Dec
24
Filed Under Christianity | Comments Off
Mike Fletcher asked:
Are you tired of those who claim to be tolerant but tolerate everything EXCEPT Christianity? It’s amazing how the saving message of Jesus Christ causes such a strong reaction among the politically correct crowd. Almost every vestige of Christianity has been stripped from the culture.
But one place they can’t strip it is off your back.
That’s why the wearing of Christian clothing and Christian jewelry has caught on so powerfully among believers who want to share their faith and counter the anti-God culture. Christian T-Shirts are hugely popular, with messages taken straight from the Bible emblazed across the front and back in brght and bold shirts with very creative designs.
T-shirts became a cultural phenomenon back in the Sixties. Today, they are a part of the social fabric of our world. They’re used for advertising, for marketing, to make a statement, to tell the world your politics, your position on social issues or just to make people smile. So it’s no wonder that Christians saw the opportunity, too.
The average T-Shirt is seen by 3,000 people during its life of wear. That’s a huge audience and the number of Christian T-Shirts in use today now reaches the millions. Christian clothing and Christian apparel is found in shopping center kiosks, at Christian bookstores and through several dozen online stores that usually offer huge selections… some with literally hundreds of designs.
Talk about an effective evangelism tool! Christian T-Shirts come in all sizes and styles, from toddlers to triple extra large adult sizes. There are designs for teens, women and kids and many are creative parodies of cultural icons. There are even Christian biker T-Shirts.
This year, long-sleeved Christian shirts and Christian sweatshirts and Christian hoodies have taken off. Same with Christian caps and hats.
The other big trend is in Christian jewelry. It started in the 1980’s with an explosion in Christian crosses worn around the neck. Now they’ve been joined by Christian bracelets, Christian headbands, Christian sliders, Christian rings, Christian watches and Christian earrings.
We live in a casual society where T-Shirts are worn almost everywhere. But some offices, schools and workplaces prohibit T-Shirts during working hours. That’s where Christian jewelry comes in.
Christian jewelry can be worn everywhere. Especially popular are Christian rings, which typically come in Sterling Silver and have attractive designs like the Crown of Thorns or a cut-out cross.
So while it may seem like the culture has conspired to keep the Christian message out of everyday life, there are ways to counter that intolerance by sharing your faith in a way that speaks just as loudly as a billboard.
Although we noted that some places prohibit T-shirts, we should also point out that is changing rapidly. Just look around your school or workplace, for example.
Casual dress is the latest rage these days in the workplace. While ratty-looking clothes are never appropriate, a clean T-Shirt, worn under a jacket, is downright fashionable. Most Christian T-Shirts have distinctive and attractive designs, come in dark colors that look well in most situations.
During non-working hours, Christian T-Shirts can be worn by themselves or with a another shirt, unbuttoned, as the top layer. There are also Christian sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts and even hoodies. The bottom line here is that Christian clothing and apparel fits in almost everywhere.
Wear your witness on your back. Get the message out with a Christian T-Shirt or some Christian jewelry. They speak powerfully to a culture that needs to hear like never before.
Lots of time, you don’t have to say anything. Someone will comment on your short, often in agreement or, more often, by asking, "what does that mean?"
That’s your opportunity to be able to share the gospel. You can explain a Bible verse. Tell the quesytioner the context of the message as explained in scripture or just let them know how you came to Christ, what a difference He has made in your life and how anyone can find forgiveness and true purpose.
It all starts with the shirt. What a great opportunity!
DOZIER
Are you tired of those who claim to be tolerant but tolerate everything EXCEPT Christianity? It’s amazing how the saving message of Jesus Christ causes such a strong reaction among the politically correct crowd. Almost every vestige of Christianity has been stripped from the culture.
But one place they can’t strip it is off your back.
That’s why the wearing of Christian clothing and Christian jewelry has caught on so powerfully among believers who want to share their faith and counter the anti-God culture. Christian T-Shirts are hugely popular, with messages taken straight from the Bible emblazed across the front and back in brght and bold shirts with very creative designs.
T-shirts became a cultural phenomenon back in the Sixties. Today, they are a part of the social fabric of our world. They’re used for advertising, for marketing, to make a statement, to tell the world your politics, your position on social issues or just to make people smile. So it’s no wonder that Christians saw the opportunity, too.
