Kath

Hi Rivanna, "If the world were free of poverty, hunger, and disease, would there be peace and cooperation? does technology have the capacity to change the tribal mindset that leads to conflict and violence? " I think that, yes, technology had the capacity a long time ago. But technology is a tool for evil as well as good, and sadly, evil is in coltrol and had been. However, 'good' just might be the Jedi of Star Wars, and I think it's gaining strength because of the internet. I think it's going to take much effort to free the world of the evil grasp, but once it's done, yes, i believe we an overcome poverty,hunger and disease. But easier said than done. The only way that will happen is if people turn off mainstream media and start researching on the internet. We are headed into a major catastrophic situation which will leave our population struggling to stay alive. Good news is that good guys have that technology as well as bad guys. this is what is encouraging to me. May the force be with you. Kath

Hi Marsha, Yes, I completely agree. I get their email weekly or so and watch their youtubed programs of interest. It's a very subtle, tongue-in-cheek presentation and I love it. If people take him seriously, it only adds fuel to the fire, but seriously, a fire can burn itself out eventually, or we'll all end in the furnace I love Bart Ehrman. A member of the Spong forum who used to be my friend (who actually turned on me, sadly) loaned me some cd's of his lectures and I've listened to him being interviewed on NPR (National Public Radio) and am a total fan. Here's a man who is a scholar professor who taught Theology at Chapel Hill in NC who decided he needed to know more, and crossed over into the realm of "sorry, that's not how I see it" and his credentials speak for themselves. Kath

I just watched an interview with Rob Bell http://www.premier.tv/?gclid=CK-Ul8Dy7qcCFcnc4Aod2yuXaw and I most definitely will read his book. Maybe all of them. I like what he has to say and his approach to teaching about Jesus. He's humble, educated, and seems to me exactly what I like in a minister. BTW, when I said he seems to take the bible literally, I meant that he does in that his interpretation of what Jesus said and the circumstances he said it under still follows what is written in the bible. So, I guess depending upon in what context the written quotes of Jesus are percieved can change the interpretation. That's how I see it anyway I actually am tempted to walk over to blow the dust off my bible as well, (Norm) Kath

Rivanna, Thanks for the suggestion. Many of the members of the old Spong forum have read that book and although I had intended to read it, never got around to it. I think I'll get Love Wins as well. Velvet Elvis sounds intriguing. Kath

Nick, I googled and my interest was certainly tweaked by the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODUvw2McL8g But then, I watched a few other related videos and what I'd like to know is, what the controversy is about this person and what he suggests. He's clearly into the literal interpretation of the bible, but just what is different about his message? Is it....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4p8qxGbpOk or is there some other esoteric connection he's making? Kath

Juansterooni, (Juan, first I want to mention that it was I who dubbed you the Juanster in our Spong forum . I'm sure everyone is thrilled with that bit of trivia) I read through it quickly and am going to print it out. I think whomever wrote it is brilliant and I look forward to reading it. xoKath

Good one, Norm. I also love Lennon's, "Imagine" http://www.keno.org/john_lennon/Imagine.htm and "what if God were one of us" Kath

".... Slavish devotion to the Bible is a bad thing, and a whole host of horrible things are done in the name of Biblical inerrancy and other problematic theological ideals which you will not found defended by the average poster here..." I agree with you and disagree with George W. He maintains that "The Bible does not make people racist, sexist or homophobic..." I believe that the bible does, in fact, influence some people to the point of making them become all of those things because of the powerful influence it has over people. They read the bible and take it literally. The inerrancies take the form of interpretation as well as inaccuracies in translation and possible content. People often let the clergy do the thinking and just listen to the fire and brimstone and think they will be on the path to heaven if they only follow the teachings of the bible. I was once, very briefly, held under the spell. I look back on what I can only be described as having drunk the coolaid and wonder how that could happen. It's a very powerful thing, Christian teachings. If I can call myself a progressive Christian, it would only be because I believe in the concept, if not the reality of a man named Jesus who taught the way I believe people should follow. To me, that is progress, leaving the bible behind and incorporating other cultures similar values toward mankind. Kath

Hi Mick! Seriously? A former RCP in 80th year of life who is amazingly progressive and still searching and open to other thoughts and perspectives? Wow! I admire you already. I think this forum might be a great place to find so many people from different walks of life and perspectives, and I look forward to hearing yours. Kath

coolbeans! I look forward to it.

Hey, Norm~ You're far from the Norm and in a very good way. Seems we will settle in with a forum that works for us, and maybe this might fit the bill. I'm giving it a go. I totally agree with you about the story of Jesus coming to the aid of a woman scorned. That in itself is something that gets my attention as well. Whether or not the bible is valid as far as the word of God, that situation, for example shows us that not much changes in life, whether or not 'religion' expresses it for it's own purposes. What the biblical writings are for me are basically a confirmation that (as I said) nothing changes in human life. Situations remain the same and people have developed religions in order to give them some order and confirmation in that process. Those bigots are nothing in themselves. They're just lost people who are clueless and rather stupid and we have to look at them as people with road rage. Forgive them for they know not. Period. :-) I look forward to interaction with people like you on this forum. I will miss our old forum, but I think this could be a good advancement, actually. Kath

Norm, I'm so glad I checked back on the forum tonite. You express my thoughts exactly about the Jesus I wish to acknowledge and appreciate. If he didn't exist, I find that difficult to believe and choose not to. I think he was a radical, a lover, a sympathetic man, a mover and shaker. We need someone like him today because the other side is making too much progress and what Jesus hoped to accomplish has been lost on the new 'Christians' of today. I firmly believe that there will be a transformational evolution. (might be on another planet, but what the hey) Kath

Thanks, Nick.... I'll give it another look-see! I really like him. Kath

yeah! ...... US!!! We'll figure it out, not to worry! Or else we'll find another forum, but let's try to work with this one for a while and see where it goes.....? Kath