As I wander from table to table here at the Cafe', I find Christians declaring various levels of belief regarding Jesus. At one end of the pole there is a "Jesus as myth and metaphor" group, while at the other end, there is a "Jesus is the divine son of God and the only way to salvation" group. Between those two poles there is an amazing array of diverse beliefs. This is understandable, given that we all approach God in different ways and are at various points in our journey.
This isn't terribly "new" of course, but for me, it pretty much sums up the crux of the debate that generally divides the so-called traditional and emerging paradigms of Christianity.
Rather than interpret our relationship with God through Scripture, Jesus shows repeatedly that we have to interpret Scripture through our relationship with God. And that we must see that relationship as extending to all.
In 2012 all United Church congregations will be able to vote on an important doctrinal remit. This is interesting for a whole bunch of reasons. It is the first use of the ter "subordinate standard" in our polity in many years. It clearly places the various statements of faith in context of each other, the Basis of Union and, most importantly, scripture.
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In August 2009, meeting in Kelowna, British Columbia, the 40th General Council adopted the following proposal:
Could it be? Is it a possibility? What would it mean to the followers of Christ that call themselves Christians because they believe that "Jesus died for my sins".
Rev. Gretta Vosper wrote a book which included this in the title - why how we live is more important than what we believe. I've thought the same for many years, but last Saturday experienced what I think is the living embodiment of this. I was privileged to conduct a memorial service for the sister of a good friend. While the family was born Buddhist, they were not active in a congregation. Since I have also begun to practice Buddhism, the service combined Christian and Buddhist elements.
So, this is a rather old event, but it's been on my mind for a long time. I need some ... thoughts sorted out, you know?
I live on a farm, just for some background information. We usually have about 6 ewes that produce lambs each year. They're born in the spring, as the snow is just beginning to melt.
Last year, we had several disappointments, to say the least. Not unexpected living on a farm but it hurt nonetheless.
I don't remember (or don't want to remember) the exact happenings, but:
Me and a friend got in quite an arguement. So, do you think Atheism is limited to the common disbelief of God, or does it have it's own aspects or "religion" such as beliefs, rules or followings?
Could it be? Is it a possibility? What would it mean to the followers of Christ that call themselves Christians because they believe that "Jesus died for my sins".
