We also seem to be imbedded in an “expert culture” where it is only appropriate to speak on things you are thoroughly versed in. So the fear Mona mentioned above I believe comes from feeling ill-equipped. After all, our public schools fully deprived us of learning to integrate matter and spirit (and I’m sure even some religious private schools grew more secular with the culture). It’s actually more like being told from a young age that Santa is not real, only to find out as an adult that he actually was. It’s totally backwards and disorienting. But the possible solution to inject more religious belief in our irreligious institutions (like in Oklahoma) sounds good but will that work?
A line sung by Lee Ann Womack, from a Mark Daniel Sanders song says, “I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.”
I think some people need that more than others. They appear to need to not only see, but FEEL the immensity of the oceans, of Earth, and of the universe. And it’s best to be there alone, because the Lord works more through whispers than shouts. I quote John Denver often, because it’s true: talk to God and listen to the casual reply. But you have to listen.
Maybe all the noise from atheists is because they want to drown out the whispers they fear really do come from the Almighty? 🤔
I must admit, I played it a lot also. But it is a wonderful song. I used to love to belt it out in a sing-along in the car where my voice suddenly becomes the equivalent of Maria Callas. 😂
Why don't Christians advance religious arguments? Fear!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Yes, but only because they don't know how to phrase them in a way others can hear. Given a way to talk about Jesus that is interesting and surprising, the fear goes away.
There’s a woman at work always “spreading the word” and she’s enough to make me doubt. Some people should proselytise by just being a good example. Remember, Moses needed Aaron because he was a crap public speaker.
I love how you make solid, rational arguments but spice them up with hilarious sarcasm, i.e. the Santa suit in Dad's underwear drawer. You gave me several chuckles and a guffaw with this essay. Thanks.
One of the reasons I love The New Jerusalem is these 2 men are obviously so brilliant - I realized my soon to be retirement years will be filled with reading the many books they reference - and their faith is so strong. I think - I want to be like them!!! I don't want to be like the people who are so full of themselves. I can see their anger every time they argue. Their hatred of all the "stupid" people - that feeling of superiorty is not attrative to me. The peace in those who have surrendered to Jesus, who know we are sinners, but have a savior who loves us beyond measure - I want more of that!
I have deeply appreciated all your essays and letters, but this (so far) wins the prize. “There is nothing I like better than ascribing dubious motives to people other than myself. Not only does it make them look bad, but it also reflects well on me.” 😂🤣😂 Not only does that describe the Left in a nutshell, but it also describes a tendency in many of us <cough> to want to elevate ourselves which often comes at the expense of others. In Judaism gossip is called Lashon Hara - evil tongue - and is considered to be particularly invidious. It just occurred to me that this is why. You artificially elevate your standing to yourself (and maybe to others) by trashing someone else. It’s so common we don’t always see it, even in others but especially not in ourselves. So now I’m thinking that may be why adjuncts to religious belief such as St. Ignatius’ Examen, the Sacrament of Confession, or Spiritual Direction have evolved over the millennia. We need a way to navigate through the our own self delusion. And in that process perhaps come out on the other side with some humility and - dare I say - meekness
It is not that religious arguments don't work. The problem is religious terminology. The culture has redefines the terms to such a degree that people can not longer hear the arguments when these words are used. Of course, many arguments used are inherently weak, sure as, its true because the Bible says it. That is not because the Bible isn't true, but that it is a poor basis for evidence because its English translation is in religious terms, not those that Jesus's listeners heard. All the most popular verses are mistranslated and tainted with language that has already been rejected because it is misunderstood. It is much stronger to get back to Jesus's original ideas, as his followers heard them, removing the crust of accumulated concepts that have accumulated and weighed religion down. See https://rediscoveryingjesus.substack.com.
