What then have the religions done for mankind that is good?
I will start by saying that this posting is in response to a question included in DW’s recent meditation post. I am posting it as a separate topic for a couple of reasons: 1. The post from DW is good in it’s message, and I do no want anyone to think that I am in anyway debating the points raised. 2. I feel this question is one that weighs on the mind of many people, and may in fact be deserving of it’s separateness from the overall message of the post on conflict and peace from which it is taken.
I would first like to share the thoughts of a news paper reporter in Britain on this subject. (the article I will be referencing can be found at:
http://japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20070322gd.html ). The article is based on the results of a study regarding how large a percentage of different nations’ populations considered themselves religious, and how that played out in the social morality of the nations. The result truly did not surprise me, and I know it wont surprise many of you either. The more religious a nation considered itself, the more wickedly the society seems to live. The example used is of course the US. In the United States 85% of the people consider themselves religious, but the U.S. also has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, homicides, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Why is this so? The article makes a valid point that the more religious a nation considers itself, the less money the government will invest in social projects. Perhaps under the assumption that issues of morality will be handled by God. Personally I feel one of the US is so morally inept is because we take the separation of church and state to an extreme in most cases. We are so stuck on the idea that publicly teaching about God is bad, that we also do not teach the good that comes from a relationship with God. I do understand that a nation built on the foundations of religious freedoms as we are, can not effectively promote one religion without consequence, so really this is a catch 22...teach about the greatness of God, and cause civil unrest…or don’t and cause civil immorality…there’s no winning (and that’s not really the point of this post…so back to the subject at hand).
DW makes a valid point in that almost every war or evil that has been conducted by mankind on mankind can be attributed to religion in one way or another. I do not however feel religion is to blame for this fact…it is man’s perversion of religion that is the cause. Most if not all the world’s religions revolve a central theme of peace and respect…men in an attempt to declare their way of thought correct, overlooks these central beliefs. A couple of examples: Islamic extremists wage a holy war against the United States and our non Islamic allies (I know some will say it’s because we are over there that they wage this war…but I feel the sentiment will remain if not a single American remained in the mid east). Like wise, recent history will also show the destruction and war waged in Northern Ireland between (I believe) protestants and Catholics (I could be way off on that one, but I believe both warring factions were Christian in faith).
Let’s define religion. According to http://dictionary. net religion can be defined as a set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. Let’s dig a bit deeper… “the teachings of…”; teach: to impart wisdom and knowledge of. Of what? If we are to say that religion teaches anything I would say moral behavior. Deeper…a person is considered moral by being conformed to rules of right; acting in accordance with such rules; virtuous; or if that person is just in his actions. So what makes certain rules “good”. Good is defined as possessing desirable qualities. Granted what is desirable to different people varies, but let’s not drag this out longer than need be.
So religion then can be defined thusly: the teaching, or imparting the knowledge of, rules, or behaviors, or dare I say works that are good; that contain desirable qualities. This definition is that of man, if I look to the NIV study Bible and seek a definition for the term religion, I am led only to James 1:27 “Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”. My NKJV ends that passage with being unspotted by the world, as opposed to unpolluted…both in my eyes are good.
So religion that God finds pure and good is a religion of compassion and love. Actions that benefit the needy of society. Jesus teaches us of love, and forgiveness, and passiveness. Other parts of the Bible (in the teachings of Paul) we are told to not let the sun go down on our anger. So if these are the teachings of our spiritual leaders, and we have conformed to them…religion does no harm.
My conclusion is a point that I have stressed and many others in these forums have stressed. It is when mankind takes the assumption that we have a power to determine right from wrong on our own, without the guidance of God…or a spiritual teacher, that the evils of the world take over. “It is not for man that walks to direct even his own step”. If we will use the power of the precious gift of free will to turn freely to God for direction in our lives, we will turn away from the evil fallen world in which we live, and Satan will lose his grasp on our society.
DW may tell you to turn to God for knowledge, and no one can deny the pureness of that teaching…I will say if you ever have doubts that God hears you, turn to a religious leader that you trust, turn to the Bible, turn to Jesus as our savior, if you don’t feel comfortable with either of these…talk to a star in the sky. What ever method you choose, if you feel you need the knowledge of what is good…seek it. “Seek and you will find, ask and it will be answered, knock and it will be opened”. The more time that is spent seeking what is good…the less time can be spent doing what is not. Religion is not bad…perversion of religion is what does harm.
