Somewhat Interesting Subjects

[D. Adrien]

5 hours ago, Sower said:

Pretty bold statement. Curious to hear where God said that.
Turning my cheek to a loud mouth slapping me  is not a good enough scripture  to stop me from protecting an innocent from harm with force if it is within my ability.

Thanks D. Adrien...

It is a bold statement. How did Jesus react when crowds tried to stone Him or toss Him off a cliff? How did He react the night of His arrest, onward? 

I struggle with this view and I still hold it to be true. I've struggled with the idea of purchasing a shotgun for home defense. Would cutting someone down during a home invasion be sinful? Or, should I have enough faith to trust God to never place me in that situation? The Lord's prayer: Deliver me from evil...

There certainly are gray areas to practicing Christianity. Life experiences.

[In the Clouds]

That's a noble thought; but, it's not always that easy.  There are many Biblical examples of when to fight.  Who do you think was the sinner when David slew Goliath?

[Neighbor]

8 hours ago, D. Adrien said:

It is a bold statement. How did Jesus react when crowds tried to stone Him or toss Him off a cliff? How did He react the night of His arrest, onward? 

 

Hi, Well Jesus was on a mission that required him to behave and act in the manner that he did. He is still on a mission doing the will of His Father. He will return for those given him by His Father at the time known only to His Father. His own  those turned about by the Holy Spirit also have a mission. That of sharing His gospel with an unsaved world.  

Far as I know those turned about by the Holy Spirit do not have the mission to establish peace on earth ourselves, but to look to his soon return. That his own suffer in the meantime is so obvious as to be a given. I do not see any command to go about the earth killing and pondering in the name of Jesus. I do see some examples of what might be good precepts- that of extending a cup of cool water to a thirsty person, and that of walking the extra mile when heeding the commands of rulers and authorities.  

I also see some need of gates, of walls, and of secure doors being expressed. Yet even there are examples of how those devices fail us. My hope is certain only because it is placed in Jesus as my Lord God and savior.

Being here is a tough go, but is it tougher going than it is for our Lord who has suffered the punishment due of even our sins? Praise God that life here is not fair, for if it was we would all be condemned, would we not?

[Neighbor]

52 minutes ago, In the Clouds said:

That's a noble thought; but, it's not always that easy.  There are many Biblical examples of when to fight.  Who do you think was the sinner when David slew Goliath?

Hmm, perhaps Saul? Saul who did not believe David capable and yet gave him his own heavy armor to go into battle with? David found he could not function in that heavy armor and went with the tools of his "trade" instead.

Perhaps that is what each of us  are to do as well- go with the tools of the trade God has led us in learning over much time. Hone them for use come that day they are required for the Lord's service.

[D. Adrien]

How deep into Christianity is a person willing to walk? The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. 

On the night of Jesus' arrest he spent a great deal of time praying earnestly and fervently, because He had to align His will with the Father's. Remember how he arrived at a time when He prayed, (Luke 22:42), saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (ESV)

[Marathoner]

12 hours ago, D. Adrien said:

It is a bold statement. How did Jesus react when crowds tried to stone Him or toss Him off a cliff? How did He react the night of His arrest, onward? 

I struggle with this view and I still hold it to be true. I've struggled with the idea of purchasing a shotgun for home defense. Would cutting someone down during a home invasion be sinful? Or, should I have enough faith to trust God to never place me in that situation? The Lord's prayer: Deliver me from evil...

There certainly are gray areas to practicing Christianity. Life experiences.

This is why we walk in the Spirit, my friend. The Lord leads us. 

[Michael37]

Søren Kierkegaard was a 19th-century Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, and social critic, often regarded as the "father of existentialism"¹². His work primarily focused on Christian existentialism, exploring themes such as faith, individuality, and the human condition.

Key Concepts

• Existentialism: Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of personal choice and commitment, arguing that individuals must find their own path in life rather than relying on societal norms or external authorities¹².
• Leap of Faith: He introduced the concept of the “leap of faith,” suggesting that true faith requires a personal, subjective commitment that goes beyond rational evidence¹.
• The Absurd: Kierkegaard explored the idea of the absurd, the conflict between human desire for meaning and the indifferent universe¹.
• Angst and Despair: He delved into the psychological states of angst (anxiety) and despair, which arise from the individual’s confrontation with freedom and responsibility¹.

Major Works

• “Fear and Trembling”: Examines the story of Abraham and Isaac to discuss faith and ethics.
• “Either/Or”: Explores the aesthetic and ethical stages of life, presenting a choice between a life of pleasure and a life of moral responsibility.
• “The Sickness Unto Death”: Discusses despair and the concept of self in relation to Christian faith.

Kierkegaard’s writings often used pseudonyms to present different perspectives and provoke thought. His influence extends beyond philosophy to theology, psychology, and literature¹². [Copilot]

[Michael37]

This just in . . .

Counterfactuals are essentially “what if” scenarios that consider alternative outcomes to events that have already happened.

They involve thinking about what could have occurred if certain conditions or decisions had been different. For example, “If I had taken a different route, I might have avoided the traffic jam.”

In more formal terms, a counterfactual statement is one that is contrary to the actual facts. It’s often used in fields like history, philosophy, and social sciences to explore the potential impacts of different actions or events¹².

It seems to me that counterfactual thinking is inherent to existence.

"What if everything was nothing?" Just a thought, but praise God that everything is something.

Pro 8:22-23  The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.  (23)  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
 

 

 

[Michael37]

Rocky sits in our landscape, the work of a very talented artist I met at church over three decades ago.