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Sannhett
we human beings like "middle grounds". But don't you see that a "middle ground" is a compromise? Would an author make a compromise with a character in his novel after that novel has turned into a classic?
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 4, 2005 at 7:46 AM
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Pappy what you have stated is one
of those hypothetical statements that I can only answer using what the catechism itself furnishes namely: when God inspired the writers of Scriptures he did so in such a way that what they wrote He intended to be written "and no more." There is nothing in the scriptures that warrants speculation regarding the possibility of God ever allowing anyone to be reborn on earth after having died. More than that, I don't know what else to say...
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 4, 2005 at 7:44 AM
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Pappy -
I like where you are going with that. I do believe there is a middle ground somewhere.
posted by
sannhet
on February 3, 2005 at 5:46 PM
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Well answered, Friar Tuck
I wonder if there isn't some middle ground. As a Catholic, I believe that Buddhists are people doing the best they can, but encumbered by the complications of their ancient belief system. On the other hand, we believe that evolution probably occured but that God's will created the spirit that makes us human. Perhaps, and this is only speculation, but if God wanted to have the spirit go back to a human form, even if only once or twice, it would not necessarily go against scripture.
posted by
pappy
on February 3, 2005 at 3:24 PM
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Friar -
No, I don't mean that. Let's just agree to disagree on this particular subject.
posted by
sannhet
on February 3, 2005 at 11:18 AM
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Your Yeshua, you mean
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 3, 2005 at 10:41 AM
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Frair -
I read the canonical scriptures all of the time. I just don't limit my understanding of Yeshua's message to those documents.
posted by
sannhet
on February 3, 2005 at 9:48 AM
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Sannhet
you may read all the books you want, but if you are looking for those books which the early Christians saw as the best expression of their faith, go to the canonical scriptures.
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 3, 2005 at 7:34 AM
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Please sir,
Christianity has not changed its views, there are some "Christians" who are trying to make their own version of Christianity. Look to the teaching of the apostles and their legitimate successors for what Christianity is convinced of. If reincarnation is "Christianity", how come the Lord never says anything about it?
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on February 3, 2005 at 7:33 AM
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Christianity has changed its views
much of it, that is.
I have encountered several Christians who believe that reincarnation is a more valid outcome than the accepted heaven/hell.
with great respect, sir, I submit that much Christian thinking on this matter arose from Greek thinking, with ideas of ascending to a higher place -- or descending below the ground -- after death.
We only have "portraits" in the New Testament -- nothing in the Old -- that seem to be metaphor more than anything.
from this, early Christian thinkers gleaned entire scenes of the afterlife.
posted by
Xeno-x
on February 3, 2005 at 7:25 AM
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Friar -
A good post. But of course, I disagree. I don't believe that just because a book or books are not canonical makes them any less relevent for understanding Yeshua and his message - based on the politics of those who decided the canon. And while I respect your position (both on this issue and in the Christian world) and I obviously do not have your wealth of knowledge and experience, I think that reincarnation fits well with the Christianity that I believe in, a Christianity followed by many throughout the world (Liberal Catholic Church, European Liberal Catholic Church, Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch) to name but a few.
posted by
sannhet
on February 3, 2005 at 7:17 AM
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FT
Very well said. Interesting post. SC
posted by
Camelott
on February 3, 2005 at 6:41 AM
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