Category (key words): religion(s), Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, faith, beliefs, spirituality,
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Publishing Guidelines: These writings may be freely published.
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SHARING SOME SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS ON THE PERSON THAT WAS JESUS
"Slowly and gradually, out of a rich experience of the world, one builds a faith."
INTRODUCTION:
Craig is studying the teachings of different religions, as he researches and writes his latest novel 'A New Dawn', set in the Middle East: In exploring these 'eternal truths', to better understand, as well as attempting to find 'common ground'/principles between different religions and cultures, as part of a possible solution to ongoing world-wide conflicts. And as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes (in an attempt to 'enlighten' (himself and perhaps others) about different religious faiths. Those of us who long for moderation will continue to hope for understanding of complex issues with reasoned dialogue and a spirit of understanding between different faiths. We hope this piece (an extract from his new work) may be of interest to you.
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Firstly, a few thoughts on what Christians broadly believe...
Christianity is defined by the claim that the person who was Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who has come in the 'veil of flesh', the Saviour of mankind, who died and has risen from the dead. Christians believe that Jesus was totally human, yet at the same time totally divine ("God became man"). The gift of eternal life and spirit of reconciliation is available to ALL, through Him alone...and this claim is central to the religion of Christianity. Christianity is not just following set ideas, beliefs or lifestyle; but is a personal living relationship with God Himself.
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THE FIVE GOSPELS: WHAT DID JESUS REALLY SAY?
Let us look at the true values of the faith of Christ...
A passion for liberalism, tolerance, compassion, rightousness, a sense of decency and generous ideals. The Gospels are characterised by Jesus's unlimited (infinite) generosity of spirit. He continually taught the value of human life through embracing humanity.
Jesus didn't speak much about God; but rather the 'Kingdom of God', being rather more concerned with the human condition. He proclaimed the simplest of all appeals to Faith: Love God with everything you've got and put the well-being of your neighbour on a par with yourself.
His parables point to and sometimes describe human attitudes to life, the nature of our relationships to others, as well as the kind of society we should be attempting to build. Jesus taught people to look into the future with faith and hope ("Don't fret about your own life"). We have to take responsibility ourselves to make the right decisions in our lives...and that is why we are given choice, ie. free will.
The chief theme of the Gospel of James is the living of the "good life" and this is said to be achieved by the pursuit of wisdom, a spiritual gift which originates with God.
When people have God's spirit living within them, it opens their eyes to a whole new dimension, a new, better and higher way of LIVING. Jesus encouraged life and encouraged all people to reach their God-given potential, to live life to the full ("I have come that people may have life and have it abundantly.")
The most important theme in the teachings of Jesus was brotherly love. "Love the Lord, your God with all your strength, heart, mind and soul and love your neighbour as yourself."
Christ told us to love our enemies, not to shoot them, nor send them to concentration camps, and NOT blow them up! Loving ones enemies was and still is a revolutionary statement for us to comprehend. Jesus taught that violence achieves nothing - whether it comes from terrorists or from the response to terrorists. So his life and teachings have been vindicated!
"The mission and purpose of Jesus's life and ministry was first, to model for humankind the fullness of mercy and forgiveness to us sinners, and second, to model for us the perfection of love that God is and that those who accept God's forgiveness are invited, by God's grace, to become."
- Rev Shafer.
Jesus did not die for the sins of the world; he died BECAUSE of the sins of the world. The tradition of Jesus of Nazareth and his resurrection points us to (and symbolises) a new life and new thoughts, as well as new possibilities...as an individual, a nation and as an international community.
"God is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness,
we are to share in the light."
Finally, my portrait is the man of almost 20 centuries ago, who talked passionately about a mode of living, so rich that it deserved to be called God's kingdom. As Jesus said: "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. I see Jesus Christ as the key to what it is to be truly human.
And, in that sense, He is still with us.
Live your life led by the Spirit of Christ...
and the truth shall set you free.
Shared by Craig Lock (Eagle Productions NZ)
" People fight and die for religion but they seldom LIVE for religion".
- J. Nehru, former Prime Minister of India"
As Albert Einstein said, "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is a miracle."
"The greatest good we can do for others is reveal the rich treasure inside themselves; so shine your own bright light on an often darkened world... with the highest level of humanity ...and have great fun along the journey of life."
"There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity."
"The task ahead of you is not nearly as great as the power behind you."
"The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the great power within you...and the seemingly difficult path ahead of you is never as steep with the infinite spirit that lies within you."
- craig
About the submitter:
In his writings Craig strives to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.
Craig's new work 'A New Dawn', set in the Middle East: To attempt to find 'common ground'/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially LOVE for the world.
These writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.
In his writings Craig strives to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.
Craig's new work 'A New Dawn', set in the Middle East: To attempt to find 'common ground'/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially LOVE for the world.