I was asked the other day, “Why do Christians celebrate the day the Jews killed some guy?” in reference to the worship services held on Good Friday. As a Christian, I never shy away from theological discussion especially when people who are not Christians begin asking questions. I responded by pointing out that we are recognizing the sacrifice Jesus made for us by dying on the cross. That short interaction made me think whether others understand the purpose of Good Friday.
A quick search in Youtube will reveal many street interviews asking passersby what they think of Jesus. There are a lot of very common answers that come up. ‘He was a good man.’ ‘He was a great teacher.’ ‘He loved people.’ ‘He brought a message of peace.’ All of those answers relate to His life. No one ever comments on how He died.
While I will admit, there is much about the life of Jesus we can acknowledge as good. Even scholars of his day recognized him as a good man. For Christians and many non-Christians, the life of Jesus is one to emulate. Many quote “Love your neighbor as yourself” in their attempt to teach others a guide for morality. The teachings of Jesus are very dear to me; however, the truer meaning in His life is that he lived it perfectly. More then His teachings; His perfect and innocent life is why His death becomes important.
The last days in the life of Jesus never come up on those street interviews. Although I would wager 95% of the country knows He died on a cross. Yet, no one ever suggest that we should live as he died.
The death of Jesus holds a twofold sacrifice. First, God the Father gave His Son to the world to save it in order that we might live with him in heaven. Second, Jesus sacrificed his own life to the same people that were nailing him to the cross. I saw a painting once of man holding a hammer in one hand and a nail in the. He is slumped forward under the heavy burden of these two objects. Behind him, holding him up is Jesus. Loving the one who put Him on the cross. Me!
The video I have loaded on this blog comes from a Czech film, The Most (The Bridge). A person has taken some key moments from the video and edited them together in an effort to portray the scenes of Good Friday. The little boy is Jesus with his Father in the bridge control booth. The Father is faced with an impossible question. Save one at the expense of all or save all at the expense of one.
Most people on that train may never know what happened on that bridge. The true cost of their train ride. Not unlike many on this planet that may never know the true cost of their life. Yet, if you do know, are you willing to sacrifice for Him. The girl on train knew what happened and gave up what might have been the most important thing in her life. To live as Jesus died is to live for others. Not just love your neighbor, but live for your neighbor in love.
I have hesitated from being a Bible thumper on my blog. However, having seen this video, I knew it was worth sharing during this Easter Season. Whether or not you are a Christian, the story of Jesus’ life and death are an excellent guide. In the end, who knows, maybe you will realize the cost of your train ride.
My core set of beliefs, just like the core principals of everyone, has an influence on how I vote. However, my religion does not. I was not sure who I would vote for as I entered the voting booth. In the end, I realized that the current 2 front runners for the GOP are both equally capable of beating Obama. Therefore, I voted for the person who is more likely to continue with his conservative principals after he was elected. Based on your post, you know who that would be. The petitions are of public record. I only agree with the calling out of elected officials. I have found politicians and contacted then to have them explain to me why they signed and I believe that is the right of citizens to hold their politicians accountable. I refuse to forward that information to Belling or use it in my blog, because the officials I spoke with were forthright and honest. If public officials are so confident that the recall is correct, then they should be willing to step forward. I cannot agree with the public calling out of non-elected officials. The non-elected officials Mark has called out are journalist who have work policy that forbids political actions like this. It should be handled with the company. As for Mormons. I don't vote on the basis of the candidates religious beliefs. If I did I would not be able to vote, because to my knowledge there has never been a Lutheran nominated for president.
The Bible has been interpreted six ways from Sunday. The issue that I always stumble on is why a person would accept the Bible has mythology or a story book and yet buy into a religion that is built around it. If Genesis 1-4 are interpretations then what about 5-50 or Genesis through Chronicles. If one part isn't what it says, then how is the rest. Therefore, I could easily question how you got the idea of archetypes. I believe over time some religions have taken liberties with the Bible in order to make it man's work. The story of Christianity is one where a person is saved by grace, through no work of his/her own. The pride and selfishness of man has a difficult time accepting that. We feel we deserve our name in lights also. Not just God. It starts with things like your A&E who now represent a point in evolution, taking the glory away from God and bestowing it on nature or on humanities ability to evolve with out God. This provides us with ability to claim that we did something without God and lends credibility to the concept that we don't need God. This falls in line with most stories of wayward souls in the Bible. Such as Moses hitting the rock with his staff to produce water rather then talking to it as God commanded. As for Isaiah, I don't think our interpretations will ever match up.
