Re: Laws vs. Principles
Submitted by John Guard on March 17 1999 at 10:39:55
In reply to Laws vs. Principles Submitted by Ben on March 17 1999 at 07:27:30
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Glad to help...and trust me, you and everyone here has helped me a lot too. For years, I have been torn between the unreasonable dictates and expectations of "conservative" Christians (or otherwise) and that of ultra-self-absorbed pedophiles who think and feel that sex is their god. Its wonderful to be amongst breathen, I tell you. We need to make a distinction between the Christian religion and the Christian faith. The former, which a lot of conservatives and so-called Christians belong to are no different from any other religion. They stress the external, the do thats and dont do thats. They want to overcome the world through their "righteousness". God's Love is very much conditional for them...whether they preach/practice this consciously or unconsciously. It is most ironic that in the end, these kind of people will find themselves rejected by GOD. The Christian faith, which only a very few people truly possess is a living, dynamic relationship between them and GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT by the work of the LORD JESUS. It is a relationship that is loving, holy, humble, understanding, edifying and honest. Read the New Testament and you will see that history ALWAYS repeats itself. The spirit of the pharises live on in the lives of a lot of so-called Christians...The Christian church then were ridiculed by the unrighteous and persecuted by the self-righteous. The same applies today. If you study the lives of the Apostles and the believers during the time, you will realize that they NEVER NEVER were social activists who pressed society to conform to their standards. Rather, they were people who, through love, humility and the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, were steadfast in their love for GOD and others. If they have a focus, its not to get rid of the world's evils, but to fill it with light. Its hard to explain..but I guess this illustration, as imperfect as it is, will work: a lot of so-called Christian conservatives condemn abortion. I dont approve of abortion, mind you...but several things need to be considered. First, the Christian community has an obligation for its own members, not of those of unbelievers. You never see Paul or Peter holding a rally against Roman injustice now, did you? Second, if these so-called Christians showed real love, understanding and support for their children, less children or people would need or want to have abortion. Beforehand, girls or women who have had ...unwanted pregnancies were deemed as harlots by their "righteous" family...As you said, a lot of people are turned off by the self-righteousness of others. Lastly, the message of the gospel SHOULD NEVER be politicized or even "socialized". You never saw the apostles or disciples campaigning for social revolution or change. They campaigned only of one thing: the message that GOD loves the world so much that HE gave HIS only SON to die for it. Most people didnt believe them, even persecuted them. Did they fight back? Nope Did they advocate for equality or justice? Nope Did they strive to change the government for their advantage? Nope They were a community being transformed by GOD from within. They were a community that was integrating different cultures, practices and people into the same spirit of LOVE and HOLINESS. They were a people chosen that were called forth to be GOD's elect. They were individuals who were chosen to follow in the footsteps of their master...who would rather be crucified than be crowned king(worldly speaking). Sigh..sorry if I am whining like this...but I have worked with the so-called church for a decade now and have uncovered so much ...dirt and hyprocisy in it (and in myself) that it..hurts badly. The unrighteous: I dont care about GOD The self-righteous: God cares ONLY about me and only those who think the way I do, act the way I do, speak the way I do. The righteous: Even though I don't deserve it, GOD loves me unconditionally and HE wants me to share HIS love to others. In Christ, John Guard |