My Weekly Devotional

[Waterfall]

And the thousands of Muslim women and children who died in wars started by Christian leaders?

And, for that matter, you do realize that groups like ISIS target Muslims, too, right? ISIS are radical Sunnis so Shiite Muslims face as much persecution as Christians do.

And when was the last time you looked into the situation of the Bahais, who are growing here in North American but persecuted in much of the Islamic world?

How about the Muslims being attacked by Christians in Africa and by Buddhists in Myanmar/Burma?

Religious persecution goes on all over and it's not one tradition targetted nor is it one tradition doing it. We should be seeking to stop all of it, not seeking special protection for the group we favour. That just opens the door to more persecution.

Becoming one global religion might be a solution but I doubt it. Look at Christianity's history of sectarian violence. From the burning of "heretics" to wars between Protestants and Catholics, I don't see much evidence that being from the same religion actually helps. Ditto Islam, where minority sects are often targets of persecution.

Recognition that religion is a source of friction and beginning dialogue among the members (not just leaders) of various faiths to alleviate ignorance and fear is going to do more than pushing some kind of "religious union". We need think alike to love alike, as we UUs say.

Sure, it's utopian, but it is far more possible now than in the past simply because of the ease of communication and the development of multicultural societies like ours. My son thinks nothing of the fact that he is a secularized atheist hanging out with Bahais, Muslims, and Christians in his circle of friends at school. No persecution, no crusades, just teenagers with different points of view going to the prom together.

Maybe you should read this, "religious wars" account for less than 2% killed in warfare and that includes the Crusades. The word "religion" is a modern concept.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_war

 

[Mendalla]

Maybe you should read this, "religious wars" account for less than 2% killed in warfare and that includes the Crusades. The word "religion" is a modern concept.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_war

I wasn't talking about wars, though. I'm talking about persecution. Not the same thing, though a religious war generally includes persecutions. The executions of heretics by the Inquistion, persecutions like that of the Muslims by the Buddhists in Myanmar, the eviction of the Jews and Muslims from Spain, and so on are likely not counted as "wars" but are definitely persecutions. The pogroms in Russia would be another example. No war, just the Christian majority coming down hard on the Jewish minority. Arguably, even the refusal of Canada to admit Jewish refugees from the Holocaust is a form of religious persecution. It may hurt to say it, but we aren't innocents in this.

 

[revjohn]

Hi Rev John--You of all people should know better that to try guess what is in my mind.

I read you well enough to know how you roll on both issues. If I missed your point as GeoFee did you might want to spend some time wondering why two who generally don't get confused by the English language don't understand your post.

You also know if you ask . I will try to explain it to you. There are many place in GODS Word that will explain were what I have said is explained. Like who is are Brother.

And having had that conversation with you on multiple occasions why do I need to have it again.

Have a look John . Who dose this show, who" your Brothers are? If you do, it will show who" your neighbors are.

No. That is how you interpret the passages or rather what you believe the Holy Spirit tells you the passages are to be understood. Your understanding is not one shared by a broad range of Christians.

 

[GeoFee]

--Hi George The passages I gave seem to say," The Church or Family of GOD , or The children of GOD , Or The Sons of GOD. We can help the world find Jesus . But it is the Holy Spirit" that Teaches them", not us. This don't mean we can't talk to them. The Family of GOD ,is who I worry about most. The world who won't ,or don't accept Christ Jesus" have already been Judged by GOD. There are Sisters an Brothers who are in the world however that we must try and help. If The Holy Spirit tells me to talk to anyone , I will do it. Thus the Importance of receive," GODS Holy Spirit" ,to work with you. To know who will sooner, or later come to GOD.

Jhn 3:17For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Jhn 3:18He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Hi,

Still not quite getting what you are asking. Are you saying we should be occupied only with the well being of those just like us? How does this relate to the parable of the good Samaritan? Maybe more to the point, how does it relate to the metaphor of sheep and goats at the last judgement?

