Thursday, 06 September 2012
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The Mystery of the Christian Path
I am almost 64 years old and after years of pondering over the mystery of the death of Christ Jesus on the cross, I can honestly say that my understanding is still deficient. I get some glimmer, then I lose it and left with groping and more seeking, calling on the Holy Spirit to enlighten me deeper. Forgiveness can only be given by the one who has been sinned against. I for instance can’t bestow forgiveness on someone who has harmed another, it can’t be done. If a loved one is harmed, I can forgive the loss that was inflicted on me because of a loved one afflicted -- but not for the actual evil done to my loved one.
Sin is a two edged sword and its reality is rejected by many today. To hurt, or to belittle, or to abuse another human being in any way also lessens the humanity of the one sinning. Conscience has to be quieted, made mute, if this becomes a way of life. Guilt is like a coiled serpent within the soul; slowly growing until one day it will consume the one who embraces sin as a way of life. To go through life treating others as mere objects to be used for ones own pleasure or gain will stifle the seed of ‘true humanity’ that Christ Jesus calls us to.
When we use or abuse others, we are in fact creating ourselves outside of graces healing power to bring us to conversion, to truth and in the end to reality. For when we sin against another, we also sin against God in a grievous way. When we strike another -- in any way, be it verbal, sexual, or through actual physical trauma -- it leaves a deep wound within our own souls. We become our own killers, creating ourselves to be creatures of hate and malice instead of living out the image we are made in.In the end, sin can only be ultimately forgiven by God, since all sin is directed at him. We are each made in the image and likeness of God. Jesus identifies with each of us, so to sin against another and ourselves can only be forgiven by the one who is the main receiver of our sin. Jesus shows us what sin does. Only Jesus can forgive our sins and brings us to the Father.
God is infinite, Jesus is a revelation of the Father, yet there is still much that is unknown and the pondering over this mystery is something I believe all Christians are asked to meditate upon and to not seek simplistic black and white answers, on how God works in the hearts of all of mankind. If any religion becomes a mere ideology, then it will die.
Fr. Sebastian Moore in his book,“The Crucified God is no stranger,” says that when we look upon Jesus on the cross, we are observing our own souls. We are self destructive; we hate others because we hate ourselves. Hate leads to hate, violence to more violence, greed is insatiable and all the longings of the heart, if not directed towards the transcendent, in the end leads to an act of self creation that only wants itself for eternity; separation from God. Our cultures are the reflection of our inner lives, all of it. Hell on earth in some areas of the world. In those parts of the world where things seem better, it is often so because others are kept in poverty, want, so that the richer areas can live lives of luxury. Yet even in those areas, there is suffering, perhaps worse that in the poorer areas of the world.
I am not pointing fingers at anyone, nor am I anyone’s judge. Thank God for that. We are called to love others, to bring out their best, to listen and to see those around us. To lift up, embrace, love and heal. Yes we are all healers of one another, or we can be those who wound. I believe that much of the anger I still deal with -- irrational as it is -- is based on my own struggle to not only to forgive others, but to also love and to allow Christ Jesus love ever deeper into my heart. No human being is outside of God’s love; let us make sure that we are encouragers for others, and not those who push those they come in contact with under. We are on a journey of self discovery and all are pursued by grace. In the end, we all choose, perhaps on a level seen only by God. God is not to be feared; at least not in the modern sense of the word, no, I believe we need to fear ourselves even before we fear others.
What do you find mysterious about the Christian path? What do you think about the idea that you can't forgive people but you can forgive wrongs?
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About the Author
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- From: markdohle
- Name: markdohle
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- About Me: I am a Roman Catholic, who seeks to ever deepen my love of Jesus Christ.
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Comments (34)
Two questions there:
The Christian faith is certainly mysterious and illogical in its claims but that is an extended discussion;
Individuals can be forgiven by those they offended, that is the latter's perogative; and by society once they have suffered the consequences and repented. The actual wrongs as such remain wrongs in their very essence, therefore they can not be forgiven. National Socialism for instance should not be given "another chance" to prove itself. Once is sufficient. The same goes for dictatorship however idealistic, political or religious.
"THE SON SHALL NOT SUFFER FOR THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHER. NOR THE FATHER SUFFER FOR THE INIQUITY OF THE SON; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."
