The Divinity of Christ

[psychoslice]

I agree in part. Christos as you know is Greek for the anointed One or in the historic context the Messiah. He does represent an exalted level of spiritual consciousness. Through is teaching we can attain an exalted level of consciousness too. However I do not believe to the same extent for most humans, nor do I believe Christ was unique as His exalted being has parallels in other great religious traditions.

We need to realize that its nothing but a name, don't get caught up in names, there is no such thing as the Christ, its nothing more than label, we are all One with the Universe and its that simple, there is nothing more to it, its really that simple.

 

[Dawnofhope]

We need to realize that its nothing but a name, don't get caught up in names, there is no such thing as the Christ, its nothing more than label, we are all One with the Universe and its that simple, there is nothing more to it, its really that simple.

You have 'your own religion.' Do you feel that you have reached the stage Christ attained?

 

[psychoslice]

You have 'your own religion.' Do you feel that you have reached the stage Christ attained?

Yes i do, and beyond that, that may sound egocentric but that is my answer to your question.

 

[psychoslice]

The problem is that we put our god-men up on a pedestal, we put hem up so high that we cannot reach, and this is why we have so many begging to realize their own truth, its all simple, we are already what we are, we don't need any belief system or religion to tell us that, in fact religion only takes us away from our true self.

 

[Beth Stitely]

The only way we can come to understand what John means in John 1:1 is to consider the whole of John in its entirety. If we focus solely on one verse then its too easy to come to an incorrect conclusion. You have already acknowledged there is an aspect of distinction between God and the Word. We simply understand the 'WAS God' differently. I've provided sufficient scripture within John to argue that Jesus is the Son of God as distinct from God.

The argument based on reason is simple logic (ironically another meaning of the Greek word logos) that an infinite God is uncontainable, especially in the finite physical form such as a human body. Scripture once again echoes this argument:

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? 1 Kings 8:27

The only explanation of Christ's Divinity that makes sense IMHO is that Jesus reflects God's attributes perfectly. St Paul appears to support this view.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature
Colossians 1:14-15

I can discuss much better over coffee, rather than typing

 

[Dawnofhope]

I can discuss much better over coffee, rather than typing

Sounds great. Good to write out our respective positions though for all the world to see (and of course ignore).

 

[Dawnofhope]

The problem is that we put our god-men up on a pedestal, we put hem up so high that we cannot reach, and this is why we have so many begging to realize their own truth, its all simple, we are already what we are, we don't need any belief system or religion to tell us that, in fact religion only takes us away from our true self.

I agree that religion can take us away from our true selves. I also believe that religion can assist us express our true selves and live better lives that we would have otherwise. However if religion becomes a source of harm then what's the point in having such a religion? Better to have no religion than the wrong religion.

 

[psychoslice]

I agree that religion can take us away from our true selves. I also believe that religion can assist us express our true selves and live better lives that we would have otherwise. However if religion becomes a source of harm then what's the point in having such a religion? Better to have no religion than the wrong religion.

Yes, and I personally feel we are better without religion, the only true religion is found within, nowhere else.

 

[Beth Stitely]

Sounds great. Good to write out our respective positions though for all the world to see (and of course ignore).

don't think my thoughts are so much compelling for others

 

[Dawnofhope]

Yes, and I personally feel we are better without religion, the only true religion is found within, nowhere else.

I think it is up to each of us to read the reality of our own lives and determine what is the best path. What works for you did not work for me, but you have found what works best in your life. I too have found what works best in my life. I'm good with differences of perspective. We have to be on RF. We could go crazy otherwise!

 

[psychoslice]

I think it is up to each of us to read the reality of our own lives and determine what is the best path. What works for you did not work for me, but you have found what works best in your life. I too have found what works best in my life. I'm good with differences of perspective. We have to be on RF. We could go crazy otherwise!

Yes and you agree, how else would you you really know the truth, certainly not through someone else's beliefs.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

Well i believe Jesus son of Mary was servant of Allah.

Ironically Acts 3 confirms this.

 

[psychoslice]

Well i believe Jesus son of Mary was servant of Allah.

Ironically Acts 3 confirms this.

Yes beliefs are just that, beliefs, nothing else.

 

[Dawnofhope]

don't think my thoughts are so much compelling for others

There are plenty of Christians on this site who will agree with your views. You are an excellent communicator and Christian apologist. I think the Baha'i position presents challenges for Christians to debate with, that are quite different than atheists.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Well i believe Jesus son of Mary was servant of Allah.

Ironically Acts 3 confirms this.

I'm aware Muslims have high regard for Jesus. You mention Acts 3. Most of the Muslims I talk to, don't believe the gospels of new testament to be authentic. How about you?

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

I'm aware Muslims have high regard for Jesus. You mention Acts 3. Most of the Muslims I talk to, don't believe the gospels of new testament to be authentic. How about you?

Acts 3 says Jesus is servant of Al Mighty God. It is in line with my beliefs.

I only reject biblical verses that opposes pure monotheism.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Acts 3 says Jesus is servant of Al Mighty God. It is in line with my beliefs.

I only reject biblical verses that opposes pure monotheism.

That is good to find common some common ground with Christians, though I don't see the two religions getting along too well at the moment.

I think to have an meaningful interfaith conversation with Christians you need to be able to accept the bible as a whole. If you truly understood the bible you would realise that is teaches pure monotheism.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

That is good to find common some common ground with Christians, though I don't see the two religions getting along too well at the moment.

I think to have an meaningful interfaith conversation with Christians you need to be able to accept the bible as a whole. If you truly understood the bible you would realise that is teaches pure monotheism.

No i cannot accept verses that demolishes pure monotheism.

And let say if Jesus claimed divinity by saying he is god or son of god i would have rejected him face2face because i would never leave 100% strict monotheism.
Many sects of christians killed each other because they couldnt agree about Jesus.
And the most closest to the truth amongst them were the Ebionites and Arians. And the ones who are far away from the truth are those who call themselves Roman Catholics.

 

[omega2xx]

I don't believe that doctrine has a rational basis.

That's your choice.

I believe He is the son of man because He is Mary's child not because of a drop in the attributes of God.

Again your choice.

I believe it is not the only title He gave Himself.

No, but it was one of them

I believe that should be some doctrines of men about the Bible are incomprehensible and illogical.

Is there any chance that is based on your lack of understanding?


...nor are you to break any bone of it----coming to Jesus, when they saw He was dead, they did not break His legs---for these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, not a bone of Him shall be broken.

 

[soulsurvivor]

There is a concept of rebirth or being born again in Christianity that is distinct from the resurrection. However it refers to a spiritual transformation or renewal that happens in this life once we reach a higher level of consciousness (Christ consciousness in the Christian context).

What are the origins of the Hindu concept of reincarnation?

I am not sure what you mean by 'origins'. The belief in the concepts of reincarnation and karma (those go together) are basic hindu, buddhist, jain and sikh beliefs. I guess you could call them revealed truths if you want, but this belief has always existed in these religions for many, many centuries - no single person has originally proposed them. Unlike in western beliefs, these beliefs explain the human condition without any holes. For instance, no western religion can explain satisfactorily why some babies are born with incurable diseases or handicaps and what happens to them if they die prematurely. The concept of karma and reincarnation explains such issues quite well.