every knee shall bow an every tongue shall confess that JESUS is LORD

[MajMike]

It is very true that some pagan (and other) stories and rituals have been woven into the Christian 'religion', that's why those unbending ones look so silly, defending the indefensible.

As is true with most myths though, at the center is a kernal of truth (IMO). I try to take from the Bible the general intent, which (again, imho) is to live in peace and charity with others, the "Love Thy Neighbor" commandment.

However, I make no claims to be able to 'prove' anything to anyone, my beliefs are simply the result of much study, thought, prayer, and some rather unusual life experiences. Each person must make this journey for themselves, others can guide but only personal experience can teach some things.

[Psycho4Bud]

Just a reminder of what it states under Spirituality:

Spirituality, practices, rituals, etc. Please respect others when discussing religion - thank you.

This thread has been cleaned up and if you feel that you can't show respect...stay out of this forum.

Have a good one!:jointsmile:

[Oneironaut]

It is very true that some pagan (and other) stories and rituals have been woven into the Christian 'religion', that's why those unbending ones look so silly, defending the indefensible.

As is true with most myths though, at the center is a kernal of truth (IMO). I try to take from the Bible the general intent, which (again, imho) is to live in peace and charity with others, the "Love Thy Neighbor" commandment.

That's just the New Testament, you know. A good 80% of the Bible is Old Testament material full of boring "begats", graphic instructions on animal sacrifices to the Lord, and a very lengthy description of how the Jews slaughtered the Untermenschen who were in the way of them dominating their Lebensraum. There really is hardly anything in the way of sophisticated moral philosophy in the Old Testament, and a lot of stuff that is just plain morally repugnant.

As for the New Testament philosophy, it's nothing original. It's covering no new ground in ethics that was not already covered by Greek philosophers or the eastern religions thousands of years prior.

[~ Kuroi ~]

Every knee shall bow, eh?
What if you get your knees shot off in a war, go to hell, and can't kneel?
God says that you'll stay in Hell. And he never says limbs will be rejuvenated in Hell. Therfore, your theory is most likely disproved, unless he soon says that we'll become intact in Hell.

[MajMike]

Oneironaut

To me the Old Testament (OT) is not compatible with a loving God, and I agree with you about it's contents.

I also agree that the NT and Jesus's teachings were not the first time many of these ideas were presented. I disagree that these ideas were commonly held or practiced, 'loving their enemies' was not big at that time.

Kuroi

First of all the 'every knee shall bow' thing means all will recognize His authority over us, not necessarily actually kneeling. Also, it will be done at Judgement, before entering Hell (which I disavow, at least the commonly held idea of Hell) or Heaven (where our bodies are restored and perfected).

In my mind, Hell (damnation) is not a place, but the end of our existence as individuals. A loving God is not going to torture His failed children for eternity, I believe that these 'souls' return to God and cease to exist. That's what damnation means, to be stopped.

Just my thoughts guys, you are of course entitled to your own.