| |
In Reply to: Clay Farris Naff- this dude knows what he's talkin' about....(see article/msg) posted by Shawn on March 07, 2010 at 15:39:35:
has the practical understanding of how a spiritual relationship between the believer and God really works. It's an extremely complex relationship, complete with things taken in and out of context--some seemingly small and insignificant, and others seemingly major. It goes far beyond what makes natural sense in this world, and yet it seems he's wanting to encourage believers give up that very part of the relationship so that it might be more "acceptable" for outside observers to better comprehend and tolerate. The very things he's suggesting we reject are some of the very qualities of God believers need to accept about Him. Some of the very boundaries he's asking us to remove are the very boundaries God has put in place so that we can enjoy a greater life. I have found that the pursuit of truth indeed leads to pursuit of happiness.
: "Your life, like those of everyone else alive, is still being written. Science shows that it is impossible, even in principle, to know just how it will turn out. If belief in a caring God makes it better, there's truly nothing wrong with that, provided you keep your beliefs within the bounds of rationality. Better yet, if you follow a few important provisos your belief will, at least in a metaphysical sense, be true.
: Here are those provisos: to be consistent with the world as science finds it, you have to let go of belief in a master plan, special powers, or magical interventions. To be a rational believer, you must reject the idea that God supports this army or that, loves one group better than another, takes offense at certain sexual practices, or sends down specific commandments to certain people, along with promises of rewards and threats of punishment."
: I absolutely love that excerpt....excellent!!!