A Problem with Prophecy
One of the hallmark traits of most Fundamentalist Christians is their obsession with Bible Prophecy. Prophecy has a rather mystical draw to it and implies that the future is not so unknowable after all. Most humans spend their waking time either in the past feeling angry and guilty, or in speculation of the future feeling anxious. It goes with not having the ability to live the real day one is currently experience. Many Christians have raised knowing the future to an art form and have learned that it is also quit profitable for the church in keeping members in line with fear, anxiety and a perverse kind of hope. Bible prophecy and making it the center of one’s life, reading the newspaper as one would the Bible, is a slippery slope and a very negative way to live one’s life.
Confession and ConvenienceIf there’s one thing that never fails to amaze me over the Catholic controversy, it’s the argument over confession. Perhaps each person has their own theories about why a man should or shouldn’t confess his sins to another man, but the most typical one is that God alone can forgive sins…and that God demands no human intervention in the ordeal.
Much of New Testament theology is based on ideas drawn from the literal creation and existence of Adam and Eve This common, seldom questioned, oft repeated, historical fallacy of a literal Adam and Eve in a literal garden, with a literal talking serpent antagonist, has been the foundational explanation of how mankind arrived on the scene and ultimately fell from grace. However, the story serves as more of a political statement of what Israelite culture was not to be. It is a clear placing of blame for sin, evil and disobedience clearly on women (matriarchy) and a societal shift to correct the damage (Patriarchy). In fact, we have no choice, as this one literal act was supposed to have condemned all future humanity to eternal death without recourse! But did it? If it never really happened in time and space, then perhaps we need another look
Pomes IIISome say let Jesus come he is above all. Tell me are you adhering to his call. Read your Bible and get it straight, so your life won’t be labeled a waste.
So Be it…The Art of AcceptanceSomeone recently was asked whether they were left wing, right or center in the spectrum of politics. Their reply was probably the best I have ever heard. “Why do we always have to be left or right… why can’t we go UP for a change.” This article is about going UP in our thinking and processing this experience of religion. Eventually the only sane choice is to leave the Flatlands of two dimensional thinking, groups and movement and simply go UP. The first step in rising from this limited dimension in thinking and being is to experience, which is far beyond just learning, the Art of Acceptance of how things are and not how we wish them to be.
Choosing the Right AstrologerAstrology is a fascinating subject and one that is followed by many. People who are interested in astrology often look for an astrologer at one time or another. If you are looking for an astrologer there are some things you should think about before you begin your search.
The New Age Spirituality movement is very unique. There are many things about this type of spirituality that is very different from other spiritual groups. There is no central organization, holy text, creed, dogma, formal clergy or membership roles.
White Sun – The Great LearningWhat is the explanation for “Once where to rest is known, the direction of practising Tao is set. Once set, one can be tranquil. In tranquillity, one can reveal his True Nature. With the True Nature, one can be pure. Being pure, one can attain Tao.” in The Great Learning.
White Sun – Words of WisdomThe Heavenly Teacher for devotees of Tao of Heaven is “JiGong” and his words are full of wisdom. It is like a chest of treasure. Once we open it, there are many precious and invaluble gems that we can gain. Within it, gives the answers to the many mysteries in life and the universe.
Prophets, Apostles, and Mental IllnessI have kidded for decades about the fact that in my ministerial years I have met at least 23 of the Two Witnesses. One felt he was both of them, thus the odd number. I have met people who had the Mark of the Beast invisibly tattooed on their foreheads and they thought it was a good thing. I have met those who hear the voice of God telling them special things and seeing things that no one else can see. Some feel most special and get very very angry when you disagree with them. I have sat with the men of God who were so kind to me until I questioned them and then I got chased down the stairs.
Giving Away Your PowerOne of the problems one faces in belonging to and being a member of an organized Christian Church is that, either consciously, or subconsciously , one places themselves under the authority of others. We say we do it willingly. We believe that there are special people groups and leaders under whose supervision we need to be. It is others who tell you how to think, what to do, how to act and what to believe based on some criteria that they got from those “over” them, or those who came “before” them. For some, this works. For many, it is a formula for physical, psychological and emotional disaster.
Think Right and Lose WeightBeginning or sticking to a fitness program requires mental preparation as much as physical preparation. Learn how to get your mind prepared for success and get the results you desire in your fitness and health routine.