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Baron Opal · 12-01-2004, 03:32 AM

I believe that there is one God who has a multitude of servants (angels). I believe that humans are a limited race and have an incomplete understanding of God. Different cultures have different expectations as to what the ideal being would be and what paradise that being would create for those who follow His tenants.

When Christ said (paraphrasing) "The only way to our Father's kingdom is through me." I feel that it was at least partially allegorical. To his audience at the time he preached a path of tolerance, understanding and responsibility that was unique to Himself. The real message is that the keys to the kingdom are granted to those who embrace Love in their hearts and are compassionate to their fellow man while maintaining responsibility. Christ said "Love your Lord God with all your heart and soul. Love your neighbors as yourselves. On these two things depend all the laws and the prophets." (Again, paraphrasing) That's pretty simple, really. No specific ritual. No mention of specific names. Love and respect others and your spiritual creator.

Now, if you want to follow Christ's lead in specific, there are plenty of churches about who can help with that. But following those two laws is pretty much all you need to do. Which, I think, most people try to do unconsiously. But then again, I fall into the "People are inherently good" camp, which some friends of mine consider insipid.

Expanding the nutshell of my faith a bit more-

1) There is a God.
2) He really doesn't care by what name you address Him.
2a) He doesn't have a gender, "He" is a convention.
3) He wants people to love and care for one another.
4) He wants us to use our intellect to grow and understand the world we live in.
5) Hell is not lakes of fire and chains of ice, it's being separate from Him. If you are in hell, it is by your own doing by casting aside love for things that can return it (people) for things that can't (money, possessions).

There it is. I hope that answers your questions.

(Oh, I do consider myself Christian, if somewhat unconventional.)

12-01-2004, 03:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
Baron Opal Crazy Location: Oregon	I believe that there is one God who has a multitude of servants (angels). I believe that humans are a limited race and have an incomplete understanding of God. Different cultures have different expectations as to what the ideal being would be and what paradise that being would create for those who follow His tenants. When Christ said (paraphrasing) "The only way to our Father's kingdom is through me." I feel that it was at least partially allegorical. To his audience at the time he preached a path of tolerance, understanding and responsibility that was unique to Himself. The real message is that the keys to the kingdom are granted to those who embrace Love in their hearts and are compassionate to their fellow man while maintaining responsibility. Christ said "Love your Lord God with all your heart and soul. Love your neighbors as yourselves. On these two things depend all the laws and the prophets." (Again, paraphrasing) That's pretty simple, really. No specific ritual. No mention of specific names. Love and respect others and your spiritual creator. Now, if you want to follow Christ's lead in specific, there are plenty of churches about who can help with that. But following those two laws is pretty much all you need to do. Which, I think, most people try to do unconsiously. But then again, I fall into the "People are inherently good" camp, which some friends of mine consider insipid. Expanding the nutshell of my faith a bit more- 1) There is a God. 2) He really doesn't care by what name you address Him. 2a) He doesn't have a gender, "He" is a convention. 3) He wants people to love and care for one another. 4) He wants us to use our intellect to grow and understand the world we live in. 5) Hell is not lakes of fire and chains of ice, it's being separate from Him. If you are in hell, it is by your own doing by casting aside love for things that can return it (people) for things that can't (money, possessions). There it is. I hope that answers your questions. (Oh, I do consider myself Christian, if somewhat unconventional.)