28 Dec 14
"Life on earth is about timing and timing is often everything."
No matter what year we were born, none of us on this spirituality forum nor our family members or trusted friends have any guarantee of tomorrow: the unit of measure of life on earth is one day at a time. An inconvenient truth is that our private decisions determine our happiness and fulfillment or frustration and misery in time as well as our eternal destiny. Thoughts?
28 Dec 14
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyI certainly think that for many people, convincing themselves that there is some sort of "eternal destiny" may help them to navigate the "frustration and misery" of their lives. And if it works and doesn't interfere too much with others, then I see little harm in it.
[b]"Life on earth is about timing and timing is often everything."
No matter what year we were born, none of us on this spirituality forum nor our family members or trusted friends have any guarantee of tomorrow: the unit of measure of life on earth is one day at a time. An inconvenient truth is that our private decisions determine our happiness and fulfillment or frustration and misery in time as well as our eternal destiny. Thoughts?[/b]
29 Dec 14
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyOur oldest passed away 13 days past her first birthday, so I get that none
[b]"Life on earth is about timing and timing is often everything."
No matter what year we were born, none of us on this spirituality forum nor our family members or trusted friends have any guarantee of tomorrow: the unit of measure of life on earth is one day at a time. An inconvenient truth is that our private decisions determine our happiness and fulfillment or frustration and misery in time as well as our eternal destiny. Thoughts?[/b]
of us are promised tomorrow. Far more wake up on the day they die with
the belief that day is going to be just like all the rest when in fact it will not
be.
29 Dec 14
Originally posted by KellyJayDoes your belief in an afterlife help you cope with things like these?
Our oldest passed away 13 days past her first birthday, so I get that none
of us are promised tomorrow. Far more wake up on the day they die with
the belief that day is going to be just like all the rest when in fact it will not
be.
02 Jan 15
Originally posted by FMFYep, you're right. You should know about how people spend their time convincing themselves that Jesus is alive from the dead seeing that that is what you did until you wised up!
I certainly think that for many people, convincing themselves that there is some sort of "eternal destiny" may help them to navigate the "frustration and misery" of their lives. And if it works and doesn't interfere too much with others, then I see little harm in it.
02 Jan 15
Originally posted by josephwReligion brings comfort to many people in troubled times. I speak from personal experience.
Yep, you're right. You should know about how people spend their time convincing themselves that Jesus is alive from the dead seeing that that is what you did until you wised up!
02 Jan 15
1 edit
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyChristianity is a religion alongside many others. Muslims claim their religion involves a direct relationship with God too. It's still a religion. Pretending that Christianity is not a religion does not add any mystique or significance to its doctrines, figures and folk stories. Pretending that Christianity is not a religion has everything to do with the self-regard of those of its adherents who like to indulge themselves in this particular brand of pretending. Claiming it is a relationship and not a religion no doubt brings comfort to many Christians in troubled times.
"Religion" is made by men as are pharmaceuticals and Huxley's fictitious "Soma". Christianity is a relationship.
02 Jan 15
Originally posted by FMFIt's your soul's eternal destiny. Choose wisely. No further discussion warranted.
Christianity is a religion alongside many others. Muslims claim their religion involves a direct relationship with God too. It's still a religion. Pretending that Christianity is not a religion does not add any mystique or significance to its doctrines, figures and folk stories. Pretending that Christianity is not a religion has everything to do with the self-re ...[text shortened]... a relationship and not a religion no doubt brings comfort to many Christians in troubled times.
02 Jan 15
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyIf your talk of the "soul's eternal destiny" helps you cope with the inevitability of death, and with what you describe as the "frustration and misery" of life, not to mention the "depravity" of your fellow humans, then good for you.
It's your soul's eternal destiny. Choose wisely. No further discussion warranted.
02 Jan 15
1 edit
“As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. But the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103: 15-16.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away.” James 4:14.
“How can one meditate on live without meditating too on its brevity, its precariousness, its fragility?” Andre Comte-Sponville
“Whatever can happen at any time can happen today.” ―Seneca, On the Shortness of Life
02 Jan 15
1 edit
Originally quoted by Grampy BobbyLife's brevity, precariousness, fragility are what, in part, give it its preciousness and meaning. On the other hand, the human condition has long had people seeking to cope with this brevity, precariousness, and fragility, by conjuring up "meaning" through superstition and mythology. This can indeed offer so much solace that its proponents start telling non-believers that they can somehow "choose" to believe in something that they simply do not believe.
“How can one meditate on live without meditating too on its brevity, its precariousness, its fragility?”
03 Jan 15
1 edit
Originally posted by JS357Au contraire, JS. As a believer in Christ respecting the free will [volitional choice] to accept or reject God's Grace Gift of eternal life isn't a prerogative; it's a given. How can I presume to coerce an unbeliever's will when God Himself respects it?
"It's your soul's eternal destiny. Choose wisely. No further discussion warranted."
We don't need no stinkin' warrant!
03 Jan 15
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyYou peddle a bizarre notion of supernatural revenge and punishment by way of eternal agony perpetrated upon those unable to believe your religionist dogma. You have some cheek claiming that the word "coerce" does not belong in the context of your ghastly ideology. 😀
Au contraire, JS. As a believer in Christ respecting the free will [volitional choice] to accept or reject God's Grace Gift of eternal life isn't a prerogative; it's a given. How can I presume to coerce an unbeliever's will when God Himself respects it?