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I haven't read the entire thread but.....I think you've missed one very important point. You seem to presuppose that things are black and white enough to come to a consensus of these issues. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Take any three-dimensional object such as a house or tree. Place a...

I forgot one point. If, after you've done all you can do, you still end up where you don't like it, you've got to take stock and see what can be done about things. Just bemoaning the bad situation isn't going to get anyone anywhere. Face up to reality is where it's at, I guess, and take...

You make some good points here. Perhaps that is what bothers me--we need to transcend dualism rather than insist that the universe IS dualism. Duality just doesn't seem to be where it's at for me. Smelling the flowers is more like it. Enjoy the here and now, the present moment, with the full...

You might be interested in DrFree's thread Interfaith as a Faith.

Maybe this underscores my lack of knowledgability of NT Jewish society. I am hoping for some enlightenment with the courses I'm taking this fall and winter on the NT.

I posted this because I've been reading so much about the dualistic nature of life, or the universe. I just don't see it as a case of dualism. I searched my brain for something that better described my view of things and I thought perhaps telos would be it. It looks to me like everything has a...

I know what you're talking about, Dondi. On another thread you asked me about being in tune with the Spirit. I would consider this to be one manifestation of such. I didn't dare go into this kind of thing there because I was afraid I'd get blasted for my unorthodox views and experiences...

I like that. Yes, he was Roman. Maybe a centurion. I don't really know about the "important" bit. I hear so much bitterness or whatever expressed that people will do things for males of rank that they won't do for poor women of no rank. Against the backdrop of him putting off and ignoring a...

Exactly! Self-righteousness takes many forms. Feel free to ask questions. I am being taught that asking questions and doubts are part and parcel of a lively and active faith. I am beginning to believe it. After all, life means movement, growth, transformation. No movement, transformation, or...

Thanks, InLove and neosnoia. InLove, you have perked my interest regarding the thoughts that are developing in your mind. Neosnoia, your understanding of the resurrection seems far removed from the views of the fundamentalist I was referring to. InLove, yes, I learned much from this thread, too...

The Christian version is "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but by me." Then there's also verses like Mark 16:16 that say unless you believe and are baptized you won't be saved. And the "Great Commision" verses where Jesus commands to preach the gospel to every...

Is that what flow is talking about? Sorry, Flow, but I really don't know if you are referring to my infinity sign turned into a fish or if you are talking about photographing a non-event. I'm getting the feeling that this question I tried to post wasn't all that bright an idea. Or not terribly...

Yeah, the same thought has occurred to me. I was actually quite surprised when the insight came to me. It seemed so "right." Pascal's wager feels so "wrong" to me. Like I'm still in bondage to sin, or the forces of darkness or whatever. I guess that is a very contraversial statement but it...

This sounds very much like my own experience. It takes time. At least, for me it did. Many years. One tiny insight at a time. A man shared a personal story in a small group discussion that had quite an impact on me. He talked about the way his church responded when he was going through a...

Okay, that explains things! People sometimes use the symbol or talk about it and I, who am terrible at elementary math, haven't a clue what they're talking about. It would translate rather easily into the fish symbol of Christianity, I would think. Just stretch out the circles. It does explain...

Okay, I've thought about it. Here is what I think: As explained to Jiii, I am using the term "fact-event" as something that can be captured by video camera. The feeling emotional part of love can probably not be photographed. The only part of love that can be photographed is things like happy...

Jiii, thank you for pointing out the weaknesses of how I expressed my question. I am sorry this caused you so much distress. By fact-event I mean something that literally took place, something that could be recorded by a video camera or some other means of reproduction. That is the definition...

I skimmed this thread just now and hope to come back later when I have more time to address jiii's questions if no one else beats me to the task. Thomas, I guess rhetorical questions doesn't need answers;)

You sound so much like me, Cavalier. I can only tell you what works for me. From the perspective of true and false, I don't have an answer. From the perspective of human relationships, no we can't say that. My criteria is cause and effect and what is really important to me. It is more...

Very well stated, jiii. If, as you so adequately show, the Christian's bottom line is to "save souls" then they are defeating their own purpose with their evangelizing. I am so glad someone recognizes that Christians are not all that way. Ruby