ITT We Discuss Theology

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I somehow knew Vito would start this thread.

You mean other than John 10:22-38 and Mark 15:53-65? Of course, then you get into Jesus Seminar questions about whether Jesus really said that or whether it wa added later. And one could argue about what he really meant. Certainly the early Church did, and the arguments have gone on ever since.

And I've taken those seminars. Hell a whole Jesus of History, Christ of Faith course. Honestly, not all that convincing, as a whole.

But there is also the part of the gospels that indicate that the Sanhedrin wanted him executed for blasphemy, which of course they lacked the authority to do under Roman occupation. The text seems to be clear that the blasphemy was identification with God.

That was clearly the accusation. In addition to the issues I have with the gospels, I find the shoving of Old Testament predictions into Nostradamus like tangles to prove that it really was Jesus who was the Messiah, particularly evident in Matthew but done throughout the NT and tradition, are less than convincing. An example is the genealogy that switches from referencing father-son to priest-successor priest with multiple gaps. It makes a lot of sense that during the Babylonian time-frame, genealogies would be lost or broken. But faking it is less impressive.

Very true (although, I think there are some who would recognize him -- not sure I'm one, though). On this subect, I recommend The Clowns of God by Morris West (who also wrote The Shoes of the Fishermen.

Anyone familiar with the Taizé Community or the Iona Community? They (particularly the Taizé Community) have been significant influences in my understanding of what it means to be Christian.

I'll look into both of those.

Originally Posted by 33girl

I don't think it's "shopping" or a horrible thing any more than it would be if you said to your parents "I realize this is your hometown and I love it, but I hate it and it makes me miserable. I'm going to live someplace where I'm not miserable." Have you actually gone to other houses of worship or just read about them? I don't think you can feel it just reading about it. (This is starting to sound like rush advice. Har.)

Here's the thing that doesn't let me accept that in my logical mind when it comes to religion "shopping" so to speak. If it's possible to "choose" your religion than in a way you're acknowledging that there isn't a real truth. Because if you say there is a real truth then you risk "picking" the wrong religion. If there is no real truth, or an ultimate truth that all religions touch on in some ways, then it doesn't really matter what religion you pick anyway so why bother.

And no, I haven't visited any place because I don't feel that I would be doing so in a sense of honest earnestness at this point.