The C.C.O.I. (Christian Cult Of Ignorance) and Willful Ignorance

Im just searching for any support and encouragement of why being a Christian is the way to go. Your version seems like hard thankless work. If God simply says NMP, Phat----it does little to encourage me and give me a reason for the increasing amount of suffering happening in my life.

But what you want is not Christianity but rather a "What's in it for me?" philosophy of life.

not so much "whats in it for me" ....more like "God, help me."My blood sugars are way too high. I fear diabetic complications. I find myself unable to change. Is it wrong to pray for help?

Pray all you want, but I'd make some changes while waiting for an answer.

But what will help is you changing? What help is it you pray for?Do you pray for reality to change?Do you know what you must do to lower blood sugars?Do you have health care?Do you do what the doctors tell you you must do?

So you want magic?

I just happened to hear a sermon on the radio that might be encouraging to you in your understanding of the Christian life. "The Desiring God" which you can find listed as "Study Hall" on the left margin of this page. It's repeated again tonight at 8pm Pacific time. Not sure where you are but I suppose that might be a little late for you. There's another talk listed I haven't heard that has a title that sounds like it might be apropos: "Jesus' Transforming Power on the Part of the Afflicted." I've never heard of either of these speakers but the one I just heard was very good so maybe the other one would be also.I also am what they call "pre-diabetic." I have a blood monitor and I try to be careful. I think the trick is to choose foods you like a lot out of the category that is best for your condition. It's mostly meat and vegetables that work best, guaranteed to bring down your blood sugar count, so pick the meat you really love even if it's expensive steak (you can cut it to a reasonable portion), and vegies too. Mine is asparagus. Steak and asparagus is a heavenly meal. You can have bacon and eggs for breakfast, avoid the pancakes and the French toast and the cereal. That's another perfect meal for me, but you'll have your own preferences. Do NOT listen to the diabetes "experts" -- they allow way too much carbohydrate and they restrict you on fat. No, do Atkins style eating, it will lower both your blood sugar and your cholesterol.And of course, pray a LOT for help.

Thanks, Faith. I have listened to John Piper before---he is very passionate about God and speaks of a God of comfort, rather than a God who is unknowable.I believe in a God who is knowable. Sometimes I think that it is myself whom I need to get to know...and don't know why it is I subconsciously sabotage my own progress in life.

I have a question concerning your theory that attributes much of Christian belief into preservation of "the franchise".

Why would so called men of God willfully and knowingly manipulate scripture for their own gain? If human nature is like this, why is there any hope for the rest of us?

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concerning Anselm of Canterbury...in your opinion did he knowingly and willingly perpetuate and/or start certain doctrines that in essence were designed for his own job security? The evidence seems to indicate this, but what Im trying to find is the reason behind the motives of these churchmens hearts and minds. I mean...if they can be so manipulative, what hope is there for the rest of us even being able...much less willing to "take up the cross" of a hard life?

When you begin with the answer and then only look for evidence to support that answer that is the behavior to expect.Hope exists because there are also people who do not approach issues knowing the answer. Anselm was a product of his era, his mythos, his generation. Remember this was a period before science or the scientific method; a period when regular bleedings were considered a reasonable way to "commune with God".But many have learned much in the thousand years since Anselm.

OK let me see if I have all of this straight.

Basically, Christianity before Anselm was rather straightforward...more of a "take up your cross" Christianity rather than a "get out of hell free" Christianity. But what about Paul? Much of the saved by grace get out of hell Christianity was attributed to him....

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Salvation is a gift and is graciously given to us meaning that none of us start out damned. We can, however, mess this up by behaving badly during our life here on earth...(they always taught me that no matter what I did, God had me in His grip and I was assured salvation.....)

Much of what is attributed to Paul is like the OT prophecies about Jesus, just made up and not at all what is actually written.Remember that Jesus did not create Christianity, that was done by others, mostly unknown others; by the editors and redactors and committees of Canon. That's certainly an easier sell isn't it?

Yes...but i guess im a bit put off by the whole idea that more than a few church folk are selling anything. Of course I can see how a few megachurches and televangelists are selling rather than telling...but the idea that most of mainstream christianity here in the United States...many if not most preach salvation by grace through faith...are willingly selling that promise...is a bit hard to take.Of course, as a Christian I agree with the idea that I am charged to do rather than simply believe. I dont feel that I have to go run out and do do do all the time...such as some Jehovahs Witnesses believe...but I agree in principle that if I do in fact have the mind of Christ it would make sense that I do likewise. And I agree that little things mean a lot. Helping the neighbors....helping people I encounter daily who cant help themselves and who likely cant pay me back. I also agree that in all honesty none of us know for a fact whether we will get to heaven...or if there is even a heaven or a God.I fervently believe that such a God exists, however. You point out that I want this God to help Phat. You are right. I do tend to look at God as having so much more than any of us have...thus why can't He be generous?One thing I don't like about church is that its so hard to be honest there. Its almost like the emperor with no clothes that nobody is supposed to talk about.And I don't want to hurt anyone's faith by busting their bubble...I would be branded an antagonist.My Pastor does a lot of good for the community and he is not a wealthy man. He puts in a lot of time and effort and I respect that about him.Sometimes I get an urge to challenge and debate him, but I fear it would go badly. The bottom line, after all, is helping others....and he does that just fine. The theology is irrelevant.

So your response is that the idea of people marketing a product makes you uncomfortable and you do not want to challenge anyone to question what they believe?

There was a flood coming but the little old lady was secure in her faith. Water ran down the street and a policeman offered to take her to higher ground but she believed God would take care of her. Water flooded the ground floor, she had to move upstairs and a boat came to the window to take her away but she believed God would take care of her. The water continued to rise, she had to crawl up onto the roof and a helicopter came to lift her off but she believed God would take care of her. Eventually she drowned and when she got to heaven she was bewildered. "I always believed God would take care of me."God said, "I sent a policeman, I sent a boat, I sent a helicopter...."Maybe the help you need is there but you're too intent on your faith to recognize it.