tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434966004083105957.post2067205195323384957..comments2023-03-29T12:16:13.163-04:00Comments on Formerly A&A: Folks, let's collaborate.A&Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00199451832512165484noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434966004083105957.post-27459286544892155682011-04-12T09:36:19.281-04:002011-04-12T09:36:19.281-04:00Oh Nicole, yes! I take such comfort in that, too! ...Oh Nicole, yes! I take such comfort in that, too! There is such power in the very name of Jesus, there is hope of an eternal sort of quality. [How could we even carry on without it?]<br /><br />Though it is one of the simplest truths of our faith, one I find even to be obvious, it is so challenging to convince others that evil is a result of OURSELVES. Responsibility is such a foreign concept.A&Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00199451832512165484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434966004083105957.post-79355548211157629712011-04-11T23:30:26.407-04:002011-04-11T23:30:26.407-04:00This is so tough because as a culture, we are taug...This is so tough because as a culture, we are taught not the concept of sin that resides in all of us but that all evil is a result of the social constructs around us. Ergo, we often become self-centered, believing we are victims of some sort of cosmic plot. I think were I in that same situation, I would have done and said exactly as you did. Making the case for the hard truths [eg if Jesus said he was the only way, either he was telling the truth or he was lying] with care and compassion for my friend.<br /><br />I take such comfort in God's promise that His word does not return void. That when I share His truth, sometimes it falls on good soil. Anyway, not much in the way of insight. Just some thoughts from a fellow wonder-er.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12876382846512978694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434966004083105957.post-91373006715200648212011-04-11T21:15:32.126-04:002011-04-11T21:15:32.126-04:00Conviction is an assurance that is BOTH rational a...Conviction is an assurance that is BOTH rational and emotional. My friend is a pretty rational guy, but I think it's necessary to speak to both. <br /><br />I was wondering less about the inconsistencies of his arguments [which he is aware of], and more about how to address this idea of a God who is flawed because we are made in his image and we are obviously flawed.<br /><br />He says that he grew up in Catholicism, but it didn't work for him, so he considers himself a Christian Buddhist. [I told him there's no Christianity in a belief that denies Christ, as he does.] I find these Buddhists are a lot less concerned with absolutes than I am. <br /><br />Thanks for your insight.A&Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00199451832512165484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434966004083105957.post-50422258274539360612011-04-11T14:33:45.478-04:002011-04-11T14:33:45.478-04:00Your beliefs are not somehow more valid because th...Your beliefs are not somehow more valid because they are "heart understanding". <br /><br />And something isn't true just because it feels true, or it seems real. If you care honestly about the truth you have to get beyond simply not caring about philosophical consistency and be in earnest. Was Christ a great teacher or not? How could he sacrifice himself if real sacrifice isn't possible? and if he wasn't God is he sacrificing himself or just dying for nothing? Have enough earnestness to take your own ideas seriously and consider their truth.Michael Au-Mullaneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11237672783415011871noreply@blogger.com