Posted on 10/27/2004 1:25:44 PM PDT by A.A. Cunningham
Thought about you later tonight and really didn't want to fight over ancient Church issues -- God bless you and your family and may the Spirit infuse your life with courage, vision, wisdom and love. And please don't let my posts become obstacles to your faithful prayers or seeking of His glory.
I have sympathy for the intention of the message of Amos, as it breaths the spirit of the scripture to live good and truthful.
As the article states: if you are privileged, to be complacent is a sin, be moved by the suffering of the poor; care for the victims -[here: ..the crucifixion of countries (...) and the persecution (...)]- or deserve bitter judgment.
The judgment is as usual in the biblical writing tradition -it's all about the truth- announced by the truthspeaker, the prophet, the guy who sees it. He is as much liked as a man with smart words and lofty demands is today. That's his burden, bearable as long as he isn't beaten out of town and has his next meal coming.
So I like the main message of AA Cunninghams contribution. Religion is a suit that can help to shape our life. Also the truth has many forms and we always have to agree on one. How holy was Jezus mother? Enough to be his mom in the bible.
When I look at all the assumptions in this article, then I have to wonder what is
religious about a number of them.
For example:
1
'We should only be satisfied with God.'
I agree, everything flows, we do not stay here, we know that.
(note: there is individual life on earth that doesn't die. It returns to baby-state and then starts anew. So cells have found at least one way to escape aging).
2
'we need to remember that we are citizens of Gods kingdom first'
Allright, Gods kingdom, a fitting name.
3, 4 and 5
'All Souls Day and final destinations'
'Jerusalem perfected at the end of time'
'when we stand before Him in judgment. He will ask what we did in specifics..'
These all lead to one question: 'Really, is that so?'
We know little about the things we see happen in our universe.
And religion is about the truth we agree on.
Hey Campion, I don't know if you're still out there, but I'm wondering if you can give a reference for this or where I might find it in Luther's works/teachings. (Sounds pretty heretical to me.) Thanks.
BTTT on the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed -- All Souls Day, November 2, 2006!
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