Christianity explained

[jwoodie]

The overarching message of Christianity is the worth of the individual.

Sure, that's why preists are sometimes referred to as shepherds and the congregation is a flock.

Because sheep are well known individualists.

Makes perfect sense, right?

I was referring to Christianity, not the Roman Catholic Church.

 

[Crepitus]

The overarching message of Christianity is the worth of the individual.

Sure, that's why preists are sometimes referred to as shepherds and the congregation is a flock.

Because sheep are well known individualists.

Makes perfect sense, right?

I was referring to Christianity, not the Roman Catholic Church.

I know. Doesn't change anything.

 

[Andylusion]

The important message is that the material is not what matters, at least not what matters most. Still, many cling to Christianity as somehow substantiating socio-economic systems that exploit lives in order to gain ephemeral, materialist advantage.

Question: Do you have an ephemeral, materialist advantage, in being able to buy food at the store?

 

[Andylusion]

The overarching message of Christianity is the worth of the individual.

Sure, that's why preists are sometimes referred to as shepherds and the congregation is a flock.

Because sheep are well known individualists.

Makes perfect sense, right?

I was referring to Christianity, not the Roman Catholic Church.

I know. Doesn't change anything.

Yeah, actually it does. We don't call our pastors 'preists' or shepherds, nor the congregation a flock.

Very different mind set.

 

[there4eyeM]

The ephemeral advantage is that the store exists.

 

[Crepitus]

The overarching message of Christianity is the worth of the individual.

Sure, that's why preists are sometimes referred to as shepherds and the congregation is a flock.

Because sheep are well known individualists.

Makes perfect sense, right?

I was referring to Christianity, not the Roman Catholic Church.

I know. Doesn't change anything.

Yeah, actually it does. We don't call our pastors 'preists' or shepherds, nor the congregation a flock.

Very different mind set.

OK, "father" and "children"

Same damn thing with an incestuous twist.

 

[there4eyeM]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

 

[Meriweather]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

It is ironic. Most practicing Catholics are so focused on God and their faith, that any politicization is mere white noise in the background--if it even amounts to the level of white noise. It is those who are not practicing the Catholic faith who feel they can see what is essentially a byproduct or exhaust. For practicing Catholics, it is kind of like driving a car, where the driver is so focused on moving forward, he is unaware of the exhaust flowing backwards.

 

[hobelim]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

It is ironic. Most practicing Catholics are so focused on God and their faith, that any politicization is mere white noise in the background--if it even amounts to the level of white noise. It is those who are not practicing the Catholic faith who feel they can see what is essentially a byproduct or exhaust. For practicing Catholics, it is kind of like driving a car, where the driver is so focused on moving forward, he is unaware of the exhaust flowing backwards.

Nonsense. Most practicing Catholics have absolutely no idea about the sinister and pernicious nature of the bizarre practice of ritually celebrating the death of Jesus weekly on a sacrificial alter and then (WTF) seeking spiritual life from the eucharist which is not God, was made by human hands, and has no life.

If they were so focused on God they would prefer death than to willingly "celebrate mass" defy the law of God, worship a human being, and desecrate the teachings of Jesus, the actual Body of Christ, as if it was a cheap snack food that can be handed out, eaten, and crapped down the toilet without a single word being spoken except the lie, "This is the Body of Christ"

 

[BS Filter]

Those of us that profess to be Christians must always remember to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the head of the Church, not a man.

 

[Andylusion]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

Well yeah. No denomination is going to have it perfect, because denominations are made up of people. People are flawed. Saying none have it perfectly, is as obvious as saying rain is water falling from the sky. G-d's word is not flawed, but the people trying to follow it are.

In fact, that is also a universal tenant of Christianity, is that we are all flaws, but trying to be more and more like Christ day by day.

By the way, I'm non-denominational.

 

[Vandalshandle]

During Old Testament days, god was kind of a hard ass, killing people, babies, and demanding that people kill animals. Eventually, his son was born, who pretty much grew up to be a hippy, living in a commune, talking about peace and love, never got a job, etc. He was at least a socialist, and probably a communist. Anyway, he convinced god that he needed to chill out, and put off better vibes, which definitely made things a whole lot better for everyone here.

 

[jwoodie]

1. Religion represents an attempt to rationalize our existence.

2. Agnostics believe this is beyond human understanding.

3. Atheists believe that they, as human beings, represent the highest form of intelligence in the universe.

I am somewhere between 1 and 2. I think that most religions offer limited insights into concepts otherwise beyond our understanding. However, they tend to get bogged down in dogma and ritual which has little to do with the nature of God. Jesus' teachings are unique in that they are as applicable today as they were 2,000 years ago. Whether he was a physical or spiritual son of God does not alter this fact.

