Log in

View Full Version : Christian Humanists.


Taltarzac725
02-26-2019, 11:42 AM
What is Christian humanism? (https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-humanism.html)

Just want to point out that there were and are Christian humanist writers. BBC - History - Erasmus (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/erasmus.shtml)

In Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus - Free Ebook (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/30201/30201-h/30201-h.htm)

The Christian Humanist: Politics Religion Ethics - An Alternative To Traditional Christianity--Christianity Without God (http://www.christianhumanist.net/)

JimJohnson
02-26-2019, 01:22 PM
Sounds like an oxymoron to me!

Taltarzac725
02-26-2019, 01:26 PM
Sounds like an oxymoron to me!

Christian humanist. What is Christian Humanism? (David Grubbs) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiP_l6i-n6A)

The Christian Humanist – Philosophy, Theology, Literature, and Other Things Human Beings Do Well (http://www.christianhumanist.org/)

Polar Bear
02-26-2019, 06:12 PM
Sounds like an oxymoron to me!
I’m no expert, but gotta admit...I was thinking the same thing.

Taltarzac725
02-26-2019, 07:41 PM
I’m no expert, but gotta admit...I was thinking the same thing.

If you go back to the Renaissance humanists many of those were Christians as well. But were often against various things the Catholic Church had been doing at that time. Renaissance humanism - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_humanism)

Thomas More - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More)

NotGolfer
02-27-2019, 07:22 AM
Sounds like an oxymoron to me!

I'd say you're right. A Christian is a Christ-follower! Someone who tries (with God's help) to emulate what God through Jesus would have us live. I've read "The Book" that talks about this.

Taltarzac725
02-27-2019, 08:29 AM
I'd say you're right. A Christian is a Christ-follower! Someone who tries (with God's help) to emulate what God through Jesus would have us live. I've read "The Book" that talks about this.

There were Popes who were Christian humanists who I would assume were very familiar The Bible. I would consider the current Pope a Christian humanist as he puts people first over the Church or seems to. Pope Francis isn't a liberal. He's something more radical: a Christian humanist. (https://theweek.com/articles/578420/pope-francis-isnt-liberal-hes-something-more-radical-christian-humanist)

The New Christian Humanism: The Pope Saint John Paul II Lecture – Dominican Friars Foundation (https://dominicanfriars.org/new-christian-humanism-pope-saint-john-paul-ii-lecture/)

JimJohnson
02-27-2019, 09:17 AM
I get it, a humanist could be a Christian, but not an atheist. But, by the definition of each, a Christian could never be a humanist.

Is there a difference between a humanist and an atheist? - Quora (https://www.quora.com/Is-there-a-difference-between-a-humanist-and-an-atheist)

Taltarzac725
02-27-2019, 09:23 AM
I get it, a humanist could be a Christian, but not an atheist. But, by the definition of each, a Christian could never be a humanist.

Is there a difference between a humanist and an atheist? - Quora (https://www.quora.com/Is-there-a-difference-between-a-humanist-and-an-atheist)

You have to rethink your definitions.

Francis on authentic Christian humanism - The Catholic Thing (https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2015/11/11/francis-on-authentic-christian-humanism/)

Humanism Is Centered on Jesus Christ, Says Pope Francis | The Christian Post (https://www.christianpost.com/news/pop-francis-humanism-centered-on-jesus-christ-vatican.html)

JimJohnson
02-27-2019, 09:26 AM
You have to rethink your definitions.

Francis on authentic Christian humanism - The Catholic Thing (https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2015/11/11/francis-on-authentic-christian-humanism/)

I am sure I am right. Sorry if you don’t get it.:pray:

Taltarzac725
02-27-2019, 09:28 AM
I am sure I am right. Sorry if you don’t get it.:pray:

How are you right? I minored in Religious Studies and have a BA in History and one in Philosophy.