Consider the words of George Washington “Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion”.
Full Version: What good can come from religion?
how about people that are kind and caring to each other.
course the bible is wierd too. 1st part God says, do what I say or I will rip you a new one,
2nd part says, I love you my children, no matter what.
course the bible is wierd too. 1st part God says, do what I say or I will rip you a new one,
2nd part says, I love you my children, no matter what.
("drcorey":254u9974)
how about people that are kind and caring to each other.
course the bible is wierd too. 1st part God says, do what I say or I will rip you a new one,
2nd part says, I love you my children, no matter what.
course the bible is wierd too. 1st part God says, do what I say or I will rip you a new one,
2nd part says, I love you my children, no matter what.
For those that are kind and caring...I feel it is good for them to gather together, if nothing more just to enjoy company with like minded people. Also charitable deeds are magnified when connected to those deeds of others...I've said 5 dollars can buy a meal for a person...5 dollars each from 200 of a congregation can feed a few families for a month.
A thought on the differences in the old and new Testamnts of the Bible. In the beginning there was the law brought forth through Moses...the law was intended solely to guide people to lay the standard for the children of God to show them a right way of life in the eyes of God. But man perverted this law, and used it to glorify themselves and judge others. God saw that the law did not bring His people to Him, it made them afraid. So He sent forth One with a new message, follow the law not because in doing so you find rightousness, but doing so is a sign of the inward love you are to have for your Father. In other words the law is not love, but a sign of love...my wedding band does not make me married, it is a sign of that marraige.
Another thought on the change of direction...when my Children were very small, I scolded them, and punished them, to lay the foundation for how I expected them to act...as a father it is my responsibility to raise my kids to be good people, now that my children are a bit older...they know that though I will punish them if I need to...I love them no matter what. Not that in the beginning I did not love them...but in the beginning I could not let that love over power the need for a proper upbringing. Perhaps this is also the way of God as our Father.
These are just some quick thoughts...some of my other posts go into more detail about the reasons for the "works of faith", and the relationship between man and God. What is important in my eyes is that religion teaches people about the very existance of God, and I feel the organized religions bring people together to worship and perhaps learn more about the life God wants for us. A key thought of mine is that if you do decide to join a church or follow a particular religion...you do so out of an inward feeling of love for the Lord, not as an obligation...I have said in the past, I believe God gave us free will, so that we would love Him freely...without coersion (probably spelled that wrong, but you get the point).
Love be to all, God bless
William
("William Wilkinson":ngnufr05)
What then have the religions done for mankind that is good?
. "The more religious a nation considered itself, the more wickedly the society seems to live. The example used is of course the US. In the United States 85% of the people consider themselves religious, but the U.S. also has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, homicides, and sexually transmitted diseases."
Response; Or possibly self-justification by rationalization. That is, simply claiming to be a prince does not make the frog a prince. You may find out, after all, that you have just kissed a toad. The example of calling oneself "religious" does not make one holy or even an actual member of that particular religious institution. But it sure looks good on your resume'. And, in the minds of mankind, it absolves them of guilt, even though any true disciple of any faith will readily admit his own guilt.
"I do understand that a nation built on the foundations of religious freedoms as we are, can not effectively promote one religion without consequence, so really this is a catch 22...teach about the greatness of God, and cause civil unrest…or don’t and cause civil immorality…there’s no winning (and that’s not really the point of this post…so back to the subject at hand)."
Response; When the Europeans first landed on the shores of this, my homeland, they did not allow for the same religious freedom to the Indigenous People, that they were seeking. The "forced conversion" of millions of Native Americans was not only ineffective and led to genocide, but was a contradiction to the very principles and godly ideals that they professed. Prior to the religions of Europeans, the Eastern tribes had a very complex and precise order of government in place that far exceeded even that of the Magna Carta. It also guaranteed the rights of other tribes to freely practice their religions and ceremonies as they deemed appropriate to their social order. This social structure also guaranteed compliance of moral issues which included the rights of women to play vital roles in civil government, a right that was denied to the most advanced European systems of government and religions. So, in this case, the government of these people was the very system that also guaranteed their rights to religious and gender equity. The other side of the story was the insistence of Europeans to convert a people they considered immoral and heathen, even these primitive peoples had proven themselves to be otherwise. Therein lies the problem with organized religions, the hierarchy of power and in whose hand the power is held.
