[Elsie]

Let’s talk about the fundamental error (or maybe just misdirection) of Christianity, it is usually practiced.

Go for it.

Bring out a BIG package of red herrings for us to discuss.

[Tax Government]

Thank you, Elsie, for taking me up on this.

I think Christianity has two components:
1) the message — what Christ is to have said about how to live a godly life
2) the messenger — the meaning of Christ personally, and his role as a unique messenger
Most denominations focus on accepting Christ as a messenger, without discussing the message so much.

What is the message, excluding the part that refers to Christ’s own role? At least this:
1) have faith in God and his benevolence
2) love your fellow man as yourself
3) be stoic in the face of life’s problems, relying on faith in God (a la Job)

In shorter form, these are:
1) optimism
2) good will and charity
3) stoicism.

So, in my opinion, the principles above are Christianity’s core, and ought to be seen as what Christianity offers to the world.

Note, I did not talk about the messenger much. Most Christian denominations focus on the messenger to a great extent.

If one has absorbed Christ’s message, then one becomes optimistic/good/stoic. Then, let the world do its worst, because it’s transient. We can live the life of Job, and NOT be healed at the end, because we’re that faithful and at peace with God.

Thanks, and Good Will, to you and all FReepers.