Summations Only

Interesting line of thought.
TED Global had a talk on Optical illusions show how we see. This fun, first-hand look at your own versatile sense of sight reveals how evolution tints your perception of what's really out there. One of the oft quoted remarks from this talk was "The brain didn't evolve to see the world as it is. It evolved to see the world as it was useful to see it." As it is a fact that we have evolved, the question as to why God didnt do it differently is actually rhetorical in the sense that we logically would want a God that was useful for ourselves. Would the absence of evolution be useful? Would you want to watch beauty contests with hairy women? Would you want to live exactly the same way your ancient ancestors lived? And....more to the point...is clubbing your neighbor over the head to steal the limited food supply for your own offspring evil?

A couple of problems here.
For one thing, you perceive the concept of God subjectively while I perceive Him objectively.The other issue is what christianity teaches. Basically, its all about allowing relationship with the object(ive) which is Jesus Christ.The only thing I can do is to represent the objective...so talk to me.

The messenger and the message are one. The message is alive.

OK, lets discuss this for a moment. Start with Matthew. Whats the purpose of Jesus,according to the message? Note: It does not say He will be an example of how to live and will teach the people not to sin...He will actually be a savior.Shall we continue?

I will admit that I am trying to build a case---from the message itself (message being defined as the books of the new testament) that validates my point that the message and the messenger are essentially the same thing. While it may be true that much literature has value and that there are many messages of value, my argument is attempting to show why the message of Jesus Christ is the best one.

Ringo essentially says that we should be more concerned with believing(and doing) what Jesus taught rather than in Jesus Himself. I maintain that the two are essentially inseparable.

Some believe that evil existed before man became aware of it. The blame would thus be on God for allowing the possibility of evil to exist. I will agree, however, that we as humans are responsible for what we do. We cant blame the devil for our bad behavior and we cant assume that God will overlook it either.

I'm going to bump this topic up just for the heck of it. I wont be commenting or adding anything to what my 2007 self had to say...its odd that I say much the same things now as I did back then. If anybody else cares about this topic, feel free to resurrect it. If not, oh well. Im reading a book.

Im still studying the idea of whether prayer and fasting are beneficial to being a better Christian. My gut instinct tells me that they are.These old topics are fun to review, however. I believe that I am evolving slowly. Or at the very least experiencing recreation! Jesus fasted and prayed often. So why do we think we can turn off the NFL game, grab a bag of chips and a hot dog, then run out the door to go volunteer at the shelter for an hour before picking up the kids from soccer...and think that we are doing like Jesus taught?Edited by Phat, : added jabberwocky

sacrament
a religious ceremony or act of the Christian Church that is regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace, in particular.
(in the Roman Catholic and many Orthodox Churches) the rites of baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, ordination, and matrimony.
(among Protestants) baptism and the Eucharist. Extraordinary Faith requires an extraordinary Creator! Either that or I am unknowingly lying. Tell me about it! Sometimes I think I should just give up and let the other guy win the debate. Then Jesus and I can go and actually do something without need of any money,fame, or recognition.I'll be honest with everyone though. I don't have enough faith to do what Jesus did. Does He expect me to try and do for the the least of these even over and above having a job, saving for retirement, and browsing the internet??I fall far short of what He expects.

well yes and no. He did advocate Holy Communion. He himself was the outward visible sign.

Im still thinking. (I need to read The Gospels again)My gut feeling, however, is that since prayer and fasting was done by Jesus, its also recommended for us. That being said, I agree with you in that its not an absolute prerequisite to going out and doing for the least of these.Prayer allows us to clear our minds of the lusts of the eye, lusts of the flesh, and pride of life that we all get.Fasting also reminds us that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Gotta look that one up... I need to study the history of this doctrine before I comment on it professionally--but on a personal note, I find it overwhelming to imagine the Creator of all seen and unseen...and of the fact that I live on a dust speck of a planet --made possible by a friendly distance Sun--among an estimated one hundred billion stars(suns)--in a galaxy among an estimated one hundred billion galaxies. That such a Creator would even acknowledge me and my whining is unfathomable. Jesus Christ makes it easier to comprehend on a one on one man on man basis. And the concept of the Holy Spirit also makes it easier to function on a day to day level secure in the belief that Gods presence and comfort (based on His love for us) is always with me.Of course the counter-argument asks why a Creator of all seen and unseen would pay any particular attention to one dust speck out of infinite possibilities.

Yet are we expected to simply enjoy the presence of such a Being or are we expected to joyfully put in work for Him?

Just out of curiosity,, wouldn't this same grace be available to the Apostles also? After all, they met the man in person while Paul only heard the voice.