I agree with you that the big problem with "Westernized" Christianity--and Spirituality in general--is that we put ourselves in the center, with truth orbiting us.
I also agree that this is not a strictly pro-gay theology problem, but it's surely the soil that pro-gay theology sprouted from.
It astounds me how many self-proclaimed Christians don't have a clue what the Gospel of Christ says. Supposedly it's all about "love" and "accepting people" (in other words, accepting everything, no conflict allowed). Yet, the Gospel is based on the premise that we are ALL in conflict with God, and Jesus had to settle it for us.
I'll shut up since it's not my blog.
Anywho, great post!
Randy
· 2 years ago
Oh Mike, roll wid it ... thanks for the encouragement.
Laura Leigh Stanlake
· 2 years ago
Good post. Good call on the "good word" thing regarding the secular expressions of pseudo spirituality. This "good word" cannot transform a life but surely can influence it.
You asked the question at the end about what defines us (me). Potent thought. I heard an old-fashioned message of repentence last night and am surprised at the hidden sin I do allow to remain unchecked in my life. I think it is this hidden compromise that tempts me to soften for the sake of being nice and avoiding conflict. I dunno. It's a new thought. Good question.
Randy
· 2 years ago
Laura Leigh, thank you for your honesty and encouragement. I think we all have to struggle with that question from time to time (if not more.)
Again, I always appreciate you.
Clint
· 2 years ago
Hey Randazzo...
HRC is merely wrapping dead fish in fresh newsprint, and calling anyone who disagrees 'hateful'. But then, Truth is hate to those who hate the truth...
Paul said something about that in his letter to Timothy...about the time coming when some will not endure sound doctrine, but "according to their own desires," because they have itching ears will find teachers that tell them what they want to hear. So sad, really to be your own SELF-fulfilling prophecy.
Appreciate your keen insight, brother.
Stay staunch.
Maureen
· 2 years ago
This is more of what we're seeing with Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, attempting to cast the nets and pull in fish from that fringe area, where the Christians are Christians by default (not Jews or Muslims) and don't have a clue as to what it would mean to genuinely be one. They are the Christians who, as Mike indicated, abhor conflict and will do or say nearly anything to avoid being called judgemental or being perceived as hypocritical. It's a remarkable phenomenon, this self-hatred many Christians have, but they're ripe for picking. Apologies for mixing my metaphors. :)
Randy
· 2 years ago
Thanks Clint. Randazzo? ::: laugh :::
Randy
· 2 years ago
Hi Maureen. Very true and mix all you want ... you know me and metaphors ... we get along.
Dennis Heath
· 2 years ago
Our congregation recently considered the HRC activities and our (Christians) response in light of God's remark about Job. We looked at what it means to "eschew" evil, and concluded that Christians can not just sit as armchair opponents to evil, we must be active -- praying, teaching, testifying, preaching, writing. Enough of the "Silent Majority" of the past! We must stand against evil in our world; otherwise, we are part of the problem.
Randy
· 2 years ago
Dennis, could you explain the context from which you are writing from. Are you in agreement with HRC?... or believe that HRC is "eschewing" evil?
All Comments
I agree with you that the big problem with "Westernized" Christianity--and Spirituality in general--is that we put ourselves in the center, with truth orbiting us.
I also agree that this is not a strictly pro-gay theology problem, but it's surely the soil that pro-gay theology sprouted from.
It astounds me how many self-proclaimed Christians don't have a clue what the Gospel of Christ says. Supposedly it's all about "love" and "accepting people" (in other words, accepting everything, no conflict allowed). Yet, the Gospel is based on the premise that we are ALL in conflict with God, and Jesus had to settle it for us.
I'll shut up since it's not my blog.
Anywho, great post!
You asked the question at the end about what defines us (me). Potent thought. I heard an old-fashioned message of repentence last night and am surprised at the hidden sin I do allow to remain unchecked in my life. I think it is this hidden compromise that tempts me to soften for the sake of being nice and avoiding conflict. I dunno. It's a new thought. Good question.
Again, I always appreciate you.
HRC is merely wrapping dead fish in fresh newsprint, and calling anyone who disagrees 'hateful'. But then, Truth is hate to those who hate the truth...
Paul said something about that in his letter to Timothy...about the time coming when some will not endure sound doctrine, but "according to their own desires," because they have itching ears will find teachers that tell them what they want to hear. So sad, really to be your own SELF-fulfilling prophecy.
Appreciate your keen insight, brother.
Stay staunch.