The average T-Shirt is seen by 3,000 people during its life of wear. That’s a huge audience and the number of Christian T-Shirts in use today now reaches the millions. Christian clothing and Christian apparel is found in shopping center kiosks, at Christian bookstores and through several dozen online stores that usually offer huge selections… some with literally hundreds of designs.
Talk about an effective evangelism tool! Christian T-Shirts come in all sizes and styles, from toddlers to triple extra large adult sizes. There are designs for teens, women and kids and many are creative parodies of cultural icons. There are even Christian biker T-Shirts.
This year, long-sleeved Christian shirts and Christian sweatshirts and Christian hoodies have taken off. Same with Christian caps and hats.
The other big trend is in Christian jewelry. It started in the 1980’s with an explosion in Christian crosses worn around the neck. Now they’ve been joined by Christian bracelets, Christian headbands, Christian sliders, Christian rings, Christian watches and Christian earrings.
We live in a casual society where T-Shirts are worn almost everywhere. But some offices, schools and workplaces prohibit T-Shirts during working hours. That’s where Christian jewelry comes in.
Christian jewelry can be worn everywhere. Especially popular are Christian rings, which typically come in Sterling Silver and have attractive designs like the Crown of Thorns or a cut-out cross.
So while it may seem like the culture has conspired to keep the Christian message out of everyday life, there are ways to counter that intolerance by sharing your faith in a way that speaks just as loudly as a billboard.
Although we noted that some places prohibit T-shirts, we should also point out that is changing rapidly. Just look around your school or workplace, for example.
Casual dress is the latest rage these days in the workplace. While ratty-looking clothes are never appropriate, a clean T-Shirt, worn under a jacket, is downright fashionable. Most Christian T-Shirts have distinctive and attractive designs, come in dark colors that look well in most situations.
During non-working hours, Christian T-Shirts can be worn by themselves or with a another shirt, unbuttoned, as the top layer. There are also Christian sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts and even hoodies. The bottom line here is that Christian clothing and apparel fits in almost everywhere.
Wear your witness on your back. Get the message out with a Christian T-Shirt or some Christian jewelry. They speak powerfully to a culture that needs to hear like never before.
Lots of time, you don’t have to say anything. Someone will comment on your short, often in agreement or, more often, by asking, "what does that mean?"
That’s your opportunity to be able to share the gospel. You can explain a Bible verse. Tell the quesytioner the context of the message as explained in scripture or just let them know how you came to Christ, what a difference He has made in your life and how anyone can find forgiveness and true purpose.
It all starts with the shirt. What a great opportunity!
DOZIER
Dec
24
The Christian Exodus
Filed Under Christianity | Comments Off
Eileen Fleming asked:
A House bill seeking co-sponsors by Rep. McCaul (R-TX) and Rep. Crowley (D-NY), "condemning the persecution of Palestinian Christians by the Palestinian Authority," is another instance of Orwellian double-speak about the Christian exodus from the Holy Land.
This resolution fails to address the real reasons for Christian emigration: the deteriorating economic situation and the political instability created by the occupation which causes the ongoing conflict and the resultant humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. In 1948 the total population of the Holy Land was 20%, today the Christian minority is less than 1.3% of the total and shrinking fast.
"The research that forms the basis of the resolution was conducted by Professor Justus Weiner, an American/Israeli academic who is a scholar at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs in Israel. His research includes little or no input from the local indigenous Palestinian Christians: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran communicants, and has significant inaccuracies, exaggerated conclusions and major omissions…Christians in the Holy Land and major Christian Churches of the Holy Land, and their U.S. counterparts, were not consulted!
Some Christian-Muslim tensions do exist and should be addressed. In addition, the Palestinian Authority should be stabilized so that it can enforce the rule of law…[However]this resolution in fact drives a dangerous wedge between Christian and Muslim Palestinians and risks making the minority Christian population even more vulnerable at a time of already heightened internal Palestinian friction…The resolution itself was drafted without the consultation of any major US church or church organization, including the Vatican-appointed Papal Nuncio who’s located in Washington, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, World Vision, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) or any of CMEP’s 21 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant member churches and church-related organizations."-Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
The most pressing issues affecting the daily life of Christians, as well as Muslims, is the forty years of occupation, the route of Israel’s separation barrier which has been deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, the expansion of Israeli colonies in the Palestinian territories, the untenable hardships in reaching jobs, schools, health care facilities and places of worship because of the denial of freedom of movement by Israel to those born Palestinian.
