Seagoon

[Siaf__csf]

Reschke why can't one teach his children right from wrong without being superstitious at the same time? What's wrong with that?

[Seagoon]

Originally posted by TweetyBird
>>I encountered Notovich's work while I was still traveling in New Age circles. It follows the general tenor of all the Aquarian or new age speculations about Jesus that were popular in the late 1880s. <<

Define "new age."

Then define "holy roller."

I'm sorry if I took this wrong but it seemed like an unqualified, subjective opinion to me.

[/B]

The difference between the terms "New Age" and "Holy Roller" is that "New Age" was coined by the people in the movement. For instance, many an occult bookshop calls itself a new age bookseller. The term Aquarian is related. The "New Age" is the Age of Aquarius, of "enlightenment" and "change" and "peace" and "harmony" (with or without "granola.") This is as opposed to the "old age" dominated by war, bad vibes, and of course dusty old Christianity. On the other hand, Holy Roller is a derisive term used to describe evangelicals. No church outside of the Simpsons would call itself "First Holy Roller of..."

>>the new age Jesus makes us feel good where we are.<<

How horrible. No vengeance or anything? How can anyone make any money with that?

[/B]

Tweety, I doubt this will influence your view of "Holy Rollers" but I was earning over twice as much when I was still identifying myself as an "Aquarian." Additionally, I worked a nice 9 to 5 job, with defined days off where I didn't work. Here is how I spent my "day off" (Monday) today:
1) Did some emergency counseling with a serviceman whose family is in trouble.
2) Dropped off food at the house of a sick member of our church
3) Did a jail visitation
4) Then we finished off the evening having a lonely single over to our house for dinner and conversation.

I only note this because I am only one of many Holy Roller pastors who spend their lives this way, who don't have to. It's not about money, or power, or self-agrandizement. It's not even about "earning salvation" I am not one wit "more saved" today than I was when I first believed. Trust me, if any of those things were our objectives, my family would be on the wrong path entirely.

I spoke just yesterday with a woman whose missionary son (who is very well educated and could be earing a 6 figure income) is finally home taking a break from helping South East Asians after the Tsunami, this includes the hideous job of pulling long dead bodies off beaches, out of thickets, etc. A Muslim on Aceh asked him why he and his team were doing this, especially since he and his kin were happy when disasters struck infidels (he specifically commented that he had celebrated the news of 9/11). His answer was to quote: 1 John 4:10-14

Give me the old testament anyday - where they pluck out eyeballs..and do all sorts of dismemberments.
How dare they be a peaceful or subtle solution.

[/b]

Yeah Tweety, funny how the Old Testament tells us that real peace with God comes through an act of violence:
Isaiah 53:4-12 Subtle, eh?

Anywho, I'll sign off on that. I'm off to a conference for the next two days. I've got a rotten cold, so I promise not to enjoy it too much. In the meantime, I'm kinda uncomfortable about having a thread with my handle on it going on and on, so I'm happy to let you have the last word.

Grace and Peace to you.

- SEAGOON

[Reschke]

Originally posted by Siaf__csf
Reschke why can't one teach his children right from wrong without being superstitious at the same time? What's wrong with that?

I think I mis typed what I meant to say. It should have been read as me saying that with my faith and the "superstitious" beliefs I have that it will help me. Yes people can teach their children the difference in right and wrong without belief in God as christians believe. I can't and won't ever condemn someone for that path through life its just not the one that I choose for me.

Thanks for pointing out my bobble there Siaf.

[TweetyBird]

>>In the meantime, I'm kinda uncomfortable about having a thread with my handle on it going on and on, so I'm happy to let you have the last word.
<<

Fair enough. Some don't approach other religions and philosophies as a fad (or like the stereotypical dumb blond approaching a new lipstick), and I think its a mistake to pigeon hole people as such. Obviously we disagree on spirituality. It appears yours (and ultimate judgement type religions) centers on getting the right answer asap, and I think mine (and eternal questing religions) centers on searching for answers and reason.

Its just perspective - to some, the destination is the goal, to others the journey is the purpose. I guess you follow what makes sense to you, and it would be ridiculous to pretend you believe things that make no sense to you.

[Siaf__csf]

Heh Reschke pardon my harsh selection of words. Sometimes I envy people who have faith.

You know, I gained two new friends 2 days ago. Nice people. They came uninvited on my door and gave me leaflets telling stories of all kinds of things, alternative energy and such.

[Halo]

(QUOTE)

In the meantime, I'm kinda uncomfortable about having a thread with my handle on it going on and on, so I'm happy to let you have the last word.

Grace and Peace to you.

- SEAGOON

(UNQUOTE)


No worries, so far this is a rather nice civilized thread.  Sorta like being in Sunday school.  Good to hear various opinions about faith.