What is currently on your mind?

[Chesterton]

Oh I’m okay but I’m disgusted by what a lot of people say and do anymore. I know that sounds awful and I feel bad for saying it but it seems with the latest current events, I’ve seen glimpses of people’s character that is very ugly. The thing that keeps playing in my mind is when Jesus said people’s hearts will grow cold. I don’t know how much colder we can get.

It's okay to be disgusted by those lawless minions of Satan, we all are, just don't let it get you down.

 

[Robban]

Do you / have you read the New Testament?

Yes, I have, though not to critisize.

But to find something to relate to, example, Acts 17:21.

What would be the point of spending time on a Christian forum.

Abraham was never argumentive, should we not follow his example.

 

[Paidiske]

Engaging with people who think very differently than me is one of the things I value about this forum. Although I often wonder whether our non-Christian friends find it an inhospitable environment.

 

[timothyu]

Engaging with people who think very differently than me is one of the things I value about this forum. Although I often wonder whether our non-Christian friends find it an inhospitable environment.

I saw something recently, although I can't remember what, that showed an evil force as a bible packing entity, and it struck me that this whole hellfire and damnation thing is obviously the concept many have of the Christian religion. It certainly held true in the past where supposed truth was beaten into people, this before the prosperity concept of the USA took over. Then it occurred to me they are probably right. The Christian religion became a human driven force, not of righteousness, but power and enforcement. These were not followers of Jesus but of a powerful institution. This in my mind is not what Jesus portrayed but a good example of how mankind ruins everything it touches by applying its own characteristics to anything, making even God's will over in their own image. It's no wonder people see Christians as intolerant and forceful. Time to get back to the roots of putting God's will ahead of our own, thus loving all as self and acting in servitude to both God and all in need.

 

[Niels]

I saw something recently, although I can't remember what, that showed an evil force as a bible packing entity, and it struck me that this whole hellfire and damnation thing is obviously the concept many have of the Christian religion. It certainly held true in the past where supposed truth was beaten into people, this before the prosperity concept of the USA took over. Then it occurred to me they are probably right. The Christian religion became a human driven force, not of righteousness, but power and enforcement. These were not followers of Jesus but of a powerful institution. This in my mind is not what Jesus portrayed but a good example of how mankind ruins everything it touches by applying its own characteristics to anything, making even God's will over in their own image. It's no wonder people see Christians as intolerant and forceful. Time to get back to the roots of putting God's will ahead of our own, thus loving all as self and acting in servitude to both God and all in need.

I think red letter Christians have the right idea. We should pay attention to the red text. What Jesus said. Believing isn't simply a matter of being convinced that the resurrection is true. One who believes puts his teachings into practice, or at least make an effort. When we do, it will show. Maybe not in the way that many self-identified Christians claim, but Jesus said by their fruits you will know them. These are the fruits of the Spirit that Paul later expounded on. Unfortunately, it's easier to be hateful and rude to others than it is to get one's own life in order.

The kicker is that the rude and hateful types fall back on the idea that Jesus said the world first hated him. As if that's God license for us to be colossal jerks. No. Jesus was hated because he ate with sinners, forgave sins, challenged the Pharisees, claimed to be the truth, the way, and the life, and referred to himself as "I am". That's why they crucified him.

So yes, I agree. The word "Christian" sometimes carries baggage of hatred and cruelty depending on who we're talking to. Baggage that being a student of Jesus doesn't carry. Jesus is a servant leader who sets captives free. He isn't a despot.

 

[MehGuy]

Headache today. General feel like garbage.

Hope it passes soon.

 

[Michie]

Headache today. General feel like garbage.

Hope it passes soon.

Hope you are feeling better very soon.

 

[timothyu]

General feel like garbage.

Are you recyclable?
Perk up soon.

 

[Chesterton]

It's strange how in this age of super-smart AI, this still happens. I've gone to several different search engines to ask about apples (and it works with any food). I start typing "are apples..." and the auto-fill helps me out with several suggestions, always including "are apples healthy". No engine ever says "are apples nutritious" which is the legitimate question. Asking if apples are healthy makes little sense. It'd be like asking "are dogs healthy"? Well, some dogs are, some dogs aren't. Stupid AI.

Anyway, I think I'm getting more mentally healthy. This is my mildest rant ever.