What are your thoughts on Christianity?

[YoursTrue]

War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.

Clearly many people think it is good for various things. I just spoke to a pastor who told me that he was in the military and they will fight for the government, but don't really care about the people or goverments who don't produce gas (oil). He himself said it. As if I didn't know. But it's interesting to find someone who supports warfare in the sense of patriotic duty, then as a human being tells me they don't really care about the groups that do not economically help them. "Lord, let your kingdom come...," the wonderful prayer of Jesus Christ.

 

[MatthewA]

Mostly good experiences with people.

I think the Bible is often taken too seriously and too literally.

Teachings. The primacy of love, charity, forgiveness, purity in heart, righteousness ... is the biggest plus for me.

In Catholic Christianity I like how you can connect in prayer to a community that transcends earthly communities - it includes saints and angels. I like prayer in general...

Christian rituals enrich and nourish my life.

Just a few things to mention...

Thank you for sharing from your experience, Pearl.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Clearly many people think it is good for various things. I just spoke to a pastor who told me that he was in the military and they will fight for the government, but don't really care about the people or goverments who don't produce gas (oil). He himself said it. As if I didn't know. But it's interesting to find someone who supports warfare in the sense of patriotic duty, then as a human being tells me they don't really care about the groups that do not economically help them. "Lord, let your kingdom come...," the wonderful prayer of Jesus Christ.

Are you saying that the pastor was pro-war on ideological and economic grounds, but not on a humanitarian basis?

 

[YoursTrue]

Are you saying that the pastor was pro-war on ideological and economic grounds, but not on a humanitarian basis?

He was talking about supporting the country's efforts overseas, risking one's life and he was proud of it, but also commented that the government doesn't care about the countries that offer no financial gain, specifically speaking of those countries that are not oil-rich.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

He was talking about supporting the country's efforts overseas, risking one's life and he was proud of it, but also commented that the government doesn't care about the countries that offer no financial gain, specifically speaking of those countries that are not oil-rich.

That may depend on who is in charge at a particular time. And may be a trend more than an effort, but it could be either. When business is the focus or driver of an administration, we do tend to see more in countries where we have a financial stake of some sort. Central Africa needs to find some native resource we need.

 

[YoursTrue]

That may depend on who is in charge at a particular time. And may be a trend more than an effort, but it could be either. When business is the focus or driver of an administration, we do tend to see more in countries where we have a financial stake of some sort. Central Africa needs to find some native resource we need.

So how do you figure this works as far as Christianity goes? I'd like your answer, but if I see this pastor again in passing, I'll try to ask him how he thinks Christianity fits in with passing someone by or killing others to get what you want.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

So how do you figure this works as far as Christianity goes? I'd like your answer, but if I see this pastor again in passing, I'll try to ask him how he thinks Christianity fits in with passing someone by or killing others to get what you want.

It is interesting how you demand answers from me. Yet I recall numerous questions I have asked you that have gone unanswered. Don't you find that ironic?

I was thinking more in terms of who is in charge in the government. As a Christian, I prefer peace, but recognize that is not always possible.

 

[metis]

As a Christian, I prefer peace, but recognize that is not always possible.

Ditto.

I consider Gandhi to be my main mentor, but I long struggled with his position on basically unlimited non-violence. Eventually, I settled on the "Just-War Theory", which sharply limits war and how it should be fought at the last resort. I don't know if you're familiar with it, so I'll set you up this link: Just war theory - Wikipedia

 

[YoursTrue]

It is interesting how you demand answers from me. Yet I recall numerous questions I have asked you that have gone unanswered. Don't you find that ironic?

I was thinking more in terms of who is in charge in the government. As a Christian, I prefer peace, but recognize that is not always possible.

I apologize if I fail to answer. I cannot answer every question anyway. Either I don't know the answer, or haven't seen the question since I don't have the time to read every post unfortunately. So you did answer the question, thank you. It depends on your take of the situation as to whether you will go to war.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

I apologize if I fail to answer. I cannot answer every question anyway. Either I don't know the answer, or haven't seen the question since I don't have the time to read every post unfortunately. So you did answer the question, thank you. It depends on your take of the situation as to whether you will go to war.