We also seem to be imbedded in an “expert culture” where it is only appropriate to speak on things you are thoroughly versed in. So the fear Mona mentioned above I believe comes from feeling ill-equipped. After all, our public schools fully deprived us of learning to integrate matter and spirit (and I’m sure even some religious private schools grew more secular with the culture). It’s actually more like being told from a young age that Santa is not real, only to find out as an adult that he actually was. It’s totally backwards and disorienting. But the possible solution to inject more religious belief in our irreligious institutions (like in Oklahoma) sounds good but will that work?
A line sung by Lee Ann Womack, from a Mark Daniel Sanders song says, “I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.”
I think some people need that more than others. They appear to need to not only see, but FEEL the immensity of the oceans, of Earth, and of the universe. And it’s best to be there alone, because the Lord works more through whispers than shouts. I quote John Denver often, because it’s true: talk to God and listen to the casual reply. But you have to listen.
Maybe all the noise from atheists is because they want to drown out the whispers they fear really do come from the Almighty? 🤔
I love that song!!!
It was one of my wife’s and daughter’s favorites at one point. They played it so much, I had to flee the room many times. 😂
I must admit, I played it a lot also. But it is a wonderful song. I used to love to belt it out in a sing-along in the car where my voice suddenly becomes the equivalent of Maria Callas. 😂
A great example of an "religious" argument that avoids religious language. The Divine is felt by everyone. The trinity, not so much.
Why don't Christians advance religious arguments? Fear!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Yes, but only because they don't know how to phrase them in a way others can hear. Given a way to talk about Jesus that is interesting and surprising, the fear goes away.
There’s a woman at work always “spreading the word” and she’s enough to make me doubt. Some people should proselytise by just being a good example. Remember, Moses needed Aaron because he was a crap public speaker.
One should not do this at work. You go to work to work. You are being paid to work.
I love how you make solid, rational arguments but spice them up with hilarious sarcasm, i.e. the Santa suit in Dad's underwear drawer. You gave me several chuckles and a guffaw with this essay. Thanks.
I agree. Most of Jesus's statements were initially heard as entertaining, but they never can be translated that way.
One of the reasons I love The New Jerusalem is these 2 men are obviously so brilliant - I realized my soon to be retirement years will be filled with reading the many books they reference - and their faith is so strong. I think - I want to be like them!!! I don't want to be like the people who are so full of themselves. I can see their anger every time they argue. Their hatred of all the "stupid" people - that feeling of superiorty is not attrative to me. The peace in those who have surrendered to Jesus, who know we are sinners, but have a savior who loves us beyond measure - I want more of that!
I have deeply appreciated all your essays and letters, but this (so far) wins the prize. “There is nothing I like better than ascribing dubious motives to people other than myself. Not only does it make them look bad, but it also reflects well on me.” 😂🤣😂 Not only does that describe the Left in a nutshell, but it also describes a tendency in many of us <cough> to want to elevate ourselves which often comes at the expense of others. In Judaism gossip is called Lashon Hara - evil tongue - and is considered to be particularly invidious. It just occurred to me that this is why. You artificially elevate your standing to yourself (and maybe to others) by trashing someone else. It’s so common we don’t always see it, even in others but especially not in ourselves. So now I’m thinking that may be why adjuncts to religious belief such as St. Ignatius’ Examen, the Sacrament of Confession, or Spiritual Direction have evolved over the millennia. We need a way to navigate through the our own self delusion. And in that process perhaps come out on the other side with some humility and - dare I say - meekness
It is not that religious arguments don't work. The problem is religious terminology. The culture has redefines the terms to such a degree that people can not longer hear the arguments when these words are used. Of course, many arguments used are inherently weak, sure as, its true because the Bible says it. That is not because the Bible isn't true, but that it is a poor basis for evidence because its English translation is in religious terms, not those that Jesus's listeners heard. All the most popular verses are mistranslated and tainted with language that has already been rejected because it is misunderstood. It is much stronger to get back to Jesus's original ideas, as his followers heard them, removing the crust of accumulated concepts that have accumulated and weighed religion down. See https://rediscoveryingjesus.substack.com.