In the mornings I pray thanks for the blessings of th day before, for any special needs, and help through the day. Then through the day when new things pop up I try to say thanks or ask for help whenever.
2. Is fasting a part of your spiritual discipline? If so, what do you see its purpose as being?
No. Maybe I should though. Have to think on it.
3. How do you reconcile the apparent pacifism of the gospel message (the "turn the other cheek" thing) with the need for defense against aggression?
All through the OT the Jews went to war for God.
4. How do you reconcile the gospel's call to poverty with actual practice in a culture which focuses on material gain?
I don't believe the bible calls us to poverty. The verse says the "Love" of money is the root of evil, not money or material things themselves.
Becky
Sounds good! ;o) I usually do my 'thanksgiving' prayer at the end of the day for that day's blessings, but otherwise my extemporaneous prayer is similar to yours.
All through the OT the Jews went to war for God.
Yes, but doesn't it seem that Jesus is teaching something new?
[38] "You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' (THE 'OT' TEACHING)
[39] But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; [40] and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; [41] and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. [42] Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. [43] "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus uses "but I say to you" to introduce his interpretation on the Law. What he seems to be preaching here is a radical pacifism. Which was followed by the church for the first 300 years or so of the church. Martyrdom rather than "holy warriors". It wasn't until Constantine that the idea of the Christian Soldier really took hold.
I don't believe the bible calls us to poverty. The verse says the "Love" of money is the root of evil, not money or material things themselves.
It does say that about the "love of money". But consider this:
And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (Mark 10:21)