Posted by Mrs. Isis Fabulous at syr-24-169-78-10.twcny.rr.com on December 10, 2003 at 23:00:48:
In Reply to: #2 is really insightful posted by Johnboy on December 10, 2003 at 18:35:36:
That's just always what I assumed, anyway, the Bethany-reborn thing.
: You know, that's a really insightful response. Ever think that you know more about Christianity than some people practicing it?
Not at all -- if I was really serious I'd learn Hebrew, and get really into reading Mary Magdalene's writings, the sea Scrolls, things like that. Obviously I couldn't get at that stuff, since it's so protected, but what a thrill. I'm fascinated by the very early Church, the origins. If you consider a Christian to be anyone who believes in Christ as an avatar and tries to follow his teachings, then I'm a Christian. But obviously there are aspects of my beliefs that would not be accepted in most modern churches.
But you know, I still kind of have a fantasy of running off and becoming a nun. That may sound hard to believe, but I would love nothing more to devote myself totally to a spiritual life, away from worldly pressures, just reading and studying and performing social service. It sounds wonderful, but the no-sex and the one-God thing just rule it out.
I think basic Christian principles are very easy to understand. There's nothing complicated about what Christ said: love your neighbor, love your enemy, love the weakest and most despised among your people, forgive everyone, share your wealth with those less fortunate. I think those things are very hard to put into practice, but any spiritual discipline is just that -- a discipline.
Certainly there are many people who might call themselves Christian who do not really practice what I'd think of as Christian principles -- but this is true of every religion. In any case it's not up to me to criticize the path someone else's soul is on, unless they start harming others in the name of their God/dess/es. Christian people need to define what Christianity is.
: You know, someone should do a script about people overthinking religious precepts - nah, that would never work as a movie.
NEVAH!