Comments on The Beautiful Heresy- Christian Universalism: Baby I Was Born This Way

It seems to me that the philosophy of "be you...

2011-07-15T12:56:51.206-04:00

It seems to me that the philosophy of "be your special self" is the pop-culture mantra of the day. That's why everyone wants to be a rockstar instead of a janitor.

Do you mean Louis Charles? He's an interesting...

2011-06-01T11:57:28.802-04:00

Do you mean Louis Charles? He's an interesting guy and I like a lot of what he has to say.

I've read a little on the subject, seen lots of evidence, but I just haven't seen anything to convince me yet.

The truth is out there.

Mike, I've read probably a dozen books on NDE...

2011-06-01T11:42:25.210-04:00

Mike,

I've read probably a dozen books on NDEs and what happens to people after they die. There's too much evidence for me to simply ignore all of it. I've read serious scientists who have done research into some of these phenomena and I've read first person anecdotal experiences. I also have a friend on Facebook who has written a book about his experience with

Nice post, Brian. I am still researching and study...

2011-06-01T11:34:43.310-04:00

Nice post, Brian. I am still researching and studying "evil". I have reached no firm conclusions.

Well, if there's one thing I believe in less t...

2011-06-01T11:34:33.725-04:00

Well, if there's one thing I believe in less than God...

Ok, more than one.

Yeah, demons, ghosts, etc. Psychics and mediums too.

;-)

Of course, many of us, myself included, sometimes see what we want or expect to see. Maybe they exist and I just don't want or expect to see them, and maybe they don't, but others do want or expect to see them.

Bob- on the subject of demonic spirits, you may or...

2011-06-01T11:29:27.302-04:00

Bob- on the subject of demonic spirits, you may or may not know I'm pretty fascinated by near death experiences. Several psychics/mediums report that people who are lost after leaving this plane can attach themselves to people here and cause all kinds of problems. I think that may be what people in Bible times called "demonic" spirits.

"They do evil things because they are hurt...

2011-06-01T11:24:53.207-04:00
"They do evil things because they are hurt people or because it's somehow justified in their minds."

I mostly agree Brian. I know that you and I do not agree on the presence of demonic spirits but I think that this aspect should also be factored in.

Not to belabor the point, Bob. But, I think in th...

2011-06-01T10:08:22.141-04:00
Not to belabor the point, Bob. But, I think in the case of most addicts, while they may know what is better for their body in the long run, they choose what they are compelled to do in the moment. Most would quit, if they could. They don't have the skill to quit.

I argued this (from your side) with my friend for weeks/months. While I disagree with the absolute "No one

"When you know better, you do better."...

2011-06-01T09:37:19.355-04:00
"When you know better, you do better."

Sometimes that is true but sometimes, as in the case of an addict, it is not.

I would probably throw Stalin into the mix of despots - no evidence that he committed atrocities in the name of God.

All said, I like what you have written Brian and agree with the main point.

Bob, you bring up an interesting point. I used to...

2011-06-01T08:30:34.183-04:00
Bob, you bring up an interesting point. I used to debate with a guy who made the statement "No one ever knowingly does evil." On the surface, we would reject that statement out of hand because it's obvious people sometimes do things they know are against the moral code. But, we rarely do anything we don't rationalize or justify in our minds that we don't think is right

Another good one. I was watching Gaga one night as...

2011-05-31T22:14:39.552-04:00
Another good one. I was watching Gaga one night as I passing through channels and thought, "Yeah, you are right, we are born this way".

That is something I always believed for the most part and I had to agree with her even though I am not necessarily a 'fan' that we are "Born This Way".

God Bless!

No questions at all about how we were created impe...

2011-05-31T20:30:39.495-04:00
No questions at all about how we were created imperfectly Brian. But you have to agree that a lot of the bad things that happen are not just missing the mark. When I think of missing the mark I think of someone is trying to do the best they can but make mistakes. But heinous things that are done by some (i.e. rape, sadistic torture, premeditated murder) are not simply missing the mark. They are

Yes, Bob. There are willful transgressions. But,...

2011-05-31T18:32:26.678-04:00
Yes, Bob. There are willful transgressions. But, they are also variations of missing the mark, IMO. There are sins that need correction. And, I believe the Bible addresses that. IMO Christians focus too much on trying to be perfect and miss out on the fact that we were intended to miss the mark. It's part of the design and I don't think that G-d did that simply so He could save us

"That's part of the adventure of life....

2011-05-31T15:00:13.672-04:00
"That's part of the adventure of life."

Good stuff Brian. I liked the way that you frame sin as missing the mark and not as something evil. I do wonder though when the hamarto becomes parakoe, parabasis, anomia or paranomia - the willful transgression and not just a simple missing of the mark?

Good to know.

2011-05-31T13:46:47.230-04:00
Good to know.

My respect for Lady Gaga has grown over the last y...

2011-05-31T13:38:24.428-04:00
My respect for Lady Gaga has grown over the last year or so based on interviews I've seen her do. She has a great positive message for her fans (her little monsters).

Must...resist...urge...to...respect...Gaga. ;-) S...

2011-05-31T13:23:58.020-04:00
Must...resist...urge...to...respect...Gaga. ;-)

Seriously though, I love the message of her song.