Accepting other interpretations does not mean one is rejecting G-d or that one is following false religious principles. Just like the interpretation introduced first by Martin Luther and followed up by Jon Calvin, the idea of a state of grace. This smacks of predestination, especially Calvin's statements that only those that were pre selected will be attracted to the truth, proving they are already in a state of grace. In Judaism, there is strong support for recognizing our place with G-d as co-creators. In understanding our role it is our responsibility to create a society without social injustice. If a just society is created through G-d's direction with mankind as the agents of action, then there is no need for a redeemer. Actions that are designed to get one into heaven or avoid hell, is something foreign to most Jews. Most of us don't accept the concept of hell and we are divided over the question of an afterlife. There is nothing found in our bible that supports either concept.
... And why should Super PACs and campaigns be able to keep the names of donors (the one's buying off our politicians) secret, but if "Joe Public" signs to recall his governor it is broadcast over the airwaves and plastered on the internet. You don't even want to use your real name when blogging, "JB" Why not? It is the same reason people don't want their neighbors and colleagues knowing whether (or not) they signed a petition.
The 'other side' isn't signing petitions to keep Walker in office--it isn't a situation where the 'most signatures' wins, so it isn't at all like casting a vote. Petitions are also circulated in public--anyone signing can see the names of everyone else on the sheet. Doesn't sound like the petition process is very private at all. The petition process is purposefully open and public...
Have you seen this Lutheran Pastor's videos? Try this one for Holy Week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBbXfjowOHc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Hell, while not specifically mentioned by name, is referred to in numerous areas as a place of torment where those who do not believe in God end up. Malachi 3:18 – 4:3 gives a good distinction between the experiences of those who follow God and those that don’t. However, as we are approaching the book from different perspectives, we won’t see eye to eye. Inerrancy is the only option. If bible has doctrinal/story errors/myths, then God must have errors or be a myth as well. If God has errors or is a myth then he is not God. If he is not God, both of our religions are dead. If you truly believe that man is “with G-d as co-creators”, then explain to me your assistance in your own creation? Explain to me how you allow yourself to wake every morning? I could go on; however, I assume you get my point. I have yet to witness or read of a single instance where a man, through depth of knowledge or open mind or enlightenment has been able to add a single day to his life. If you and God are co-creators and enlightenment of the text is how one reaches that point, why has this never happened? Man’s meager existence can’t even control the day and time he dies. How can a ‘co-creator’ title be given? This just reflects what I was saying. Man’s pride is contrary to a relationship with God.
To be a co-creator does not mean to take on G-d like qualities. When referencing to co-creation we are talking of creating social order, serving to assure social justice, and creating things to help mankind. Mankind has created a number of things to extend life beyond an additional day and beyond. Through abilities that G-d endowed us with we carry on His creation each and every day. This is a problem for people who hold such simple values as to not allow for different explanations that are equally satisfying and have a closer grounding within human experience.
That is the difference between Christians and Jews. You search for your enlightened understanding of God (which has eluded Jews for thousands of years) and I will trust in the saving faith of Christ.
Thanks for the video. It was good. He packed a lot of info into 20mins and kept it incredibly entertaining.
The law on petitions is what it is and it has been that way for a while. I would argue that in our system of justice, the accused always gets to meet his accusers. I think that should apply to petitions also. I am 99% sure our kids attend the same school. No, I am not stalking you, I am pretty sure I saw you walking away from the school when I was dropping off my kids and based on the discussion surrounding the Winter Concert we were at the same one. I have always kept an eye open for you at school events in an attempt to introduce myself. I will gladly tell you what you want to know then; however, I refuse to open up my family to the public.
You began this thread by accusing me of using my blog as some anti-semitic tool. That was false claim and was only used by you to discredit my faith. You then made the the claim that the New Testament was politically motivated. There is no proof of that and is strictly speculation used to discredit Christians. You then claimed my views (those of most Christians) as simple. That reference has no actual bearing in reality and purely subjective in order to bully me into acknowledging your superiority. So in response I give you want you want. I give you the superior thought and quest for enlightenment, while at the same time stating the simplistic view that guides my faith. In response, you lash out. It is you who has minimized your faith to mythology. It is you who says that errors exist in your theological writing and doctrines. It is you who has stated that errors actually assist in a deeper understanding. If in turn I accept this minimization and find it ironic that is has parallels stories of Israel falling away from God in the OT, don't become angry at me. I am sure there is dogma that could stretch a scroll for miles. That doesn't impress me nor does Jewish dogma make any difference to my faith. To claim that Jews created this is slightly heretical, God created this and would have found another vehicle had the Jews failed to bring forth Christ.
You accuse Jews of falling away from G-d, which is something you have no right to do. Because of the myths and anti-Semitic views advanced by Christian authorities, we have suffered and have come close to being completely wiped out. What I know of the teachings of Jesus, there are few who follow his direct example or make serious attempts to do so. Don't forget that he was a Jew, living as a Jew and giving his message only to Jews. Much of the teachings attributed to him had been around for centuries being taught by the Jewish sages. I keep my mind open to all possibilities and reject closed mindedness, which you seem to suffer from.
