A True Scientist [Spirituality & Religion]
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otrqzITuSqE]
61-69, M
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The foundations of the Judeo-Christian ethic can be summarized in the “Golden Rule” which Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace [quote]We realize the intimate connection between the conventional truth and the ultimate truth through the practice of compassion. It is through compassion that we become thorougly grounded in the conventional truth and thus prepared to receive the ultimate truth. Compassion brings great warmth and kindness to both perspectives. It helps us to be flexible in our interpretation of the truth, and teaches us to give and receive help in practicing the precepts.[/quote]
Soto Zen teacher Reb Anderson.
Soto Zen teacher Reb Anderson.
Show me where I’ve broken the laws of compassion. You’ve not hesitated to voice your beliefs, yet mine are questioned? Is this tolerance? I say we’re all here to exercise verbal freedom. Just because my ideas don’t match yours, hardly deems me intolerant.
@Bushranger
@Bushranger
Bushranger · 70-79, M
I was wondering where you got that. 😆 There are many philosophers out there that Jesus warned about, but that depends on whom one chooses to trust...God or man. I put no trust in what man says. He’s got an appointment with the Lord, whether he thinks so or not. Man is fallible...he even needs a Savior to make it to heaven. He cannot even save himself. If so, he should tell us his views. Some believe in working their way to heaven, yet they cannot tell you exactly how many good deeds that takes. Religion is nothing but man-made philosophy. Religion didn’t die on the cross so our sins could be forgiven. The person of Jesus did. If there is any other way, I’m listening. So far, none have come forward. @Bushranger
I think God’s message in my answer, says that morality is conceived and covers all, through Christ. How many laws do we need? @Bushranger
@Bushranger We don’t need all these denominations, anyway. For those seeking their way to God and eternal life, there’s one common theme we have in common, and just two things that all denominations hold as truth:
(1) Humanity is separated from God. We’re all in the same boat!
(2) Humanity needs to be reconciled with God. The differences come in how that reconciliation is acquired.
Many religions focus on rules and rituals. When those rules are followed or those rituals are performed, the person is attempting to be made right with God or gain His favor. For example, in Islam there are five pillars that one must do in order to show surrender or submission to God. Other religions focus more on observing rituals, rather than following rules. After those rituals are performed, it is taught that God will accept the person who performed them, yet no one can tell you how long that will be, when asked, so one is always in a continual state to earn God’s favor, which is an insecure way to live, whereas with grace, one already has God’s favor.
The determining factor of one's authentic faith relationship with God is not one's denomination, religious practice or performance in Christian disciplines, but rather the presence of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, upon confession of faith.
(1) Humanity is separated from God. We’re all in the same boat!
(2) Humanity needs to be reconciled with God. The differences come in how that reconciliation is acquired.
Many religions focus on rules and rituals. When those rules are followed or those rituals are performed, the person is attempting to be made right with God or gain His favor. For example, in Islam there are five pillars that one must do in order to show surrender or submission to God. Other religions focus more on observing rituals, rather than following rules. After those rituals are performed, it is taught that God will accept the person who performed them, yet no one can tell you how long that will be, when asked, so one is always in a continual state to earn God’s favor, which is an insecure way to live, whereas with grace, one already has God’s favor.
The determining factor of one's authentic faith relationship with God is not one's denomination, religious practice or performance in Christian disciplines, but rather the presence of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, upon confession of faith.
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace Yes, it does depend on what one wishes to believe. Personally, I don't believe in God and, to tell the truth, While I know that the Buddha lived and taught, I don't believe in the way that Buddhism has developed over the years. To and extent, I agree with you in regard to a relationship with God as opposed to a religion. However, the term "religion" as defined by the dictionary includes the belief in a personal God, therefore, anyone who states that they have such a belief are, by definition, religious. It does not necessarily mean belonging to a denomination.
Similarly, I have practiced some of the teachings of the Buddha and personally found them to be extremely useful in dealing with past and present problems. I don't follow any particular strand of Buddhism, nor do I call myself a Buddhist, but I do describe myself as having Buddhist leanings. I don't dispute your faith, but do consider the belief that your faith is the only one that should be followed as being wrong. I will not try to convert you to my practices, nor will I tell you that mine is the only way. To do so would be in disagreement with the Buddha who admitted that there were more than one way to enlightenment.
Now, I'm not sure what you mean about "How many laws do we need?" I haven't mentioned any laws.
