The Neverending Story (The Christian Chronicles)

Associated Press ^ | 3/24/01

[malakhi]

The Neverending Story
An ongoing debate on Scripture, Tradition, History and Interpretation.

Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue. - John Adams

Previous Thread

[malakhi]

Why should you believe the old Testament is true? It could be a fariy tale ya know.

A fair question. First, there is archaeological evidence as well as external textual evidence to support a number of the elements of the story -- the existence of an Israelite kingdom in that area at the time of David, for example.

Second, Judaism as a religion is not as heavily dependent upon miracle accounts as is Christianity.

[malakhi]

So ... are you the one that put together that anti-SBC ad in Illinois that's getting on the nerve of every Texan? ;o)

This is new to me ... please share! :o)

[al_c]

Right here.

[al_c]

No, not exactly. I was demonstrating how the schedules are constructed, using the new formula of the NFL's.

Well, it looked like a good excuse to post one anyway. ;o)

[SoothingDave]

Judaism as a religion is not as heavily dependent upon miracle accounts as is Christianity.

No? While it may not be based on a Virgin Birth and a Resurrection, It seems that the identity of the Jewish people rests upon a supernatural escape from Egypt and a subsequent Theophany establishing the Law.

SD

[SoothingDave]

Well, it looked like a good excuse to post one anyway. ;o)

Sure. Well, we're griping cause we have to play on Monday night in San Francisco and then go to play in Cleveland the next week. The NFL usually gives Monday night teams home games following the short week.

SD

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Still twisting in te wind I see, why don't you go shoot an Iraqi? :)

BigMack

[nate4one]

Second, Judaism as a religion is not as heavily dependent upon miracle accounts as is Christianity.

The Israelites would never had gotten their freedom if a cloud and pillar of fire hadn't led them to the water.
Then the water was split.
They would have died if not for manna from heaven, or water froma rock, or a tree that made water clean.
Actually, Moses was resposible for a direct win against the enemies because his arms needed to be held up. Gideon needed a miracle as a sign he would win. Jericho's walls fell by the sound of trumpets. How many people kept from death by looking upon the serpent?
Prophets left and right healed people of leprosy, death, etc.

Oh yea, Issac was born of a 99 or so year old woman? Past menapause?

Malakhi, I believe the Old Testament is a miracle in itself. Probably more single miracles that the New Testament has.
Christ's resurrection for your salvation should not be that difficult to believe since David was the one who said that the Messiah,s flesh would not see corruption.

And to you, this is why the belief that Christ DID return like He said in AD 70 is important. He did do what all His disciples taught He would.

God Bless,
Nate

[malakhi]

It seems that the identity of the Jewish people rests upon a supernatural escape from Egypt and a subsequent Theophany establishing the Law.

That is the orthodox conception. But one can read the history of Israel in more than one way. From one perspective as the gradual revelation of the divine. From the other perspective as the gradual growth in understanding of the divine. The second view does not depend upon the literal truth of miracle accounts.

[al_c]

Disclaimer: If you want on or off of this ping list, FReepmail me.

Monday, April 07, 2003
Lenten Weekday

First Reading: Responsorial Psalm: Gospel:

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or Daniel 13:41-62 Psalm 23:1-6 John 8:1-11 Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me. My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.   -- Psalm lv. 2

The following is, as usual, from The Word Among Us:

Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more. (John 8:11)

Thank you, Jesus, that every day you love us with the same love you showed this poor woman. Among everyone present that day, you alone could have cast the first stone. But you didn't hold her sins against her. Thank you for seeing me in this same light. You don't love my sin, but you do love me. How incomprehensible is this love!

Jesus, your love is abounding in compassion. This woman knew she had sinned--perhaps she was even repentant--but she received nothing but ridicule and scorn from the scribes and elders. While they insisted on justice untempered by mercy, you lavished mercy upon her. When you told this woman, "Go and sin no more," you gave her the ability to let go of a dark area of her life. Thank you that you desire to do the same for us. No sin is too great for you to conquer! No darkness falls outside the power and light of your love! When you convict us of sin, you also offer complete forgiveness. Such a combination makes our hearts burn with joy and fills us with a desire to walk away from sin and into the light of your presence.

Lord Jesus, strengthen our hearts and minds to resist the taunts and accusations of the devil. Help us to close our ears to his ridicule and to run instead to receive you for wisdom and encouragement. Your love convicts in a way that doesn't condemn. It separates us from all that does not honor you. It convinces us that we can experience life to the full in your presence. Your love proves to us that we can walk with you at every moment of our lives.

"Jesus, I love you with all my heart. Let the fire of your love burn in me. Send your Holy Spirit to guide me in your paths of righteousness. I know I fall short many times. But with my sister, the adulterous woman, I rejoice in your mercy, love, and compassion."

----------

God bless.

AC

[SoothingDave]

The second view does not depend upon the literal truth of miracle accounts.

Then the Law is not given by God? It is something that, over time, was developed as people grew in understanding of "the divine"?

SD

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Wow. We had some hockey excitement around here yesterday. As I mentioned a few months back, the Avalanche were shooting for an NHL record 9 division titles in a row.
Well, they hadn't been in first place all season except for yesterday, the final day of the NHL season. I fear the push for the division title might take a little starch out of their playoff run. Sure was fun tho.

[nate4one]

Still twisting in te wind I see,

Yea, when the Spirit blew through me with this word for you all, it was pretty strong which is why I can't let you guys go for long without checkin ya now and again!
why don't you go shoot an Iraqi? :)

They won't let me.
Death by PC I guess. :o)

[malakhi]

Ask God for faith in Jesus Christ as His son and your savior and see what He does.

"Not my will, but thine, be done".

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Yo angelo. Without getting into the divinity of Jesus. Let me just ask you if you believe Yeshua was the "true prophet" Moses spoke about?

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Well that was nice, but are you gonna ask Him?

BigMack

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Without getting into how ugly you are, is it still snowing there?

BigMack

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Without getting into how ugly you are, is it still snowing there?

Without getting into your sexual preferences let me just say that we're having beautiful springtime weather. :-)

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Don't tell anyone over there what you believe or they will put you in a straight jacket and throw you in a dumpster. :)

BigMack

[SoothingDave]

The Pirates are 5-1 and the home opener's today. It's gonna be all of 42 degrees out today. Nice hockey weather.

Alas, the local squad is packing their bags. We've likely seen Mr. Lemieux leave the building for the last time. He retires a few thousandths ahead of Gretzky in points per game.

You have to watch those late season exertions. Home ice advantage does not usually amount to much. I'm looking forward to some good hockey in the upcoming months.

SD