The Evangelical Myth

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I have finally understood what I've always been feeling, about what is wrong with Christianity in America. People like Pat Robertson, Robert Schuller and all of the other so-called Christian leaders we see on TV all try to convince their constituency that God wants them to be successful in the material sense, thus justifying their own material comfort.

I'm sorry, but Jesus and his followers knew that true Christianity is not about ease and comfort in this life. It is about hardship and knowing that the truth will get you oppressed by the majority of people. A lot of people who go to church every Sunday, pay their tithes, etc., etc., etc., still don't understand that being Christian isn't something easy, and by trying to turn it into that, one becomes an enemy of Christianity.

[Kaeos]

Dude, Kirk, seriously.....

Have you had a crisis of faith recently? You've been very focused on the facets of belief and faith lately. Did something shake the core of your beliefs?

I ask because I care.

Seriously. I'm usually full of shizzle, but I'm really wondering here bro.:o

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Dude, Kirk, seriously.....

Have you had a crisis of faith recently? You've been very focused on the facets of belief and faith lately. Did something shake the core of your beliefs?

I ask because I care.

Seriously. I'm usually full of shizzle, but I'm really wondering here bro.:o

I just have too much time on my hands, being on med leave from work. So, I start thinking about stuff, and then post things I want to put down in writing. That way I can put my thoughts into words so I can clarify them to myself.

[Intelligent_Design]

I just have too much time on my hands, being on med leave from work. So, I start thinking about stuff, and then post things I want to put down in writing. That way I can put my thoughts into words so I can clarify them to myself.

Asonokirk is fast becoming my favorite poster here.

[Space Tycoon]

I thought I was your favourite? :ohwell:

Aw man, here come the waterworks.....



You know, I just realized, I used to be a lot more popular back when I was posting half-naked women every day...

Hmm... maybe it's time for the Tycoon to get back to the basics. :D


.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I woke up one day and realized that I exist within an incomprehensible, bewildering, and absolutely subjective reality. How did this reality come to be? Why did it come to be? What is it, actually? How rational are the opinions and knowledge we as a species have about any of this? How do I reconcile my belief in God with what I have observed and experienced?

I don't know if I'll ever find the answers I seek, but I do know that if I keep asking questions, keep speculating, keep wondering, I may uncover some knowledge that will be of benefit to all of us. I believe that "the unexamined life is not worth living."

Part way into the process of trying to make some sense of existence, I did have a certain breakthrough, one that applies to all of us: "I have all the knowledge of the universe. I understand God, creation, and all things. That knowledge, plus a job, will pay my rent."

In other words, knowledge is good, but you still have to pay attention to what is going on directly around you. Like the needs for food, shelter, etc. No amount of wisdom will get you those things, only work will suffice. (Unless you can turn that "wisdom" into income of some kind. I'm working on that . . . ) :)

[DaForce]

Pass the dutchie to the left-hand side.....

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Pass the dutchie to the left-hand side.....

I passed it, but it keeps coming back . . . :)

[Trazalca]

Kirk? Two things come to mind about what you're saying here:

1) Are you going through some kind of midlife crisis? I understand that,
generally, as you get older, mortality begins to loom ever larger in your mind
that you begin to question the cosmos, earth, life, death and the beyond.
But is this part of that stage during midlife?

2) I know when you're suddenly put in a place where you're all alone, with no one physically to talk to,
you suddenly come face to face with yourself as in a mirror that is quite unforgiving,
and the idea of taking a hard look at yourself, your life and purpose grows
in your mind to an even greater level than normally.
Is this what's happening here?

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Kirk? Two things come to mind about what you're saying here:

1) Are you going through some kind of midlife crisis? I understand that,
generally, as you get older, mortality begins to loom ever larger in your mind
that you begin to question the cosmos, earth, life, death and the beyond.
But is this part of that stage during midlife?

2) I know when you're suddenly put in a place where you're all alone, with no one physically to talk to,
you suddenly come face to face with yourself as in a mirror that is quite unforgiving,
and the idea of taking a hard look at yourself, your life and purpose grows
in your mind to an even greater level than normally.
Is this what's happening here?

1.: I'm not experiencing any midlife crisis. All of the things I have discussed in here are things I've been thinking about since I was a child, and it has taken me this long to start getting some insight, which I post in here as a way of helping me organize the thoughts.

2.: Yes, I am taking a good hard and honest look at myself, etc., and I believe this is a good thing.

[Bark]

I thought I was your favourite? :ohwell:

Aw man, here come the waterworks.....



You know, I just realized, I used to be a lot more popular back when I was posting half-naked women every day...

