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Gender:
Male
Location:
About Me:
I am a Christian. An Anglican, always have been and hopefully always will be.
I don't always know how to describe my views on a lot of things. One word that comes to mind is "moderate", but no, that might not explain things either.
I hold a lot of views that on their face would seem very traditional and orthodox to many people. But then, I have other views that would be very liberal sounding as well. It amazes me how polarized some things are with Christianity in the Western World. I just watched a video about how Billy Graham and Joel Osteen have made statements in interviews where they expressed uncertainty about how God judges people of other (non-Christian) faiths, implying the possibility that there could be other paths to salvation outside of Christianity, and as a result groups of people protested at their gatherings and said that these men (Graham and Osteen) were sent by Satan to try and destroy the Church! This sort of dogmatic certainty just amazes me!
But on the other hand, I do have some very strong convictions, but I have learned that I cannot judge others or fully know the mind of God, nor can I be certain of what God will do in the future.
My faith involves a belief in Jesus Christ. A central element to my faith is the Christ's resurrection was a physical (corporeal) one. The stories of Christ's miracles are literally true, and yes, He was born of a virgin. My source for all this: The Bible, the 39 Articles Of Religion And Faith which Anglicans swear they believe in when they are Confirmed, and of course my own personal experience of Christ. I do not have a problem with those who believe - or strive to believe - in these things. Indeed many of them are probably better Christians then I am or have been. But I would have many questions of these folks: you don't believe in Christ's miracles, physical resurrection, or virgin birth because science, logic, and rationalism tells you these things are impossible... but isn't that the point? Doesn't God do the impossible, the things that humans cannot do without his involvement? And do you believe in an afterlife where your soul, your personality lives on? If you believe in that, then you believe in something that on its face is far more fantastic and impossible than the physical resurrection, miracles, etc.
I don't think this is a good thing, but we tend to define our Anglican faith these days by our positions on the "hot button" issues within the Church, such as the same sex blessing/ordinations of gay & lesbian persons issue. While this is a debate of major importance with far reaching consequences no matter which side you are on, it still narrows the discussion on Christianity and leaves out so much.
I don't always know how to describe my views on a lot of things. One word that comes to mind is "moderate", but no, that might not explain things either.
I hold a lot of views that on their face would seem very traditional and orthodox to many people. But then, I have other views that would be very liberal sounding as well. It amazes me how polarized some things are with Christianity in the Western World. I just watched a video about how Billy Graham and Joel Osteen have made statements in interviews where they expressed uncertainty about how God judges people of other (non-Christian) faiths, implying the possibility that there could be other paths to salvation outside of Christianity, and as a result groups of people protested at their gatherings and said that these men (Graham and Osteen) were sent by Satan to try and destroy the Church! This sort of dogmatic certainty just amazes me!
But on the other hand, I do have some very strong convictions, but I have learned that I cannot judge others or fully know the mind of God, nor can I be certain of what God will do in the future.
My faith involves a belief in Jesus Christ. A central element to my faith is the Christ's resurrection was a physical (corporeal) one. The stories of Christ's miracles are literally true, and yes, He was born of a virgin. My source for all this: The Bible, the 39 Articles Of Religion And Faith which Anglicans swear they believe in when they are Confirmed, and of course my own personal experience of Christ. I do not have a problem with those who believe - or strive to believe - in these things. Indeed many of them are probably better Christians then I am or have been. But I would have many questions of these folks: you don't believe in Christ's miracles, physical resurrection, or virgin birth because science, logic, and rationalism tells you these things are impossible... but isn't that the point? Doesn't God do the impossible, the things that humans cannot do without his involvement? And do you believe in an afterlife where your soul, your personality lives on? If you believe in that, then you believe in something that on its face is far more fantastic and impossible than the physical resurrection, miracles, etc.
I don't think this is a good thing, but we tend to define our Anglican faith these days by our positions on the "hot button" issues within the Church, such as the same sex blessing/ordinations of gay & lesbian persons issue. While this is a debate of major importance with far reaching consequences no matter which side you are on, it still narrows the discussion on Christianity and leaves out so much.
My Favorite Quote or Motto:
My Faith:
Christian
More Interests:
I love Classical Music! Having fun. I love Scotch. I love good food
,
wine
,
and Martinis.
Who Inspires Me:
Lots of people inspire me.
Tell Us More About Your Faith:
Undefinable - These labels (and most labels) dont work for me.
LATEST ACTIVITY
Saturday, May 25
holst posted on a forum discussion.
Forum Topic:
BP. JSS's NEWEST BOOK.
Friday, May 3
holst posted on a forum discussion.
Forum Topic:
I don't understand the concept of "Predestination".
holst posted on a forum discussion.
Forum Topic:
I don't understand the concept of "Predestination".
holst posted on a forum discussion.
Forum Topic:
I don't understand the concept of "Predestination".
Thursday, May 2
holst posted on a forum discussion.
Forum Topic:
I don't understand the concept of "Predestination".
holst created a new forum thread.
Hello, I just wanted to comment on your statement. I do not think Billy Graham or Joel Osteen were suggesting that there were other paths beside Jesus. I think they were being non judgemental about who goes to heaven or hell. That is between the individual and God. I think they were wise to refer people to let God judge not man. Is this what you were thinking?
Catpatlan8:59 AM