Morte writes:
As I stated a few months back in another thread, one of the main reasons I have a hard time believing in the God of the Bible is because of the emphasis on belief. See, the way I see it, I can't control my beliefs - if I see aspects of nature that seem to logically contradict what the Bible says (and for the sake of staying on topic, let's not go into what aspects), I cannot force myself to believe in its words. Even if I went to church every week for the rest of my life, and deeply wanted to believe that such a God existed (because, as an example, I wanted to believe that there is an afterlife of some form), I'm simply too skeptical/questioning/suspicious/[insert appropriate word here, I just can't think of one that fits perfectly] - it's just how my mind works.
Speaking to you as a Christian believer, I am not worried about your "salvation" at all. The reason is because I believe that God understands how your mind works and why you doubt the belief system.
Morte writes:
why would God not accept into Heaven those who simply could not reconcile aspects of faith with the evidence that they see?
And the issue is not acceptance of ancient stories...the issue is the open mind and heart to receive Jesus christ for who He is today...not 2000 years ago, although He is the same now as then.
In a similar manner, I cannot comprehend the portrayal of mere thoughts and feelings as sins that separate us from God. I cannot control my thoughts; why should I be condemned for them?
Again, the issue is how you relate to the concept of Jeus as He is to you. It is true that one cannot help what one thinks..but can one accept the idea that God is greater than they are and that God alone is perfect?
jar writes:
I would tend to agree in most cases. If it is an uncontroled thought I doubt that it would be considered much if any of a sin. The limitation for me would be an intentional act. If you set out intentionally to have certain thoughts I could see how that could be a sin. One example might be planning and fantacising about doing major harm to another.
Morte writes:
What I meant was to question why belief is necessary for salvation
And the standard answer is that God alone is the path to salvation rather than human effort. Belief in a source greater than anything that is humanly possible...a loving source that can be trusted.
my thoughts are generally more of a random flow of consciousness that I rarely "direct"
If you don't direct your flow of consciousness on a conscious level, you could be said to be innocent. Our subconscious is reinforced by our conscious and willful decisions, however. As jar says, "planning and fantasizing"...which reinforces a negative subconscious thought life.
If one meditates on "happy thoughts", the question becomes the source of these thoughts.
Belief. What is it that one believes in? Human potential and achievement? Or something greater.
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