Isn't it tragic.
70-79
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Mamapolo2016 · F
In all fairness, the more radical branches of most religions stringently indoctrinate their followers to be just those things you decry.
It results in an us versus them strategy. We are right, they are wrong.
This has the beneficial effect of isolating them from those who think otherwise. Not only are they infidels, but we'll likely have to go to war to defend ourselves.
ANYBODY who discourages questioning or interaction with non-believers is dangerous, whether it's a cult (i.e., a different approach) or the local congregation.
I have difficulty mustering anger at those who behave abominably in the name of God. Most have been trained from little up and the brain paths are carved in stone.
It results in an us versus them strategy. We are right, they are wrong.
This has the beneficial effect of isolating them from those who think otherwise. Not only are they infidels, but we'll likely have to go to war to defend ourselves.
ANYBODY who discourages questioning or interaction with non-believers is dangerous, whether it's a cult (i.e., a different approach) or the local congregation.
I have difficulty mustering anger at those who behave abominably in the name of God. Most have been trained from little up and the brain paths are carved in stone.
TelegramSam · 70-79
@Mamapolo2016 Yes, there are what could be called "fundamentalists" (or the doctrinaire) in all Faiths and - let's face it - those with no faith in [i]anything[/i] specific at all can nevertheless be extremely prejudiced and opinionated. I think we must always keep watch on our own mind/hearts.
TelegramSam · 70-79
My own path, Pure Land Buddhism, is not free of internal conflicts, divisions and name calling - I've been known to shout out a few names myself.....😀
Ideally all are "one". Some would "know" Amida as "him (or her) up there" and the Pure Land where Amida will take us when we die. Others will "know" Amida as a personification of Reality-as-is and the Pure Land is [i]here, now[/i] when [i]seen[/i] with new eyes - the eye of faith. And all points in-between, each of us unique.
Yet there is no higher or lower understanding, no deeper or more shallow. All understandings are, at base, [i]conceptual[/i] and the actual receiving of grace in the mind/heart is not of concept. It is simply the Reality in which we "live and move and have our being". The most "coarse" understanding can yet cloak a true surrender to Grace.
This is all in line with the rejection of "views" by the Buddha himself, or at least to hold them lightly (as per the Parable of the Raft - for [i]passing over[/i] not for [i]grasping[/i] ) This to bring forth the Middle Way - not a position between two extremes but a "no-position" that supersedes [i]all[/i] views and positions.
Well, I'm rambling away as usual.
Ideally all are "one". Some would "know" Amida as "him (or her) up there" and the Pure Land where Amida will take us when we die. Others will "know" Amida as a personification of Reality-as-is and the Pure Land is [i]here, now[/i] when [i]seen[/i] with new eyes - the eye of faith. And all points in-between, each of us unique.
Yet there is no higher or lower understanding, no deeper or more shallow. All understandings are, at base, [i]conceptual[/i] and the actual receiving of grace in the mind/heart is not of concept. It is simply the Reality in which we "live and move and have our being". The most "coarse" understanding can yet cloak a true surrender to Grace.
This is all in line with the rejection of "views" by the Buddha himself, or at least to hold them lightly (as per the Parable of the Raft - for [i]passing over[/i] not for [i]grasping[/i] ) This to bring forth the Middle Way - not a position between two extremes but a "no-position" that supersedes [i]all[/i] views and positions.
Well, I'm rambling away as usual.
TelegramSam · 70-79
This is common parlance from those actually aware of the broad dimensions of the Christian Faith throughout its 2000 years:-
[i]Fundamentalism as a conscious and deliberate insistence on the literal and historical factuality of Scripture came into existence early in the twentieth century. Rather than being “traditional Christianity,” it is a modern reaction to the worldview of the Enlightenment.[/i]
I'd say that such a way of understanding has slowly emerged over the past few centuries, but essentially what it says is true. The insistence and belief that what is often offered here as "true Christianity" has always been some sort of norm simply demonstrates a lack of knowledge. And I'd say, yes, basically a negative reaction to the modern worldview.
(Just to say, I also have reservations about what could be called the "modern worldview" as some sort of absolute, but a retreat into literalism is not any answer at all)
[i]Fundamentalism as a conscious and deliberate insistence on the literal and historical factuality of Scripture came into existence early in the twentieth century. Rather than being “traditional Christianity,” it is a modern reaction to the worldview of the Enlightenment.[/i]
I'd say that such a way of understanding has slowly emerged over the past few centuries, but essentially what it says is true. The insistence and belief that what is often offered here as "true Christianity" has always been some sort of norm simply demonstrates a lack of knowledge. And I'd say, yes, basically a negative reaction to the modern worldview.
(Just to say, I also have reservations about what could be called the "modern worldview" as some sort of absolute, but a retreat into literalism is not any answer at all)
Idontdomornings · 31-35, M
I have never been a religious person, but respect those with any kind of beliefs as long as it involves no harm. No one is perfect, but I think we could strive to be a better person without institutions telling us what to think or should believe, especially church doctrines.
TelegramSam · 70-79
@Idontdomornings Hi, not "religious" in any particular sense myself. Not a member of any group. Very secular lifestyle. Unfortunately those who claim to be the sole possessors of all truth still manage to.press my buttons...😀
Adstar · 56-60, M
There is Only One Way to eternal life with the LORD Jesus.. And that is by believing Jesus and trusting in the Atonement Jesus secured on the cross for the forgivness of ones sins...
Thats not tragic.. Thats the Truth.. And it Stands..
Thats not tragic.. Thats the Truth.. And it Stands..
TelegramSam · 70-79
@Adstar The One Way is pure gift, grace. Variously received, variously realised. Known always in Christianity as the Universal Christ.
Your own Jesusainity is a time conditioned understanding derived from the Reformation and Martin Luther, the printing press and mass literacy, where in effect the Word as text replaces the eternal [i]Living Word[/i] which [i]blows where it will[/i] (and NOT according to the dictates of you)
Please try not to slam the door in the faces of others who do not share your own time conditioned understanding.
Thank you.
I will not respond to you again.
Your own Jesusainity is a time conditioned understanding derived from the Reformation and Martin Luther, the printing press and mass literacy, where in effect the Word as text replaces the eternal [i]Living Word[/i] which [i]blows where it will[/i] (and NOT according to the dictates of you)
Please try not to slam the door in the faces of others who do not share your own time conditioned understanding.
Thank you.
I will not respond to you again.
jshm2 · 41-45, M
That's a long winded way of "radicalised terrorists," champ.
They see only "ride or collide" and act all surprised when people would rather collide.
They see only "ride or collide" and act all surprised when people would rather collide.
TelegramSam · 70-79
@jshm2 Well, call it "long winded". I was simply incorporating a more positive way of understanding. As I see it.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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