Ezekiel 18:20 also "pulls the rug out from under" Christianity's main premise, that all generations of mankind are burdened with sin and death stemming from Adam's act of disobedience. Only Christ's redeeming shed blood can end this never-ending cycle of sin and death. Quite clearly Ezekiel refutes this notion. "The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father." (Online Source: http://www.bibleorigins.net/MoabiteBloodMessiah.html)
(cf. Original - The soul that sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself (Ezek. 18:20) RSV Story book, catholic edition 1965)
More so -
Jews correctly also, do not believe in original sin.
IN SHORT... Jews do not believe in the existence of Original Sin. The concept of Original Sin simply states that because Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they brought Death into the world. Every human being dies because Adam and Eve committed a sin, and for their sin, all humans are punished with death. However, the Bible describes something entirely different. Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden because if they remained, they could eat the fruit of the Tree of Life, which would make them IMmortal. If Adam and Eve had to eat the fruit of the Tree of Life to become IMmortal, then they were created mortal to begin with. They did not bring Death into the world, and we don't die because they sinned. As a matter of Biblical fact, the answer to Question One shows that one person cannot die as the punishment for the sins committed by another. We die because Death is a natural part of existence, and has been since from the moment the first human beings were created. That is why God told the animals, before Adam and Eve ate the fruit from The Tree Of The Knowledge Of Good And Evil, to be fruitful and to multiply, since they needed to replace themselves. God also told the same thing to Adam and Eve before they ate that fruit as well. (Online Source: http://whatjewsbelieve.org/) - What Jews believe Point 5.)
xtianity is a lie!
Story book jesus was born, lived and died in Story book Land as a 100% Jew!
@Composer -What can I say my friend. Thanks for sharing and being so honest, but Jesus is Lord, if you don't believe that, ok, good luck on your search for the truth.
Peace
Mark
The Christian path is mysterious because of the principle of grace. It took me ten years to actually internalize grace. And we don't always know when we've sinned, like perhaps hurt someone's feelings. It's not an easy road to be a Christian, being told repeatedly that I can't be a Christian and belong to the wrong political party. Those are times difficult to forgive, but all we can really do is give it to God everyday and do our best. I've never been able to separate the sin from the sinner. And what of questioning original sin? Does anybody here do that? Can't copy all the scriptures here, but what of misinterpretation of scripture, having King James come straight from Rome, 600 years ago? John 12:32 When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself. And all the Old Testament traditions that people call scripture, such as slavery, not allowing women to talk, or go out in public, stoning a woman who was turned in for being in the wrong position sexually? Just a tip of the iceberg, but I think the word of God is different than tradition.
@Lovegrove@xanga - I was talking more about the relationship between people. The political angle you mentioned sounds good to me. It is from the bottom up that change comes, how we relate to one another on a loving personal level. To change the world, can't do that, just myself. Thanks for your thoughful comment.
Peace
mark
@Pollypinks@xanga - The OT was written in a time much different than today my friend. The laws were strict, but if you read deeper you will also see many that were humane and compassionate. I am not a Christian who believes that every word of the bible is God speaking, no, the bible was inspired, written by men of their time and slowly grace does its work, just as it does in our own hearts. I still have violence in my heart, lust, fear etc. Slowly as I age, healing happens.
St. Paul wrote letters because of problems in the early church, which were many. He did tno think he was writing scripture, yet his doctrine, I believe about Jesus, also because of his grace filled experience with the Risen Christ is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
I love you courage in asking questions. There are no easy ones, we are all called to ponder, deepen and as we are slowly filled withe the healing and love of Jesus, to spread it.
Peace and thank you
Mark
@Composer - I just shared the Truth with you and your only response is to try to fob me off with more of your empty propaganda!
More Truths from moi! -
ALL CLAIMS OF JESUS DERIVE FROM HEARSAY ACCOUNTS
No one has the slightest physical evidence to support a historical Jesus; no artifacts, dwelling, works of carpentry, or self-written manuscripts. All claims about Jesus derive from writings of other people. There occurs no contemporary Roman record that shows Pontius Pilate executing a man named Jesus. Devastating to historians, there occurs not a single contemporary writing that mentions Jesus. All documents about Jesus came well after the life of the alleged Jesus from either: unknown authors, people who had never met an earthly Jesus, or from fraudulent, mythical or allegorical writings. Although one can argue that many of these writings come from fraud or interpolations, I will use the information and dates to show that even if these sources did not come from interpolations, they could still not serve as reliable evidence for a historical Jesus, simply because all sources about Jesus derive from hearsay accounts.
