BTY,
I do have a book, its not with
Hi,
"...here I disagree with your broad sweep of the use of the word Christian, not all are users or have other ulterior motives..." blackbelt
Disagreement offers opportunity for conversation. So I will respond to your observation above. The matter is complex but I will try to stick to some key points. These can be expanded if you have questions.
First I would like to notice baptism. For me it symbolizes death to the way of the world and resurrection to the way of God. A putting off of one way and the putting on of another. Jesus is baptized at the Jordon river. He comes to the water as a full blooded Jew and a person of his time. He was a human being just as we are human beings. He rises from the water as the son of God. For me this is a matter of dying to Old Adam and rising as New Adam. Paul goes on about this in one of his letters. A key point is the temptation in the wilderness. Jesus rejects all three offers of worldly privilege and power. Where Adam and Eve said yes, Jesus says no.
As a follower of Jesus I am constantly saying no to the power of religion and politics in our world. I do so by faith alone. I am not justified by any doctrine, creed or teaching. Just like Abraham I stepped out of the world into which I was born and began my journey of discovery by the light of God's spirit. Saying no to religion and politics I am not saying no to those who live by faith within these social structures. I take it that each of us who lives by faith is a member of Christ's body. Further, each has a distinct calling and function within that body. As you notice, God will pour out the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ will begin to show forth signs and symbols of a collapsing world order. This as the consequence of its decisions made independent of God's Holy Spirit. It is not God punishing the those lost in the dark.
History makes it plain that Christianity has been responsible for much evil from its conception. In all times and places Christian dogma has animated persons to murder and pillage strangers met along the way. We may think of Indigenous people of the planet subjected to European imperialism blessed by the proponents of Christianity. We may also think of the natural world. Humanity is part of nature. Harming the water and air we harm our bodies. Saying such things I am well aware that Christianity in all of its manifestations has blessed the rise of an exploitive and oppressive capitalist agenda.
Jesus, after his baptism went about including those excluded by religion and politics. Doing so he angered those loyal to agenda of power at work in Jerusalem and Rome. The disciples were told that if they were to follow in this way, they to would encounter the hostility of priests and politicians. This because the Holy Spirit exposes the corruption of greed and avarice at work in those who serve themselves in the name of God. Jesus serves others in the name of God. This is the way opening to the realization of spiritual life as the gift of God freely given to any and all. Those who receive it are liberated from the bondage of misused and abused power.
I'll leave it there for now. Let me know what you think.
George
George ,
I have no issues with what you posted other that you using the term "Christianity has been responsible for much evil ", so broadly.
yes it has, but its also been a source of Good and Grace and Truth and mercy, you seem to side with only one aspect of it. when you say 'Christianity" and that simply is not true.
what you have described above here are the Powers and Principalities that govern and work through humanity in this world, and yes they also work through religion and Christianity, why because its made up of humans. But as Much as the anti spirit is at work, let us not forget so is Gods Spirit in the world,
Geeorge, when I was Born again, yrs ago and had an encounter with God, I became very upset at the catholic church for all its religious control and rules and yes even its evil history, calling out the institution whenever I could, much like you now.
but one day God corrected me to my surprise, even in Catholicism, Jesus said they are my children, I died for them too.
