Christian to Humanist

[Michael Chui]

I read this interesting article; I'll quote the same excerpt that I first read, too:

I would describe my own embrace of science and secular humanism as being motivated by a form of faith that is deeper than Christian faith. I believe that if Jesus lived today, he would be a secular humanist and would reject Christianity, just as he "rejected" Judaism and inspired Christianity. Christianity was once the vehicle for the boldest and most honest thinking about reality, the brotherhood of man, and the human condition. I think in light of the advances in science and our exposure to other religious traditions, it is time again to humanize further our understanding of "God" (or the source of all truth, goodness, and beauty) and come to a more universal understanding of religion.

The Daily Dish: A Humanist Jesus

It's a very interesting take on the subject. I don't think I would agree with him, but I know at least one person on here seems to have a similar perspective.

[Angela]

It's great to read such a thoughtful letter; thanks for linking to that. Have you followed the debate that Andrew Sullivan and Sam Harris have been e-having? It's posted on Richard Dawkins' site as well as the Daily Dish and, presumably, Harris's site. I have really enjoyed hearing Sullivan speak on Bill Maher's HBO show -- Sullivan is extremely well-spoken and entertaining. His argument letters to Harris I don't find as sharp, though; he's just not as good a debater as Harris. Enjoyable blog.

Thanks again for the link.

[Small]

Here he talks about a faith that is deeper than christian faith. I dont know what he meant, but I think that in some way he is right. Because to have faith in fallible man is more difficult for me that trusting Jesus Christ.

Jesus humanist?
He says that because he sees Jesus as a simple man. Would a humanist rise from the dead?

What does mean humanize our understanding of God?
Do you beleive that God exists?

God exists, and we can understand him trough the Bible and his son Jesus Christ.

[ionsteed]

Interesting article, indeed. An important and modern perspective on religion.

(If nothing really can be certain - not even what is of immense probability - why state anything as "certain" then?)

[Michael Chui]

Small, let's assume Sullivan was right.

Originally Posted by Small

Because to have faith in fallible man is more difficult for me that trusting Jesus Christ.

There would be no difference between these.

Originally Posted by Small

He says that because he sees Jesus as a simple man. Would a humanist rise from the dead?

The answer to this would be "yes", assuming Jesus rose from the dead.

Originally Posted by ionsteed

If nothing really can be certain - not even what is of immense probability - why state anything as "certain" then?

Feels better. Remember, we as humans are scared by default. It's always preferable to be "certain" of something, even if it's not certain. One of my professors, teaching about how to speak to bigwigs at big companies, told the class that it's better to sound certain, if wrong, than to say you're not sure. Why? Because it sounds good.

I don't agree with him, but he's not wrong.

[natopoto11]

Just some food for thought:

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
Matthew 5:17

These are the words of Jesus himself. He did not come to reject Judaism, but rather, he came to restore it. The Jewish people deviated from their original beliefs and it was Jesus who came to restore them.

In a similar way, I believe that Christianity has deviated from its original beliefs. If Jesus came back today, It is my believe that he would not reject the beliefs but restore them once again.

Once a person leaves, his image is placed in the hands of the living. This image becomes stretched over time. The message becomes distorted. Didn't we all learn this lesson playing telephone in elementary school?

[maverickstruth]

Yeah, the part you quoted strikes me the most, too. Especially this bit...

I think in light of the advances in science and our exposure to other religious traditions, it is time again to humanize further our understanding of "God" (or the source of all truth, goodness, and beauty) and come to a more universal understanding of religion.

But then again, I'd settle for people having any understanding of religion, rather than just either ignoring those who have different beliefs, or saying that their beliefs are wrong, or jumping at every media blitz which is the "next big thing to take down X religion".

Ahem... *steps off soapbox*

Sorry, been a long day with all this "Jesus Family Tomb" stuff going on.

Back on topic, yeah. Liked that quote. Not necessarily 100% in agreement, but it's well said.

[sourceofmiracles]

Originally Posted by Small

Here he talks about a faith that is deeper than christian faith. I dont know what he meant, but I think that in some way he is right. Because to have faith in fallible man is more difficult for me that trusting Jesus Christ.

Jesus humanist?
He says that because he sees Jesus as a simple man. Would a humanist rise from the dead?

What does mean humanize our understanding of God?
Do you beleive that God exists?

God exists, and we can understand him trough the Bible and his son Jesus Christ.

Many christians get extremily upset about Jesus being a simple man. But for me personally, if you believe that God manifested HIS self via Jesus Christ, how much more powerful is his sacrafice on that cross if he came FULLY as a man. With all of our pain, all of our temptation and all of our weakness. How much stronger was he when beared that cross?

more importantly, if he came any other way, such as fully divine, How could we follow his lead?

For me his greatest miralce was that he showed how beautiful, loving, selfless a human can be.

[Mark Lapierre]

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

Feels better. Remember, we as humans are scared by default. It's always preferable to be "certain" of something, even if it's not certain. One of my professors, teaching about how to speak to bigwigs at big companies, told the class that it's better to sound certain, if wrong, than to say you're not sure. Why? Because it sounds good.

That reminds me of a story about the way Richard Feynman's dad taught him things. His dad was often wrong about the details of things that he taught Richard, but he sounded certain, and Richard got the message that there was more to the thing than a label, or a few specific details. And Feynman also learnt to not accept something stated as true without checking it out for himself.

Originally Posted by maverickstruth

But then again, I'd settle for people having any understanding of religion, rather than just either ignoring those who have different beliefs, or saying that their beliefs are wrong, or jumping at every media blitz which is the "next big thing to take down X religion".

I think AndyMartin would agree with you