Dear catwhoknowsplusone,

If I may add my opinion? Your questions are easier and harder than I thought.

We have, and always have had, two natures. You've pointed out the hating, unforgiving, murdering nature. That's sometimes called the "fallen," or"fleshly," or "carnal" nature. As you know, Jesus changed the rules of the game.

For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8)

Jesus is asking us to go against our fleshly nature and go with our spirit nature.

For me, the answer to your other question is harder, but it doesn't seem to be a religious question. Sure, if you smile at someone they might smile back, and that may be a good thing.

It's completely possible to be a person sunny on the outside and rotten inside, remember Jesus' comments about the whited sepulchers? Or, some politicians?

If, as individuals, we are loving and caring, it could spread to many other people.

So why not try it?

We should try it, you're right. But the main reason we should try it is because He asked us to.

I'm not disagreeing with you anywhere, and I'm glad you're exploring. I'm just trying to tag along after you.

With respect,
Charles1952

Originally posted by Schkeptick
As a group, Christians are the most hateful, hyper-critical, and hypocritical people I know.

Why is that?

I've seen that, but I don't find it to be a truism at all. Maybe you just project your own shortcomings on others? I see THAT a lot.

Originally posted by catwhoknowsplusone
I am a believer in Jesus, as some of you probably know.

Here is my dilemma:

Jesus asks us to love each other, to forgive each other, and to care about each other.

But we are humans. And humans hate each other, do not forgive each other, and murder each other.

So, is Jesus asking us to go against our nature?

Maybe, Jesus, Buddha, and other loving and gentle spirits are sending us a simple message:

If, as individuals, we are loving and caring, it could spread to many other people.

So why not try it?

First, is it really our human nature to hate each other and murder each other? Perhaps you should look into anthropological studies of less advanced societies, and how they live and behave. You might be surprised at what you find.

Second: even if it were in our nature, what does it matter? Where is the dilemma? If it is in our nature to be hateful and murderous then I would say it's pretty obvious that we need to "go against our nature," Jesus or no. Or do you think the law of nature is more important than the law of Jesus?

Originally posted by Shadow666 here's something from Jesus' own mouth

"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Luke 19:27

How benevolent and loving

edit on 28-10-2011 by Shadow666 because: (no reason given)

Hah, that's just like the Koran quotes people like to dig up out of context to demonstrate how evil Islam is.

Originally posted by wirehead

Originally posted by Shadow666 here's something from Jesus' own mouth

"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Luke 19:27

How benevolent and loving

edit on 28-10-2011 by Shadow666 because: (no reason given)

Hah, that's just like the Koran quotes people like to dig up out of context to demonstrate how evil Islam is.

Out of context or not, how does it matter? All these religions do is make people hate each other and when you question their followers about it they quote Bible/Koran etc verses to prove their point. Funnily enough they interpret them anyway they want but we can't because we don't believe in a bearded man in the sky?

Its a joke and it's a sham. There is another topic on ATS where christians are fighting among themselves arguing about what will happen during the apparent 1000 year reign of Christ. They can't even get along with each other and they lecture us 'heathens' about being peaceful and loving.

Its just absolutely insane.

Originally posted by wirehead

Originally posted by Shadow666 here's something from Jesus' own mouth

"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Luke 19:27

How benevolent and loving

edit on 28-10-2011 by Shadow666 because: (no reason given)

Hah, that's just like the Koran quotes people like to dig up out of context to demonstrate how evil Islam is.

But its really not out of context. Christ wouldnt have used this picture if He didnt want to communicate something about himself.

Originally posted by Logarock

But its really not out of context. Christ wouldnt have used this picture if He didnt want to communicate something about himself.

I agree... this is more directed at the people who would place the Bible above the Koran

Originally posted by wirehead

Originally posted by Logarock

But its really not out of context. Christ wouldnt have used this picture if He didnt want to communicate something about himself.

I agree... this is more directed at the people who would place the Bible above the Koran

The Koran is not even in the same room friend. As real revelation or even a literary work.

Honestly it just comes down to God created us out of love and we are meant to reflect that love, however after the whole snake apple situation sin washed over the world. So is our nature reflected from God, or is our nature reflected from Satan's doing. If you believe that our original nature is a reflection of God's love then Jesus was just reaffirming his father's teaching. I agree with you though, our "nature" compared to God's purposeful nature is a tough one to deal with.