Please remember that simplicity is better than complexity when hoping to share insights about the way of God in the world. Take time to think about what you would like to say. Write it down. Review it and ask how your readers will understand what you have written. Then try to simplify it even a bit more. Do not bother with underlining and bold text. These do not help me understand you. Plain speech from the heart is what I see in Jesus. Will you give it a try?

George

 

[airclean33]

And the thousands of Muslim women and children who died in wars started by Christian leaders?

Airclean-post--
Mendalla I have no Idea were you got this inflow from. Christian Church's are attacking the Muslims? Not only that", we also started the war in the middle East?

Mendalla--post--
And, for that matter, you do realize that groups like ISIS target Muslims, too, right? ISIS are radical Sunnis so Shiite Muslims face as much persecution as Christians do.

Airclean--post--
Now this is really getting crazy. Now because one group of Muslims are killing another . It is ok for them to Kill Christians? WOW.

Mendalla--post--
And when was the last time you looked into the situation of the Bahais, who are growing here in North American but persecuted in much of the Islamic world?

Airclean--post--
I understand Mendalla there are more than one Denomination as there also is in Christianity . Do you really think I know nothing? By the way do you mean Baha'i Faith?

in Islam

How about the Muslims being attacked by Christians in Africa and by Buddhists in Myanmar/Burma?

Religious persecution goes on all over and it's not one tradition targetted nor is it one tradition doing it. We should be seeking to stop all of it, not seeking special protection for the group we favour. That just opens the door to more persecution.

Airclean--post--
Sorry Mendalla--I had forgotten you have no faith of one kind. So you except all kinds. Mankind have been killers since the beginning.Cain killed Abel his Brother, with a stone. Today we have just learned how to do it better. I was in the army for a number of years , and know how to use many of them.

Mendalla--post--
Becoming one global religion might be a solution but I doubt it. Look at Christianity's history of sectarian violence. From the burning of "heretics" to wars between Protestants and Catholics, I don't see much evidence that being from the same religion actually helps. Ditto Islam, where minority sects are often targets of persecution.

Airclean--post--
Come on Mendalla you know and understand . That fighting was more about England and Ireland. William of Orange a leader from England who beat the Catholics.

Mendalla --post--
Recognition that religion is a source of friction and beginning dialogue among the members (not just leaders) of various faiths to alleviate ignorance and fear is going to do more than pushing some kind of "religious union". We need think alike to love alike, as we UUs say.

Airclean--post
Sorry cannot agree ,as I believe the World needs Christ. I believe we are going to see this very soon.

Mendalla--post--
Sure, it's utopian, but it is far more possible now than in the past simply because of the ease of communication and the development of multicultural societies like ours. My son thinks nothing of the fact that he is a secularized atheist hanging out with Bahais, Muslims, and Christians in his circle of friends at school. No persecution, no crusades, just teenagers with different points of view going to the prom together.

--I am happy to hear about son. That one excepts what others believe or don't believe is not the Christion way. If you were walking along a cliff that you didn't know. Should I tell you there is a drop off ahead? Or just let you walk into it? Should I tell you if you don't accept Christ Jesus. You will died twice.

 

[airclean33]

Hi,

Still not quite getting what you are asking. Are you saying we should be occupied only with the well being of those just like us? How does this relate to the parable of the good Samaritan? Maybe more to the point, how does it relate to the metaphor of sheep and goats at the last judgement?

Airclean--post The good Samaritan was an Israelite a member of the chosen of Abraham. The thing is the Jews hated them. For they had bowed down to other GODS. He is of the lost tribes of Israel. He saved a man that probably word have killed him , or at the least would have spit on him , and The Glory is GODS".

Please remember that simplicity is better than complexity when hoping to share insights about the way of God in the world. Take time to think about what you would like to say. Write it down. Review it and ask how your readers will understand what you have written. Then try to simplify it even a bit more. Do not bother with underlining and bold text. These do not help me understand you. Plain speech from the heart is what I see in Jesus. Will you give it a try?

