I'm Impressed....and more than just curious, Ben ...
Submitted by tks .... (takes a deep breath) on May 08 1999 at 00:08:45
In reply to Re: A rock and a hard place... Submitted by Ben on May 07 1999 at 20:58:33
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thanks for that, Ben I must have read more than i should have into your post ;) I'll have to go back and read it another half dozen times hehe I have no doubt that Christianity is "THE WAY" for many, many people The question remains..... Is Christianity, the ONLY way? I really am not interested in starting a debate here.... only that there are millions of people who find their "WAY" ... a different way heh Don't tell F.O.D. but I think that he is well grounded and a good witness to his faith. You also are a powerful influence on anyone who will listen to you with an open mind. Your conviction is awesome for a "convert in training" ( a small joke :) ... about the "in training" reference, that is. I got a mental image picture of you with training wheels... or perhaps, Christians ... sprout little wings??? I hope you find your answer to the "BoyLove" conundrum .... an answer that both your libido and God can agree with ;) I have experienced something similar, as you describe, during my journey through metaphysical occurances. I got to a point where I no longer recognized my old self. It can cause one to seriously doubt what's happening to themselves, due too the dramatic changes which often occur. I have no doubt that some kinds of religous transition has a similar effect. F.O.D. will prolly know the exact scripture about this: "you have to lose your life, in order to gain it" You have to die, in order to live, so to speak. I'd say that you are losing/have lost you old "personal identity" and are feeling you way into a new life, as a newborn might do. This is not as uncommon as some would believe, however it is unsettling, to say the least. It's not something you easily describe to other people. I often wondered about Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus? Here is a man who was literally transformed in a most dramatic fasion. Certainly it was beyond his power to resist this experience. And what a complete change it must have been for him. "What got me there is a wholehearted desire to turn to God and to stop trying to control my own life. I want to turn my life over to God and to do his will (not the churches....his)." An interesting statement, which puts things (GOD) in the proper perspective, i believe. I also find it interesting that you are so influenced by "The Bible" which is the history of the children of Abraham and of course of Adam and Eve. Basically a collection of Books that the early church agreed would represent the Christian faith, and "the word of God". There's a lot that could be hard to swallow, in a literal sense, but still has value in some other sense. I would think that the "Gospels" and the New Testament would be more of the focus for the followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ. "The new person does not feel useless, does not feel lost, is not tortured by loneliness and meaninglessness." Keep talking Ben, it's the witnessing of your experience which will help you to build a foundation for your convictions and I think you need to express what you're experiencing and feeling, as well. That's the idea I'm getting from this. I would take heed of F.O.D.'s words to you. He certainly has a positive way of presenting his slice of life, Christian style. For the Love of God tks |