You just know there's going to be trouble when there's a preface of apology to the many Christians I'm about to insult. I really don't mean to (honest t' god), but I can't express myself around it and still make sense. The only reconciliation I can offer is just know that everything I say here can, to some degree -- be applied and insulting to Jews and Moslems as well. (is it any wonder my new book: "How to Make Friends Fast", isn't selling). With that said...here we go. Some of us here and at similar forums have expressed discomfort when "Bible thumping" beliefs about Jesus and God are expressed. I have noticed that for some this pain can cut pretty deep; as if there is something more significant going on than just what is seen on the surface. For some of us our hearts scream and cry out in pain; and we know not why. This was probably happening when we were JWs too, but it can often become more apparent as we grow older. Here is my feelings on what may be happening. Could it be that many sincere Christians -- while believing they are honoring God and/or Christ -- are actually and unknowingly making a mockery of the Divine; and thus stabbing a knife in the hearts of those more spiritually sensitive? Could it be that the way in which many Christians believe, the language they use and the way they represent the Divine, instinctively insults those with a more open and loving nature? For example: Some Christians believe that Jesus is God's son. Others, that He is God. What they probably would all agree on is that in order to be saved, in order to be healed, in order to gain God's blessing and attention, one must -- in some way -- acknowledge Jesus. Jesus is the key. (Do I hear an Amen!) Let's look carefully at this traditional and foundational Christian doctrine of acceptance of Jesus as prerequisite to healing and spiritual salvation. What does such a teaching say about the Divine? What color does it paint God's parachute? It's a simple doctrine and what is says is pretty clear and simple to: salvation has a price. Which implies that the Divine is restrictive, conditional and limited in it's out-pouring of love and compassion. These beliefs paint a picture of a God who uses salvation as blackmail. A God motivated to "do good" only out of self-aggrandizement: "Honor me! Worship me! Call on MY NAME, and you will be healed....but only if you acknowledge me as your Helper, your Savior." On the other hand there's you and me. I have three children, if one of them needs help I help them, no questions ask. They don't have to honor me or even love me. If I can help I will. If I had the power to heal or help your children or you, or anyone else in the world I would. No questions ask. No thanks needed. No acknowledgment needed. Thousands of people everyday do charitable and helpful deeds anonymously (some willing to risk their life in helping others). They need none nor do they ask for self-recognition or praise...the pleasure and joy of helping is thanks enough. Chances are -- you are one of these people. Do you see a problem here? Do you see that in comparison to the Christian view of the Divine, many average, run of the mill folks are far more enlightened, far more moral, far more loving, far more compassionate, far more unselfish, far more "Divine" -- than God or Christ is represented as being? Who is more morally sound? Who is showing the fruits of true spirituality? You, who would heal every child, every person everywhere, right now if you had the power no matter what these people thought of you. Or, this Jesus fellow who will heal only if you call on his name? Only if you aggrandize him? Be honest. Who? I'm not saying God or Jesus -- or whatever name you want to use for the Divine -- IS so restricted or morally deficient, I'm just saying that the fundamental Christian beliefs depict God as such. Many Christians (Jews and Moslems) are far more kindly and loving than that which they worship. It seems that the fundamental Christian foundation of acceptance of Jesus before salvation goes blatantly against the loving-heart. Religions are based on exclusivity, in direct opposition to the often times all-embracing heart. Is it any wonder many of us feel ill at ease around religious people shouting in glory to their Lilliputian gods? Is it any wonder many of us feel saddened and beaten when we come into contact with these beliefs. Beliefs that offend the deepest feelings and truths of our heart? Beliefs that belittle and mock the Divine? What does this tell us? Where does the light shine brightest? If there is a God where would it be found? If there is a Christ, where is it? Where abides love? In a petrified old book and belief system? in some stingy old-fart out there in heaven? or in the warm effervescent out-pouring of your own heart? I can't tell you what the word "God" points to, or what Divinity is. But I know more and more what hurts and smothers my heart -- and what allows it to breath. I don't know what Truth is, but I'm beginning to sense what it's not. Perhaps it is an Infinity that the finite mind can not comprehend. Perhaps it has to do with a deeper sense and knowing of who I really am. For me it is clear where the light shines brightest, and that is where I go. But then, I'm justa godless and ignorant pagan. What the hell do I know. JamesT
Edited by - jamesthomas on 12 January 2003 17:11:56