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interesting, thought provoking questions
I expect nothing less from you. :-)
posted by
CatLadyintheAttic
on August 21, 2003 at 9:11 AM
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I'm no Theologian, but since you asked, I'll give you my opinion...
If Jesus was a humble man, which by all accounts He was, then why do we single Him out by worshipping Him?
First we must understand the meaning of humble. It doesn't mean modest and unassuming, which is our common misconception of humility. Humility is not accepting more praise or censure than is properly due to one; not asserting one's rights, but accepting what is offered with dignity and grace. An example, given, I think, by CS Lewis, was that a truly humble person could look at the most perfect, most beautiful cathedral in the world, and be neither more nor less glad that someone else had made it than he would have been had he made it himself.
Jesus was humble. He gave to others the consideration and honour due them, and He did not attempt to overthrow the established order by asserting His rights. But at the same time, He said that He was One with God. If He is not to be considered a raving lunatic for making such a claim; if, in fact, we consider Him to be sane, then we must assume that He was what He claimed to be: part and parcel of the Godhead. If that is the case, then He is worthy of honor and worship. There is no pride involved, no lack of humility; it would be His just due as God.
If I pray for someone with a common name, let's say Robert, and I know a few Roberts really well, will God know which Robert I am praying for?
Yes. Once you accept the postulate that God is all-knowing, then it is easy to believe that if I pray for someone by first name only, God will still know whom I mean. Furthermore, when I pray for someone, I often picture them in my mind. And when I pray for someone, that person's circumstances are usually unique to that particular person. For example, if I pray, "comfort and heal Robert, whose legs were broken in a car crash," I've indubitably identified the particular Robert whom I wish aid for.
Why is He vengeful in certain situations but all forgiving in others?
Now you are getting into deep theological waters. I think that God is long-suffering and will let people go on as they choose for quite some time before He "becomes vengeful." However, we also have to realize that, in our finite human state, we do not see things the same way that God sees them. Perhaps what we perceive as His "being vengeful" is, in fact, merely His withdrawal of protection to let natural consequences take their course. My Mom once told me that God has two ways of dealing with people: cash or credit. Those with whom He is on intimate terms, and who have asked Him to fashion them for Heaven, He works with on a cash basis. Because He is working to perfect them, He does not allow them to get away with sins. However, those whom He does not know intimately, those who have not asked His help in getting to Heaven, He offers a credit plan. They get away with sins because they have not asked to be rescued from their sins. At some point, though, the sin will come home to roost, and the natural law will take hold. It's like a kid drawing on the wall. Mom may not notice today, or tomorrow, but someday she's going to catch the kid at it, or find the markings, and there will be hell to pay.
posted by
editormum
on August 21, 2003 at 6:42 AM
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