Blaming God

[sentipente]

I noticed that at least one Trad is accusing God of keeping us waiting. He seems to believe that it is God's fault why the "Second Coming" has not occurred. His has so much confidence in his theological position that the possibility that his interpretation of the prophetic literature may be at fault.

 

[Avonia]

I noticed that at least one Trad is accusing God of keeping us waiting. He seems to believe that it is God's fault why the "Second Coming" has not occurred. His has so much confidence in his theological position that the possibility that his interpretation of the prophetic literature may be at fault.

There are a growing number of people that speak of the second coming as the emergence of the Christ consciousness in the human race.

It's good to have you back, Senti.

 

[sentipente]

There are a growing number of people that speak of the second coming as the emergence of the Christ consciousness in the human race.

It's good to have you back, Senti.

That's all it can be but there are many who hold on to outmoded ideas that are clearly at variance with reality.

Thanks. I know you have always been rooting for me.

 

[StormyOne]

cause some folks are under the mistaken impression that heaven is their final home.... it aint.....and you know how traditional thought runs.... backwards towards superstition rather than progressive towards better understanding...

 

[sentipente]

you know how traditional thought runs.... backwards towards superstition rather than progressive towards better understanding...

I like the way you put this.

 

[Avonia]

cause some folks are under the mistaken impression that heaven is their final home.... it aint.....and you know how traditional thought runs.... backwards towards superstition rather than progressive towards better understanding...

I like the way you put this.

I would imagine so!

 

[JonMiller]

There are a growing number of people that speak of the second coming as the emergence of the Christ consciousness in the human race.

It's good to have you back, Senti.

I am not in favor of this interpretation because it doesn't fit the evidence.

JM

 

[sentipente]

I am not in favor of this interpretation because it doesn't fit the evidence.

JM

And I insist that it is entirely in line with the evidence. Would you like to resolve this in open debate?

 

[Avonia]

I am not in favor of this interpretation because it doesn't fit the evidence.

JM

The Flat Earth Society says a similar thing about the "evidence" of a round earth!

 

[JonMiller]

Two points.

One point, it is definitely not the idea that those from history had in mind (Paul/etc).

Second point, we don't see it happening now, just like we haven't see Christ's return.

While it is an interesting idea, it lacks when compared to the traditional interpretation when fitting historical data and fits current data just as poorly as the traditional interpretation.

JM

 

[JonMiller]

The Flat Earth Society says a similar thing about the "evidence" of a round earth!

You are better then this.

JM

 

[sentipente]

Two points.

One point, it is definitely not the idea that those from history had in mind (Paul/etc).

Second point, we don't see it happening now, just like we haven't see Christ's return.

While it is an interesting idea, it lacks when compared to the traditional interpretation when fitting historical data and fits current data just as poorly as the traditional interpretation.

JM

What are you talking about?

 

[JonMiller]

"the second coming as the emergence of the Christ consciousness in the human race."

JM

 

[sentipente]

Now, explain why you think that this idea does not fit current data. I can't respond to you if you don't present a cogent argument. We need more than conclusory statements.

 

[JonMiller]

The reason you are looking for an alternate explanation is that the traditional interpretation does not fit current data, right? As in, Christ hasn't come yet.

Now, this idea of "the second coming as the emergence of the Christ consciousness in the human race." also has the same problem. Yes, it is a nice and interesting idea, and I see the interpretation as a possibility in scripture. But it has the same problem of there not being any emergence of the Christ consciousness in the human race. It is also lacking evidence for it occuring now. That is what I meant by not fitting the current data (note that I said we are also missing important data in favor of the traditional interpretation).

JM

 

[sentipente]

Wrong analysis. The literal second coming is problematic because it cannot say where He is supposed to be coming from, considering that He already is everywhere. Christ consciousness does not have that problem.

 

[JonMiller]

The literal second coming is that He is coming physically. This doesn't mean that He isn't already here (within us). I Think that you are taking the traditional interpretation too narrowly.

Most importantly, in my mind, the traditional interpretation continues the theme of without saving that which is within. While the Christ consciousness interpretation does not. I admit that this is a very broad theme, and so maybe should not be applied here. But my first intention is to apply it.

JM

 

[RC_NewProtestants]

Wrong analysis. The literal second coming is problematic because it cannot say where He is supposed to be coming from, considering that He already is everywhere. Christ consciousness does not have that problem.

Actually it has just as much problems because "Christ Consciousness" has no real definition. Once someone defines the term it will have the same problems as the idea of a physical return of Christ. That is they will both only be based upon faith. Then the question will be upon what evidence do you believe in one or the other. Clearly those writing the New Testament expected a literal physical return as well as an indwelling before the return. So to assume the one and not the other seems even more problematic.

 

[sentipente]

Actually it has just as much problems because "Christ Consciousness" has no real definition. Once someone defines the term it will have the same problems as the idea of a physical return of Christ. That is they will both only be based upon faith.

This has nothing to do with faith as you describe it. In this context Christ consciousness merely refers to the teachings Christ presented being manifest throughout humanity. There is nothing methaphysical about it. How does this require knowledge of where Jesus is to come from, or are you suggesting that it is impossible for humans ever to reflect the essence of the teachings of Jesus Christ?

 

[sentipente]

Here is a question. How would you define a world in which there is no greed and no crime? Does Christ have to come down through clouds for such a reality to be experienced?