Hearsay means information derived from other people rather than on a witness' own knowledge.
Courts of law do not generally allow hearsay as testimony, and nor does honest modern scholarship. Hearsay does not provide good evidence, and therefore, we should dismiss it.
http://www.nobeliefs.com/exist.htm
&
In the final analysis there is no evidence that the biblical character called "Jesus Christ" ever existed. As Nicholas Carter concludes in The Christ Myth: "No sculptures, no drawings, no markings in stone, nothing written in his own hand; and no letters, no commentaries, indeed no authentic documents written by his Jewish and Gentile contemporaries, Justice of Tiberius, Philo, Josephus, Seneca, Petronius Arbiter, Pliny the Elder, et al., to lend credence to his historicity." (Source: http://www.truthbeknown.com/pliny.htm)
Much better luck at Sport, for your ideology remains in tatters at my feet!
@markdohle - As far as your alleged ' holy-spirit ' BS goes the James Randi Educational Foundation wants to hear from dupes like you -
(Composer's source: http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/1m-challenge.html)
Let me know how demonstrating your Story book holy-spirit went? LOL!
I shan't be holding my breath!
Next!
@markdohle -
Outside of the Bible Story book, there is no historical record of the Apostle Paul either!
Next!
@Composer - Depends on who you read, most scholars would disagree with you on just about every point you brought up. Perhaps you should read a bit more widely. Not all scholars are believers, yet most of them to believe that Jesus and Paul existed, just a few that you like to read. Again good luck in your search my friend.
peace
mark
I think perhaps I was the recipient of the post about fobbing you off. We can indeed both be Christians, believe in salvation by grace, and still be a part of the questioning community when we study the scriptures. My screen shows Joel Osteen on the top, and every mega church in our country ought to be in question, because of the immense power one man has over so many, especially their pockets. We hear a sermon based on perhaps one or two scriptures, yet rarely have I heard anything interesting from our rich friends. I remember going to see my Baptist preacher because I had a schizophrenic friend who was about to be homeless, and she had been going to church with me for months. I told him $300.00 would keep her in her mobile home for another month, and we could come up with a better plan in the meantime. He didn't even know how the funds were kept, and sent my husband to a church member in a million dollar home, who appeared angry at the thought that someone in church might need $300.00. My husband was so shocked he could barely speak. This, while the pastor was considering a 4th garage to his home. All I'm saying is it's good to study for yourself, and continue studying, not giving all your brain power to one person's take on the Bible.
Greetings...hoping to add here...
There's nothing mysterious nor illogical in a true Christian walk with our Creator, nothing at all...in fact, day by day, I'm truly amazed at the fathomless knowledge & wisdom HE shares/extends/shows me, when I am literally less than nothing. Unfortuantely, we must forgive others...remember Matthew 6:15...& as far as fearing HIM...well, for you Gentlemen, Psalm 128: 4...for us Lady's, Proverbs 31: 30. Personally I need my healthy fear of our beloved God Almighty, to ensure that I WILL KEEP my noise clean, so to speak, as the trespasses of my PAST, seem to love appearing frequently before me...(egads)...
Just sharing.
@Pollypinks@xanga - There will always be scandal my friend, sad to say.
peace
mark
@SheilaJoyce - LOL, you are healthy and have a good relationship with God my friend. I have spoken with many people who were taught a Gospel based on fear, servile fear, which leads nowwhere. We are called to trust God, which you do, servile fear can't do that, it is a form of slavery.
A mystery is somthing that is not unknowable, but infinitly knowable, there is no end to seeking to understand what infinite love means, or the love of God, or what it means about the love of Jesus Christ for all and his shedding of his blood. I think that matures as we grow, if we are free enough, and trust enough, which is a choice, to move into a bigger understanding of the mind of Christ Jesus.
Thanks for you comment, always love hearing from you.
Peace
mark
@markdohle - I am extremely well read and the facts remain that biblical Story book jesus & Paul & Moses are a historical myth!