George

 

[GeoFee]

Hi,

"The good Samaritan was an Israelite a member of the chosen of Abraham. The thing is the Jews hated them. For they had bowed down to other GODS. He is of the lost tribes of Israel. He saved a man that probably word have killed him , or at the least would have spit on him , and The Glory is GODS". airclean

So a Jew was in the ditch at the point of death. Another Jew walked by and did nothing. Then another Jew walked by and did nothing. Guessing they wanted nothing to do with touching a bloody man who might be dead. Would have defiled them and prevented them from service in the house of God.

Samaritan had nothing to worry about. As far as the Jewish folk were concerned the Samaritans were wholly unclean. This is made clear in Ezra and Nehemiah. So what does Jesus want us to understand by telling this story? For me it is explained in the last judgement parable told by Matthew. The Samaritan is a sheep who stopped to graciously give aid. The two Jewish fellas were goats. For them their religious purity was more important than expressing compassion for a "neighbour". To the Samaritan the broken Jew by the wayside was a neighbour. Not so for the two Jewish fellas.

Jesus walked about connecting with a great variety of persons who were unacceptable to the Jewish interpretation of God's will and purpose. He touched lepers. He talked with prostitutes. He did not wash his hands before eating. In fact, from the Jewish point of view in the day, Jesus crossed every boundary and was therefore considered a heretic and a threat to the security of Israel. So they worked with the Roman powers to have him killed. Even though they knew very well that God did not approve of murder.

I will leave it there for now and look forward to reading some plain language from you showing where my error is.

George

 

[airclean33]

Hi George-- I think I may have made it hard for you to understand.
You see George two of his close brothers , went by , with out helping there Brother. So broke GODS law , to treat you Neighbor as you would yourself. This one of the major Laws. The brother who was most hated of all" fore filled it. This is what the Jews were going to do to Him Jesus . Even worse they would stand and watch Him suffer and Die. They even called that His death could" be blamed on them". I know who put Him there . It was me" and all those He saved from there sins. This He told me , in front of the cross. I never want to go there again.

 

[Luce NDs]

--Hi Luce-- The Christian Church last year . Lost over 2500 kill by Muslim followers. How many of them have you prayed for? Have you even thought about them? This includes women and children. |Not killed because they were fighting . But just because they where trying to walk with GOD. Some of these Killers, may even today live here with us . Are you ready? These are those who don't belong to our God. They follow another. Or do you believe as some have said here , we should become one belief . Along with some other beliefs. Will you accept this?

How many people have the Christians sent of to 'eLLe in a sense of over coming passion to divide and conquer? Thus dryads ... an arid aria without input from the whetting of sol ...

If working behind the scene; does one see the downside of the superlative and thus end up less than ground level bottom sides? Thus the gnostic chit commentary as below the grass roots, or sod ...o'my ...

Recall it is just words!

 

[Luce NDs]

Hi George-- I think I may have made it hard for you to understand.
You see George two of his close brothers , went by , with out helping there Brother. So broke GODS law , to treat you Neighbor as you would yourself. This one of the major Laws. The brother who was most hated of all" fore filled it. This is what the Jews were going to do to Him Jesus . Even worse they would stand and watch Him suffer and Die. They even called that His death could" be blamed on them". I know who put Him there . It was me" and all those He saved from there sins. This He told me , in front of the cross. I never want to go there again.

Then are gods laws questionable?

 

[GeoFee]

Hi George-- I think I may have made it hard for you to understand.
You see George two of his close brothers , went by , with out helping there Brother. So broke GODS law , to treat you Neighbor as you would yourself. This one of the major Laws. The brother who was most hated of all" fore filled it. This is what the Jews were going to do to Him Jesus . Even worse they would stand and watch Him suffer and Die. They even called that His death could" be blamed on them". I know who put Him there . It was me" and all those He saved from there sins. This He told me , in front of the cross. I never want to go there again.

