What values, ideas, are exclusively Christian? -sandra mickanen exploring
i've already written about how the Bible is the most appropriated, plagiarized book of all time. I discovered this having devoured who knows how many 'self help' books, many years ago.
but, it is true: many.. lots of practices recommended in secular 'self help' books, are valid. -the majority of suggestions are already presented in the Bible, but,
many 'self help' suggestions are valid and applicable to all human beings. they are not lies, or false.
it's just that they all seem to come up short.. they neglect (or avoid) addressing larger issues..
sin, forgiveness, afterlife, spiritual (not just physical) healing; flesh/spirit.. our inner being.. righteousness vs evil; motivations; origins..
spiritual clogs/blocks, like sin, like unforgiveness, like envy, greed, lust, idolatry.. lies, pride... etc.
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so, it inspires me to pay attention and look for things that are exclusively Christian..
to my current knowledge; 'forgiveness of sins' is exclusively Christian.
and i do not know -for secular, other faith systems.. our 'sin nature' 'carnal nature'
our 'flesh vs spirit' -do seculars forgive themselves? they do not pray for, or receive from..
are they not in need of...
can such a thing be 'self contained' and self determined? what is and is not 'sin' and the goal of identifying and turning away from..
as a Christian.. it would register to me as wildly ignorant and arrogant that i could take any credit for the origins of sin and righteousness innate within me, which would be a pre-requisite, it seems, to also claim 'i am forgiven' myself forgive myself; and that is the whole of it; vs. receiving forgiveness
receive, automatically indicates it comes from elsewhere... a separate source.
i think the whole concept of forgiveness requires more than one person.... i do believe it requires a God.
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of course Jesus, himself.. one and only Son of God.. who died on the cross, and rose again..
who came to save and not condemn; who paid the ultimate price for us; to reconcile us to God..
who deposits the Holy Spirit within believers.. -exclusively Christian
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will return to this post with any relevant thoughts.. what is exclusive to Christians? to being a Christian..
hallelujah & amen.
posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 7:44 AM
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