Palestinian Christians are well educated and their relatively higher socioeconomic status makes it easier for them to emigrate than Muslims, who have a much higher birth rate. The Islamization of Palestinian society is a major concern for Palestinian Christians, who have always lived in a secular and pluralistic society.
The rise of fundamentalism may result in another reason for emigration, but the facts on the ground at the moment are that the mass exodus of Christians from the Holy Land is due to the occupation which causes the conflict, which results in the loss of economic opportunity, the gross injustice from the denial of basic human rights based on ethnicity by Israel and because the Palestinian Authority has not always adequately enforced human rights standards and the rule of law.
"There have been a few cases of insufficient intervention of PA security forces on behalf of Christians; however, contrary to some reports, the PA has not been responsible for systematic persecution of Christians. The PA generally maintains good relations with the Christian community. In fact, the PA has set a Christian quota in the Palestinian Legislative Council, securing seats for Christian representatives from Gaza, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Jerusalem districts. Christmas and Easter are freely celebrated and Christians hold many prominent positions in Palestinian society. Hanan Ashrawi, a Christian has been a long-time member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and an official Spokesperson of the Palestinian Delegation to the Middle East Peace Process in the 90s. The head of the PLO mission to the US (which also relates to the PA) is Afif Safieh, a Roman Catholic. Christians currently hold other important positions, such as advisor to the President, head of the Palestinian Monetary Authority and mayors of Ramallah and Bethlehem."-CMEP
Tensions run high in the open air prisons of the West Bank and Gaza, and as a minority group, Christians are particularly vulnerable to societal friction and the instability of life. Real tensions do exist between Christian and Muslim Palestinian communities, there is harassment and discrimination on the local level, but "violent incidents are not widespread and relations are congenial. Thuggery, mob violence and revenge attacks are problems in Palestinian society that need to be dealt with more effectively. When the victims are Christians, these problems are sometimes cast as religious persecution. Moreover, disputes between Christians and Muslims related to inter-marriage, conversion and other family and community issues have occasionally resulted in violence, but are more often related to social or inter-family conflicts. At times, Christian leaders, such as Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah, have mediated these disputes and helped to restore good relations. The rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Palestinian society is a concern of Christians as it is for the majority of Palestinians. This concern may increase now with the election of Hamas. Furthermore, the failure to achieve a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict contributes to increased support for fundamentalist Islam in the region."-CMEP
It is the job of churches to emphasize the importance of nonviolence and reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and the three Abrahamic faiths.
It is the duty of Congress to act in the best interests of we the people of the United States and the McCaul-Crowley resolution does NOT do that. If passed, this legislation could well speed up the Christian exodus in the land where Christ not just walked but taught that it is the Peacemakers who are the children of God.
STAMPS
A House bill seeking co-sponsors by Rep. McCaul (R-TX) and Rep. Crowley (D-NY), "condemning the persecution of Palestinian Christians by the Palestinian Authority," is another instance of Orwellian double-speak about the Christian exodus from the Holy Land.
This resolution fails to address the real reasons for Christian emigration: the deteriorating economic situation and the political instability created by the occupation which causes the ongoing conflict and the resultant humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. In 1948 the total population of the Holy Land was 20%, today the Christian minority is less than 1.3% of the total and shrinking fast.
"The research that forms the basis of the resolution was conducted by Professor Justus Weiner, an American/Israeli academic who is a scholar at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs in Israel. His research includes little or no input from the local indigenous Palestinian Christians: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran communicants, and has significant inaccuracies, exaggerated conclusions and major omissions…Christians in the Holy Land and major Christian Churches of the Holy Land, and their U.S. counterparts, were not consulted!
