Quote:
Originally Posted by Ree  I'm not sure I understand what you mean here. Do you mean that, supposing there IS a hell and a soul ends up there, it's that soul's desire? |
For me at least, I *do* think it’s that soul’s desire. I think the afterlife (heaven or hell) is the eternal manifestation of what truly rests within our deepest thoughts and desires.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ree I sure never felt that I had all the knowledge I needed while I was practicing Christianity. My opinion is the opposite, that it's a close-minded, narrow view of life and death and being. It refuses to explore or question. I've never been the kind of person to blindly follow a practice or to accept another's beliefs without question. Does that mean according to Christianity I'm going to hell?? |
I don’t even *know* if I’m going to heaven, and I attempt to be a Christian. I do sincerely believe, however, that heaven will be my eternity, because it is my heart’s desire to do what is good and thus what is Godly, and vice versa. I think I said in another thread that it has always amazed me how the word ‘good’ is just the word ‘God’ with an extra ‘o’. Only God has the ability to judge, because only He knows the unique path that each person has walked—the opportunities, the disadvantages, and everything in between.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ree And I also have to say here that I don't see a very clear path between good and evil. For example, what do you have to say about the recent controversy surrounding the ordination of a gay Bishop by the Episcopal Church in the USA? |
I personally don’t think this is good and thus Godly, since the bible does oppose homosexuality, but I am in *no way* suggesting that all homosexuals are going to hell just as I am in no way suggesting any one else is going to hell. Only God knows the reasons why a person is the way he or she is (I know I've said this again and again, but it's true).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ree It was explained to me that the advent of fundamental religion in early years in this country (non-liturgical churches) where the preachers read a verse, any verse, from the Bible and then preach a sermon, frequently yelling and pounding the pulpit, came about because of widespread illiteracy which prevented congregants from participating in the responsive readings, etc. of liturgical churches. |
When televangelists start “yelling and pounding the pulpit”, I change the channel. A haughty preaching style is completely out of line with Godly humility.
God bless to all.