This will be among my resolutionary-type things for the year, by the way…
I’m going to tell you up front that I’ve done some thinking here, and I am not especially comfortable with what I’m about to reveal; but I think it needs saying, and the resulting actions will need reinforcement from you, among others.
1.
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Not anti extremism, not anti fundamentalism, not anti-intolerance or theocracy; truly, I am anti Christian, as in the base dogma of the faiths that have derived from the Christian mythos bother me and disturb me, run counter to my own beliefs, and makes me feel threatened and angry.
I admit this now, knowing it is deeply uncool to admit a bias of this sort; I am sorry for those of you offended, upset, and disgusted with this. Please bear with me as I move forward.
2.
My deep seated dislike and anger at the social structures we live within is at least in part driven by this. There is, of course, more to it, far more; but I think this is a large underpinning of how I see the world.
3.
One of my resolutions for this year will be to work harder, much harder, to ensure that my actions do not draw so deeply from this bias; that I do no let my blinders about Christianity keep me from seeing and befriending and treating with respect and fairness those I meet; and that when I take a stand on an issue of morality and value, it will not simply be “not Christian, so OK.”
4.
At the same time, I’ll work harder to define morality and values in ways that allow others in while not compromising my own spiritual values in pursuit of harmony.
There’s more to be said, of course; specifics, history, examples. But not now.
Now, I just want it out there.
Help hold me to it.
Edit: I think, upon reading this, that I should reframe my issue as one of being “anti-Christianity”, not “anti-Christian.” An important difference, I think.
Dark Matter 
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 4th, 2005 at 1:40 am
haha, well to each his own. Thanks for considering my points anyways!
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Uh. Armageddon? Riiight.
You make this lovely, well-reasoned argument and then you end it with: “And by the way, I’m a crazy person.”
Great.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 pm
It’s a shame that christians have developed this stigma of “Holier than thou.” It hurts me to read your negative remarks about Christianity because that means that Christians have specifically failed you. But this is all besides the point.
Most all christians are human, and with being human we are afflicted with the extreme probability of making mistakes. I am ashamed when Christians feel Christianity is all about going to heaven/hell, because for me that has very little to do with it. Christianity, above all else, is to be Christ-like. You believe that Jesus does not exist at all. I think the vast majority of great thinkers, philosophers, and even Mohammed disagree with you. History, archeology, and age old documents support that a man named Jesus did exist and was crucified by the Roman empire. The question is rather “Was he speaking the truth.” That is a search within yourself. But I want to defend the idea of being “anti-christian” because I believe that to be perposterous.
It is hard, infact impossible, to be Christ-like. I don’t look down on anyone who opposes or disobeys my specific belief. If anything, my christianity humbles me. I feel about as poor a christian out there. I fail, mess up, and sin every day in many ways. So I never point a finger at another and say “YOU ARE TO BE SMITED” because I know if Armeggedon where to happen today I would certainly not pass into Heaven. People are threatened by the Bible to be sure, because it does not compromise itself for the sake of political correctness. Christianity is bettering yourself, in hopes of reflecting the light onto others. Categorizing all of Christianity into one clump and mass of people who all wish to condemn and fool the world is about as narrowminded as the Christians you hate so much. Don’t believe in God, Christ, or anything if you wish. But don’t deny me the dignity of believing such a God does exist. That just ain’t fair.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:56 pm
Well, I’m porked.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Re: Anti-don’t give two shits…..
Fish, I love you.
In a totally platonic and no-pissy cornflake way, of course.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Stop this debate!! Clearly, we should just let Kirk Cameron answer our deepest questions about Christianity:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/welcome.shtml
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:17 pm
I’m not sure I follow you.
It’s certainly their loss, though, especially where Tony is concerned 🙂
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 3rd, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Re: um
Actually, I have had this conversation with many people and I wasn’t specifically referring to you. I was just remarking that it was interesting to me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 11:22 pm
How is this different from how they viewed Tony already? Or is it just that he’s made a public declaration online that’s made all the difference? And besides, if it matters that much to them, I continue to say, “their loss.”
*shrug*
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 9:48 pm
um
I guess “people” means ME, or at least one of them. Not being against Christ and all.
If I may take a moment to inspire writers: Jesus, Siddhartha, Mohammed, Keyser Soze, Tomas and Tereza….it’s always the story that leads to the moral, and the moral that informs the faith. The characters simply focus these things for us.
Jesus isn’t so much a lecturer/teacher for folks like me as he is an example for living.
If we suppose he really didn’t exist…well, clearly the story itself didn’t just fall out of the sky. Whether the story came from Buddhist tradition, centuries of local philosophy, or was the brainchild of one frustrated writer (hey, let’s worship THAT guy!), the teachings at the center of the New Testament gospels still manage to focus much of the positives of human experience and turn it into a blueprint for life: self-sacrifice and unconditional love for your fellow humans. I can dig that, even if Jesus the protagonist was proven to be a complete forgery.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I would love to be part of that. Mix blood people << I am one >> have speicial issues brought about by other people making us choose.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:39 pm
It’s interesting how people say “I’m not against CHRIST” as if they’re talking about a real person. There’s no evidence that Jesus even existed.