And you have the current Pope writing and talking about Christian Humanism. Pope Francis on Christian Humanism | Millennial (https://millennialjournal.com/2015/11/23/pope-francis-on-christian-humanism/)

We can speak of humanism only from the centrality of Jesus, discovering in Him the features of man’s authentic face. It is the contemplation of the face of Jesus dead and risen that reconstructs our humanity.

JimJohnson
02-27-2019, 09:35 AM
Christian can be a Humanist, if that Christian places the needs of the person higher than the needs of the religion.

Show me any religion that puts the person ahead of god and I can show you a confused person. You cannot be a true Christian and put anything or anyone ahead of God in any way. please quote scripture that allows us to put God in second place.

Rapscallion St Croix
02-27-2019, 09:43 AM
You can call an onion a marshmallow but don't ask me to make you some Smores.

Taltarzac725
02-27-2019, 10:16 AM
You can call an onion a marshmallow but don't ask me to make you some Smores.

Project MUSE - Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew (review) (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/183923/pdf)

That is funny. I do not want to start peeling the onion that is The Bible.

Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication Prof. Ehrman-Religion (https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/lost-christianities-christian-scriptures-and-the-battles-over-authentication.html)

NotGolfer
02-27-2019, 10:24 AM
What is a Christian? - AllAboutGOD.com
What is a Christian? (https://www.allaboutgod.com/what-is-a-christian.htm)
The Biblical Definition Since the Bible is the authority for the Christian faith, let's see what it says about the word “Christian.” The word is only used 3 times in the ...


Go to this link and it gives the definition in a better way than I did or can.

Taltarzac725
02-27-2019, 10:28 AM
What is a Christian? - AllAboutGOD.com
What is a Christian? (https://www.allaboutgod.com/what-is-a-christian.htm)
The Biblical Definition Since the Bible is the authority for the Christian faith, let's see what it says about the word “Christian.” The word is only used 3 times in the ...


Go to this link and it gives the definition in a better way than I did or can.

Now that is a HUGE can of worms. A lot of wars have been fought over the question about "What is a Christian?" and the "proper" answer to it.

JimJohnson
02-27-2019, 11:54 AM
What is a Christian? - AllAboutGOD.com
What is a Christian? (https://www.allaboutgod.com/what-is-a-christian.htm)
The Biblical Definition Since the Bible is the authority for the Christian faith, let's see what it says about the word “Christian.” The word is only used 3 times in the ...


Go to this link and it gives the definition in a better way than I did or can.

My understanding of what a Christian is: A person of faith in the one god of Abraham and clarified by Jesus Christ as stated in the New Testament. What a Christian is NOT is a person that would hyphenate their devotion to God in any way, EXAMPLE: Christian/Atheist, Christian/Humanist etc..

:pray:

My Post
02-27-2019, 12:04 PM
No one needs to interpret scripture for you. It's one of the saddest misconceptions I have found being a life long (sorta) Catholic.

graciegirl
02-27-2019, 12:26 PM
I don't like it when people use the subject of religion to find reason to put others down, mock them, belittle them and show their fannies.

Some on this thread have done that, and others I KNOW to be examples of good sense, kindness, thoughtful dealings with others, patience and good works.

I am sort of a struggling Christian. I think it beats the hell out of other religions that kill those who don't join up. But then I am biased because I see a lot of Christians and Jews who I just love. Also love me some folks who are Hindu and Jain and are Atheist and Agnostic. I don't love mean people. I think some were just born that way. Maybe I am a Struggling Christian Geneticist who believes in God (with a capital G) most of the time and wish I had stronger faith.

JimJohnson
02-27-2019, 12:48 PM
I don't like it when people use the subject of religion to find reason to put others down, mock them, belittle them and show their fannies.

Some on this thread have done that, and others I KNOW to be examples of good sense, kindness, thoughtful dealings with others, patience and good works.