Open-mindedness, the blessing of all educated liberals and their ability to truly understand the world around us. The ability to accept all. That is a false statement, considering in order to accept some, you must reject others. Again, keep your intellectual nonsense. If being open-minded requires me to sacrifice my faith, I have lost and not gained. I addressed the quote I used. The fact of the matter is Christ was rejected by his own people and still is today. Odd how that appears to be an act of narrow mindedness.
Your statement that Jesus was rejected by the Jews of his time and continue to reject him as a messiah is a true enough statement. However, have you seriously questioned why he would have been rejected? He did not convince the majority that he fulfilled the expectations of a messiah. There were serious questions surrounding his birth. There is no clear evidence, just claims that he was a direct descendent of the line of David. The messiah would have been a political figure to take up leadership and expel the Roman occupiers. If you are looking for one set of criteria and someone claims to be something that doesn't meet the criteria, then it would be illogical to accept such. Concerning today, would you accept Christianity if for 2000 years we have suffered under the hand of Christianity, including the founder of you denominational movement of Lutheranism. Martin Luther was an anti-Semite.
I have researched my faith every since college. I was raised Lutheran, but never wanted that to be the reason I was Lutheran. I take every challenge seriously and diligently ensure it fits in with my faith. This has grounded me to my faith and over the years only made it stronger. Believing my faith is the sole/soul way to heaven, does not make me close minded, it makes me faithful. My studying has only proven my faithfulness to be justified. If I thought I might be wrong, my faith is dead. If I allowed myself to believe that other religions also provide a path to heaven, my faith us useless. Therefore, I believe in Christianity as the path to God, via faith in Christ. I do not believe that only Lutherans are saved. I subscribe to Lutheranism, because I believe it holds most firmly to Biblical teachings; however, the Bible says that faith in Christ saves. Hence, all Christians (Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, ect.) have equal opportunity to be saved based on their faith. Oh, right, my anti-Semitic founder. First, let me say that I do not condone the statements made by Martin Luther and no one has ever called him a perfect man. However, they are taken out of context when implied to the standards of current cultural acceptance. Let me explain: 1) He spent the majority of his reformed life reaching out to Jews. He thought they remained Jews because of the sins of the Papacy. (cont)
Jews of his day were sympathetic to him and there are records of his writing be passed through Jewish groups from Germany to Palestine. 2) The writing style of the time was much more harsh then today. He also wrote graphic statements about monks, Germans and the papacy; however, he is never called out on those. It is akin to our political culture over time. In the late 1700’s, early 1800’s politicians were much more vicious then today. 3) Culturally, everyone hated the Jews. This is not right, nor acceptable, but it was how he was raised. 4) The Jews were attacking Luther. They were infiltrating reformed congregations and telling them they weren’t Christians unless they practiced Jewish law (ie circumcision). The Jews also circulated a statement in "Der gantz Juedisch glaub” in which it said, "Jesus is a whore's son, his mother Mary was a whore, who conceived him in adultery with a blacksmith." Martin Luther’s tone with the Jews changed from one of Gospel to one of the Law. I would point out the treaties most quoted contained largely scriptural references in defense of Christianity over Judaism and ended with a prayer for the Jews. In frustration, sin allowed him to write what he did. However, it was not done to take Natzi-like actions against the Jews. It was to keep them from distorting the Christians faith. Again, wrong approach and I disagree with what he wrote. Yet, culturally speaking the explanation is valid.
When I taught the philosophy of religion, my initial question was always how do you know what you know. The question is not just relevant to religion but any number of things that we believe and place value on. Two processes are at work to form our belief system; one is a predetermined potential and attributes and the other is what we are taught and directly experience. These two processes working together create our explanation of order and reality. To get beyond our preconceived reality, we must deconstruct our belief system and examine it and reconstruct it, retaining what is valid and rejecting that which is invalid. It is a process of values clarification. It works with any system including political beliefs.
I have been a believer all my life, but in various religions and teachings. It gets more and more confusing, I "know" far less than I used to. The bottom line now for me is, "help people as much as possible with whatever light you have."
When determining how to understand the passages of the bible, you must allow scripture to interpret scripture. Since after eating the fruit (as a point of accuracy, the bible never mentions apple) A&E did not immediately die and their life in the garden was sustained by the Tree of Life (which is why they were cast out); hence, your question must be interpreted as a spiritual death. As for Revelation, one must also look at context. Having just spent the better part of the last 6 months studying Revelation, I can tell you that much of what is assumed about Revelation is people reading to deeply into the passages. Much of Revelation is symbolic because much is the vision of John; that however, has no impact on the what else is written with the bible. Your lobotomy reference is typical of one that understands little of Christianity other the surface understanding. It is not unlike one claiming Islam is a religion of hate. It is easier to dismiss what is written in the bible as myth and poetry then come face to face with its examination of ones soul.
Why could Mary not be a descendent of king David?