Some Christian-Muslim tensions do exist and should be addressed. In addition, the Palestinian Authority should be stabilized so that it can enforce the rule of law…[However]this resolution in fact drives a dangerous wedge between Christian and Muslim Palestinians and risks making the minority Christian population even more vulnerable at a time of already heightened internal Palestinian friction…The resolution itself was drafted without the consultation of any major US church or church organization, including the Vatican-appointed Papal Nuncio who’s located in Washington, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, World Vision, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) or any of CMEP’s 21 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant member churches and church-related organizations."-Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
The most pressing issues affecting the daily life of Christians, as well as Muslims, is the forty years of occupation, the route of Israel’s separation barrier which has been deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, the expansion of Israeli colonies in the Palestinian territories, the untenable hardships in reaching jobs, schools, health care facilities and places of worship because of the denial of freedom of movement by Israel to those born Palestinian.
Palestinian Christians are well educated and their relatively higher socioeconomic status makes it easier for them to emigrate than Muslims, who have a much higher birth rate. The Islamization of Palestinian society is a major concern for Palestinian Christians, who have always lived in a secular and pluralistic society.
The rise of fundamentalism may result in another reason for emigration, but the facts on the ground at the moment are that the mass exodus of Christians from the Holy Land is due to the occupation which causes the conflict, which results in the loss of economic opportunity, the gross injustice from the denial of basic human rights based on ethnicity by Israel and because the Palestinian Authority has not always adequately enforced human rights standards and the rule of law.
"There have been a few cases of insufficient intervention of PA security forces on behalf of Christians; however, contrary to some reports, the PA has not been responsible for systematic persecution of Christians. The PA generally maintains good relations with the Christian community. In fact, the PA has set a Christian quota in the Palestinian Legislative Council, securing seats for Christian representatives from Gaza, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Jerusalem districts. Christmas and Easter are freely celebrated and Christians hold many prominent positions in Palestinian society. Hanan Ashrawi, a Christian has been a long-time member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and an official Spokesperson of the Palestinian Delegation to the Middle East Peace Process in the 90s. The head of the PLO mission to the US (which also relates to the PA) is Afif Safieh, a Roman Catholic. Christians currently hold other important positions, such as advisor to the President, head of the Palestinian Monetary Authority and mayors of Ramallah and Bethlehem."-CMEP
Tensions run high in the open air prisons of the West Bank and Gaza, and as a minority group, Christians are particularly vulnerable to societal friction and the instability of life. Real tensions do exist between Christian and Muslim Palestinian communities, there is harassment and discrimination on the local level, but "violent incidents are not widespread and relations are congenial. Thuggery, mob violence and revenge attacks are problems in Palestinian society that need to be dealt with more effectively. When the victims are Christians, these problems are sometimes cast as religious persecution. Moreover, disputes between Christians and Muslims related to inter-marriage, conversion and other family and community issues have occasionally resulted in violence, but are more often related to social or inter-family conflicts. At times, Christian leaders, such as Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah, have mediated these disputes and helped to restore good relations. The rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Palestinian society is a concern of Christians as it is for the majority of Palestinians. This concern may increase now with the election of Hamas. Furthermore, the failure to achieve a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict contributes to increased support for fundamentalist Islam in the region."-CMEP
It is the job of churches to emphasize the importance of nonviolence and reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and the three Abrahamic faiths.
It is the duty of Congress to act in the best interests of we the people of the United States and the McCaul-Crowley resolution does NOT do that. If passed, this legislation could well speed up the Christian exodus in the land where Christ not just walked but taught that it is the Peacemakers who are the children of God.
STAMPS
Sep
28
Filed Under Christianity | Comments Off
John Nilson asked:
In Philip Wogaman’s "Christian Ethics: A historical Introduction", theinfluence of ancient philosophical traditions is evident. To what extenthave these traditions influenced early Christian thought? Is Christianethical thought an extension of earlier philosohpical traditions, or is itbased upon its own principles and ideologies? With these questions in mind,what and who is the basic foundational structure of this discipline?
History witnesses that the ideas similar to Christian moral had appeared long ago before the birth of Christ, as Christian moral has lots of concepts that originate in common natural laws, fundamentals of peaceful coexistence and simple human moral.