I am sort of a struggling Christian. I think it beats the hell out of other religions that kill those who don't join up. But then I am biased because I see a lot of Christians and Jews who I just love. Also love me some folks who are Hindu and Jain and are Atheist and Agnostic. I don't love mean people. I think some were just born that way. Maybe I am a Struggling Christian Geneticist who believes in God (with a capital G) most of the time and wish I had stronger faith.

At our age as retired people, I would say don’t dilly dally the short time left to find and make a heartfelt commitment to God. Remember, an acceptance of Jesus as your lord and savior is more than just saying, ok, I’ll take it. It must be real. Most of us being over 65 have very little time left. I will pray for you.:pray:

Polar Bear
02-27-2019, 01:44 PM
I am sure I am right...
As are many others with varying opinions.

JimJohnson
02-27-2019, 03:06 PM
As are many others with varying opinions.

Most truthful post on this entire thread.

fw102807
02-27-2019, 03:10 PM
Why does everything need a label?

ColdNoMore
03-10-2019, 06:39 AM
Why does everything need a label?

Because it makes it easier for some folks, oftentimes those who use their religious book, to help identify...who to hate/denigrate?

Challenger
03-10-2019, 06:49 AM
Individual faith is like a thumb print. No two people have exactly the same body of beliefs, "Christians included".

Taltarzac725
03-10-2019, 09:09 AM
Individual faith is like a thumb print. No two people have exactly the same body of beliefs, "Christians included".

That is very wise, Challenger. :bigbow:

Topspinmo
03-10-2019, 09:20 AM
At our age as retired people, I would say don’t dilly dally the short time left to find and make a heartfelt commitment to God. Remember, an acceptance of Jesus as your lord and savior is more than just saying, ok, I’ll take it. It must be real. Most of us being over 65 have very little time left. I will pray for you.:pray:

And you know this? Is GOD talking to you!

Topspinmo
03-10-2019, 09:22 AM
I would say some Christian’s are the good gangs. As used as verb!

graciegirl
03-10-2019, 09:38 AM
Why does everything need a label?

I was thinking the same thing.

Bucco
03-10-2019, 10:18 AM
Because it makes it easier for some folks, oftentimes those who use their religious book, to help identify...who to hate/denigrate?

I am sure you are right and correct.

We label folks by their heritage, their religion, their dress, the color of their skin, even their status of income, their views of the world and make a general and almost always wrong decision on who they are.

"It's important to recognize that the people we label as "black," "white," "rich," poor," smart," and "simple," seem blacker, whiter, richer, poorer, smarter, and simpler merely because we've labeled them so. "

Why It's Dangerous to Label People | Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/alternative-truths/201005/why-its-dangerous-label-people)

Fear of these groups are then able to be used to unite for a common hate or cause.

ColdNoMore
03-10-2019, 05:14 PM
I am sure you are right and correct.

We label folks by their heritage, their religion, their dress, the color of their skin, even their status of income, their views of the world and make a general and almost always wrong decision on who they are.

"It's important to recognize that the people we label as "black," "white," "rich," poor," smart," and "simple," seem blacker, whiter, richer, poorer, smarter, and simpler merely because we've labeled them so. "

Why It's Dangerous to Label People | Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/alternative-truths/201005/why-its-dangerous-label-people)

Fear of these groups are then able to be used to unite for a common hate or cause.

Excellent link. :thumbup:

It's a shame that so many who need to read it...won't. :ohdear:

Just as they should read about Jane Elliott's very eye-opening (a little intended pun there :D)... and important work.

Blue Eyes-Brown Eyes (poke here) (http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/karinabland/2017/11/17/blue-eyes-brown-eyes-jane-elliotts-exercise-race-50-years-later/860287001/)

And I have to admit, that I personally take some pride engendering hate and fear toward me...from the intolerant. :ho:

Bucco
03-11-2019, 07:41 AM
Interesting to me is a thread based on "Christian Humanities" has been fraught with accusations of other posters "talking down" by quoting and linking to other sites discussing this subject, or related.

Makes you wonder if frequent posters ever read or understand some of the links provided, or just post based on some other judgement they have.

