Religion

[tgwbs]

Something Lhuna said in a recent post of hers made me feel really warm and fuzzy inside. She said she really enjoyed discussing Christianity with me as with no other non-Christian, but I couldn't remember our conversations. I've just remembered little snatches of concepts now, and feel compelled to write about it

Comments

[hukbillgoomba]

Well, self improvement is one thing, but to me that is only the first thing that continues even when one concentrates on other aspects. I am of the opinion that the efforts to repair the world, weather they call themselves 'Christian' or not are in fact doing God's work. Likewise, things that call themselves Chirstian are often not doing God's work but contributing to the brokenness of the world.
But I often get criticised for this view, especially by evangelicals who are of the 'everyone should be Christians and therefore any other commands or task are to be put on hold'. Often they go to great lengths to pull down the works of those who want to do something good but don't use the Christian label.
When people say that the authority of Scripture or the centrality of Jesus is in question, actually it's their social, economic and political system that has been built in the name of Jesus that's being threatened. Lurking below some of the more venomous, vitriolic criticism is somebody who's created a facade that's not working.

[formendacil]

"He who will not work, should not eat".

A good rule for your utopia, methinks, Master Jay.

[tgwbs]

Sometimes people are children, elderly, or disabled. Sometimes, there simply aren't enough jobs. Sometimes, there are enough jobs, but the person is not skilled enough. I don't think starving anyone who can't work is a very nice thing to do. :P

[hukbillgoomba]

Hense 'Anyone who WILL NOT work' ie chooses not to. ie lazy bastard. ;p

[formendacil]

Indeed, thank you, Master Goomba. I quite agree, Master Jay, that there are those who CANNOT work-- but those who WILL not work are something entirely different.

In any case, if Christians would not help those who do not work, we'd have a world of explaining to do for our charities and the Beattitudes.

[tgwbs]

I think you're right - self-improvement is linked with world-improvement; they go together naturally. This is also why I feel I have more in common with you than with extreme atheists à la Richard Dawkins, and you with me than with extremist American nutters.