Monday, June 16
Re: MJ on the Three Divisions
I agree with you that religions are related. my guess is that other religions exist because they were trying to understand the one true God but just missed the mark. and since they are based in this world created by God, it makes sense that some of the same "themes" run through differing religions. However, it is necessary to identify that when these ideas are shared, they can only be right in the correct, true and only context- the context of Christ Himself.
As to the second part of what you were saying, MJ, I am not sure I agree. The church is a vital part to Christianity, as is the Bible and perhaps other "religious" things you mention like traditions etc. I recognize this "civil theology" you apply to the religion side of Christianity as important because of sin. yet this statement is what i am not sure i agree with: If we did not live in sin, that would be all we needed, but because we do live in sin, we need religion. If we did not have sin, we wouldn't have Jesus. But clearly after we die adn no longer live in sin but live eternally in Christ, we still have Christ, we still have a community of believers even in heaven. The church is not just there in my eyes becasue of sin. The church and religious things are important beyond the purpose of helping us survive through sin. It's also important because of doctrine, adn this is why we have denominations, differences over doctrine. (in general). I do recognize that after life, "doctrine" won't necessarily be the same because I suppose everyone will be on the same page on everything, and the divisions won't exist. So I can see at least a few ways how your divisions of theology are appropriate, I jsut don't fully agree. I also don't think the natural theology would be the only thing we needed, at least not how you define it. I don't think all we need is our own personal relationship with Christ... I mean, yes, that is all we need, technically, but God designed us to live in communion with one another and with Him. I think we devalue the importance of the church, community,etc., thinking we can get along just fine without it when it is exactly what we need. maybe thsi is what you meant by sharing it with others, but, i was just trying to be more specific by referring to "the church." anyway... i'm rambling a bit.
Book 7?
I'm still reading book 7, will be finished tuesday, so if someone else has a question or opening thoughts, please ask and post away ;)