How about “I’m not against all the other religions that Christianity stole from or the other figures that they based their Jesus myth on”.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 pm
I want to be anarchy
I am an antichrist.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Woah. What happened there?
First word: “Well” Second word: “They”.
Yikes 🙂
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
TWell, ty certainly wouldn’t admit it, but if they think they’re going to heaven and he’s going to hell, they think less of him and no amount of quoting scriptures about Jesus sitting with tax collectors can take away their double standard.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:56 pm
anti-christianity
I’m not sure what it means to be “anti-christianity.”
I know I resent that our whole culture is infused with christianity – is that what you mean? You don’t like that our culture is built on christianity? I’m sorry I’m dense about this.
In what ways do your own spiritual values differ from christian values? What are your spiritual values? Maybe that will help me understand where you’re coming from.
Part of my problem is, I differentiate between what I consider to be true Christian values (what Jesus preached – inclusiveness, hope, kindness, taking care of the poor and the underclass, peace) versus what the Christian right preaches today (homophobia, war, sexism, etc). So when you say you’re anti-christianity, I’m not sure if you’re against the first set of values, or the second set.
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 2:53 pm
Anti-don’t give two shits…..
dude- You could piss in my cornflakes in the morning and I wouldn’t judge you. Everyone has their beliefs but not many would air them out. So, I applaud you and as always; I respect you.
Fish
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:58 am
Re: Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
sorry, the subject line should read “Anti-Christ or Anti-ChristianITY” (important distinction, indeed)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:46 am
Anti-Christ or Anti-Christian?
Not to pound the subject to death, because clearly your position is one of good faith, after much internal debate.
I believe that what Phil brings up begs an interesting question: Can one be anti-Christianity and be pro-Christ?
I consider myself a Christian, but I am one of those annoying followers that fundies and fellow Christians love to pound on. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, almost 100% as I read them in the New Testament. And that’s about the only place I find common ground with this age’s practitioners of the religion.
I don’t pray 1000 times a day for every small cause…my God is not a God of micromanagement. I don’t make requests of God or Jesus to do things on my behalf; I got that stuff covered. I don’t take everything the Bible says literally. And I have a slightly different (though Biblically-based) view of what sin is: Sin, as I read it, is openly and unabashedly hating, debasing, and destroying one’s fellow human beings, as well as reveling in said hatred and destruction.
I tend to like my interpretations because they strip away much of the spin that “Christian” kings, mercantilists, politicians, modern capitalists, and warmongers have been placing on the teachings of Christ since the founding of the religion. One doesn’t see Christians these days condemning usury (the lending of money for interest), but the early church sure did. Who changed the rule? Certainly not me.
My readings also allow me to place the epistles of St. Paul in their proper context: as the pillars for the modern Christian church (along with its foibles), yes, but not necessarily the end-all and be-all of the Christian religion as it should be practiced.
I know that at this point, mine is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and that my rejection of a lot of modern Christianity sounds a bit like blasphemy…but I hold fast to what I believe, and I still call myself a Christian. What does one do with a guy like me?
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:28 am
I’m not much of a fan of Christianity, for many of the same reasons. But your thoughtfulness and willingness to work towards eliminating your bias is edifying.
My mentor, a former jesuit priest, used to say “Poor God. Poor God, that he should be burdened with such followers.”
I try to remember it’s all an interpretation, and people have the right to see god as they will (yeah, some irony there). So I’m a firm believer in people’s freedom of religion, but I want freedom from religion too, and the christian-centric inroads on separation of church and state really bother me.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m glad you did. Thank you.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:11 am
I’m not sure I’d say that Christians will think less of Tony. Maybe the fundamentalists. And if they do think less of you, there’s always plenty of scripture along the “he who is without sin” variety to use against them. And if they do, it’s their loss anyway. But removing prejudice/bias from any group and their beliefs can only make you a better person.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 5:08 am
Wow, I guess I started this, and I’m fairly amazed that it had any impact on anyone’s life. I was just talking out my thoughts.
My opinion of you does not change because you admit your bias. Of course, I’m not sure I’d say I was a member of any church at this point, though I do believe in much of the Christian religious beliefs (far from all of them).
Thanks for thinking about it all.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 am
i’m pretty sleepy, so keep that in mind here…
Oh, that’s fine, of course. Hard to argue with what all the great masters have said.
I think it’s some other stuff that really gets me; my sense that the Christian thing includes some profoundly unsettling stuff in relationship to nature and the material world. More than I can explain tonight, I think.
