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From: perryc@forceps.sun.com (Perry Cross)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: Re: A Scary thought, but I bet I get flamed anyway...!
Message-ID: <Jul.21.04.01.02.1989.2149@athos.rutgers.edu>
Date: 21 Jul 89 08:01:03 GMT
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Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu


	I'm not sure what "New Agers" advocate, but the idea that we
	must throw off the yoke of Christianity has its merits.  Much
	good has been accomplished by the use of the bible to guide
	one's life.  Christ was a good man, and I would hazard a guess
	that most of his followers were good.  But many of the basic tenets
	are rather cynical.

	Original sin is a destructive concept.  We are born with a clean
	slate, and its up to us to keep it clean.  That the bible teaches
	us different is an indication that its authors may have had
	ulterior motives.  Further, at some point man has to come to
	grips with live on this planet.  Dreaming of a wonderful life
	after death detracts from the issues that face us today.

	Another problem is the apparent binary nature of the creed.  The
	doctrine would be better served if belief in God were optional.
	After all, there may be other explanations for man's existence
	and people shouldn't be excluded on this point.

	It might be a good think piece to try and come up with ways
	that the bible is anti-human and find alternatives.  The bible
	would probably better serve man if it were a living document.
	Of course some may think I'm suggesting change for its own
	sake; that I'm bored with the same old scripture.  That would
	be missing the point.

	A more up-to-date version of creation, less reliance on the rath	
	of God, miracles, etc. might bring more people into re-evaluating
	and hopefully improving their secular existence.  Also, a
	socratic approach might be more helpful in internalizing the
	basic concepts.  Too much of the bible is anecdotal. 

	Society is becoming more sophisticated, and hence are religion
	needs to keep pace.  Fundementalists are an example of those
	who place too much emphasis on the book, its facts, and historical
	context, and often fail to grasp the message.  Taking the bible
	verbatim is a disservice to Christ's efforts.  It was a good
	starting point, but it may be running out of steam.

	I know these ideas may be a bit radical, and I'm by no means
	a theologian, but it would be nice if there was a more modern,
	cohesive document that incorporated an eclectic philosophy in
	a more challenging format.


	Perry