Christian tropers, join together!

Maybe not exactly "badass," but I like when Peter tries to walk on water like Jesus, takes a couple of steps and then sinks like a rock. That's like Jesus's version of Wile E. Coyote trying to follow the Roadrunner into a painted tunnel. A nice little reminder that God has a sense of humor (just look at the platypus).

EDIT: *top-of-page dance*

Edited by ThriceCharming on Apr 14th 2022 at 4:23:35 AM

I like how Jesus treats a storm that scared seasoned fishermen like a minor inconvenience.

Jesus coming back from the dead. The initial impact caused an earthquake and made the guards of the tomb faint. His stone was even rolled by His divine might.

Sometimes I envy those early Christians. They got to know for a stone-cold fact that Jesus was legit. They probably went to their graves in peace and comfort. Unlike us, who always have to deal with some doubt/uncertainty, no matter how devout we try to be.

Easter Sunday here in 'Straya. Christ is risen!

Happy Easter!

He is risen!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, my friends! I hope that all have a great day celebrating this date!

So what are your favorite parables? I like the one about the good Samaritan. At first I thought it was just about helping your fellow man, but then I heard a priest who pointed out that it was also a denunciation of prejudice (remember that the Priest and the Levite ignored the beaten man, but it was a Samaritan, who the Jews disliked, who helped out the man).

I love that one too. The idea of the priest walking past the man... it's heavy, and unfortunately true. I try to be generous by helping people and donating money when I can, but there have also been many times where I could have been more generous, and I wasn't.

I'm struggling with thoughts about revenge (specifically getting revenge on my abusive father). I'm not thinking about committing crimes or anything, but the they're eating me alive and I feel pretty rotten. I read some passages about revenge like Deuteronomy 32:35 and they helped a little, but I know it's only a matter of time before the bitterness overtakes me again. What do you guys do when you feel like that?

Edited by ThriceCharming on Jun 19th 2022 at 11:15:50 AM

As someone who had a negligent father (rest his soul), I would say that pray without ceasing using that verse, in your room, silently. That he would realize the errors of his ways, but at the same time try to forgive yourself even if it's hard to forgive him.

I know that it's a challenge even for me to forgive my own father for the way he neglected me and my family, but letting that resentment for too long will consume us.

Strengthen your faith still. Let God handle it.

Remember that God will not be pleased with their behavior. Omnipotent Papa Wolf is scary. Makes one want to pray one's enemies repent so they don't end up with Nightmare Fuel. I don't believe hell to be torture, but shame and Paranoia Fuel isn't exactly fun.

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

I'm Catholic although I'm fairly left wing/progressive in terms of my politics. I also consider myself a theistic evolutionist

Welcome aboard!

Non-Christian seeking guidance.

Is there a point where I shouldn't forgive my father? I know forgiveness and respecting thy father is important but is there a limit to what should be tolerated?

There seems to be a lot of misconception about forgiveness. Reconciliation isn't always possible, but grudges only hurt you. Forgiveness means not trying to get a debt paid that can't be paid. Doesn't mean you forget or that the wrong wasn't a wrong.

Ok. I think I get it so far.

What if he doesn't understand the harm he caused?

What's the reason for not understanding? If they have the understanding of a small child, it makes sense to treat the situation almost the same way. If a toddler insults you, you'd gently correct them or just ignore the insult dependingnon the circumstances, so a kind rebuke? If it's a personality disorder, they might as well be an emotional child. It's frustrating to parent people older than you.

Edited by bookworm6390 on Jul 11th 2022 at 10:14:52 AM

More like a lack of empathy.

By no means are you required to allow him to continue hurting you. I don’t know quite enough about your situation to know what the best course of action is, but at the very least, seeking legal redress is not presented as incompatible with forgiveness.

And besides, it’s not our job to enforce our rules on non-Christians, so don’t think our judgements constitute an obligation on your part.

After all, Jesus forgave his murderers, but did not visit those jerks after the Resurrection.

Thank you. I'll think on all this.

The reason I asked here was because there is no moral orthodoxy in atheism.

I just figured Christianity has some practical knowledge in navigating familial conflict.