while everybody looks
on with total amazement. Your degree of ignorance is extraordinary.
It depends what you mean by "reject." If the real Galilean came back in time and looked around him, I think he would disdain the movement that grew up after him.
How could you conclude anything different? Especially since the church officially became a part of the Roman Empire?
I know many, many believers who live exemplary lives, even though I do not agree with all of their theology. We can still fellowship together.
Don't take my word for it. In fact, take no one's word for what Christianity is, was and most likely will be.I see that you enjoy speaking in generalities. Things of which you
have no data or proof.
This was Jesus' answer to Pilate. If you read the very next verse, Jesus assures him that his movement was a nonviolent one, since after he is killed he can assure the prelate that his followers won't retaliate by open rebellion....Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world.