Woman Who Had Near-Death Experience Recalls Surprising Way She Was 'Judged' [Open]

One thing I want to point out to everybody (in case it hasn’t been clearly pointed out already) is that we should never take things like this too openly. It is very imprudent to do so. Supposing it wasn’t from God, then at best it’s the person’s own mind that created the scene, in which case any morals or values taken form this should not be taken as they are. Even if this was a genuine experience, there is still much interpretation of it by the author and the person who experienced it; note that neither of these are guaranteed to be without error. Who ever said that the woman faced a judgment? And if she claims she was judged, I would advise any fellow Catholics to be wary because the fact that she was without great religious upbringing is already a red flag, and the fact that this isn’t even pointed out in her life during her judgment should alert the Catholic discerner because piety and faith are biggies when it comes to salvation, and according to the article, the worst thing this woman did was “waking up with a bad attitude”? I for one don’t need to discern further to tell you my own conclusion. I sincerely hope that no one takes me to be (needlessly) harsh, or if you do, I hope that you understand that my response is in no way meant to be offensive or inflammatory, but reasonable criticism for the sake of any readers. At the very least I see this presenting a real danger to many people by giving an all-too-comfortable (and false) interpretation of the gospel. Christ is certainly all-loving, but remember that He will also judge the world, and render to each according to his deeds. Frankly, I’d rather not have my own deeds rendered unto me, and no one should be okay with that either, because as the scripture says, “And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him?” and “If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.” This is part of what salvation IS, that we escape such judgement in order to be able to survive. Catholic Tradition for me seems to warn sternly against stories like the one in this article. Take, for another ready example the Dies Irae, formerly said at every funeral mass. The phrase “Dies irae” itself means “Day of wrath”. Just to point out a few lines from it...
“Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix justus sit securus?”
Roughly Translated, this means “What shall, I who am wretched, then say? What advocate shall intercede for me when the just are scarcely saved?
This is not in not meant to somehow take away from God’s mercy, but to point out to the individual the seriousness of living a life devoted to God, and of attaining to perfection. We know through faith that Paul was indeed saved, but He pointed out in many ways and instances in scripture that one should not be too assured in their own salvation, nor should one judge for himself that he is without fault. We ought to, at the same time, hope in Christ and strive eagerly and WITH URGENCY towards perfection. Based on these principles and the like, I have to voice my concerns about this reported near death experience.

Hmmmm. Not sure where you read what you criticize. I certainly did not say that you are empowered by letting anyone do anything. Moreover, even though Jesus came tofulfill the Law and the Prophets, he would never insist that a slavish devotion to the letter of any rule should result in death. He was, after all, Lord of the Sabbath.

Nor do I read the Bible to say, if someone wants to kill you, or your wife, or your child, do nothing. God regularly tells his people to wage war. I think what Jesus is doing here is criticizing the man who kills at the slightest provocation, who withholds his abundance from his neighbor. Maybe your discomfort at this teaching is a sign that God is calling you to trust Him more, and your gun less.

As to your insistence that Jesus was not irrational, well, all due respect, I think you either aren’t familiar enough with the Bible or are disregarding large portions of it (and you’re in good company - google Jefferson’s Bible). Not even the people of his own day thought Jesus was rational. And his mother and his brothers thought He was crazy.

Which part of dying on the cross and being resurrected in three days for the forgiveness of the sins of anyone who has ever lived or shall ever live is rational?

Sorry, I will follow Jesus even when reason tells me not to go there.

I think what Jesus is doing here is criticizing the man who kills at the slightest provocation, who withholds his abundance from his neighbor.

Now that does make more sense. The use of reason and sense versus a slavish devotion to The Rules sounds far more reasonable.

Maybe your discomfort at this teaching is a sign that God is calling you to trust Him more, and your gun less.

Considering I never once fired my rifle in combat, despite being in several firefights, I don't think you can make that claim. However, I would be highly disappointed if Jesus was saying that defending yourself or your family was violating His law.

Which part of dying on the cross and being resurrected in three days for the forgiveness of the sins of anyone who has ever lived or shall ever live is rational?

It seems rational to me because God had said for thousands of years prior that it was going to happen. And...He's God...He can do whatever He wants.

"Maybe your discomfort at this teaching is a sign that God is calling you to trust Him more, and your gun less."

Interesting. I sincerely thank you for your service to our country.

One might argue that God is trying to tell you that even in combat, He will protect you to the point that you don't even need your gun. But the gun I was speaking about was the one in your home (or on your person).

Another interesting note - God does call out killing the thief who breaks into your home into a special category. Jer 2:34. Not that he sanctions it, and again, I think the better covenant requires killing as a last resort to save life.

That all sounds to me like I should just sell my guns and tear up my concealed-carry permits. Why bother defending myself or my wife or my child? I’m empowered by letting anyone do anything they want to me.

I’m not trying to be caustic, don’t misunderstand, but it strikes me (and always has) as being highly irrational. And Christ was not irrational.

Note the tenor of Christ's words.

He is not calling for us to allow ourselves to be killed, or our loved ones.

He is speaking in the context of a minor offense against you ... He is saying that a meek response to such an offense may convince someone that the Christian way is real ... and full of it's own type of power.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.