My personal view/ guess has been Jesus during his years was, and today still is, the representative of unconventional thinking, free/ questioning mind, scientific approach, logical debating, spirit-based believing instead of books-based, reasons-based teaching/ faith instead of rules-based, criticising religions/ hypocrites, demolishing classes, helping/ strengthening the poors (in many different aspects - physical/ mental/ religious/ spiritual/ etc.), ... His way and teaching challenged in his age and challenges today the religious and political leaders and authorities. That was one of the causes costing His life which cultivates a new way and leads us to a new life. That might be challenges and contrary to some questionable claims by certain christians, in the past and also nowadays, who tell about christians cannot do this, and must do that, according to their conservative views/ interpretations based on books.
jesus may have been those things you mentioned but the bible isnt. who would have a problem if christians actually followed jesus advice: Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " `Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and `love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." "
Religion is a crutch. It's used to keep the masses in check and to give them hope. I have a friend who's religious, I am 100% non religious. We were discussing the topic. To keep the story short, I was told that I was going to hell because I did not believe. Well, after I heard that, I seriously doubted my friendship with that person. How can one argue with such logic. You can't. Godspeed and Good trading. ozzy
To all those "deeply religious", who "know the character of God" and "see Him everywhere", why are my 'dumb and ignorant' questions not answered? Especially to KinSon, Traderfox and Enfinity:
Just 2 cents (from a seeker): We humans have limitations but we don't know what would be the maximum/ best we can do within our limitations because we may never reach our limitations yet. Based on our limitations, and based on our currenct understanding and interactions among humans and against the natures/ universe, a system of belief we construct is God which/ who is a human construct, described by some human characters and personality characteristics we seek that is good/ positive/ constructive to human beings in general.
Hello, It appearts that you are making the assumption here, that this is a literal statement applicable to all Christians. It's apparent that this was directed to the individual here. Why not include the remainder of the text so that the entire context can be seen, instead of just what you chose to use to make your point? This is one of the primary problems when text is used out of context to attempt to validate a point. Should myself or anyone else choose to follow this command literally, one could only fulfill it in part present day. I could keep the commandments, and sell all my possessions. I could not become one of Christs original followers though could I, as this young man had the opportunity to do? Texts like sentences, and paragraphs in other literature, have past, present and future implications in some instances. They have a local and literal meaning, and a spiritual and worldwide meaning at times. Do you read parables, and believe that they are literal? Certainly not I would believe. The problem with these types of examples that are used by the masses, whether studied or not studied in the biblical sense, having spiritual discernment or a lack thereof, serves only to confuse instead of enlighten. The bible does and will interpret itself, should we allow it to do so. I find a great similiarity between the bible and the markets. When one is willing to remove their biases, rid themselves of ego, and just look at what is, knowledge and understanding will increase. Then we must apply it, to make it effective. Good Day! Kelly
Well kelly, this is the only place in the bible where jesus was asked a specific question about what it takes to enter heaven. jesus did not say "i give you this advice but you can interpret it as you see fit". he also did not say "just believe in me" or "just have faith" as paul later changed the message to say. it is clear he meant to do the hard work of helping those in need. most christians resist this message today because it means hard work. christians today like to go to some fancy new church building and hear some preacher say you will be fine if you do gods work(give money to the church)and just believe. then they can throw a couple of bucks in the offering plate and be home in time to watch the football game sunday afternoon.
I would think we, whether going to church or not, whether pronouncing believing Jesus or not, all know what Jesus really thinks and cares about who/ what is a true christian. imo, historically when printing was so expensive and rare, a/the bible of most mainline (whatever) religions served and serves the main media for the purpose of building up humans' system of believing in God. However, in our electronic age, today's bible for God's words could be in many different forms including many messages we receive from a book of science/ history/ arts/ theology/ logic/ humanity/ etc., from a movie in cinemas, from a documentary on tv, from a journal report or reader feedback on newspapers, from a sermon/ post in churches/ forums, etc. that were not available in the old age.