Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!bonnie.concordia.ca!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: lhccjeh@lure.latrobe.edu.au (James Hale) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: Standing back to observe Message-ID: Date: 22 Jun 91 05:01:31 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: VAX Cluster, Computer Centre, La Trobe University Lines: 71 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu In article , janet@cs.arizona.edu (Janet Kerr) writes: > I have been a "born-again" Christain for 10 years, I have a BA in > Biblical Studies from an AG Bible College, I have served in the > Church in various capacities. For 10 years I sincerely believed > in all the appropriate doctrine to match the above. I say all this > only for background information to whoever may be interested. > >Now, for some reason, I seem to be sort of "standing back and observing >it all"...and wondering. I wonder who has a corner on the "truth" and >how can they be so sure, except by their own understanding. I read >the articles in this and the other "religious" groups and am puzzled >by some of the entries....so seem so blastphemous, others so sincere, >but all (that I have read) so sure of themselves. Let it go Janet, it is what you believe and practice that is so much more important and true to you. Don't let words or theology stop you. God didn't make theology, we did. What you are describing is not unique. I dare say we all have experienced it to varying degrees and will continue to do so. There is a lot of fear, guilt and anger in all of us that needs letting go of. Unfortunately its pretty clever at hiding and disguising itself so that we think we are free of it for a while, then...whammo, something we think will threaten to bring it to the light and it will fight. But light will win for darkness cannot exist in light. Keep your faith in God and do His WIll [yes I know it easy to say, but we have to keep at it. The alternative seems such a waste.] >I feel a genuine need to sit back awhile, get away from it all (zealous >well-meaning Christians) and try to get things in perspective. I don't >want to argue with anyone issuing volumes of Biblical quotes, I've heard >most of it. I just wonder if, on a human level, flesh and bone, if >there are other sincere Christians who experience the same thing, who >just want to do what is right but are weary of theological haggling. I try [its not always easy] to see any action by another as either an expression of love or a call for love. It really helps. Perhaps by telling my experience here might also help. I am a student of A Couse in Miracles. I consider myself Christian, yet this would be hotly contested by many members of this news group. I read and post to this group because I feel that I have something to say that helps, not just for those who read it but also for myself. I learn from what I read, not by what's in it but by being aware of my reactions to it. If I find something offensive I have to realise that its not what I read in and of itself that is offensive it is something in me. If I am angry it is something in me. I am talking here at the "flesh and bones" level, not the spiritual one. (Freud had a lot of things right even though he would not accept a spiritual side to things. The mechanics of how this mind, here on this earth, wants to work is all there [pretty much] in his theories.) I can make no judgement on other posters or their motives or authority. I don't know their role in God's plan nor what the Holy Spirit has guided them to do. I can only seek to fulfill my role and uncover the barriers in me that get in its way. I have been guided to read this group. I faced my fear and anger when I thought I could be attacked, and hey I am still here. Now I am simply trying to understand my feelings and catch them when the get in the way of doing His Will. None of us is perfect [we wouldn't be here if we were says the Course] so at the very least we are being offered a chance to be tolerant and love our brothers regardless of what they may be saying. We can't change them [only they can do that] but we can change how we perceive them. > >[Yes. Including the moderator. I really wonder at times whether this >group is a good thing. [rest deleted] Yes it is. _____________________________________________________________________________ James Hale Lincoln School of Health Sciences Computing Unit La Trobe University,Bundoora, AUSTRALIA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- My sinless brother is my guide to peace. | Lesson 351 My sinful brother is my guide to pain. | Workbook P470 And which I choose to see I will behold. | _____________________________________________________________________________