DW makes a valid point in that almost every war or evil that has been conducted by mankind on mankind can be attributed to religion in one way or another. I do not however feel religion is to blame for this fact…it is man’s perversion of religion that is the cause. Most if not all the world’s religions revolve a central theme of peace and respect…men in an attempt to declare their way of thought correct, overlooks these central beliefs. A couple of examples: Islamic extremists wage a holy war against the United States and our non Islamic allies (I know some will say it’s because we are over there that they wage this war…but I feel the sentiment will remain if not a single American remained in the mid east). Like wise, recent history will also show the destruction and war waged in Northern Ireland between (I believe) protestants and Catholics (I could be way off on that one, but I believe both warring factions were Christian in faith).
[b][b][b][b]Response; The extremists you speak of are like the religious zealots spoken of by Jesus of Nazareth. In the case of any religious authority that is in current power, the desires and whims of those who rule are implemented and often intertwined with political motives, i.e. power. The many religions and denominations are like the phases of the moon, they wax and wane as the policies of those in power evolve or devolve according to the doctrines and precepts of mankind that provide them with the greatest control over others. When God is deposed as the governing body, mankind will lean upon his on understanding, which is ultimately flawed and essentially egocentric. It will fail. Without exception. On this I think we can agree. A prime example is the perceived "forced conversion" of Native Americans. Nothing was acheived by the religios zealots who used their religions to intimdate and threaten the Indigenous peoples of this continent and who had a vwery complex system of government in place. A system that rivaled even the Magna Carta and guaranteed the religious freedoms of other tribes and recognized the vital role of women in government, something that is still debated under the so-called democratic system of government in place today. The same government of these ancient people was far advanced, and guaranteed religious and gender equity that also included individuals who were called two-spirit people, the gays and lesbians, who held positions of authority and respect amongst many Native tribes. In these areas the Indigenous people were much farther along in their spiritual journey and recognition of morality and equity and the need for social order. Christianity only acheived genocide because it could not quash the indomitable Spirit of my people. God was already at the helm of their ship. They had no use for the white man's religions and saw the hyporisy of the white man's actions.
So religion then can be defined thusly: the teaching, or imparting the knowledge of, rules, or behaviors, or dare I say works that are good; that contain desirable qualities. This definition is that of man, if I look to the NIV study Bible and seek a definition for the term religion, I am led only to James 1:27 “Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”. My NKJV ends that passage with being unspotted by the world, as opposed to unpolluted…both in my eyes are good.
[b]Response; No better rule and an extension of loving our neighbors.
So religion that God finds pure and good is a religion of compassion and love. Actions that benefit the needy of society. Jesus teaches us of love, and forgiveness, and passiveness. Other parts of the Bible (in the teachings of Paul) we are told to not let the sun go down on our anger.
Response; I concur.
"So if these are the teachings of our spiritual leaders, and we have conformed to them…religion does no harm."
Response; I think you hit the nail on the head William! You used the term "if" and that is where religions of mankind fall short. They are wonderful in theory and if put into actual practice would be beneficial to humanity. The problem is that they are subject to the principalities and authority of the ruling party. They are subject to corruption as is everything of mankind, those things that rust and corrode and are eaten by moths. It is the "IF's" that establish motives and conditions that apply only to some of mankind and not to all. As God is no respector of persons, His Love is unconditional and available to all who love Him and seek to understand the Mind of Christ.
My conclusion is a point that I have stressed and many others in these forums have stressed. It is when mankind takes the assumption that we have a power to determine right from wrong on our own, without the guidance of God…or a spiritual teacher, that the evils of the world take over. “It is not for man that walks to direct even his own step”. If we will use the power of the precious gift of free will to turn freely to God for direction in our lives, we will turn away from the evil fallen world in which we live, and Satan will lose his grasp on our society.
DW may tell you to turn to God for knowledge, and no one can deny the pureness of that teaching…I will say if you ever have doubts that God hears you, turn to a religious leader that you trust, turn to the Bible, turn to Jesus as our savior, if you don’t feel comfortable with either of these…talk to a star in the sky. What ever method you choose, if you feel you need the knowledge of what is good…seek it. “Seek and you will find, ask and it will be answered, knock and it will be opened”. The more time that is spent seeking what is good…the less time can be spent doing what is not. Religion is not bad…perversion of religion is what does harm.
