Yes but we don't have Jesus now to physically set the example as He once did for the people, but we are surrounded daily by the evil ways of man driven by the power of self interest be it globally or in ourselves. This in itself should be enough for us to stop and realise the backwardness of our ways and flip a switch. It need not be from rational thinking but an inside feeling something is wrong with this picture, Evil is self defeating.We must renew the way we think, and this will renew the way we act and behave.
The relationship between heart, nous, and spirit in the Bible is rather complicated (and confusing):The change that takes place in our heart begins with the control center—the mind. Your heart must be informed by the mind, and the mind by the Spirit. Sometimes "spirit" and "mind" are interchangeable in scripture, and that is by no coincidence.
Let the story of Jesus' atonement be an illustration of one's renunciation of doership, thus attaining freedom from all karma.
When Christ taught us renunciation, His words were echoing Krishna.
IMO, this thread has unsurprisingly turned into a representation of the tension between dogmatism and experience. The Bible say x vs. There is a perennial experience that seems to transcend the dogmatic claims of any particular faith. I don't think these two have to be in tension, but the dogmatist will always be limited by their dogma. And, as soon as dogmatism enters the discussion, it turns from dialogue to debate. I don't find any of that surprising.
Dogmatism can only assert truth claims; it cannot prove anything. Those who have experience, as ineffable as it is, can say, "You don't have to believe what I say. Seek as I have done, and find out for yourself." There is an empirical element to mysticism in so far as most anyone can take up a practice and experience it for themselves. There's no need for debate. Dogmatism can only assert and argue.
When trafficking in the non-Biblical realm of the spiritual, are we not to be cautious regarding the operation of the spirits there?
Possibly but one history precludes the other so it becomes a matter of choice in which history to follow. But it should ultimately end with the Kingdom regardless. His will be done. We are but bots in the great computer, even if many are viruses.And the great deceiver, about whom is the doctrine of sin, predates karma.
I'm not; I trust God.
Would that not be presumption, since we are told how to protect ourselves. . .test the spirits (1 Jn 4:1)?
Presumption is ignoring God's warnings, thinking he will protect us in spite of our disobedience to them.
Do you encounter spirits there?
Maypole?I'm not going around the maypole with you, Clare. I've said enough.
If the experience confirmed the Bible, how was it contrary to the Bible?
What kind of spirits? And what kind of operation?When trafficking in the non-Biblical realm of the spiritual, are we not to be cautious regarding the operation of the spirits there?
I think you are right. Traditional popular Buddhism functions like popular Christianity. But contemporary trendy Buddhists are more atheistic about it. I think the core of Buddhism is indeed apophatic, so much so that nothing can be said about the true nature of reality (Zen), it must be experienced for one's self. And that brings us bac to the OP. One must have an experience to support any set of dogmas or beliefs or they will not endure.Buddhism is often called an atheistic religion. This is an oxymoron. It seems to me that the Buddha adhered to what Christians may call "apophatic theology," and Hindus may call "nirguna brahman."
In popular religion in every Asian country, the gods support Buddhism and provide for the worldly needs of the people for health, wealth and spiritual protection. The native Japanese gods were seen as manifestations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to protect Japan even before Buddhism officially arrived. In Japan virtually all temples had a shrine, dedicated to a tutelary native god or Indian deity, to protect the sacred area.
So, even though Buddhism generally avoids ascribing attributes to God, oriental Buddhists believe in many incarnations of God. But western Buddhists may be atheistic.
No. Unrelated but similar. You get what you sow.Karma sounds like a corruption of the doctrine of sin, as we find many corruptions of Biblical doctrine in Satan's religions; e.g, re-incarnation, etc.
Reminded me of this one.The native Japanese gods were seen as manifestations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to protect Japan even before Buddhism officially arrived.
Quite possibly but many church going people are there looking to have their everyday lives justified. Interest in God to them is better served by showing them God's will for a decent life rather than experiencing Him. But the Scripture is clear in saying we are to continually seek God, even when we think we have found Him, so it remains a series of stages in life and some settle down early.One must have an experience to support any set of dogmas or beliefs or they will not endure.
You yourself stated that there should be caution, but you haven't explained what it is that we should be cautious about.You want me to explain what is reported as unexplainable?
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