romansh

Does not art (at least good art) express a profound psychological truth? I'm not referring to Dan Brown's latest thriller.

And what is myth, but an art?

I have to admit I have done very little research on this topic for a few reasons, but my take on this subject is Jesus was real, but Christ the myth has built up around him. Now that may have sounded derogatory, it certainly was not meant that way. Because in some sense myth should be held in higher esteem than history. I'm not sure I have explained myself well, but I'm happy to elaborate if required.

Paul I got stuck on the second page - none of the answers fit me. So I suppose I'm not going to get reincarnated. I understand this is supposed to be a bit of fun but it does propagate a particular aspect of Buddhism and it reminded me of an essay by Stephen Batchelor, where he says: from

Two books of this ilk I can recommend The Case for God by Karen Arnstrong and she has a nice TED talk aswell and The Jesus Sayings by Rex Weyler I enjoyed both books, though I did not agree completely with Armstrong

Hi from a kindred spirit (agnostic in this incarnation)

Joseph kindly asked that I introduce myself. So here goes. Hi I am what can be considered an agnostic, and I suppose by some definitions an atheist. But that is a semantic battle I have little interest at the moment. I am a moderator and administrator of a little known agnostic forum. It's motto is A forum for people of all persuasions. So if anyone is interested to see the dark side - they are more than welcome, I have been thinking about Spong's works and wanted to find out more and his website pointed me here. I don't know for how long I will stay as our little agnostic forum can be a black hole for time. Anyway I posted a link to a Spong video and I got the expected reponse from our resident fundamental Christian - that Spong is not a Christian. If any one would like a peek, here is the thread. Anyway I will trawl though Spong forum to get alternative points of view. My apologies if I have broken some cardinal sin in linking to another site. My influences in life - the universe (I tend to be monistic in outlook). But from a pluralistic point of view my wife, my late son James, my family and a pretty good science education (despite the material the pedagogues had to work with) have been huge influences on me. Two authors that have shaped me Douglas Adams and Joseph Campbell. I have never been terribly Christian, my peak would have been when I was confirmed as a skeptical 17 year old (Lutheran). I could never get the hang of the literal bits one requires to be a traditional Christian. Enough about me. Have fun rom

I think we need to take a slightly longer term view and maybe a broader perspective and I accept particular minorities may at times experience a reversal in acceptance. But the overall trend is for the better.

Meister Eckhart wrote: If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. Of course he might have been wrong. rom

Hi Rob Speaking as a devout agnostic, I don't quite see it the same way as you. I like Joseph Cambell's interpretation of the Garden of Eden Story - Adam and Eve got kicked out of the Garden of Eden for gaining a knowledge of good and evil. So to get back into the Garden of Eden (metaphorically speaking) we have to give up thinking in dualities: ie no more Jesus/Judas, God/Satan. Ditto for man and God. This is what was meant when Christ said "I and my Father are one". We too should endeavour to be Christlike. Be one with God and not merely have the holy spirit in us.