Spong's 12 theses

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, China Cat!

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

Perhaps it's arrogant presumption, but I feel, and I believe that I'm being gently guided in my personal spiritual quest. Had I been guided back to the conservative Christian theology of my childhood I would have gone willingly. It would have made things a lot easier. I'm not way out here on the edge because I'm looking for a way out. I'm here because I committed long ago to follow my heart, my mind, and the still, small voice. I accepted the quest not knowing where it would lead, but determined to start, to show inititive, intention, and trust. (it's not nearly as grand a thing as I'm making it sound.)

There are those who will always insist that I'm "leaning unto my own understanding", or quote that other verse about "a path which seems right unto a man, but in the end there is destruction." FS said she thinks of me as the serpent trying to deceive people. That's O.K., I understand. But I have to make sense of things. I have to study things carefully; figure things out. It's the honest intention and initiative that prods the universal muse. Kinda like tickling a lobster out of it's hidey hole in the reef.

There has to be a level at which the physical absolutely jibes with the metaphysical. This is what I'm looking for. So long as we keep the world of knowlege separate from the spiritual realm both will lack potence. Everything has to work one way. The physical laws and the spiritual laws have to relate to a single source. Logos, if you wish. I can't accept doctrine, dogma, theology which relies on an abridgement of reason. Which excuses illogic by blaming it on Satan, or warning me not to trust my own mind.

Awesome post! Seems you and I have come to somewhat different conclusions so far, but it is really cool to know that our motivations are very similar!

[Dor]

You know that Jesus told us the Gate is narrow.
Does not say anything about it being a wide open road, a narrow Gate.

Sometimes you need to question that little voice and see who it really is talking to you.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Dor

You know that Jesus told us the Gate is narrow.
Does not say anything about it being a wide open road, a narrow Gate.

Sometimes you need to question that little voice and see who it really is talking to you.

He did say that Dor. But I would think that any voice that encourages us to look for God through Christ could be trusted. It would be the voices that tell us to give up, to stop seeking, stop asking, stop knocking, that I would be more wary of.

2 c,
luna

[Faithfulservant]

yeah like spong lol

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, Dor!

Sometimes you need to question that little voice and see who it really is talking to you.

I do. Every day. Believe me.

[China Cat Sunflower]

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.


1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

KJV

Chris

[Dor]

Yep but how are things that contradict the Bible and reject Christ(ala Rev Spongbob) going to prove to be good?

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, China Cat!

Amen.

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Contingent on *not* throwing Paul out with his bathwater...

Very astute man, Paul...

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, Dor!

Originally Posted by Dor

Yep but how are things that contradict the Bible and reject Christ(ala Rev Spongbob) going to prove to be good?

In this I also agree, hence my reasons for holding Spong at arms' length, with no desire to entertain his thoughts. That does not take away from the underlying drive behind China Cat's motivations. It is those motivations that I am in agreement with...

[China Cat Sunflower]

Originally Posted by juantoo3

...Contingent on *not* throwing Paul out with his bathwater...

Very astute man, Paul...

Yeah. I like Paul. I'm a lot more like Peter, though!

Chris