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he is a "recovering evangelical". His parents were pretty strong conservative evangelicals and he feels damaged by that. Also, many years ago he lost a son to cancer. That was a curve ball he could not accept. So he turned his life towards bringing as much kindness and goodness into the world as he could.
As I said, he comes from an evangelical upbringing. He has heard of Jesus and the Gospel. For him it was mostly judgment and condemnation, I guess. I consider it an honor and a privilege to officiate a celebration of his life. What I am doing is listening to his him, hearing what has been important to him, what has given his life meaning and purpose, meaningful relationships.
I don’t understand what you want to stop.It amazes me as to just how long folks here can remain ignorant of the stop signs. This is not a forum for debate. WAKE UP!
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Statement of Purpose for Struggles by Non-Christians: The Struggles by Non-Christians is a forum where non-Christian members (see list under non-Christians at the bottom of this link) may share struggles of a personal nature, of understanding about God, requests for prayer, and similar topics...www.christianforums.com
You seem keen on telling us what you think he personally needs. I'm explaining what I think is not appropriate in a situation like this.
I am actually edified by him. His life has been very pragmatic with kindness compassion, thoughtfulness, interest, love virtues. It seemed to me a foundational faith in the goodness of creation and life itself. And though there is darkness and disturbed people, our role in bringing light and peace is all the more important.
That is a strange thing to say, unless the atheist is in the room. I don’t believe that Mary can answer prayers herself. However, if my Catholic friends want to pray to Mary for me, I don’t see how it should make me unhappy. They mean it as a kindness.
To proclaim that you believe in God and the salvation offered by Christ is not a small thing, if you really think about what you are proclaiming. Some people might treat it as a little higher than ordering a pizza, but if you really understand what it means, it is no small matter. Hesitation is understandable. I thought a long time about what the “I do” meant at my wedding, and I nearly fainted doing it. (It was a good choice.)
Those are conversation openers. An unbeliever or ex believer has often built up a stubborn ego against God and yet has some deep private doubts and fears that he may actually be wrong-headed. Maybe however he has a latent seed of faith which needs to be watered.
Peter needed to be reinstated. Jesus did it in a loving manner.
Nope.
Your comment I believe is based on your OSAS beliefs. I hold no such beliefs… Timothy states… if we disown Him, He will disown us.
I wouldn't describe him that way, "cold" "callous heart". Just the opposite. I think his world view has widened beyond the narrow Biblically defined God he was brought up believing in and wounded by. In spite of that he has managed to grow into a kind, compassionate and caring person. I do not feel a need to project my theology and beliefs on to him. It is enough to journey with him, be present to him, mediate Christ's presence and love as best I can. I am aware some may see that as a failure on my part, not explicit enough with Bible verses and "You need to come to Jesus".