Similarly, I have practiced some of the teachings of the Buddha and personally found them to be extremely useful in dealing with past and present problems. I don't follow any particular strand of Buddhism, nor do I call myself a Buddhist, but I do describe myself as having Buddhist leanings. I don't dispute your faith, but do consider the belief that your faith is the only one that should be followed as being wrong. I will not try to convert you to my practices, nor will I tell you that mine is the only way. To do so would be in disagreement with the Buddha who admitted that there were more than one way to enlightenment.
Now, I'm not sure what you mean about "How many laws do we need?" I haven't mentioned any laws.
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace [quote]We don’t need all these denominations, anyway.[/quote]
I agree with you wholeheartedly.
[quote]The determining factor of one's authentic faith relationship with God is not one's denomination, religious practice or performance in Christian disciplines[/quote]
Again, we agree. That statement could be applied to pretty much any philosophy or religion you care to name. Many of the practices in Buddhism and Christianity are cultural accretions that add nothing to the true meaning of the philosophy/religion. But, again, what you are saying can be applied to pretty much any philosophy/religion. However, many don't have the indwelling spirit or faith that are present in Christianity.
I agree with you wholeheartedly.
[quote]The determining factor of one's authentic faith relationship with God is not one's denomination, religious practice or performance in Christian disciplines[/quote]
Again, we agree. That statement could be applied to pretty much any philosophy or religion you care to name. Many of the practices in Buddhism and Christianity are cultural accretions that add nothing to the true meaning of the philosophy/religion. But, again, what you are saying can be applied to pretty much any philosophy/religion. However, many don't have the indwelling spirit or faith that are present in Christianity.
I’m glad you’ve been honest and open. I like and appreciate that, however, I feel you’ve misinterpreted my beliefs in respect to saying God’s way is the only way. Yes...I certainly believe that, but it is not what I say that goes. Christians are not piously stating that [i]their[/i] way is the only way. 😆 How arrogant that would be! We are stating that we believe Jesus to be the Savior of the world, and believe Him when HE tells us He is the only way. Big difference there, and we have good reason to believe that. When we speak of Him, we relay His message to others. They can either accept His invitation or not. That’s up to them.
No matter how the dictionary defines “religion”, it doesn’t define my personal relationship with Jesus. Religion didn’t die on the cross for me. My personal Savior did. Huge difference. I don’t need religion as man defines it, nor to belong to a denomination.
Let me explain [u]why[/u] Jesus said that He is the only way...but certainly not to persuade you from your own personal beliefs. Not at all. We believe Him for this reason.
The experience is so aptly named. It’s called being “born-again”, and that’s exactly what takes place... a spiritual transformation... and exactly what it feels like. When this earthly body is born, it’s full of sin, and not “ready” for heaven. In order to prepare it for heaven, your spirit must be cleansed of its sinful nature, in order to enter a sinless Heaven. Therefore, it must go through a transformation, so that when you die, it shall be fit for heaven.
God the Father cannot even look on sin, He is so Holy, so how can we face Him or even have access to Him? His Son, Jesus, is our only access to Him, through the cross, with Jesus paying for our sins, so He could mediate for us,so without Jesus mediating for us, we would never have fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We do not say this for the sake of arrogance or pride. We are all sinners....[b]none[/b] any better than the other. God does not categorize sin. This is why Jesus said He is the only way.
@Bushranger
No matter how the dictionary defines “religion”, it doesn’t define my personal relationship with Jesus. Religion didn’t die on the cross for me. My personal Savior did. Huge difference. I don’t need religion as man defines it, nor to belong to a denomination.
Let me explain [u]why[/u] Jesus said that He is the only way...but certainly not to persuade you from your own personal beliefs. Not at all. We believe Him for this reason.
The experience is so aptly named. It’s called being “born-again”, and that’s exactly what takes place... a spiritual transformation... and exactly what it feels like. When this earthly body is born, it’s full of sin, and not “ready” for heaven. In order to prepare it for heaven, your spirit must be cleansed of its sinful nature, in order to enter a sinless Heaven. Therefore, it must go through a transformation, so that when you die, it shall be fit for heaven.
God the Father cannot even look on sin, He is so Holy, so how can we face Him or even have access to Him? His Son, Jesus, is our only access to Him, through the cross, with Jesus paying for our sins, so He could mediate for us,so without Jesus mediating for us, we would never have fellowship with our Heavenly Father. We do not say this for the sake of arrogance or pride. We are all sinners....[b]none[/b] any better than the other. God does not categorize sin. This is why Jesus said He is the only way.
