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Again let me go to the Bible....Christians can certainly obey the laws of the land but they are relative to God's laws.
Acts 5:27-29...when the apostles were arrested for defying the order not to preach Jesus Christ...
"So they brought them and stood them before the Sanʹhe·drin. Then the high priest questioned them 28 and said: “We strictly ordered you not to keep teaching on the basis of this name, and yet look! you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.” 29 In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men."
So obeying the laws of the land can be done as long as they do not conflict with God's laws. In warzones Christians are to take a neutral position. In the first century when Israel was under Roman domination, nowhere will you find Jesus advocating that his disciples join in the Jewish revolt that was pending at the time. Masada was not a place for Christians. What an horrendous outcome!
Masada—Why Did It Happen? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY
Read the account and see that he told his apostles only on that occasion to buy swords....and only two swords were purchased; Jesus said "it is enough". An armed mob approached to arrest Jesus, so two swords would have been nigh on to useless. So why did he tell his apostles to buy them? When Peter used one, Jesus reprimanded him. They were to demonstrate that although armed, they would not resort to violence, even to protect the son of God.
Jesus never told "us" to buy swords....or weapons of any sort. Paul's words confirm that we are not to use 'carnal weapons' and to "return evil for evil to no one". We are to "conquer evil with good."
Matthew 26:52-54....after Peter took off the slave's ear....
"Then Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than 12 legions of angels? 54 In that case, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must take place this way?”
Substitute the word "gun" for "sword" and you will see exactly what Jesus meant. There can be no justification for bloodshed. No excuse for taking vengeance as the scriptures said. If you justify actions that God condemns, how can you stand before him as an obedient servant?
It was prophesied in Isaiah 53:7 ....
"He was oppressed and he let himself be afflicted,
But he would not open his mouth.
He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter,
Like a ewe that is silent before its shearers,
And he would not open his mouth."
Jesus did not try to evade arrest or to resist in any way. His apostles also, when they were arrested did not resist. And even on the occasion when a strong earthquake sprang open the doors of the jail, they did not try to flee.
The Jailer was going to commit suicide because he imagined that all his prisoners would have escaped, but he and his whole family became believers because of the exemplary conduct of these men.
No political conflict can draw a Christian in if they are true followers of Christ. You cannot love your enemies with a gun...a tank....or a bomb.
A person can only be truly peaceful and happy if they are obedient to God in all things....not just the in things that are convenient.
Hate can be an emotional reaction. On the other hand, one should always lead with their reason half. Taking a few steps back to analyze the reasons for hate along with the results of hate, one will see hate hurts everyone.
Isn't it better working on steps that will bring the best results?
There are many times I have seen people get angry and hateful until they cooled off allowing their reason half to take the lead again. They usually come back regretting their emotional outburst. This is no big deal. It's just a lesson to learn. It has always been better to Think then Act than to simply react. It can take discipline. however working toward that goal moves one forward.
It's been a long time, however in my young days, I experienced hate in some form. Hate is really not a part of my life now. It is no longer a viable choice.
Just as Unconditional Love always does what is Best for the other, I tend to try fix the problem rather than return any hate given to me.
As for adversity that knocks on my door, I tend to try and see how it changes myself and others around me. I will walk ever forward bringing those around me.
Everyone has the Power to Choose how they value things. If one no longer values the petty things like judging, blaming,punishing, hating,revenge or payback, controlling, intimidating, coercing, selfishness and etc, that so many people hold so dear, it leaves the door open for all the Love, Kindness, and Goodness that does exist around us all.
I know many many people feel like victims in some way, however we all can Choose how we create so much of our lives. As I see it, since our actions return to teach us what our actions really mean, it becomes important to Think then Act rather than simply react. Still, we will learn, in time, regardless. On the other hand, one should not be their worst enemy.
Lets pretend that the term name means exactly what it means, and not a literal name like Emanuel, or Yashua, or Jesus ... Ok? Onoma Greek look it up in strongs concordance.
Jesus was a pretty cool guy but then he was a rebel too (obviously). Also, I'll use my standard and be true and stand on what's true for me. I would suggest you do the same.
Also, as he was so are we, so if that's true what's gonna happen on the level of your friendship when it comes to him?
I hate lots of things and I'll be honest about it. Unconditional love? Yeah, I'm there but I'm not ya know? I would prefer everyone find happiness (even the devil) if there is one, but being this way and so often attacked for that alone, I find myself jaded and frustrated and angry, and yet I don't hate people but sometimes I kinda do. I hate the bs, th ehypocrisy, the self rigteous ... so called righteous indignation and all the perverted judgement or flse judgement or rather the judgement of people they know nothing about because they happen to do something they ummm ... don't agree with.
I hate lots of things and I'll be honest about it. Unconditional love? Yeah, I'm there but I'm not ya know? I would prefer everyone find happiness (even the devil) if there is one, but being this way and so often attacked for that alone, I find myself jaded and frustrated and angry, and yet I don't hate people but sometimes I kinda do. I hate the bs, th ehypocrisy, the self rigteous ... so called righteous indignation and all the perverted judgement or flse judgement or rather the judgement of people they know nothing about because they happen to do something they ummm ... don't agree with.
