Zone1 Asking Jesus a question

[Hafar1014]

Not addressing what others do or don't condone, according to Christian theology it's because we live in a fallen world.

The word is neutral not fallen. What have you done to make it better

 

[Hafar1014]

How do you force others to believe something?

Create hell and satan thats what Christians do

 

[Meriweather]

It's a mistake to dismiss his points and concerns in this way. All the things noted did happen and they happened by people claiming to be following God's will.

Yes, that sounds so much more noble than people admitting they are at war over power and wealth. It also following God has more impact than that they are doing it for mom and apple pie. Go back to any war. Follow the money/power. Who wants to join a war when the power/money is always for someone else, not for people on the battlefields.

As a Christian I question this myself all the time. For God so loved the world.......that he allowed millions to be killed in his name.

I suppose that might be my question. How is it he allowed such atrocities to be done in his name which surely drives people away?

God has his top priorities, which is our spiritual health and well-being. Try to imagine what it feels like to be working at this level, when your people shrug that off and make physical wealth and power their top priority. There are many stories where we find God is at work on the spiritual health aspect of those at war, even those on the battlefields. Consider: When disaster is upon someone, what is our focus: The most important or something of lesser importance?

I see people like Jerry Falwell Jr and Franklin Graham being held up as pillars of Christianity (OK, not Falwell so much any longer but he most certainly was) and I find myself asking if this is something I truly want to be a part of.

For those who have this wish to know and love God, we appreciate from whom we find help with this mission--but nor are we going to let their own human failings (or our own) get in the way of our goal. Reaching out to God is on each individual. Are we going to go all the way, or are we going to find the point where we feel justified quitting.

 

[Meriweather]

How has he done unto us as he'd have done unto himself?

Perhaps give us a clearer vision of the blessings in our life? Good question as we struggle through hard times.

 

[pknopp]

Yes, that sounds so much more noble than people admitting they are at war over power and wealth. It also following God has more impact than that they are doing it for mom and apple pie. Go back to any war. Follow the money/power. Who wants to join a war when the power/money is always for someone else, not for people on the battlefields.

Sadly it works. Even Charles Manson understood that. Oddly people still fall for it.

God has his top priorities, which is our spiritual health and well-being. Try to imagine what it feels like to be working at this level, when your people shrug that off and make physical wealth and power their top priority. There are many stories where we find God is at work on the spiritual health aspect of those at war, even those on the battlefields. Consider: When disaster is upon someone, what is our focus: The most important or something of lesser importance?

From afar we wish "prayers"

For those who have this wish to know and love God, we appreciate from whom we find help with this mission--but nor are we going to let their own human failings (or our own) get in the way of our goal. Reaching out to God is on each individual. Are we going to go all the way, or are we going to find the point where we feel justified quitting.

As someone that believes, it causes me issues. Can you imagine the issues it causes those seeking?

 

[Meriweather]

My question would be simple. It’s the one I’ve asked every clergyman I’ve met in the last 25 years…

WHY?​

If He cannot answer that question immediately and in a meaningful way for me, then I cannot accept him as Divine or speaking for the Divine.

What keeps you from loving the living and non-living around you? Make a list.
What keeps people from loving you? Make a list.

What I know of God has me proposing this as a possibility for meditation/contemplation. Nothing on that (or any list) keeps God from loving it just the way it is. Having experienced God's love, I know for a fact it is beyond my capability to love as God loves, but I want to get as close to loving like that as I possibly can: Loving past all the imperfections that are in our way. Perhaps that is what God wants for you...to be able to love past imperfections.

At one time you mentioned to me of the genetic anomaly with which you were born. Perhaps start with loving that.

Seriously, I don't know how Jesus would answer your question, but I have faith that his answer would bring you peace.

 

[Meriweather]

Did you call people to worship you, or did you call them to worship God alone?

This question reflects a central point in Islamic belief: that all prophets, including Jesus, called to pure monotheism (worship of one God without partners).

Did Jesus identify himself as a prophet? Or have others applied that label to him?

 

[Meriweather]

Sadly it works. Even Charles Manson understood that. Oddly people still fall for it.

Yes, many do fall for it, but I also think many are now becoming able to see past it.

From afar we wish "prayers"

We all need to differentiate between whether we are wishing or praying.

As someone that believes, it causes me issues. Can you imagine the issues it causes those seeking?

I believe God meets us where we are and takes us from there. Our goal is drawing closer to God, our final goal should not be a person or institution.

 

[pknopp]

Yes, many do fall for it, but I also think many are now becoming able to see past it.

We all need to differentiate between whether we are wishing or praying.

I believe God meets us where we are and takes us from there. Our goal is drawing closer to God, our final goal should not be a person or institution.

"If that is Christianity, I want no part of that".

Send me a $1000 and ill pray God smites your enemies.

 

[ding]

Help humanity what have you done for humanity

I'm sure you believe nothing at all. That makes it easier for you to attack my beliefs.

 

[ding]

The word is neutral not fallen.

Look around you. Fraud is everywhere and most goes unpunished.

What have you done to make it better

I'm sure you believe nothing at all. It makes your attacking my faith easier that way. Like you think I deserve it.

 

[ding]

Create hell and satan thats what Christians do

You are not a big fan of accountability, I see. Hope you enjoy sharing heaven with anti-Semitics and Hitler.

 

[Meriweather]

"If that is Christianity, I want no part of that".

Send me a $1000 and ill pray God smites your enemies.

Christianity teaches love your enemies. I found the better prayer is for God to teach me to love my enemies.

 

[Hafar1014]

You are not a big fan of accountability, I see. Hope you enjoy sharing heaven with anti-Semitics and Hitler.

And you as we all go to the same afterlife

 

[Hafar1014]

Look around you. Fraud is everywhere and most goes unpunished.

I'm sure you believe nothing at all. It makes your attacking my faith easier that way. Like you think I deserve it.

What have you done for humanity? I believe in hope

 

[Meriweather]

And you as we all go to the same afterlife

Just as we all go to the same life here on earth?

 

[Hafar1014]

Just as we all go to the same life here on earth?

No personality continues so differences are individual. No ones life is the same unless youre an ant

 

[pknopp]

Christianity teaches love your enemies. I found the better prayer is for God to teach me to love my enemies.

Indeed. Sadly not all see it that way.

 

[ding]

And you as we all go to the same afterlife

Are you familiar with the Mishnah in Sanhedrin 10:1?

While "All Israel have a share in the World to Come," certain specific beliefs and actions can result in the forfeiture of that share.

So maybe you won't be there but the anti-Semitics and Hitler will be.

 

[Meriweather]

No personality continues so differences are individual. No ones life is the same unless youre an ant

My point is that the same applies in the afterlife. If we do not all go to the same life on earth, it is unlikely we all go to the same afterlife. We are each unique beings with unique personalities and capabilities. Unless, of course, you see the afterlife as a place where all are exactly the same? We lose uniqueness and individuality?