Response; As a word of caution from one who has been betrayed by a "man of the cloth", never forget that the man in whom you place your trust is not infallible. They are humans who are subject t human frailties, shortcomings, character defects, and desire for power and control. Mankind will always let us down. Placing your faith and trust in the Word of Truth that is God, the Infallible One is preferable to the ways of mankind any day. The perversion of religion is the result of doctrines and precepts of men.
Consider the words of George Washington “Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion”.
. "The more religious a nation considered itself, the more wickedly the society seems to live. The example used is of course the US. In the United States 85% of the people consider themselves religious, but the U.S. also has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, homicides, and sexually transmitted diseases."
Response; Or possibly self-justification by rationalization. That is, simply claiming to be a prince does not make the frog a prince. You may find out, after all, that you have just kissed a toad. The example of calling oneself "religious" does not make one holy or even an actual member of that particular religious institution. But it sure looks good on your resume'. And, in the minds of mankind, it absolves them of guilt, even though any true disciple of any faith will readily admit his own guilt.
"I do understand that a nation built on the foundations of religious freedoms as we are, can not effectively promote one religion without consequence, so really this is a catch 22...teach about the greatness of God, and cause civil unrest…or don’t and cause civil immorality…there’s no winning (and that’s not really the point of this post…so back to the subject at hand)."
Response; When the Europeans first landed on the shores of this, my homeland, they did not allow for the same religious freedom to the Indigenous People, that they were seeking. The "forced conversion" of millions of Native Americans was not only ineffective and led to genocide, but was a contradiction to the very principles and godly ideals that they professed. Prior to the religions of Europeans, the Eastern tribes had a very complex and precise order of government in place that far exceeded even that of the Magna Carta. It also guaranteed the rights of other tribes to freely practice their religions and ceremonies as they deemed appropriate to their social order. This social structure also guaranteed compliance of moral issues which included the rights of women to play vital roles in civil government, a right that was denied to the most advanced European systems of government and religions. So, in this case, the government of these people was the very system that also guaranteed their rights to religious and gender equity. The other side of the story was the insistence of Europeans to convert a people they considered immoral and heathen, even these primitive peoples had proven themselves to be otherwise. Therein lies the problem with organized religions, the hierarchy of power and in whose hand the power is held.
DW makes a valid point in that almost every war or evil that has been conducted by mankind on mankind can be attributed to religion in one way or another. I do not however feel religion is to blame for this fact…it is man’s perversion of religion that is the cause. Most if not all the world’s religions revolve a central theme of peace and respect…men in an attempt to declare their way of thought correct, overlooks these central beliefs. A couple of examples: Islamic extremists wage a holy war against the United States and our non Islamic allies (I know some will say it’s because we are over there that they wage this war…but I feel the sentiment will remain if not a single American remained in the mid east). Like wise, recent history will also show the destruction and war waged in Northern Ireland between (I believe) protestants and Catholics (I could be way off on that one, but I believe both warring factions were Christian in faith).
[b][b][b][b]Response; The extremists you speak of are like the religious zealots spoken of by Jesus of Nazareth. In the case of any religious authority that is in current power, the desires and whims of those who rule are implemented and often intertwined with political motives, i.e. power. The many religions and denominations are like the phases of the moon, they wax and wane as the policies of those in power evolve or devolve according to the doctrines and precepts of mankind that provide them with the greatest control over others. When God is deposed as the governing body, mankind will lean upon his on understanding, which is ultimately flawed and essentially egocentric. It will fail. Without exception. On this I think we can agree. A prime example is the perceived "forced conversion" of Native Americans. Nothing was acheived by the religios zealots who used their religions to intimdate and threaten the Indigenous peoples of this continent and who had a vwery complex system of government in place. A system that rivaled even the Magna Carta and guaranteed the religious freedoms of other tribes and recognized the vital role of women in government, something that is still debated under the so-called democratic system of government in place today. The same government of these ancient people was far advanced, and guaranteed religious and gender equity that also included individuals who were called two-spirit people, the gays and lesbians, who held positions of authority and respect amongst many Native tribes. In these areas the Indigenous people were much farther along in their spiritual journey and recognition of morality and equity and the need for social order. Christianity only acheived genocide because it could not quash the indomitable Spirit of my people. God was already at the helm of their ship. They had no use for the white man's religions and saw the hyporisy of the white man's actions.