Same with Hindu Scriptures.The Bible seems to have a set standard, yet many read it and arrive at differences. I don't think this invalidates there being one standard, one measuring rod. I just think right now there is a thick cloud in the world.
Once that is removed, everyone will get to see clearly, how to measure accurately.
I think then, they will know who set the standard of good and evil.
I find it humorous that with EGO involved, those who have changed think it was their idea all along
My Master taught me that the final step is to also let go the idea "I have changed many many people" as this is still EGOI have changed many many people through my lifetime.
I don't use "good and evil" phraseI'm sure, but the gist is for some stepping on hot coals hurts and it is an evil to them. Look the definition for calamity aka "evil" ... It boild down to being **** we don't like or enjoy and yes ... we hate it. I can say we too.
we don't like or enjoy and yes ... we hate it. I can say we too
Yes, and this applies here too. Replace "we" with "I", and I agree, and we probably get along just fineUmmm ... ok .... Ummm .... How about you worry about you and yours and I'll wory about me and mine and we'll probably get along just fine ya know?
for clarity.....Ok, so much talk and discussion and disagreement and not too much unity of mind on this subject to date ... err ... at least from what I've experienced in life thus far. What constitutes good and what constitutes evil and why? Easy question which should have an easy answer, but then ... that isn't always the case so ... Lets dance.
Ok, so much talk and discussion and disagreement and not too much unity of mind on this subject to date ... err ... at least from what I've experienced in life thus far. What constitutes good and what constitutes evil and why? Easy question which should have an easy answer, but then ... that isn't always the case so ... Lets dance.
there is no greater love than friendshipI try not to hate people, but sometimes I get to the point where I kinda do. Define love again. You're definition has no substance and would be relative and subjective to each individual.
You've lost me.....can you please explain what you mean here?
What or whose "name" are you referring to?
Can I assume that you are a gun-loving Southern American? I cannot understand the mindset.
Perhaps your upbringing is in conflict with the teachings of Christ? What might be your "standard", and "true" for you, may be far removed from what Jesus taught....I have given you scripture to demonstrate the validity of the Christian position....what have you given me except excuses? How are you in a position to make suggestions that to me are against everything Jesus taught? Just sayin'.....
"Cool" as he was, Jesus was not a rebel. It was his own nation who had rebelled against the teachings of their God, taking on human tradition as a substitute for God's clear laws in his word. The only rebellious thing about Jesus was his staunch stand for the truth. This is what we are to imitate. (1 Peter 2:21)
Jesus was sent to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" because the religious system in which they had grown up was corrupted beyond redemption. (Matthew 23:37-39) The "lost sheep" were not valued by their self-righteous shepherds.....Jesus was sent to find those lost ones and rescue them, leading them into a new pasture. He is the "Fine Shepherd" who came to set things straight....the Christian scriptures tell us how he accomplished that. But there was a warning that corruption would also infiltrate Christianity after the death of the apostles. (Acts 20:29-30) The divided state of Christendom is proof that "weeds" infiltrated the church, and led people away to false ideas about Jesus and what he taught. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Jesus did not try to correct the religious leaders, but outed them for the hypocrites that they were. (Matthew 23) They hated him because he shamed them by exposing how far they had strayed from what God first commanded his people at Mount Sinai.
Looking at history, we can see that Christendom is a mirror image of first century Judaism. Rather than stick to the truth of God's word, they justify all manner of ways to do what "they" want to do. Nowhere is this more visible than "Christians" in the military or packing weapons. No Christian can even train to kill other humans. (Matthew 5:44-45)
It will not end well for them. (Matthew 7:21-23)
A Christian will take a bullet for his fellow man, but he will never fire one to kill an enemy. That is how you tell the 'wheat from the weeds'.....they can love their enemies without compromising Christ's teachings.
You are hurt by these people because you have already learned those lessons they have not. Is it really right to hate those learning lessons you already know? Of course not! Next time this happens Smile then point them in the Right Direction.
No one can guaranty the actions of another. If you attempt to control others, you will end up angry, frustrated and hurt. Is this what is happening to you? Is this really what you want? Do you want to Choose this for yourself?
As I see it, one should copy God. Let's take a few steps back and see how God handles it. God allows everyone free will and free choice. On the other hand, God places knowledge all around so that people can discover the answers.
Sometimes that knowledge is delivered through the interaction with other people. This is where the multilevel classroom comes in. Through all the learning and growing, intelligence will make the best choices in the end.
For those of us who must watch others learning these hard lessons, it is merely a reminder of what the true answers are. See, you KNOW acting like those people is not really a viable choice. They will also learn this too in time.