Also, makes one wonder if all minds are now closed, and unable to listen or "see".

Why there is no discussion of actual humanities, or labeling of other human beings sort of defies the imagination, yet posters feel they are being talked down to. I think folks should go back to post 1 and continue through all links that have been provided before posting on here. If you feel "guilty", or offended, as we all should at certain points in reading about human frailties and labeling, then perhaps post yourfeelings about that.

INTOLERANCE......unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.

ColdNoMore
03-11-2019, 07:53 AM
Interesting to me is a thread based on "Christian Humanities" has been fraught with accusations of other posters "talking down" by quoting and linking to other sites discussing this subject, or related.

Makes you wonder if frequent posters ever read or understand some of the links provided, or just post based on some other judgement they have.

Also, makes one wonder if all minds are now closed, and unable to listen or "see".

Why there is no discussion of actual humanities, or labeling of other human beings sort of defies the imagination, yet posters feel they are being talked down to. I think folks should go back to post 1 and continue through all links that have been provided before posting on here. If you feel "guilty", or offended, as we all should at certain points in reading about human frailties and labeling, then perhaps post yourfeelings about that.

INTOLERANCE......unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.

And just to add:

Definition of a "Humanist" (poke here) (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/humanist)

-a person having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity.
-a person devoted to or versed in the humanities.
-a student of human nature or affairs.
-a classical scholar.

How in the world could anyone...be against that? :ohdear:

graciegirl
03-11-2019, 08:36 AM
I am so glad to know on this Forum and throughout these Villages, this country and this world, so many kind humans. So many caring homosapiens, so many witty primates.

I am happy about the interchanges and support and bear hugs from male and female people.

I look all around me and mostly see ungrumpy and hopeful and extremely savvy folks with fewer years ahead of them then those that are left behind.

And I, like them, am grateful for this day.

Bucco
03-11-2019, 08:48 AM
I am so glad to know on this Forum and throughout these Villages, this country and this world, so many kind humans. So many caring homosapiens, so many witty primates.

I am happy about the interchanges and support and bear hugs from male and female people.

I look all around me and mostly see ungrumpy and hopeful and extremely savvy folks with fewer years ahead of them then those that are left behind.

And I, like them, am grateful for this day.

Not sure I understand what this seemingly.........well, post has to do with the subject.

What do you think of the readings on christian humanists, labeling of other human beings or intolerance ?

Bucco
03-11-2019, 09:35 AM
Thank you for toning it down. This is much easier to agree with.

Hoping you read the link(s) and contribute to the discussion. My frustration is folks who refuse to acknowledge a thread and the links provided because it is somehow contradictory to what you think...

I have been deleted on this thread and others simply for asking people to read, instead of preach and judge me. In that we seem to agree.

fw102807
03-11-2019, 09:54 AM
I have been deleted on this thread and others simply for asking people to read, instead of preach and judge me. In that we seem to agree.

It works both ways. I was the one who provided the link to the humanist church and commented against labeling. You paint with a wide brush.

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
03-11-2019, 10:15 AM
Why not? We're telling people that they can decide what sex they are. Soon there will not be actual definitions of anything.

Bucco
03-11-2019, 10:26 AM
It works both ways. I was the one who provided the link to the humanist church and commented against labeling. You paint with a wide brush.

I do not recall exactly what I posted...it was deleted because of a complaint, but as I recall it was basically how I see LABELING being used today.......pick a group....label it.....begin to accuse that group of whatever, and use that basis to gather folks in fear.

THAT is exactly the world we live in today, and I could furnish many many, examples of that but it would get deleted.

Point is....how can everyone in my country decide at one time to hate another group based on skin color, religion, or ethnicity....it is totally impossible, yet folks on both sides of the aisle seem to live on that.

Hard to discuss because everyone feels it is somehow aimed at their group......it is todays human behavior and is wrong...totally wrong. When a movement or group is based on that kind of fear, it is based on nothing and that goes for everyone, myself included.