Historians argue nowadays about the origins of Christianity and are looking for analogical moral teaching and philosophical ideas that existed in last centuries of BC both in Palestine and in Ancient Greece. Most of moral concepts of Christianity came into new religion from Judaism and from different religious and moral tendencies of Ancient word, both eastern and western. Fatalism, humility, ascetic way of life and self perfection teachings already existed long before Christianity and had made an incredible influence on Christian ethics supplementing existing religion by universality and availability of its philosophy. As a result, Christianity became nearly the first religion that got a global spread, as it was no longer a class religion, it was the religion, accepted by all classes, as everyone could find salvation in all-mighty god who considered every person to be his earthly child who were all equal for him, despite heritage, merit and race. Christian philosophy was accumulating the achievements of ancient Jewish, Greek and Roman philosophical and ethic thought and was supplemented by them even during the second-third century after its foundation. Christianity accepted metaphysics of Aristotle, stoic beliefs, Judaist concept of monotheism and many other aspects.
Especially when studying the origins of Christian ethics scientists refer to the moral teaching of Stoics and their brightest representatives: Seneca and Epicurus. Stoics taught that people have to live according to the laws of nature and laws of universal harmony. They considered nature’s laws and nature of things to be the ideal of one’s life, and their teaching was telling about the rules of harmonic coexistence in this world. Stoics believed that everything is decided by natural laws, that individual’s destiny is planned before. So anyone who would try to act contrary to destiny will fail anyway as it’s impossible to act contrary to nature. These ideas are quite similar to some of Christian beliefs, for example in the dogma about almighty God and predestination. Besides, teaching of stoics was promoting moderate and simple way of life, ideas of humanism and good attitude, search for the truth and a skill to live a happy life. Stoics saw happiness in freedom from passions, in tranquility of spirit and indifference. Some of similar ideas are common to Christian moral as well.
The teaching of Seneca, who belonged to Stoics, was adopted by Christian church, and his influence on the development of Christian ethics and philosophy was considerable in later years as well. Christianity adopted a set of stoic ethics concepts, and a lot of Christian authors of the Western Roman Empire cited Seneca and referred to his essays in their works. In 4 century AD there was even composed a correspondence between St. Paul and Seneca, Seneca’s literary works were popular among Humanists of Renaissance and Enlightenment. Still philosophical beliefs of Seneca were not consistent. His discourses were concentrated on the place of philosophy in human’s life and on the problems of practical moral. Philosophy according to Seneca was a balsam for human’s soul. The main task of Seneca’s discourses was to find the best answer on the question how to live and how to die, to give spiritual independence from routine problems and fears. Seneca considered all people to be equal: "they are slaves,-no they are people! They are slaves, no they are friends! They are slaves! No, they are modest friends!", but still Seneca’s discourses were directed to give a hope to roman aristocracy, but not to common people, as he was not really close to commons. Seneca’s view about material goods were also non single valued, he preached intricate way of life, modest behavior and humility, but he didn’t stand against wealth, moreover in his poems he glorified the wealth of Rome. Justifying sinful and immoral human nature which is inclined to temptation and hypocrisy (as moral ideas are violated by majority), he stated that human nature is sinful and weak, but still people have to work on themselves.
The same concepts about human nature are found in basics of Christian ethics as well. The believes of Seneca are also similar to Christian beliefs about life after death, as Seneca taught that earthly life has to be a preparation for death: "one life bad is not able to die good". For the sake of that it’s important to stand hardships, pain, fears and dangers met in route life; at the same time one has to fight his passions and temptations. And the heroic image of gladiator is an ideal for Seneca.
Religious origins of Christianity which are found in Judaism were modified nearly a century before Christ by a Greek philosopher, Philon of Alexandria. Philon tried to combine the Old Testament with the teaching of Stoics, Pythagoreans and followers of Plato. At the same time he explained the essence of god which was transcendental, if compared to Judaist concept of god only for chosen people. According to Philon two forcers served God- Word (Logos) and Holly spirit (hagion pneuma), this was something similar to the Christian dogma about holly trinity. According to Philon, a man was an image of word or Logos, as the world was created by god by means of word.