So religion then can be defined thusly: the teaching, or imparting the knowledge of, rules, or behaviors, or dare I say works that are good; that contain desirable qualities. This definition is that of man, if I look to the NIV study Bible and seek a definition for the term religion, I am led only to James 1:27 “Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”. My NKJV ends that passage with being unspotted by the world, as opposed to unpolluted…both in my eyes are good.
[b]Response; No better rule and an extension of loving our neighbors.
So religion that God finds pure and good is a religion of compassion and love. Actions that benefit the needy of society. Jesus teaches us of love, and forgiveness, and passiveness. Other parts of the Bible (in the teachings of Paul) we are told to not let the sun go down on our anger.
Response; I concur.
"So if these are the teachings of our spiritual leaders, and we have conformed to them…religion does no harm."
Response; I think you hit the nail on the head William! You used the term "if" and that is where religions of mankind fall short. They are wonderful in theory and if put into actual practice would be beneficial to humanity. The problem is that they are subject to the principalities and authority of the ruling party. They are subject to corruption as is everything of mankind, those things that rust and corrode and are eaten by moths. It is the "IF's" that establish motives and conditions that apply only to some of mankind and not to all. As God is no respector of persons, His Love is unconditional and available to all who love Him and seek to understand the Mind of Christ.
My conclusion is a point that I have stressed and many others in these forums have stressed. It is when mankind takes the assumption that we have a power to determine right from wrong on our own, without the guidance of God…or a spiritual teacher, that the evils of the world take over. “It is not for man that walks to direct even his own step”. If we will use the power of the precious gift of free will to turn freely to God for direction in our lives, we will turn away from the evil fallen world in which we live, and Satan will lose his grasp on our society.
DW may tell you to turn to God for knowledge, and no one can deny the pureness of that teaching…I will say if you ever have doubts that God hears you, turn to a religious leader that you trust, turn to the Bible, turn to Jesus as our savior, if you don’t feel comfortable with either of these…talk to a star in the sky. What ever method you choose, if you feel you need the knowledge of what is good…seek it. “Seek and you will find, ask and it will be answered, knock and it will be opened”. The more time that is spent seeking what is good…the less time can be spent doing what is not. Religion is not bad…perversion of religion is what does harm.
Response; As a word of caution from one who has been betrayed by a "man of the cloth", never forget that the man in whom you place your trust is not infallible. They are humans who are subject t human frailties, shortcomings, character defects, and desire for power and control. Mankind will always let us down. Placing your faith and trust in the Word of Truth that is God, the Infallible One is preferable to the ways of mankind any day. The perversion of religion is the result of doctrines and precepts of men.
Consider the words of George Washington “Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion”.
Response; "Let us with caution indulge religion, maintaining that morality is conditional upon the moral fiber and spiritual condition of the one who is in power." (My quote, To`na Wanagi)
Well said William! Your flexibility is starting to show!
God's Love and Peace....To`na Wanagi
("William Wilkinson":1r5sqdgh)
... The more religious a nation considered itself, the more wickedly the society seems to live. The example used is of course the US. In the United States 85% of the people consider themselves religious, but the U.S. also has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, homicides, and sexually transmitted diseases. ...
With very few exceptions, Americans are not religious. They are people who have accepted Pascal's Wager. This explains why so many of them, for example, will claim that they believe that the universe is only 10,000 years old. There is no cost for them to say that, and they have been convinced by some remarkably ignorant people that this might just be what their god wants people to say.
However if you give them the choice of a medicine for their illness which has not changed for 30 years and is no longer effective; or one which has been changed to adjust for the effects of evolution on the bugs that are making them ill, remarkably few will accept the ineffective medicine. This shows where their true beliefs lie.
("SeekerOfTruth":2mxaloy9)
("William Wilkinson":2mxaloy9)
... The more religious a nation considered itself, the more wickedly the society seems to live. The example used is of course the US. In the United States 85% of the people consider themselves religious, but the U.S. also has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, homicides, and sexually transmitted diseases. ...
With very few exceptions, Americans are not religious. ....
note the key word in my post..consider I agree that America is not truly a religious nation, I have posted stating that most of the population of the world, despite what they may believe, is not religious.
