Christian tropers, join together!

Not sure how definitive this is, but I've read that scholars say it was mainly just a symbolic epistle to Christians at the time (which had to be kept symbolic because the rulers at the time wouldn't have liked what was being said).

That's another very common interpretation of revelation: it already happened.

Or that parts of it already happened.

It's a WEIRD book.

yes. yes it is.

Hard Way to Strength.

What We Talk About. since i'm an introvert, i don't really have a problem with this.

@Katsura You shouldn't wish harm on people even if you dislike their ideology.

Mod Hat ON

That's enough, Katsura. This thread is not for snarking, sniping, or bashing Christianity of any flavor. In fact, if all you want to do is complain about Christianity, take it to some other forum entirely.

Mod Hat OFF

Just finished Dante's Inferno. One down, two canticles to go.

As I read it, although it is obviously inspired by Christian themes, the content seems to me as more mythological and historical. I find it interesting how Dante viewed Islamism as a result of a schism of Christianity, among others. If I were to write about all the things I found interesting about it, it would take hours.

It's fascinating, as a book.

I'd love to see someone write up how it influenced our modern views of hell and sin, in a "promoted fandom" way.

Apparently Dante did not research, and he was heavily politically biased when writing it. Known tyrants whom he liked get treaten better than his political rivals.

I don't think it was supposed to be taken as a solely religious text, certainly; there are more political and historical references than you can shake a stick at, and there's no doubt that he's imposed his own biases into the work. As literature, it's great, but don't even think of confusing it with Scripture in the least. Of course, it might be a good idea to compare how Dante's depiction of the afterlife correlated with other contemporary ideas (theological and otherwise).

Creating Your Life. well, this one was... humbling.

Don't Forget. i do kinda have problems with this one.

Earworms. this one hit a little close.

Today I went to my old church, which I have attended ever since I recognized myself as a Christian (roughly a bit over decade). About a month before I went to America, my old pastor left the church for personal reasons and replaced by the current one. He is young, passionate, very well versed in the Scriptures, and I genuinely like and respect him.

However, his viewpoints and style wasn't very well liked by old members. Over the year, almost ALL of them left, save for, what, four of them. The church has grown much bigger, but no familiar faces. I don't know what it means for the church, but for me, it's a bit disheartening. I don't feel nearly as enthusiastic as I was about going there anymore.

@Roy: double-check the messages in his sermons. if they all line up with what's said in Scripture, then they all left just because he's new.

Arrogance and Pride.

edited 21st Jul '13 5:24:50 AM by crimsonstorm15

^ Not necessarily. What Roy ran into is the "community" aspect of a congregation. The new pastor may well have been preaching the exact same things as the old, but the community dynamic changed, and people started leaving looking for that same community feeling. That changed the dynamic even more, and more people left, while new people came in, lather, rinse, repeat, until most of the old members have gone elsewhere, and the congregation is made up of new members, with a different community dynamic.

People may dislike newcomers for different reasons than the question of compatibility his sermons with scriptures. The local new vicar offended many by showing off with his wealth (more expensive car than the major's) and careless spending of money. Hell froze over when usually unflinchingly loyal local zealots from local Rosary Circle stopped donating money and told him to sell his car if he has problem with paying off debts. His pimped out Mercedes would sell well.

But as far as his ideology is concerned I have no beef with him because he is liberal guy who doesn't take part in such nonsense like refusing to baptise children born from in vitro or children out of wedlock, which is unfortunately quite popular in Poland, especially in backward regions in the East. There has been a scandal recently there because bishop punished vicar who baptised children born from in vitro. And parishioners wanted their vicar back. And said vicar preached that non-Christians all go to heaven if they do good long before something similar was officially announced by Vatican.

His mirror counterpart in the same town I live is a vicar who is very ascetic and honest, but rigid in his beliefs.

@crimson - Like I said, the pastor is fine.

@Madrugada - That is pretty much what happened, except for the reasons; I don't know why they left, but I am sure that they had their reasons, and whether if they are good or not is not for me to judge. And yes, I miss my old community. -sighs-

Anyhow, my family is one of the last main pillars of the church, so I should give what I got for the church. Even without that, it is a duty as a good Christian and as a decent person to participate in making a good community. Who knows, maybe this one might be my new old community.

There is a time for everything - Time to say goodbye, and time to welcome.

I know that's not how Eccelesiastes 3 went, shaddup. XD

I'm going to something of a bible camp from today to Friday.

@Disco Dancer: cool, hope you have fun

More, More, More.

Road Construction. it's easy to forget when you're right in the middle of it.

I heard the first foreign visit of the Pope was met with mixed receptions. There have been riots and protests against his visit, rumors of somebody preparing assassination attempt. Surprising, since the two previous popes who were in my opinion not nearly as honest as Francis weren't attacked so much during visits (barring that one assassination attempt by Ali Agca).

Too Blessed. this is something i struggle with too