- Sep 15, 2007
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Many parables by Jesus have been and will be hotly contested by Christians because that is the nature of learning and purpose of the parables. However, some instructions from Christ are not mysterious and completely void of ambiguity. Why don't we have a Forum modeled after those instructions? Specifically, these from the Sermon on the Mount:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
The structure of a Forum modeled after the SOM would look like this from my pov:
1. Christians may not Report any Flame or insult stated by a non-Christian.
2. Christians may only respond in love when they are Flamed by non-believers. (No, that does not mean the kind of "love" that says "You freaking heathen Atheist! You will burn in Hell!) It means they cannot flame back, period.
3. Christians cannot flame each other. If they do they would receive Two counseling PM's and on the third strike they would be out for 1-3 weeks.
4. Non-Christians may not be banned from the forum for flaming members or saying mean things about God. Really, who among us is worthy of defending God? Is God not capable of defending God, that we sinners would actually be needed? Moreover, it is illogical and unreasonable to ask non-believers to show respect or honor for something they are not aware of.
In the above instructions from Christ there is a common theme and one I believe many Christians shy away from because it looks too difficult. So my question is, if we do not have the Faith to try and follow Christ's instructions, do we have any Faith at all?
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
The structure of a Forum modeled after the SOM would look like this from my pov:
1. Christians may not Report any Flame or insult stated by a non-Christian.
2. Christians may only respond in love when they are Flamed by non-believers. (No, that does not mean the kind of "love" that says "You freaking heathen Atheist! You will burn in Hell!) It means they cannot flame back, period.
3. Christians cannot flame each other. If they do they would receive Two counseling PM's and on the third strike they would be out for 1-3 weeks.
4. Non-Christians may not be banned from the forum for flaming members or saying mean things about God. Really, who among us is worthy of defending God? Is God not capable of defending God, that we sinners would actually be needed? Moreover, it is illogical and unreasonable to ask non-believers to show respect or honor for something they are not aware of.
In the above instructions from Christ there is a common theme and one I believe many Christians shy away from because it looks too difficult. So my question is, if we do not have the Faith to try and follow Christ's instructions, do we have any Faith at all?