@Bushranger
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace [quote]The experience is so aptly named. It’s called being “born-again”, and that’s exactly what takes place... a spiritual transformation... and exactly what it feels like. When this earthly body is born, it’s full of sin, and not “ready” for heaven. In order to prepare it for heaven, your spirit must be cleansed of its sinful nature, in order to enter a sinless Heaven. Therefore, it must go through a transformation, so that when you die, it shall be fit for heaven. [/quote]
I'm sorry, but I've got a couple of issues with this. The concept of original sin is something that I can't accept on any level. That would imply that a newborn is with sin and, as an extension, cannot enter heaven because it is incapable of undergoing the necessary transformation. unless, of course, there is a special dispensation for such circumstances.
While you also say that you are not saying that your way is the only way, it doesn't read that way. You say that it is Jesus who makes the statement about how to get into heaven, but because only people who follow your path will be able to achieve that aim.
Sorry if that sounds a bit combative, it's not really meant to, but there are some things about Christianity that do not sit well with me.
I'm sorry, but I've got a couple of issues with this. The concept of original sin is something that I can't accept on any level. That would imply that a newborn is with sin and, as an extension, cannot enter heaven because it is incapable of undergoing the necessary transformation. unless, of course, there is a special dispensation for such circumstances.
While you also say that you are not saying that your way is the only way, it doesn't read that way. You say that it is Jesus who makes the statement about how to get into heaven, but because only people who follow your path will be able to achieve that aim.
Sorry if that sounds a bit combative, it's not really meant to, but there are some things about Christianity that do not sit well with me.
@Bushranger
“Again, we agree. That statement could be applied to pretty much any philosophy or religion you care to name. Many of the practices in Buddhism and Christianity are cultural accretions that add nothing to the true meaning of the philosophy/religion. But, again, what you are saying can be applied to pretty much any philosophy/religion. However, many don't have the indwelling spirit or faith that are present in Christianity.“ [c=#003BB2][b]Ok....let me address this. I copied it here so I could remember what you said.[/b][/c] 😆
Yes...that is the point, exactly. What Jesus said can apply to all. That’s the reason for John 3:16 - Jesus died for ALL. His blood covers everything...ALL our sins, and ALL people are included in His plan of salvation. Countries recognize this and are trying to form one world “religion” for Christ, for lack of a better term. People argue over all these things, when our focus should be not on religions or denominations, but the main theme....How do we get to heaven?
As far as faith, we ALL have it. That’s the great news! That’s the beauty of it. Some just don’t exercise it, nor want to. When we were born, each of us were given a “measure of faith”....just enough to suffice making a decision to follow Christ or not. God would never give one a measure of faith, and exclude the other. It’s just a matter of choice.
“Again, we agree. That statement could be applied to pretty much any philosophy or religion you care to name. Many of the practices in Buddhism and Christianity are cultural accretions that add nothing to the true meaning of the philosophy/religion. But, again, what you are saying can be applied to pretty much any philosophy/religion. However, many don't have the indwelling spirit or faith that are present in Christianity.“ [c=#003BB2][b]Ok....let me address this. I copied it here so I could remember what you said.[/b][/c] 😆
Yes...that is the point, exactly. What Jesus said can apply to all. That’s the reason for John 3:16 - Jesus died for ALL. His blood covers everything...ALL our sins, and ALL people are included in His plan of salvation. Countries recognize this and are trying to form one world “religion” for Christ, for lack of a better term. People argue over all these things, when our focus should be not on religions or denominations, but the main theme....How do we get to heaven?
As far as faith, we ALL have it. That’s the great news! That’s the beauty of it. Some just don’t exercise it, nor want to. When we were born, each of us were given a “measure of faith”....just enough to suffice making a decision to follow Christ or not. God would never give one a measure of faith, and exclude the other. It’s just a matter of choice.
Boy, do I understand! Such good points and great questions you ask. Fair ones! But this old lady is just about going blind, 😆 so I promise to answer all these tomorrow. Great discussion! Thanks! Till tomorrow, then. 😆 Take care.@Bushranger
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace My comment was in relation to the addition of practices to religious/philosophical systems. Not faith. I have faith in some things, but God is not one of them.
Me too! I just had a bit of oatmeal. 😆 Now off to slumberland. 😆 Nite. @Bushranger
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace Goodnight, sleep tight lol.
