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Originally posted by John Matrix
What I mean is that animals do what they seem to be programmed to do and never anything more. I've played some computer games and I started to see that, if you take any animal, they always act the same way, a lot like the Artificial Intelligence programing in some computer games.
Originally posted by huckfinn
I do agree with your above characterization that we are in the midst of two eternities. It was called in David's Psalm, the valley of the Shadow of Death. Some go to the Pit. I'll go to the mountain...actually I am already on the Mountain waiting for the rest of the darkness to be swept into the Pit.
Originally posted by Maxmars
The flaws in the messengers are self-evident.
The major proselytizers of religion, Christian or otherwise, are all compromised to interface with the people they call their flock. Politics in religion, perhaps, is the best simplistic answer.
The simple truths are all easily ascertained by the spiritually-minded, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu; it matters not a stitch what they think they know about the other. Each has the same humanistic mandate which promotes a harmonious existence with the world in which we live.
The messengers 'promoting' their religion, or doctrine, as superior, or having supremacy over others is the problem.
Originally posted by Ant4AU
reply to post by 5thElement
Those who sacrifice their freedom of thought for a safety of "eternal" life are the ones who are actually fallen
You do not have to sacrifice your freedom of thought to believe the Bible or to follow God. The true teachings of the bible are just to live a life not consumed by the world around you. To live a life that you could be proud of.
I am free to think for myself. I can ask why things are the way they are without being punished by God. Believing that there is a surpreme being that created the world and all that is in it doesn't make you a lunatic or a fanatic. If you believe then every thing that is happening today makes since to you.
Originally posted by John Matrix
Is the way of Christ a religion? Or has man made Him a religion?
Originally posted by cancerian42
Originally posted by John Matrix
What I mean is that animals do what they seem to be programmed to do and never anything more. I've played some computer games and I started to see that, if you take any animal, they always act the same way, a lot like the Artificial Intelligence programing in some computer games.
Well actually everything is programmed. The program is called cause and effect. For every cause there is an effect. That's all life is anyways, cause and effect, and human life is no different.
Originally posted by Maxmars
Originally posted by John Matrix
Is the way of Christ a religion? Or has man made Him a religion?
Now we're getting somewhere.
I am no theologian. Nor do I purport to count myself among the great thinkers of our collective existence. But I humbly submit that the problem has always manifested itself as a social one.
I believe it is safe to say that the message of the Christ was at best poorly kept, and at worst basely abused to serve those who seem prone to desire power over people.
The path is contradictory to the execution of the religion. Christ, if I may be so bold, lives in one's heart; perhaps translating that to the minds and mouths of those intent on playing the role of leader was more than a simple matter of 'consecration' by other men.
I think it is safe to say that those who most would consider holy, saintly, moral people have become prominent despite the religion, not because of it.
Originally posted by Miishgoos
Not everbodies seeking out answers to profound questions either some people are just enjoying life.
Originally posted by John Matrix
Could the cause be rebellion and the effect be the Fall of mankind from an original Divine state that was pleasing to God?
Originally posted by cancerian42
Originally posted by John Matrix
Could the cause be rebellion and the effect be the Fall of mankind from an original Divine state that was pleasing to God?
Anything is possible.
Originally posted by Ant4AU
reply to post by John Matrix
They turn a message of compassion and love to fear and absolute obedience. They forget that what they are doing is the exact opposite of the teachings.
Originally posted by cancerian42
reply to post by John Matrix
Now we're starting a new topic. Redemption from what, Adam and Eve's "rebellion"?
Originally posted by racegunz
Some people are sheep (not sheeple) and they recognize their shepards voice, others are goats. If I live my life according to the gosple of Jesus and try to keep his teachings all the while knowing that I will fail and rely on his atonement through faith I believe I will live again. Now if there's no God then what have I lost? The sins of the flesh lead to destruction even here on earth and it makes good sense to avoid what God tells you to. Some play with fire and don't get burned but some or most do. I see nothing in God's law or Jesus's teachings that people should abhor unless they openly are self-destructive.
Originally posted by John Matrix
If we are Fallen, and we have lost something of our First created state, and if that state was Divine and pleasing to God, then it must make sense that the Soul is in need of a birth of the divine in it.
I see two possible states for each person. One is the natural state which we are in from the Great Fall of Adam, and the other is God manifested in our Souls.
Assuming we were once more "divine" and we were trying to go back to being that way, yet could not by all natural means, then I guess something supernatural would have to happen.
If all self effort fails to redeem for us that first created divine state, then would it not make sense that we require a supernatural divine redeemer?