Most of those making a $living by preaching otherwise are as always liars and frauds!
In fact I challenge YOUR very credentials to call yourself a genuine Story book jesus believer!
Do you wish to take the pre-requisite tests using your own preferred Story book version OR do you wish to remain a fraud and deceiver?
Next!
My challenge also extends to ALL here that have currently only arrogated the title xtian upon themselves without genuine Story book stated justification.
In fact the true believer would be a Jew as was Story book jesus, LOL!
Next!
@Pollypinks@xanga - I'm not surprised at your experience. I've been there. I went to a Charismatic church for years, slowly observatoin and experience driving me away. If I ever returned to religion, it would be with the Quakers. Far less focused on a Leader and more so on action.
@markdohle - Maintain the patience and humility in the face of arrogant adolescence. There's too much self-righteous rage against the "opposition" on Xanga, from both both sides of this religious divide. It becomes boring after a while. I don't bother with rude statements now, even if in essence I may agree with some of what they say.
@Composer - MY friend, I don't have an agrgument with you. Believe what you want, read what you want, it does not matter to me. Like I said, there are authors that you can quote, and I have read some of them. Then there are others, who write along a different thread. Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again.
Peace
Mark
@Lovegrove@xanga - Thank you for you wise counsel. I don't argue,...so many have all the answers, no matter what they say they believe. I do believe that the Christian path is one of deepening ones understanding of the mystery of Jesus Christ and ever expanding quest.
Peace
Mark
@markdohle - Then let's see your alleged list of unambiguous evidence and source(s) for a literal historical miracle working divine biblical jesus?
Much better luck next times!
BTW: I see YOU duck for cover when asked to not only provide legitimate evidence of a literal historical Story book jesus but you also ducked for cover to my challenge for you and others here to be tested for legitimacy according to your own preferred Story book version(s)
You are ALL malignant sinners, liars, deceivers and unambiguous Story book jesus frauds!
To the first Mark, for being so kind to me, thank you. To the person who feels a Quaker experience would be more preferable, boy oh boy do I agree with you. The only thing I'd miss is the music, as I have a Quaker friend, and they don't sing. But doctrinally, in my unexperienced mind, and no hero here, I think they're onto something. To the person who said I duck for cover, it's not that I'm ducking. I'll add some scriptures here, but, again, claiming to be not an intellectual, and reading my mail at 4:00 a.m., I don't read all posts. I apologize for not reading what you've said to me. I don't think there can be any literal or legalistic proof of Christ's miracles. I think historical scholars, as well as Jews, would state that a person by the name of Jesus did indeed live and walk the earth, and that decades and centuries later authors would take oral histories, and scripts by apostles and others, and write them. It makes no sense when we see the time difference and limited written difference between the authors of the New Testament. Those of us who believe mainly do so by faith, and what is wrong with living like that? Even were I to learn I'd been wrong, I still believe that my life is better than when I didn't, or wasn't convinced, of Christianity. My life is better, and your name calling won't make the world a better place. My personal belief if that hell never entered the story until Rome got a hold of scripture and added it's take on it. I cannot convince you of any of this. I'm sorry you are angry with me for my limitations. Matt 18:14 Your father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. Mark 11:17 My house shall be called a house of prayer of all nations. Luke 19:10 The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost. John 10:16 (my favorite) I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 12:32 When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself. I will stop here because everyone is probably bored out their heads by now. But I do not understand someone who has such anger towards those of us who, as adults normally, made a religious decision. It has made me a better person. I don't vote because of it, and I am working hard not to judge others because of it. My own son is an atheist, and I have not fought with him over that decision. It's his business, not mine.
@Composer - Your beliefs are your business my friend. I take it for granted they were honestly achieved, the same as mine. You make one absolute statment after another, there is nothing to duck, or discuss, with you. Again good luck on your quest.
peace
mark
@markdohle - Unlike me, I'll take that as YOU are incapable of showing you are a legitimate story book jesus believer, incapable of proving your ministry and incapable of providing legitimate evidence of a literal supernatural, miracle-working Historical Story book jesus!
You remain as always a fraud, liar, deceiver and Story book jesus reject!
I would stop calling me ' your friend also ' as you have not earned that privilege, nor could, as I do not associate myself with liars and frauds!
Next!