Those I fear are feared because of facts and truth..nothing else, and in no case do I have a fear of a large group of anybody. THUS, I try very hard to paint with a wide brush.....can only deal with today and what is happening......or we will have a discussion of the past, not the present.

i know folks are running to report this post and I find that as sad......I tried to be as diplomatic as possible, but some take this personally instead of its true meaning which is a reflection of our society. I choose not to follow the fear, but instead follow truth and facts, and that come across to some as preachy but help me with other words to use.

As an example....when I was young....40's and 50's I grew up in what I would best describe as an intolerant home. Two groups talked about always were blacks and jews. It was always a label assigned and thus fear them.

I lucked out in meeting through sports a number of blacks and Jews who were better people than most in all ways. I found them to be more trustworhy and honest than others. Later in the NAVY and WASHDC to work that was reinforced as was the fear and loathing for both groups.......that stuck with me...ignorance led folks to make such stupid decisions and that hate seemed to be the "glue" that brought some groups together thus I am sensitive to any group founded on fear or hate.

fw102807
03-11-2019, 10:39 AM
I do not recall exactly what I posted...it was deleted because of a complaint, but as I recall it was basically how I see LABELING being used today.......pick a group....label it.....begin to accuse that group of whatever, and use that basis to gather folks in fear.

THAT is exactly the world we live in today, and I could furnish many many, examples of that but it would get deleted.

Point is....how can everyone in my country decide at one time to hate another group based on skin color, religion, or ethnicity....it is totally impossible, yet folks on both sides of the aisle seem to live on that.

Hard to discuss because everyone feels it is somehow aimed at their group......it is todays human behavior and is wrong...totally wrong. When a movement or group is based on that kind of fear, it is based on nothing and that goes for everyone, myself included.

Those I fear are feared because of facts and truth..nothing else, and in no case do I have a fear of a large group of anybody. THUS, I try very hard to paint with a wide brush.....can only deal with today and what is happening......or we will have a discussion of the past, not the present.

i know folks are running to report this post and I find that as sad......I tried to be as diplomatic as possible, but some take this personally instead of its true meaning which is a reflection of our society. I choose not to follow the fear, but instead follow truth and facts, and that come across to some as preachy but help me with other words to use.

As an example....when I was young....40's and 50's I grew up in what I would best describe as an intolerant home. Two groups talked about always were blacks and jews. It was always a label assigned and thus fear them.

I lucked out in meeting through sports a number of blacks and Jews who were better people than most in all ways. I found them to be more trustworhy and honest than others. Later in the NAVY and WASHDC to work that was reinforced as was the fear and loathing for both groups.......that stuck with me...ignorance led folks to make such stupid decisions and that hate seemed to be the "glue" that brought some groups together thus I am sensitive to any group founded on fear or hate.

I think that there are more people that agree with you and are very tolerant and decent than the ones who are bigots so it is wrong to say everyone is guilty of this. The sad thing is that those who are truly biased are not going to change by anything you post.

ColdNoMore
03-11-2019, 11:15 AM
I do not recall exactly what I posted...it was deleted because of a complaint, but as I recall it was basically how I see LABELING being used today.......pick a group....label it.....begin to accuse that group of whatever, and use that basis to gather folks in fear.

THAT is exactly the world we live in today, and I could furnish many many, examples of that but it would get deleted.

Point is....how can everyone in my country decide at one time to hate another group based on skin color, religion, or ethnicity....it is totally impossible, yet folks on both sides of the aisle seem to live on that.

Hard to discuss because everyone feels it is somehow aimed at their group......it is todays human behavior and is wrong...totally wrong. When a movement or group is based on that kind of fear, it is based on nothing and that goes for everyone, myself included.

Those I fear are feared because of facts and truth..nothing else, and in no case do I have a fear of a large group of anybody. THUS, I try very hard to paint with a wide brush.....can only deal with today and what is happening......or we will have a discussion of the past, not the present.

i know folks are running to report this post and I find that as sad......I tried to be as diplomatic as possible, but some take this personally instead of its true meaning which is a reflection of our society. I choose not to follow the fear, but instead follow truth and facts, and that come across to some as preachy but help me with other words to use.