Ok, I’m back. 😆 Being there are others that contemplate our inheritance of sin, I decided to share my thoughts in an article, as I usually do, so if you don’t mind, here’s my answer:
https://similarworlds.com/19-Spirituality-Religion/2346665-Inherited-Sin-and-the-Redemptive-Blood-of-Jesus
I’ll address your other comments in another post. Thanks.
@Bushranger
https://similarworlds.com/19-Spirituality-Religion/2346665-Inherited-Sin-and-the-Redemptive-Blood-of-Jesus
I’ll address your other comments in another post. Thanks.
@Bushranger
@Bushranger
[c=#008099]”I'm sorry, but I've got a couple of issues with this. The concept of original sin is something that I can't accept on any level. That would imply that a newborn is with sin and, as an extension, cannot enter heaven because it is incapable of undergoing the necessary transformation. unless, of course, there is a special dispensation for such circumstances.
While you also say that you are not saying that your way is the only way, it doesn't read that way. You say that it is Jesus who makes the statement about how to get into heaven, but because only people who follow your path will be able to achieve that aim.”[/c]
[b]Ok. Let me address this.[/b]
Newborns are born with sin, like anyone else, however, they have no knowledge of salvation, and therefore, shall not be held accountable for their sins, should they die.
Never have I stated that people who follow [u]my[/u] path will be able to achieve that aim. I’ve always pointed people to Jesus and what He said, and what He said was...
John 14:6 - “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“
Also, I want to point out that each of us has a right to believe as we wish. I don’t push my beliefs on anyone. That’s never been my way, nor agenda. I simply share what I believe. People can take it or leave it. Just like people share their beliefs on any subject, I share mine. It just happens to be on a subject different from theirs. I don’t take theirs to heart, if I don’t want to. Most of us express our views. But only when “religious” people do it, I noticed they call it “pushing beliefs on others.”
[c=#008099]”I'm sorry, but I've got a couple of issues with this. The concept of original sin is something that I can't accept on any level. That would imply that a newborn is with sin and, as an extension, cannot enter heaven because it is incapable of undergoing the necessary transformation. unless, of course, there is a special dispensation for such circumstances.
While you also say that you are not saying that your way is the only way, it doesn't read that way. You say that it is Jesus who makes the statement about how to get into heaven, but because only people who follow your path will be able to achieve that aim.”[/c]
[b]Ok. Let me address this.[/b]
Newborns are born with sin, like anyone else, however, they have no knowledge of salvation, and therefore, shall not be held accountable for their sins, should they die.
Never have I stated that people who follow [u]my[/u] path will be able to achieve that aim. I’ve always pointed people to Jesus and what He said, and what He said was...
John 14:6 - “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“
Also, I want to point out that each of us has a right to believe as we wish. I don’t push my beliefs on anyone. That’s never been my way, nor agenda. I simply share what I believe. People can take it or leave it. Just like people share their beliefs on any subject, I share mine. It just happens to be on a subject different from theirs. I don’t take theirs to heart, if I don’t want to. Most of us express our views. But only when “religious” people do it, I noticed they call it “pushing beliefs on others.”
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace I still can't accept the concept of original sin, even with the option of salvation for babies.
I agree wholeheartedly with you in regard to all being free to believe what they want.
I agree wholeheartedly with you in regard to all being free to believe what they want.
Sure. I understand. It’s something we’ll understand after we reach the spiritual world. @Bushranger
Bushranger · 70-79, M
@LadyGrace Ah well, looks like I'll never understand, then.
Going to turn in now, but just wanted to share my thought with you. When it comes to God, there’s going to be many things we don’t understand, because of who He is, but I’m not going to let my lack of knowledge, especially when it comes to such a mighty and great God, cause me to miss the main message.
I look at it this way. The separation between God and man occurred because sin separates us from God the Father. That’s a done deal, so now, nothing could be more important than making sure I’ll go to heaven when I die, and I’ve done that. Since I received salvation, I understand the things of the spiritual world much more clearly, having received the Holy Spirit as a Teacher, upon my accepting Jesus as my Savior. It’s not hard at all. Goodnight my friend.
@Bushranger
I look at it this way. The separation between God and man occurred because sin separates us from God the Father. That’s a done deal, so now, nothing could be more important than making sure I’ll go to heaven when I die, and I’ve done that. Since I received salvation, I understand the things of the spiritual world much more clearly, having received the Holy Spirit as a Teacher, upon my accepting Jesus as my Savior. It’s not hard at all. Goodnight my friend.
@Bushranger