Thank for this. In this way we can communicate our difference. The key is not who is right and who is wrong. The key is love by which our differences may remain but our communion is not broken.

I'll leave this for now but I am sure we will continue to converse and grow, each of us in the way we are called to follow.

George

 

[Luce NDs]

I like condemnation of differences ... causes more confusion than the authorities would like to know ... gnostic ally speaking!

 

[GeoFee]

Hi,

I think it was the apostle who said speaking in unknown tongues was a fine thing. Cautioned concerning who is being edified. The speaker or the hearer? Also suggested benefit of interpreter so that what is expressed unknown might be known.

Each to their own in service to the benefit of all.

George

 

[Luce NDs]

Isn't myth and mystery finitessimo to those looking for no ends to the pilgrimage ... through the dark world of word as writ?

There is plenty more signs and icons to examine to see what they meant before explained to us by authorities of the policy of not knowing ... kind of a' gnostic! There lies a sense of sacred wisdom ... in silence that some lyrics expound! They may not like the mus'IQue ... too thought provoking from phi's end ... with a twist of the tongue it can turn into a vise and squeeze out a differing phonetic to the goote guise ... tis just a front and wise men (regarding alien material) are not well accepted (immaterial) when they interfere with desires of the rich and powerful ... but then that's just strange love for archaic word ...

Could cause immergence of the dark lady ... nigh Mrs.? And the cloud spreads ... like a funnel over water or sans ... them without? Does that suggest abstracts exist as a dark art ... obliteration, or occult? There is a painting with God reaching down to the earth with a ^ at the fingertips ... Edwardian Scissor ship? Some vessels were not cut out for storms ...

 

[airclean33]

Then are gods laws questionable?

Airclean--post-- No Luce GODS Laws are the true way to believe as His Sons. Man Kinds , not so much. Some believe though . That even now as they Who accept Christ and have GODS Holy Spirit have been changed to the Sons of God. They are not under Laws given for the flesh . As they now" are part of the Spirit Kingdom. We have become part of GODS Family .

 

[Luce NDs]

Airclean--post-- No Luce GODS Laws are the true way to believe as His Sons. Man Kinds , not so much. Some believe though . That even now as they Who accept Christ and have GODS Holy Spirit have been changed to the Sons of God. They are not under Laws given for the flesh . As they now" are part of the Spirit Kingdom. We have become part of GODS Family .

If one can't question ... like .. "what's that for?" Then we would remain a' gnostic ... or not knowing much ... thus God escapes us as a brute force of hostility, vengeance, etc. then there could possibly be implications ... categorically ...

O' the unnecessary rows over stern, stoic and stuck Christianity on moving stuff ...

 

[revsdd]

I could not let this week pass without some reflection on the horrific incident in Manchester on Monday. So my reflection today revolves around how such acts lead us easily into irrational fear and hatred, and how we might try to overcome that temptation.

My Faith Thoughts: A Thought For The Week Of May 22, 2017

 

[Luce NDs]

Is fear and hatred only emotional ... and thus irrational to begin with compared to rational minds that tend towards a commotion of thought .... that perplexes those that are primarily of the alternate kind?

When settled does the perplex become calmplexed with use of de Lexus? With understanding ... one becomes loving towards the solitude ...

 

[airclean33]

Hi,

I think it was the apostle who said speaking in unknown tongues was a fine thing. Cautioned concerning who is being edified. The speaker or the hearer? Also suggested benefit of interpreter so that what is expressed unknown might be known.

Each to their own in service to the benefit of all.

George

--Hi George --My belief is all those who receive Christ Jesus as Lord , can speak in Tongues. But there is the gift of interpreting them . This is use in a church gathering or even just a group of believers. It is not used to say what a person is saying to GOD. It is used to say, what GOD is saying to His Children.

 

[Luce NDs]

If you receive enlightenment ... don't admit it ... the brute forces despise processors of thought ...

Reactions and responses can indicate whose brute and whose not ...