As an example....when I was young....40's and 50's I grew up in what I would best describe as an intolerant home. Two groups talked about always were blacks and jews. It was always a label assigned and thus fear them.

I lucked out in meeting through sports a number of blacks and Jews who were better people than most in all ways. I found them to be more trustworhy and honest than others. Later in the NAVY and WASHDC to work that was reinforced as was the fear and loathing for both groups.......that stuck with me...ignorance led folks to make such stupid decisions and that hate seemed to be the "glue" that brought some groups together thus I am sensitive to any group founded on fear or hate.


Excellent post! :BigApplause:


:thumbup:

ColdNoMore
03-11-2019, 11:19 AM
Why not? We're telling people that they can decide what sex they are. Soon there will not be actual definitions of anything.

I disagree, as that is IMHO...really painting with a broad brush. :oops:.

As one, out of a plethora of examples, is that 'cults/cultists/cultism'...will always have an actual/specific definition. :ho:

fw102807
03-11-2019, 11:22 AM
I disagree, as that is IMHO...really painting with a broad brush. :oops:.

As one, out of a plethora of examples, is that 'cults/cultists/cultism'...will always have an actual/specific definition. :ho:

Yes, there is a difference between a label and a definition

JimJohnson
03-11-2019, 11:52 AM
We have millions of Americans that practice the humanist way of living. You cannot be a devout Christian and practice humanism. The Bible, God’s word and Jesus Christ clearly and firmly tell us this fact. Don’t allow evil to change your mind on this topic if you are a serious Christian.

Taltarzac725
03-11-2019, 12:09 PM
We have millions of Americans that practice the humanist way of living. You cannot be a devout Christian and practice humanism. The Bible, God’s word and Jesus Christ clearly and firmly tell us this fact. Don’t allow evil to change your mind on this topic if you are a serious Christian.

Show me in The Golden Rule where it says anything like that! Matthew 7:12 ESV - The Golden Rule - “So whatever you - Bible Gateway (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A12&version=ESV)

Or in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5-7 NIV - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount - Bible Gateway (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5-7&version=NIV)

Two Bills
03-11-2019, 01:17 PM
Compost is the Future!

Bucco
03-11-2019, 01:33 PM
We have millions of Americans that practice the humanist way of living. You cannot be a devout Christian and practice humanism. The Bible, God’s word and Jesus Christ clearly and firmly tell us this fact. Don’t allow evil to change your mind on this topic if you are a serious Christian.

THIS is another of the links provided in the OP which I think may be in opposition to your views...

"At its core, being a Christian today means exactly the same thing for us as it meant to his first disciples: consciously choosing to be an advocate of Jesus and his teachings. It involves what the medieval theologian Thomas A Kempis called Imitatio Christi, the imitation of Christ. It means to live as Jesus lived and to teach as he taught, to honor truth and show compassion, to stand with the victims of this world against their oppressors, to stand with the weak and the powerless against the abusers and the comfortably powerful, and to maintain one’s integrity no matter the cost. In short being a follower of Jesus meant then and now to be faithful to the spirit of Jesus and his teachings. That is both the meaning and the cost of Christian discipleship.

It is that timeless challenge that continues to captivate and motivate us. It is the challenge accepted by the Peace Corps volunteer, the builder of homes for Habitat for Humanity, the volunteer in the homeless shelters and prisons, the helper in the food kitchens and the driver for Meals on Wheels, those who bring joy and healing to a young child, and the Mother Theresas of the world. There is nothing in that challenge of commitment to the service of humanity that requires us to believe in any particular notion of a divine being or any religious dogma.


