Greetings folks. :namaste
First of all, for the Christians,I put this in 'Comparative Religion', because even within Christianity there are different approaches and understandings to what is means to be that Christian or a follower of Christ. And there are differences in how the Spirit comes into our lives, what is said, and how that authenticity is measured or reasoned.
And for everyone, I'm interested in folks' opinion or thought on the article inside, outside or on the fringe of Christianity, whether never a part of it or never apart from it.
My main goal is to just show the vastness of 'kinds' of Christians there are,
as far to often, I feel, a VERY broad brush is used to paint them all....
Painted with 'ought-to' from the inside,
and painted the same colour from outside.
(please read it if you wish to comment)
Sojourners is a feed I get on Facebook, one of the more positive and thoughtful, and I've really enjoyed the people's blogs they host.
This one caught my eye for posting today, as I feel some folks here might relate to the sentiment expressed in this writing.
I think this is best captured in the people who can't 'let go of' Jesus when they leave Christianity.
They know there is something there they relate to, but can't stand to stay in a Christian community.
But what particularly drew me in was the last few lines, which I've made blue,
and wish to lay more emphasis on.
This to me resonates with how I feel about the Spirit that the words and texts of Christian writings seek to capture, which is something that isn't always popular or easy to express.
I think one reason for the rise of the pejoratively used 'New Agers' is this sense of wanting to BE their beliefs, not just have them.
To practice them, not just to hold them.
And then not being sure where to turn when they have these feelings.
I myself was one of these people.
This seeking has come up in looking again to the writings of the early contemplative and mystic writings and it's come up in blending of eastern traditions.
One way, seems to go back to the basics, penetrating the dogmas, the other turning and leaving the dogmas in their wake.
Who is to say which is best?
First of all, for the Christians,I put this in 'Comparative Religion', because even within Christianity there are different approaches and understandings to what is means to be that Christian or a follower of Christ. And there are differences in how the Spirit comes into our lives, what is said, and how that authenticity is measured or reasoned.
And for everyone, I'm interested in folks' opinion or thought on the article inside, outside or on the fringe of Christianity, whether never a part of it or never apart from it.
My main goal is to just show the vastness of 'kinds' of Christians there are,
as far to often, I feel, a VERY broad brush is used to paint them all....
Painted with 'ought-to' from the inside,
and painted the same colour from outside.
(please read it if you wish to comment)
Sojourners is a feed I get on Facebook, one of the more positive and thoughtful, and I've really enjoyed the people's blogs they host.
This one caught my eye for posting today, as I feel some folks here might relate to the sentiment expressed in this writing.
I think this is best captured in the people who can't 'let go of' Jesus when they leave Christianity.
They know there is something there they relate to, but can't stand to stay in a Christian community.
But what particularly drew me in was the last few lines, which I've made blue,
and wish to lay more emphasis on.
This to me resonates with how I feel about the Spirit that the words and texts of Christian writings seek to capture, which is something that isn't always popular or easy to express.
I think one reason for the rise of the pejoratively used 'New Agers' is this sense of wanting to BE their beliefs, not just have them.
To practice them, not just to hold them.
And then not being sure where to turn when they have these feelings.
I myself was one of these people.
This seeking has come up in looking again to the writings of the early contemplative and mystic writings and it's come up in blending of eastern traditions.
One way, seems to go back to the basics, penetrating the dogmas, the other turning and leaving the dogmas in their wake.
Who is to say which is best?