Posted on 08/10/2012 6:48:52 AM PDT by Graybeard58
All because Henry XIII wanted a divorce and the Pope wouldn't grant it, so he started his own church. It's slid downhill from there.
Even among FReepers, there is a wide swath of opinion from traditional conservative to self-indulgent libertarian. As with any moral question, it comes down to your own relationship with God. First, do as He taught and read the scriptures. Second, pray for guidance and watch and listen carefully for Him to reveal himself.
Since moral questions come down to one’s own relationship with God, why does someone’s religion count so much? How can anyone claim to have the right moral answer? Wouldn’t they all be equal, just dependent upon the individual and his relationship with God?
That is a good question. If you read the New Testament start to finish, you find that Christians are to live in relationship with one another so that they can help each other and develop the community to support the broad agreements in the Old and New Testaments, which would be the Ten Commandments. Jesus was God made Man; he came to earth through a mortal woman to live as a person whom mere mortals could relate to. He taught his apostles and disciples a finer interpretation of the divine law, and brought the concept of individual responsibility and conscience into sharp focus.
The New Testament makes clear that we are all created as unique beings with unique gifts and talents, with God's purpose to make each of us part of His greater plan. Because he made none of us perfect, we are to live in relationship to others so we can combine our gifts to accomplish bringing about His kingdom. This is another reason to be a member of a church group, large or small, bearing in mind that no human is perfect -- all of us fall short of the glory of God.
However, church members can help one another, provide a way to remain accountable for our actions, and importantly, provide an environment in which to raise children or support seekers who are not yet ready to make a full commitment to Christ. No one can be born a Christian -- each must accept the great gift of salvation in his or her heart by asking Christ to accept oneself, sins and all, into His "body" of believers. If sincere, this "conversion", even among those born into a nominally Christian family, is the beginning of living for Christ's will instead of one's own will.
As for moral questions coming down to the individual, this takes place when the great Commandments and the Bible-based teachings of the church community still leave you with questions, or some specific dilemma based on your God-given individual life, such as having a child in trouble with the law, or being tempted to adultery when one's spouse is terminally ill. In these and all situations that cause us concern, we pray for guidance and the course of action that will not disappoint Our Maker. Or, on realizing that we have made a moral error, we pray for forgiveness.
I pray to Our Father to help you find your path and a suitable community of believers to help your journey to the "peace that passes understanding" -- the peace of Christ. Write to me any time, stuartcr.
I believe I have found my path, thanks.
Excellent. Godspeed.
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