I am a little long in the tooth to be worried about direct service. If I were called up, we would probably be in a very serious situation and calling me would be evidence of that. I have no ethical issues with serving in general, despite that initial proviso. I have benefited as a citizen of this country and have been defended by others that have sacrificed in that effort. It seems only just that were I needed, that I rise to that need. If I thought the war was unavoidable or necessary to secure the safety of this country. However, even in those circumstances, there are plenty of issues to be concerned about, given our technology. Every attempt reasonable should be made to minimize non-combatant collateral damage.

In the capacity as a citizen, I would support peaceful negotiation over combat.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Ditto.

I consider Gandhi to be my main mentor, but I long struggled with his position on basically unlimited non-violence. Eventually, I settled on the "Just-War Theory", which sharply limits war and how it should be fought at the last resort. I don't know if you're familiar with it, so I'll set you up this link: Just war theory - Wikipedia

I support a strong military. Without it, some other guy might decide to run over us as easy pickens. However, we may have gone a bit overboard on our spending for it.

I agree with you on the just war theory. If you have to, it needs to be morally justified and run with as much ethics as possible. Thanks for the link.

 

[Kooky]

Ditto.

I consider Gandhi to be my main mentor, but I long struggled with his position on basically unlimited non-violence. Eventually, I settled on the "Just-War Theory", which sharply limits war and how it should be fought at the last resort. I don't know if you're familiar with it, so I'll set you up this link: Just war theory - Wikipedia

I recommend you read up on Nelson Mandela's take on the use of violence vs. nonviolence.
I found it very illuminating.

 

[metis]

I recommend you read up on Nelson Mandela's take on the use of violence vs. nonviolence.
I found it very illuminating.

Can you recommend a source? Thanks for the heads up on this.

BTW, I am currently reading a book co-authored by the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu, both of whom I admire deeply, and it's "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness In a Changing World". Douglas Abrams is the interviewer and commentator.

The Book of Joy - Wikipedia

 

[YoursTrue]

Can you recommend a source? Thanks for the heads up on this.

BTW, I am currently reading a book co-authored by the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu, both of whom I admire deeply, and it's "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness In a Changing World". Douglas Abrams is the interviewer and commentator.

The Book of Joy - Wikipedia

Just as a wondering thought -- considering the Dalai Lama, do you think someone is reincarnated as the Dalai Lama when he (the present one) dies? I mean, if evolution is possible, could it be that reincarnation in the form of a Dalai Lama is also possible? What do you think?

 

[YoursTrue]

I support a strong military. Without it, some other guy might decide to run over us as easy pickens. However, we may have gone a bit overboard on our spending for it.

I agree with you on the just war theory. If you have to, it needs to be morally justified and run with as much ethics as possible. Thanks for the link.

Just one spring of the button would probably lead to mass destruction from many sides. Do you agree?

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Just one spring of the button would probably lead to mass destruction from many sides. Do you agree?

I agree that it is potentially possible.

 

[metis]

Just as a wondering thought -- considering the Dalai Lama, do you think someone is reincarnated as the Dalai Lama when he (the present one) dies? I mean, if evolution is possible, could it be that reincarnation in the form of a Dalai Lama is also possible? What do you think?

I really have no belief nor inkling whatsoever on this because in science we rely on objectively-derived evidence. So, to your question, is it possible? Maybe.

 

[Marcion]

As a religion Christianity is of course flawed. But there are many christian spiritual traditions that are of high value to their practitioners.

 

[YoursTrue]

I really have no belief nor inkling whatsoever on this because in science we rely on objectively-derived evidence. So, to your question, is it possible? Maybe.

Ok just wondering what you think about that. I mean, of course, there is under that line of thinking, the possibility of someone being said to be a saint in heaven such as Mary or Joseph.

 

[syo]

My thoughts on Christianity? Not good.