Christianity Without Religion - The Christian Humanist: Politics Religion Ethics (http://www.christianhumanist.net/christianity-without-religion.html)

I am so often accused of being "preachy" or other words beginning with P :) because I believe entirely in TRUTH and MORALS. That translates to ethics and tolerance and if that does not satisfy your qualifications, then so be it.....I will take my chances on those qualities.

graciegirl
03-11-2019, 02:01 PM
Language, semantics, words, labels, anything used to hurt is a weapon.

It doesn't take a great linguist to sense the feelings behind words.

We are all wired differently and have different abilities. Some of us understand better with our ears than our eyes. Some are very literal and do not catch nuances and subtle changes in others. Some are entertained by a play on words that aggravates another. Some people are witty and that is lost on other people who are very literal, but they are both smart and logical. It is not so much what we say but how it is heard and received by another.

And some people, no matter how smart they are cannot forgive, or compromise or bend or wait or try to see the views of other people. We have got to try harder not to push buttons. All of us.

I am guilty.

JimJohnson
03-11-2019, 02:03 PM
THIS is another of the links provided in the OP which I think may be in opposition to your views...

"At its core, being a Christian today means exactly the same thing for us as it meant to his first disciples: consciously choosing to be an advocate of Jesus and his teachings. It involves what the medieval theologian Thomas A Kempis called Imitatio Christi, the imitation of Christ. It means to live as Jesus lived and to teach as he taught, to honor truth and show compassion, to stand with the victims of this world against their oppressors, to stand with the weak and the powerless against the abusers and the comfortably powerful, and to maintain one’s integrity no matter the cost. In short being a follower of Jesus meant then and now to be faithful to the spirit of Jesus and his teachings. That is both the meaning and the cost of Christian discipleship.

It is that timeless challenge that continues to captivate and motivate us. It is the challenge accepted by the Peace Corps volunteer, the builder of homes for Habitat for Humanity, the volunteer in the homeless shelters and prisons, the helper in the food kitchens and the driver for Meals on Wheels, those who bring joy and healing to a young child, and the Mother Theresas of the world. There is nothing in that challenge of commitment to the service of humanity that requires us to believe in any particular notion of a divine being or any religious dogma.


Christianity Without Religion - The Christian Humanist: Politics Religion Ethics (http://www.christianhumanist.net/christianity-without-religion.html)

I am so often accused of being "preachy" or other words beginning with P :) because I believe entirely in TRUTH and MORALS. That translates to ethics and tolerance and if that does not satisfy your qualifications, then so be it.....I will take my chances on those qualities.

Sine we differ let’s agree to disagree. I’m a christian so I stand by my beilief.

ColdNoMore
03-11-2019, 03:00 PM
Snip>...individually we may agree, but we wilt when faced with a group and those who propose hate as a basis keep on winning, because we refuse to speak out what we really feel...<Snip
You are absolutely correct, in that some folks just don't have the courage to take criticism and have a deep need to be 'popular'...instead of standing up for others and what's right.

I personally have no problem going against "the crowd" and/or popular local sentiment...particularly when it's impetus is rooted in hate, fear, intolerance and discrimination.


And I even have the correspondence...to prove it. :D

Bucco
03-11-2019, 03:10 PM
Language, semantics, words, labels, anything used to hurt is a weapon.

It doesn't take a great linguist to sense the feelings behind words.

We are all wired differently and have different abilities. Some of us understand better with our ears than our eyes. Some are very literal and do not catch nuances and subtle changes in others. Some are entertained by a play on words that aggravates another. Some people are witty and that is lost on other people who are very literal, but they are both smart and logical. It is not so much what we say but how it is heard and received by another.

And some people, no matter how smart they are cannot forgive, or compromise or bend or wait or try to see the views of other people. We have got to try harder not to push buttons. All of us.

I am guilty.

From MY PERSONAL perspective, I don't completely agree.

My belief in TRUTH and MORALS should not hurt anyone, but I have been accused of being a lot of things just because I stand for them, which always leaves me with a better understanding of those who endorse the opposite.

