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eviltroll99

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About eviltroll99

  • Birthday 11/03/1975

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    eviltroll99

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    Baltimore, MD USA
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    Authors Rev. John Shelby Spong, Karen Armstrong, Don Cupitt

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  1. Article to consider when thinking about the link between charity and proselytization... sometimes this is what people are seeking! http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.c...local-headlines
  2. A side subject cropped up in the "'faith-based' Programs In Trouble.." thread which I hoped could be explored further by starting again as it's own thread: Transcendentalist posted that "IMO, people shouldn't feel pressured [to believe something] in order to receive a bag full of groceries or a winter jacket." Hopefully my editting (in brackets) reproduces the spirit of that statement accurately. I suppose that I disagree, to a certain extent. Even as a progressive or liberal Christian, we should try to spread the Good News. What is immoral or evil about ministering to the needy while helping them with material needs? Some thoughts: "Man does not live by bread alone," or conversely, "With bread alone do we die." Acts without faith is as "dead" as faith without acts. Please chime in with your thoughts (in a friendly and respectful manner, of course ). John
  3. Why not? IMO, hungry people should not have to sell their soul (or buy someone elses ) in order to get some food for their children. They shouldn't have to take a religious pledge in order to get some warm clothing. They shouldn't have to read a book in order to have a place to sleep. They shouldn't have to......... .....because the charity should put aside their own agenda and provide a service. A Church or agency should help aleviate suffering because thats what people need. They don't need a lecture or a sales job. Especially if their religious tenets state anything like the Christian Gospel. That's my three cents. Eric I hope you don't mind if I start a new thread to consider the topic of charity and proselytization a little further. It's slightly off-topic from the main topic, but something I would like to hear more thoughts about. John
  4. Recently saw "bowling for columbine," which i recommend as required viewing for political liberals and anyone calling themselves a Christian. It definitely changed my view on some things and reinforced others, particularly on the subject of "universal health care." Anyway, a large part of this documentary discusses fear, in much the same context as Lisa's last post mentions. The theory is brought up that politicians encourage the public to live in a state of fear about various issues so that these politicians may push their agendas (and that the media is a medium which "sells" fear to make money). Please note, I said "politicians" and not " only right-wing politicians" employ this tactic. The following link can be followed to learn more about the movie, but links to the "library" to a source for the Film, a book called "Culture of Fear." I didn't used to be so skeptical and paranoid about our political system in the United States, but now... http://www.bowlingforcolumbine.com/library.../fear/index.php
  5. 1) Do you consider yourself to be a progressive Christian? Why or why not? For lack of a better label, I do. It wasn't until I read Spong's "Why Christianity must Change or Die" that I began to reconcile the huge gaps between my spiritual beliefs and my intellectual beliefs. I have read more of his works, since, and also "A history of God" by Karen Armstrong and "After God" by Don Cupitt. Basically, I believe in Jesus' good news of forgiveness and love and it's power to transform us internally and the world externally. I don't believe in: miracles, inerrancy of scripture, a theistic God that intercedes in this world, life-after-death, heaven and hell, Jesus as something other than human, or hate for people of any race, sexual orientation, belief, shape, etc. I do not profess to have the answers, but I promise to keep trying. I hope always to have an open and informed mind by which I may reform and refine my perspective. 2) Where do you live? If you're under 18, please don't be any more specific than your city and do NOT give us your school or your last name. Its not safe Baltimore, MD 3) What do you do for a living? What do you do outside of your wage-earning job? I am a mechanical engineer, working with optical systems and doing mostly NASA work. 4) How did you find out about these boards? Internet searches 5) What are you looking for as you post here? Mainly, I am looking for a community of like-minded and educated individuals (or at least open-minded individuals) with whom I can take part in relevant and stimulating discussions. I have few people within my church or that I know who believe as I do. 6) What on Earth do you think this icon means? Ninja!
  6. I have to say I am a believer in the lectionary theory, as it answers a lot of questions on why certain stories are in certain portions of the gospels. And it makes sense that what was written was first practiced and spoken by early Christians in their synagogues. Spong's premise of "midrashic retelling" of stories may not sit too well with some, but it's the same way we tell stories today. Look at how books were remade into radio dramas, radio dramas into movies, and those movies into "remake" movies. Somebody goes back and finds a story with certain themes and lessons, that speak to their times or their problems, and retells it in a way that speaks to their audience. How many made for TV movies are factual? Their made for TV "based on actual events." Well, this is a limited example, but maybe you see something in it.
  7. I don't really believe in reincarnation as it just doesn't make sense to me... how does my consciousness get inside somebody elses body? ZIP drive? Tape backup? Transporter? Dreams and imagination are POWERFUL things and we've all suffered from a case of deja vu before.. Personally, I suggest considering the principle of "Occum's Razor": "If there are several possible explanations for some observation, and no significant evidence to judge the validity of those hypotheses, you should always use the simplest explanation possible. Occum's razor is also known as the principle of parsimony – one should make no more assumptions or assume no more causes than are absolutely necessary to explain one's observations." Besides, to me it's really more about how well you live the life you have right now. Live after the example of Christ and spread God's love. Period. The rest will take care of itself. John
  8. I suppose I may be a "progressive" christian though titling myself as such hasn't before occurred to me. It was after many years of irreconcilable differences between my faith and my knowledge that I was introduced to the books of Bishop John Shelby Spong, allowing me at last to find beliefs that made sense to me. I post now not to delve more into my beliefs, let's just categorize my progressive tendancies toward Spong's side (but my faith is in Christ). I am leading an Adult Sunday School (Bible study, really) of the book of Matthew within a Methodist church that is very much not progressive, but that is best called a small, older, "country" church. I am very excited about this, as I have some inquisitive members in the class and also because I decided to teach my faith. I do not know what 'coming out of the closet' is like for homosexuals, but I suppose I have my own belief-closet from which to emerge. Initialy reactions have been good: I have to say I was surprised at how well received the "theory of lectionary gospel formation" was received by the class and even the pastor of my church. I'd like to hear from others of you that are teaching your progessive faith. Are you afraid to? Are you able to? Should you be expected to "keep quiet" about it? If you are teaching, what are some of your experiences? Have you been successful in shaking people out of their theistic and literal interpretations? John Baltimore, MD
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