Echoes of Philon’s religious and moral teaching are found in moral and ethical concepts of late Christianity: the meaning of charity, universality of sin, etc. Everything that was mentioned above allows considering Philon’s teaching as Christianity without Christ. By the opinion of many scientists, it would be hard to determine the origins and fundamentals of late Christian moral concepts and religious particularities if the was nothing known about activity of Philon. Such canonic Christian works as Holly gospels of disciples become clearer from ethical and philosophical point of view only when comparing them to the teaching of Philon.
Christianity was also influenced by Stoic ideas of Roman emperor Mark Aurelius, who by the way cruelly persecuted Christians. That’s why to consider that Christianity introduced something new into ethics and morality would be incorrect, as it executed the role of a synthesis of different teachings and ideas that existed long before Christ in order to make Christianity really universal.
ECKERT
In Philip Wogaman’s "Christian Ethics: A historical Introduction", theinfluence of ancient philosophical traditions is evident. To what extenthave these traditions influenced early Christian thought? Is Christianethical thought an extension of earlier philosohpical traditions, or is itbased upon its own principles and ideologies? With these questions in mind,what and who is the basic foundational structure of this discipline?
History witnesses that the ideas similar to Christian moral had appeared long ago before the birth of Christ, as Christian moral has lots of concepts that originate in common natural laws, fundamentals of peaceful coexistence and simple human moral.
Historians argue nowadays about the origins of Christianity and are looking for analogical moral teaching and philosophical ideas that existed in last centuries of BC both in Palestine and in Ancient Greece. Most of moral concepts of Christianity came into new religion from Judaism and from different religious and moral tendencies of Ancient word, both eastern and western. Fatalism, humility, ascetic way of life and self perfection teachings already existed long before Christianity and had made an incredible influence on Christian ethics supplementing existing religion by universality and availability of its philosophy. As a result, Christianity became nearly the first religion that got a global spread, as it was no longer a class religion, it was the religion, accepted by all classes, as everyone could find salvation in all-mighty god who considered every person to be his earthly child who were all equal for him, despite heritage, merit and race. Christian philosophy was accumulating the achievements of ancient Jewish, Greek and Roman philosophical and ethic thought and was supplemented by them even during the second-third century after its foundation. Christianity accepted metaphysics of Aristotle, stoic beliefs, Judaist concept of monotheism and many other aspects.
Especially when studying the origins of Christian ethics scientists refer to the moral teaching of Stoics and their brightest representatives: Seneca and Epicurus. Stoics taught that people have to live according to the laws of nature and laws of universal harmony. They considered nature’s laws and nature of things to be the ideal of one’s life, and their teaching was telling about the rules of harmonic coexistence in this world. Stoics believed that everything is decided by natural laws, that individual’s destiny is planned before. So anyone who would try to act contrary to destiny will fail anyway as it’s impossible to act contrary to nature. These ideas are quite similar to some of Christian beliefs, for example in the dogma about almighty God and predestination. Besides, teaching of stoics was promoting moderate and simple way of life, ideas of humanism and good attitude, search for the truth and a skill to live a happy life. Stoics saw happiness in freedom from passions, in tranquility of spirit and indifference. Some of similar ideas are common to Christian moral as well.
The teaching of Seneca, who belonged to Stoics, was adopted by Christian church, and his influence on the development of Christian ethics and philosophy was considerable in later years as well. Christianity adopted a set of stoic ethics concepts, and a lot of Christian authors of the Western Roman Empire cited Seneca and referred to his essays in their works. In 4 century AD there was even composed a correspondence between St. Paul and Seneca, Seneca’s literary works were popular among Humanists of Renaissance and Enlightenment. Still philosophical beliefs of Seneca were not consistent. His discourses were concentrated on the place of philosophy in human’s life and on the problems of practical moral. Philosophy according to Seneca was a balsam for human’s soul. The main task of Seneca’s discourses was to find the best answer on the question how to live and how to die, to give spiritual independence from routine problems and fears. Seneca considered all people to be equal: "they are slaves,-no they are people! They are slaves, no they are friends! They are slaves! No, they are modest friends!", but still Seneca’s discourses were directed to give a hope to roman aristocracy, but not to common people, as he was not really close to commons. Seneca’s view about material goods were also non single valued, he preached intricate way of life, modest behavior and humility, but he didn’t stand against wealth, moreover in his poems he glorified the wealth of Rome. Justifying sinful and immoral human nature which is inclined to temptation and hypocrisy (as moral ideas are violated by majority), he stated that human nature is sinful and weak, but still people have to work on themselves.