So when people do crazy hateful choices around me, I take an effort to place knowledge in their eyes. I point them in the right direction taking no effort to control them. You see no one wants to be controlled. That's is why God allows that freedom. The very best learning must come through one's free choice.
I move a grain of sand. One can move a mountain a grain of sand at a time given enough time. I also seek no glory in changing people. If the knowledge I bring does not change them for the better, I know my actions might prepare them to be receptive to the person who will bring that light in their eyes.
I have changed many many people through my lifetime. I find it humorous that with EGO involved, those who have changed think it was their idea all along. On the other hand, each must choose to change for themselves. I merely pointed a good direction.
AS I see it, mankind's greatest problem is that Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Control, just like Hate is one of those petty things so many people value so much. Where does it get you? Those people were trying to Control you. How does it all work out? Let's say it together: NOT GOOD!
I think I've given you enough to think about for now. AS I said before no one can guaranty the actions of another, however we can choose our own actions regardless of the actions others are taking around us.
Yes, I know it's not always easy. On the other hand every step forward brings one closer to learning what that Best choice really is.
Well, there you have it. That's what I am seeing and it's very clear to me.
I don't use "good and evil" phrase
I prefer "dharma and adharma" instead
This takes judgment out of the equation
Yes, and this applies here too. Replace "we" with "I", and I agree, and we probably get along just fine
for clarity.....
right and wrong....to moral issues
correct and incorrect.....to questions and answers
good and bad ….to the condition of a thing
good and evil ….to the nature of a spirit
When the human brain creates memory, aspects of the limbic system in core of the brain, will add emotional tags to the memory as the memory is written to the cerebral matter. Our memory is composed of sensory content as well as the added emotional tagging. Our strongest memories will always contain the most enduring emotional tags.
This is useful to the animal brain. If the animal was to encounter a similar situation and their previous memory was triggered, they can act upon the attached feeling without having to think. For example, if they find a rare food that they once found was delicious, and this memory is triggered, they will feel that same pleasant feeling, and can eat without having to think and reexamine the food. It is very efficient.
The symbolism of the tree of knowledge of good and evil is connected to law. Law is a set of rules that helps humans differentiates good and evil behavior. Law also helps to condition the emotional tagging process by associating the good with reward, and the evil with fear and punishment.
The problem with law is since good and evil are two opposite things, when law is written to memory, it receives two conflicting emotional tags since good and evil do not overlap. This causes a repression in the human brain. Picture an animal finding food, and their memory triggers both delight and fear. The animal would be frozen in indecision ready to approach and run away, because of the opposing and conflicting feelings. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, describes this tension and indecision, that will need to be resolved in some way; thinking leading to wisdom. Wisdom finds a work around that can resolve the tension.
But in the mean time, since life would be very difficult, if your had to live with conflicting feelings all the time, the unconscious mind will help resolve the conflict by repressing half of the law memory and making the ego conscious of the other side of the law. We have to learn both the good and evil to fully know the law and since it is one thing and we are conscious of one side, the other side may be repressed but it remains active.
For example, the self righteous will not see themselves doing anything wrong even though their law memories contain both good and evil memories as part of a single coin. The evil side is repressed but not dormant. It becomes the basis for unconscious animation; temptation. A preacher may work very hard to be good on the outside, which then represses the dark side of law. This repressed dark side is active and can becomes a subroutine, that causes them to break the law; prostitutes or child molesting,
In terms of good and evil tagging, the animal brain uses both feeling tags, but each is dedicated to very distinct things and situations. They do not use the repression affect called law, which tries to double tag memory, with a polarization of opposing feelings. Jesus dealt with this problems by the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness of sins neutralizes the fear aspects of law so the binary tagging of law can return to the neutrality of the natural brain.
In nature the animal brain will tag reality based on individual experience. Some things are good and some things need to be avoided. This is clean cut with each getting single tag.
Culture and man, tree of knowledge of good and evil, is based on learned and conditioned group behavior, that may not have anything to do with personal experience; animal memory. This one size fits all approach results in the internal polarization. It can also lead to temptation since this one size may not fit you, based on your own natural experiences.
Jesus did away with group law in an attempt to heal the internal polarization of the human soul, since law is based on one size fits all, and one size does not fit all. Faith in the spirit is about acting as the spirit moves one. This allows one to to gather direct evidence, so the animal brain can use the proper and natural singular tag. Then good and evil is not half of a whole but is distinct by itself based on natural wisdom.
I see need for meditationMoral issue are largely subjective and relative to each individual.
I agree on the second (in part) like I've mentioned before half empty and half full are the same.
Good and bad ... Condition of a thing? Like a car pristine and new or rusted out and inoperable? Or ... people as in they do what I view to be bad things so they must be bad? Or ... as in healthy or unhealthy? Lots of wiggle room with no clear definition or clarity in your post.
Nature of a spirit? Benevolent or malevolent? What about a spirit of wrath or anger when needed to protect someone you love like a child or mother or father?
there is no greater love than friendship
friendship | Origin and meaning of friendship by Online Etymology Dictionary