Thank you for reading and responding to my post...I know our beliefs differ, and I thought you would refrain from doing so. It is nice to hear from you.
May God's peace and love find you safe in the New Year,
William
To`na,
Thank you for sharing your response, and I agree very much with what you have said, regarding the doctrines and governing bodies of many organized religions. I too, believe this is where the perversion of religion comes into play...it is what I mean when I say...man tries to direct his own step...it is in the doctrines of most religions that the leaders determine what is right and fitting for life, not God. This is why I found my way to a Congregational Church, it is a come as you are fellowship kind of church. Yes there are lessons regarding the scriptures, but largely Sunday morning service is comprised of 40 minutes worth of prayer and songs of praise, and only 20 minutes worth of scripture reading and a story of applying that reading to modern life. The kicker for us in the congregation comes after service...with fellowship hour often running longer than the worship service itself.
You are correct in saying that my flexibility is begining to show though...perhaps the words of another here in the forums helped that to happen, perhaps it was the time spent meditating on those words. Perhaps it is simply that I am approaching a new stage of life with the Lord. Most of my postings that seem a bit "right winged" were motivated by either a personal event in my life (Fire and Brimstone), or some form of unrest within me (No middle ground), but even those messages are posted with the hope of bringing people to God. In all reality my beliefe does not differ greatly from DW...I just feel there is something to be learned from man...not that all men are good, and not that mankind as a whole is good and trustworthy, but I do trust that those churches who allow God to place people at thier head, have people of God at thier head.
Again, it is great to hear from you
, Peace has been found for me once again in these forums. More importantly, peace has been found within me personally.
May all find that peace in the coming New Year, and those that have not found it...keep seraching, asking, knocking...and you will.
My love to all,
William
Thank you for sharing your response, and I agree very much with what you have said, regarding the doctrines and governing bodies of many organized religions. I too, believe this is where the perversion of religion comes into play...it is what I mean when I say...man tries to direct his own step...it is in the doctrines of most religions that the leaders determine what is right and fitting for life, not God. This is why I found my way to a Congregational Church, it is a come as you are fellowship kind of church. Yes there are lessons regarding the scriptures, but largely Sunday morning service is comprised of 40 minutes worth of prayer and songs of praise, and only 20 minutes worth of scripture reading and a story of applying that reading to modern life. The kicker for us in the congregation comes after service...with fellowship hour often running longer than the worship service itself.
You are correct in saying that my flexibility is begining to show though...perhaps the words of another here in the forums helped that to happen, perhaps it was the time spent meditating on those words. Perhaps it is simply that I am approaching a new stage of life with the Lord. Most of my postings that seem a bit "right winged" were motivated by either a personal event in my life (Fire and Brimstone), or some form of unrest within me (No middle ground), but even those messages are posted with the hope of bringing people to God. In all reality my beliefe does not differ greatly from DW...I just feel there is something to be learned from man...not that all men are good, and not that mankind as a whole is good and trustworthy, but I do trust that those churches who allow God to place people at thier head, have people of God at thier head.
Again, it is great to hear from you
, Peace has been found for me once again in these forums. More importantly, peace has been found within me personally.May all find that peace in the coming New Year, and those that have not found it...keep seraching, asking, knocking...and you will.
My love to all,
William
Balance....it is what we seek....and what the world of mankind is lacking. And it is only found in our search for understanding of God's Great Love and the Magnificent Wisdom of the Mind of Christ and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. And do not dismiss the "fire and brimstone" events or the tearing down of inferior structures that have been built by the institutions of men. These are the fuels used in the hottest furnaces which refine the purest gold. We are all a work in progress! And when we can approach one another to share our different opinions, philosophies, theologies, etc., with open ears and eyes, it is amazing how we can grow and prosper in the Spirit. But if we remain rigid in our positions, like a great tree that will not bow in the wind, we will break and be of no usefulness except as fuel for that fire and be consumed by these same institutions of thought. God's Peace and Love ....To`na Wanagi
And when we can approach one another to share our different opinions, philosophies, theologies, etc., with open ears and eyes, it is amazing how we can grow and prosper in the Spirit. But if we remain rigid in our positions, like a great tree that will not bow in the wind, we will break and be of no usefulness except as fuel for that fire and be consumed by these same institutions of thought. God's Peace and Love ....To`na Wanagi
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.