 

[foggedinn]

Jesus established his Church to save the wretch. That man of sin will bring the sword of the Word of God into the Church and cause all nations to drink that fiery cup of wine which is the truth.

 

[hobelim]

Jesus established his Church to save the wretch. That man of sin will bring the sword of the Word of God into the Church and cause all nations to drink that fiery cup of wine which is the truth.

"That man of sin will bring the sword into the church"? huh? What man of sin are you talking about?

Jesus said he came to bring a sword, right?

The sword came out of his mouth to smite the nations, rev 19:14, Its deliberate. right?

"Take from my hand this cup of fiery wine and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. When they have drunk it they will vomit and go mad; such is the sword that I am sending among them."

Sword of truth...? I don't think so. The sword is a curse under the appearance of a cup of wine.......Thats the truth.

"He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword."


"Take this cup of wine and drink it. This is my blood, the blood of the covenant."


Just art thou, in these thy judgments, thou Holy One who art and wast; for they shed the blood of thy people and of thy prophets and thou hast given them blood to drink."

 

[hobelim]

Jesus established his Church to save the wretch. That man of sin will bring the sword of the Word of God into the Church and cause all nations to drink that fiery cup of wine which is the truth.

"That man of sin will bring the sword into the church"? huh? What man of sin are you talking about?

Jesus said he came to bring a sword, right?

The sword came out of his mouth to smite the nations, rev 19:14, Its deliberate. right?

"Take from my hand this cup of fiery wine and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. When they have drunk it they will vomit and go mad; such is the sword that I am sending among them."

Sword of truth...? I don't think so. The sword is a curse under the appearance of a cup of wine.......Thats the truth.

"He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword."


"Take this cup of wine and drink it. This is my blood, the blood of the covenant."


Just art thou, in these thy judgments, thou Holy One who art and wast; for they shed the blood of thy people and of thy prophets and thou hast given them blood to drink."

"Take from my hand this cup of fiery wine and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. When they have drunk it they will vomit and go mad; such is the sword that I am sending among them."

 

[ding]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

It is ironic. Most practicing Catholics are so focused on God and their faith, that any politicization is mere white noise in the background--if it even amounts to the level of white noise. It is those who are not practicing the Catholic faith who feel they can see what is essentially a byproduct or exhaust. For practicing Catholics, it is kind of like driving a car, where the driver is so focused on moving forward, he is unaware of the exhaust flowing backwards.

Nonsense. Most practicing Catholics have absolutely no idea about the sinister and pernicious nature of the bizarre practice of ritually celebrating the death of Jesus weekly on a sacrificial alter and then (WTF) seeking spiritual life from the eucharist which is not God, was made by human hands, and has no life.

If they were so focused on God they would prefer death than to willingly "celebrate mass" defy the law of God, worship a human being, and desecrate the teachings of Jesus, the actual Body of Christ, as if it was a cheap snack food that can be handed out, eaten, and crapped down the toilet without a single word being spoken except the lie, "This is the Body of Christ"

Most practicing Catholics don't care what you believe about them.

 

[ding]

Wouldn't it be refreshing if other religions took the position the Catholic Church take with regard to their religion?

The social duty of religion and the right to religious freedom

2104 "All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and his Church, and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it."26 This duty derives from "the very dignity of the human person."27 It does not contradict a "sincere respect" for different religions which frequently "reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men,"28 nor the requirement of charity, which urges Christians "to treat with love, prudence and patience those who are in error or ignorance with regard to the faith."29

2105 The duty of offering God genuine worship concerns man both individually and socially. This is "the traditional Catholic teaching on the moral duty of individuals and societies toward the true religion and the one Church of Christ."30 By constantly evangelizing men, the Church works toward enabling them "to infuse the Christian spirit into the mentality and mores, laws and structures of the communities in which [they] live."31 The social duty of Christians is to respect and awaken in each man the love of the true and the good. It requires them to make known the worship of the one true religion which subsists in the Catholic and apostolic Church.32 Christians are called to be the light of the world. Thus, the Church shows forth the kingship of Christ over all creation and in particular over human societies.33

2106 "Nobody may be forced to act against his convictions, nor is anyone to be restrained from acting in accordance with his conscience in religious matters in private or in public, alone or in association with others, within due limits."34 This right is based on the very nature of the human person, whose dignity enables him freely to assent to the divine truth which transcends the temporal order. For this reason it "continues to exist even in those who do not live up to their obligation of seeking the truth and adhering to it."35