The same concepts about human nature are found in basics of Christian ethics as well. The believes of Seneca are also similar to Christian beliefs about life after death, as Seneca taught that earthly life has to be a preparation for death: "one life bad is not able to die good". For the sake of that it’s important to stand hardships, pain, fears and dangers met in route life; at the same time one has to fight his passions and temptations. And the heroic image of gladiator is an ideal for Seneca.
Religious origins of Christianity which are found in Judaism were modified nearly a century before Christ by a Greek philosopher, Philon of Alexandria. Philon tried to combine the Old Testament with the teaching of Stoics, Pythagoreans and followers of Plato. At the same time he explained the essence of god which was transcendental, if compared to Judaist concept of god only for chosen people. According to Philon two forcers served God- Word (Logos) and Holly spirit (hagion pneuma), this was something similar to the Christian dogma about holly trinity. According to Philon, a man was an image of word or Logos, as the world was created by god by means of word.
Echoes of Philon’s religious and moral teaching are found in moral and ethical concepts of late Christianity: the meaning of charity, universality of sin, etc. Everything that was mentioned above allows considering Philon’s teaching as Christianity without Christ. By the opinion of many scientists, it would be hard to determine the origins and fundamentals of late Christian moral concepts and religious particularities if the was nothing known about activity of Philon. Such canonic Christian works as Holly gospels of disciples become clearer from ethical and philosophical point of view only when comparing them to the teaching of Philon.
Christianity was also influenced by Stoic ideas of Roman emperor Mark Aurelius, who by the way cruelly persecuted Christians. That’s why to consider that Christianity introduced something new into ethics and morality would be incorrect, as it executed the role of a synthesis of different teachings and ideas that existed long before Christ in order to make Christianity really universal.
ECKERT
Mar
15
Filed Under Christianity | Comments Off
Cortina Anderson asked:
This site was created with the primary goal to be a resource for worship leaders and others who love Christian music. Hoping to help people find lyrics to all their favorite Christian songs. Here you’ll find some of your favorite songs and many new songs to learn. We are constantly adding new songs and new features.
With over 7000 of your favorite free Christian music lyrics and check out the latest Christian music news and new releases.You can also checkout your favorite CDs, DVDs or Sheet Music from our partners and don’t forget to visit our sponsor sites!
Keep up to date with the latest music news with Cortina’s Music Blog. Reviews of albums, the current hits and what’s new on the Christian music scene will keep you current.
All lyrics are FREE as a service to the consumer. Feel free to submit any lyrics or artists that you think we may be missing. We are adding updates to our site daily.
Looking for a great community to meet other Christians? Than visit our sponsor sites on our homepage. From Christian dating to schooling to learning how to play guitar, we can meet your social networking needs.
Need new worship music? Visit our catalog of sheet music to update your music library. Find everything you need from contemporary to gospel to pop to praise music. See what’s popular so that your music collection can be a success. Use our tools to help you. User friendly and functional, even the first time online surfer will find our site easy to navigate.
CHRISTOPHER
This site was created with the primary goal to be a resource for worship leaders and others who love Christian music. Hoping to help people find lyrics to all their favorite Christian songs. Here you’ll find some of your favorite songs and many new songs to learn. We are constantly adding new songs and new features.
With over 7000 of your favorite free Christian music lyrics and check out the latest Christian music news and new releases.You can also checkout your favorite CDs, DVDs or Sheet Music from our partners and don’t forget to visit our sponsor sites!
Keep up to date with the latest music news with Cortina’s Music Blog. Reviews of albums, the current hits and what’s new on the Christian music scene will keep you current.
All lyrics are FREE as a service to the consumer. Feel free to submit any lyrics or artists that you think we may be missing. We are adding updates to our site daily.
Looking for a great community to meet other Christians? Than visit our sponsor sites on our homepage. From Christian dating to schooling to learning how to play guitar, we can meet your social networking needs.