Hmm... maybe it's time for the Tycoon to get back to the basics. :D


.

Yes. :D

[kah]

I think they need to lower the dosage on your meds. Just a scoch.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I think they need to lower the dosage on your meds. Just a scoch.

They did that. Why do you think I'm able to post in here? The lower dosage has allowed me some energy, which I'm using to drive all of you crazy!

:)

[tstone]

One hundred percent in agreement here. I don't think it's a coincidence that this brand of "Christianity" is 100 in the Bush corner and I find, as a Christian, utterly embarrassing and contemptible. Then I think about Jesus kicking money changer ass and I smile.



I have finally understood what I've always been feeling, about what is wrong with Christianity in America. People like Pat Robertson, Robert Schuller and all of the other so-called Christian leaders we see on TV all try to convince their constituency that God wants them to be successful in the material sense, thus justifying their own material comfort.

I'm sorry, but Jesus and his followers knew that true Christianity is not about ease and comfort in this life. It is about hardship and knowing that the truth will get you oppressed by the majority of people. A lot of people who go to church every Sunday, pay their tithes, etc., etc., etc., still don't understand that being Christian isn't something easy, and by trying to turn it into that, one becomes an enemy of Christianity.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

One hundred percent in agreement here. I don't think it's a coincidence that this brand of "Christianity" is 100 in the Bush corner and I find, as a Christian, utterly embarrassing and contemptible. Then I think about Jesus kicking money changer ass and I smile.

I am aware, now, that what has happened is Christianity has changed from the oppressed to the oppressor. I don't think that is what Jesus had in mind. If a Christian isn't being persecuted, then he ain't doing something right. If you have noticed, it isn't Christians who get picked on any more. But the actual symbols, like the Ten Commandments, the Lord's prayer, and other manifestations of Christianity, the ones that really do represent Christ, ARE being persecuted here.

When something Christian is being persecuted, then it is doing something right. I know that sounds cynical, but the enemies of Christ and Christianity haven't gone anywhere, they've just come along with history like everything else. Like those who've sued to remove Christian symbolism from schools, etc, would have been the ones cheering on the lions at the Coliseum in Rome, if not actively participating in killing Christians.

[tstone]

A BRAND of "Christianity". There are alot of Christians out there who see this. They remember that Christ was a radical who stood up to power. He insisted on a certain standard, a certain way of treating people that ran counter to the attitudes of many in power.

When some of those in power who claim the mantle of "Christianity", yet don't use Jesus' standards in dealing with people, it's not Christianity that has moved. It's those people, submerged in money and power.





I am aware, now, that what has happened is Christianity has changed from the oppressed to the oppressor. I don't think that is what Jesus had in mind. If a Christian isn't being persecuted, then he ain't doing something right. If you have noticed, it isn't Christians who get picked on any more. But the actual symbols, like the Ten Commandments, the Lord's prayer, and other manifestations of Christianity, the ones that really do represent Christ, ARE being persecuted here.

When something Christian is being persecuted, then it is doing something right. I know that sounds cynical, but the enemies of Christ and Christianity haven't gone anywhere, they've just come along with history like everything else. Like those who've sued to remove Christian symbolism from schools, etc, would have been the ones cheering on the lions at the Coliseum in Rome, if not actively participating in killing Christians.

[Ronnie]

When some of those in power who claim the mantle of "Christianity", yet don't use Jesus' standards in dealing with people, it's not Christianity that has moved. It's those people, submerged in money and power.

That is it exactly! And it's not like it's that hard to interpret some of the Bible's texts. Phillipians 2: 1 - 13 describes a problem in the Phillipian church that is rampant among Christians today. Verse 3 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or conceit... but in humility count others better than yourselves." In other words, Paul is saying to the church, just as Jesus said to his disciples, that if you want to be great in the Kingdom of God, you must become a servant. If you want to follow me, Jesus says, you must deny yourself. The priorities of the Christian and of Christ's Church must center on values that place the welfare and interests of others before oneself.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Part of it stems from the notion that "Heaven" is some kind of "eternal reward" for being "good" while alive. Heaven isn't a "reward" for being "good," it is being allowed to enter the presence of God because you have made yourself through your life able to be in His presence.

Crystal Cathedrals don't allow you into the presence of God, understanding, knowledge and awareness allow you into the presence of God.

In other words, cleansing yourself of all that is of this earth, and reaching for the divine is what we are here for. Man must put aside his animal nature and seek to exist as something more profound.

[Queen Mae]

You need to get a xanga and start blogging this stuff.

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

What is a "xanga" and why would I want to blog anything?