2107 "If because of the circumstances of a particular people special civil recognition is given to one religious community in the constitutional organization of a state, the right of all citizens and religious communities to religious freedom must be recognized and respected as well."36

2108 The right to religious liberty is neither a moral license to adhere to error, nor a supposed right to error,37 but rather a natural right of the human person to civil liberty, i.e., immunity, within just limits, from external constraint in religious matters by political authorities. This natural right ought to be acknowledged in the juridical order of society in such a way that it constitutes a civil right.38

2109 The right to religious liberty can of itself be neither unlimited nor limited only by a "public order" conceived in a positivist or naturalist manner.39 The "due limits" which are inherent in it must be determined for each social situation by political prudence, according to the requirements of the common good, and ratified by the civil authority in accordance with "legal principles which are in conformity with the objective moral order."40

 

[hobelim]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

It is ironic. Most practicing Catholics are so focused on God and their faith, that any politicization is mere white noise in the background--if it even amounts to the level of white noise. It is those who are not practicing the Catholic faith who feel they can see what is essentially a byproduct or exhaust. For practicing Catholics, it is kind of like driving a car, where the driver is so focused on moving forward, he is unaware of the exhaust flowing backwards.

Nonsense. Most practicing Catholics have absolutely no idea about the sinister and pernicious nature of the bizarre practice of ritually celebrating the death of Jesus weekly on a sacrificial alter and then (WTF) seeking spiritual life from the eucharist which is not God, was made by human hands, and has no life.

If they were so focused on God they would prefer death than to willingly "celebrate mass" defy the law of God, worship a human being, and desecrate the teachings of Jesus, the actual Body of Christ, as if it was a cheap snack food that can be handed out, eaten, and crapped down the toilet without a single word being spoken except the lie, "This is the Body of Christ"

Most practicing Catholics don't care what you believe about them.

I'm sure you're right, but at the resurrection all the dead will rise whether they like it or not. Some will be purified and refined, some will do nothing but slowly degenerate into nothingness..Some will rise to life, some will rise only to hear their doom. According to the story, the dead in Christ will be the first to rise to eternal life.

I bet that many practicing Catholics are more ready willing and able than you are to act on a revelation of truth from God once their ears have been opened to hear it, especially one about Jesus whose words are already in them. I heard that, unlike you, some have been preparing for their entire lives in the disciplines foundational to salvation in solitude of their cells praying for understanding day and night, waiting, watching, listening with their ear to the ground.

But thats just what I heard........I could be wrong.

 

[ding]

The R.C.C. may not have it right, but other denominations haven't shown spectacular success, either. All organized religions end up becoming politicized, at least internally, with the assured consequences of abuse. Meanwhile, the essential message, in this case that of Jesus, gets run over.

It is ironic. Most practicing Catholics are so focused on God and their faith, that any politicization is mere white noise in the background--if it even amounts to the level of white noise. It is those who are not practicing the Catholic faith who feel they can see what is essentially a byproduct or exhaust. For practicing Catholics, it is kind of like driving a car, where the driver is so focused on moving forward, he is unaware of the exhaust flowing backwards.

Nonsense. Most practicing Catholics have absolutely no idea about the sinister and pernicious nature of the bizarre practice of ritually celebrating the death of Jesus weekly on a sacrificial alter and then (WTF) seeking spiritual life from the eucharist which is not God, was made by human hands, and has no life.

If they were so focused on God they would prefer death than to willingly "celebrate mass" defy the law of God, worship a human being, and desecrate the teachings of Jesus, the actual Body of Christ, as if it was a cheap snack food that can be handed out, eaten, and crapped down the toilet without a single word being spoken except the lie, "This is the Body of Christ"

Most practicing Catholics don't care what you believe about them.

I'm sure you're right, but at the resurrection all the dead will rise whether they like it or not. Some will be purified and refined, some will do nothing but slowly degenerate into nothingness..Some will rise to life, some will rise only to hear their doom. According to the story, the dead in Christ will be the first to rise to eternal life.

I bet that many practicing Catholics are more ready willing and able than you are to act on a revelation of truth from God once their ears have been opened to hear it, especially one about Jesus whose words are already in them. I heard that, unlike you, some have been preparing for their entire lives in the disciplines foundational to salvation in solitude of their cells praying for understanding day and night, waiting, watching, listening with their ear to the ground.

But thats just what I heard........I could be wrong.

I don't spend much time contemplating those details because they have no bearing on what I do in the present.

I can only control what I do in the present. I don't know my future or anyone else's.