The other thing that REALLY bugs me is the idea of a triumph over death — Death’s a natural part of life, and not to be feared or triumphed over.
I don’t personally care too much about an afterlife, and the reliance on that as a way of enforcing moral behavior — hmm.
I think you ought to take right action because it’s the right thing to do, not in relation to reward or punishment.
I do indeed believe in God; I think of my art as my religious practice in relationship to God, and I’m pretty devout. If there is immortality, or a Kingdom of Heaven…well, I’ll take my chances, and simply live life as I see fit.
But somehow, I doubt that I have much to worry about.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 am
So, Anti-Christianity, I understand that. But are you anti-Christ? As in, what do you think about the teachings of Christ? You know, love your neighbor, help the poor, those sorts of lessons?
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:36 am
No, Christian — sadly, I missed the humor. Not feeling humorous tonight, I’m afraid.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 am
Joking, Tony. Joking. “Christian/Christian.”
Or are you joking back? One never can tell in the sarcasm vacuum of cyberspace.
Anyway, I admit to harboring the same bias. But it’s tough; I don’t want to hate Christians, because there are so many millions of good ones, and that kind of prejudice is what turned me against the religion as a wee child in the first place. I guess what I really hate is Christianity in politics. And evangelists. Those who would be spiritual conquistadors, or would use God as a lever, pulley, or weapon inside my sphere. My motto is “man is good; men are evil,” and that basically sums up my attitude toward organized religion. I can learn to love every Christian/Jew/Muslim/Whatever individually — when they’re willing to think individually — but I have a hard time respecting the collective, the church, the abstract whole.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 am
It’s interesting: I need to do a whole similar thing on race one of these days, because I have similar stuff — I grew up a child of an interracial couple who looks not one bit non white, but was raised with a clear message that I was, and the extended family I grew up in was profoundly affected by this fact (people not talking, etc.).
I don’t consider myself white, and at many points it’s been an issue for people on all sides of the color debate when I put that on the table.
Another post.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:22 am
I really get it – I’m often anti-Christian too. Growing up one of 7 Jews in South Texas will do that to you, if you attempt to forge any sort of Jewish identity for yourself.
It’s just that for so many years I have had Christianity imposed on me, by my father’s family, by my city, by my country, by my neighbors. I realized my bias when I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of a small, slightly melted nativity scene being placed in our home (it was sentimental to my g.f.) We were able to work it out.
I find myself similarly anti-straight people, and anti-white people, at times. This last one is odd, since I am a white person. But I grew up absorbing Mexican-American culture more…
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:21 am
I’m all about the irony.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:07 am
I am sorry for it; but it’s about what I should expect, I guess.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Good words, Mr. Brown. Good thought, and good words.
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:11 am
After some soul-searching: I am, admittedly, anti-Christian.
Okay. And from now on, I am, admittedly, anti-Tony.
How you likes them apples?
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 2nd, 2005 at 1:14 am
good luck, tony
i haven’t had a chance to chime in on the earlier thread(s) around all this.
i don’t know how anti christian i am but there’s a lot there. and i think its less to do with christ than those who purport to being christian.
i think what i am opposed to is literalism which then breeds fundamentalism which is based on a very narrow point of view of the world let alone the universe. whether christian or muslim or jew or buddhist and so on.
poetically speaking i believe so much of what jesus had to offer and what all religious teachings can give us is a metaphorical way to view the world and interpret its uninterpretability. from grimm’s faery tales, to the koran, the torah, native folk tales, to theatre, its an attempt and coming to terms with our mortality.
i think everyone is born in love with the divine, in full and complete interconnectedness. i believe that doesn’t change. however, somehow, a lot of US DO and then we spend a lot of time attempting to return to that original position. which is impossible. or at least it seems to be. or we spend a lot of time denying it in the first place.
but i think there is a chance for any of us to burst through the filters that we create and become re aware or re awakened to the interconectedness. its all so fucking fleeting though. and if a person gets caught up in how beautiful it can be or how good it feels then it can just as quickly disappear.
then again it might all just be random.
good luck and good wisdom on your journey.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Keep in mind, of course, when you’re being so forgiving, that Christians think less about *you*.
Deep down, no matter what they pretend to be reality, they think of you as a sinner and that they’re better than you. They think they’re going to heaven and you’re being disposed of in God’s bathroom trash can.
Ironic that you would have to be the forgiving one. 🙂
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.
January 1st, 2005 at 11:03 pm
It is quite beautiful that you are willing to say so. I often feel threatened by certain ways that people choose to uphold principles and react under the premise of religion (I realize you speak specifically of Christianity, but I relate). I haven’t decided if this is simply fear on my part, prejudice, or my natural desire to question everything. I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions. Allowing others in, “while not compromising” is one of the hardest pursuits in life, in my opinion – something I struggle with daily.