Need new worship music? Visit our catalog of sheet music to update your music library. Find everything you need from contemporary to gospel to pop to praise music. See what’s popular so that your music collection can be a success. Use our tools to help you. User friendly and functional, even the first time online surfer will find our site easy to navigate.
CHRISTOPHER
Mar
10
Filed Under Christianity | Comments Off
Ososami asked:
John 2[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
It is interesting to observe how the ways of God are at variance with the common ways of mankind…In this text, Jesus performs a miracle which causes a bad situation to become a good one…and this is in contrast to what the world generally does which is to begin well and progressively decay. In my study of wealth, as documented in my book “Wealth out of Ashes” http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=63927 ,
I have found that the principle of decay had led to principles of scarcity, depreciation, fear and in a depression a panic resulting in loss. The world and its clever ways leads us into a downward spiral …albeit eventually.
God’s work through His Son- Jesus Christ is the direct opposite…He starts where the wrold despairs. Depression is His best arena, trouble is His best canvas to produce beauty…darkness is the best scenario to show off His stars. All you need to do in this time of recession is to be more attentive to Him and sooner you will conceive and birth revolutionary ideas and innovation that cannot be explained. Just like Mary’s baby.
We should be at our best in crisis and be more alert to respond to situations…our times of prayer are times to listen and hearken to the still small voice…going where no one dared to go and finding what no one expected…expecting the impossible and believing the unfathomable unlocking new discoveries and demonstrating new knowledge and possibilities.
Child of God – quit moaning and complaining, there will be an account for the stewardship of the “mind of Christ” given to us…this same mind created entire galaxies out of nothing…what have you done with it…darkness did not stop creation…why has your creativity been halted by obstacles?
Christianity demands profit from you…do not be an idler…the world is rich in excuses for failing. Failure is inexcusable for the Christian given His boundless resources.
Matthew 25[30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The worst is not what depression can do to you…for this is only a new beginning of fresh possibilities. The worst, ultimately, is the result of doing nothing for fear, discouragement and despair…listening to the mind of men.
Therefore I pray the Holy Spirit will stir up the hope that is in you…you are not a hopeless case…on the contrary you could be the next star the world is waiting to celebrate. Perhaps a new business idea/concept is in your womb…Happy delivery..
Learn more about Recession-proof living in http://recessionproofchristianlife.com/.
COCHRAN
John 2[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
It is interesting to observe how the ways of God are at variance with the common ways of mankind…In this text, Jesus performs a miracle which causes a bad situation to become a good one…and this is in contrast to what the world generally does which is to begin well and progressively decay. In my study of wealth, as documented in my book “Wealth out of Ashes” http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=63927 ,
I have found that the principle of decay had led to principles of scarcity, depreciation, fear and in a depression a panic resulting in loss. The world and its clever ways leads us into a downward spiral …albeit eventually.
God’s work through His Son- Jesus Christ is the direct opposite…He starts where the wrold despairs. Depression is His best arena, trouble is His best canvas to produce beauty…darkness is the best scenario to show off His stars. All you need to do in this time of recession is to be more attentive to Him and sooner you will conceive and birth revolutionary ideas and innovation that cannot be explained. Just like Mary’s baby.
We should be at our best in crisis and be more alert to respond to situations…our times of prayer are times to listen and hearken to the still small voice…going where no one dared to go and finding what no one expected…expecting the impossible and believing the unfathomable unlocking new discoveries and demonstrating new knowledge and possibilities.
Child of God – quit moaning and complaining, there will be an account for the stewardship of the “mind of Christ” given to us…this same mind created entire galaxies out of nothing…what have you done with it…darkness did not stop creation…why has your creativity been halted by obstacles?
Christianity demands profit from you…do not be an idler…the world is rich in excuses for failing. Failure is inexcusable for the Christian given His boundless resources.
Matthew 25[30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The worst is not what depression can do to you…for this is only a new beginning of fresh possibilities. The worst, ultimately, is the result of doing nothing for fear, discouragement and despair…listening to the mind of men.
Therefore I pray the Holy Spirit will stir up the hope that is in you…you are not a hopeless case…on the contrary you could be the next star the world is waiting to celebrate. Perhaps a new business idea/concept is in your womb…Happy delivery..
Learn more about Recession-proof living in http://recessionproofchristianlife.com/.
COCHRAN