Abilities, I never discuss as I don't know anyone in here. ALL I have are words people type, assuming that comes from their heart, and reflects their ethics and morals

Taltarzac725
03-11-2019, 03:36 PM
John 3:16 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave - Bible Gateway (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV)

One of my favorite passages of The Bible . And my late younger brother used to like to point out that no matter how bad a life someone has led there is always salvation if you believe in Jesus Christ. It would seem to have to be a sincere belief though.

My younger late brother had a lot of problems with alcoholism which sometimes took over his life over everything else-- work, kids, and even life.

I have always had problems with why God allows evil to thrive. Christian humanism can counter that as there are often many more good people than rotten ones. Oskar Schnidler, for instance, rescuing Jews under the noses of the true believers of the Third Reich many of whom considered themselves Christians.

Bucco
03-11-2019, 04:01 PM
John 3:16 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave - Bible Gateway (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV)

One of my favorite passages of The Bible . And my late younger brother used to like to point out that no matter how bad a life someone has led there is always salvation if you believe in Jesus Christ. It would seem to have to be a sincere belief though.

My younger late brother had a lot of problems with alcoholism which sometimes took over his life over everything else-- work, kids, and even life.

I have always had problems with why God allows evil to thrive. Christian humanism can counter that as there are often many more good people than rotten ones. Oskar Schnidler, for instance, rescuing Jews under the noses of the true believers of the Third Reich many of whom considered themselves Christians.

You are correct about many members of the third Reich...they considered they were doing Gods work actually, and that even has modern day parallel.

graciegirl
03-12-2019, 05:59 AM
You are correct about many members of the third Reich...they considered they were doing Gods work actually, and that even has modern day parallel.

Careful.

ColdNoMore
03-12-2019, 06:31 AM
You are correct about many members of the third Reich...they considered they were doing Gods work actually, and that even has modern day parallel.

Absolutely correct.

History is rife with groups who have convinced themselves, that they are doing abhorrent/immoral acts...because of a 'higher purpose.' :ohdear:

Bucco
03-12-2019, 06:58 AM
Careful.

Your threat aside, I was simply referring to a couple public quotes and did not supply a link.

Note to moderator. I have been straight on thread subject, and the post I replied to was the very first move into forbidden territory. I responded and am d, except to ask the motivation and/or reason for this post I am responding to. Unnecessary post and threat.

stan the man
03-12-2019, 07:50 AM
You are correct about many members of the third Reich...they considered they were doing Gods work actually, and that even has modern day parallel.

Right

Taltarzac725
03-12-2019, 08:14 AM
Christian humanism, religious humanism, and secular humanism | Center for Inquiry (https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/christian_humanism_religious_humanism_and_secular_ humanism/)

This is a good discussion of Christian Humanism.

Taltarzac725
03-12-2019, 09:03 AM
Machiavelli — Christopher S. Celenza | Harvard University Press (http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674416123)

If you really want to challenge stereotypes take a look at this book.


Machiavelli’s hometown was the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance in the fifteenth century, a place of unparalleled artistic and intellectual attainments. But Florence was also riven by extraordinary violence. War and public executions were commonplace—Machiavelli himself was imprisoned and brutally tortured at the behest of his own government. These experiences left a deep impression on this keen observer of power politics, whose two masterpieces—The Prince and The Discourses—draw everywhere on the hard-won wisdom gained from navigating a treacherous world. But like many of Machiavelli’s fellow Florentines, he also immersed himself in the Latin language and wisdom of authors from the classical past. And for all of Machiavelli’s indifference to religion, vestiges of Christianity remained in his thought, especially the hope for a redeemer—a prince who would provide the stability so rare in Machiavelli’s worldly experience.

Bucco
03-12-2019, 10:07 AM
It works both ways. I was the one who provided the link to the humanist church and commented against labeling. You paint with a wide brush.

Sorry....I missed your link to a humanist church.....can you repost that link or send me to the correct post number ?

I am not that bright and need direction :)