But he goes on to talk many times of being freed from sin. He talks about living a lifestyle for Christ. He talks about deep living. He talks about going beyond the physical realm and be alive in Christ through the spiritual disciplines. There is one thing that we must first understand. Spiritual Disciplines are not solely for the religious elite. Let's take a look at the Pharisees. Do we want to be like them? Yes and no. Let's not forget that the Pharisees did practice many spiritual disciplines and they could have been some giants among men in the realm of spirituality. However, they accomplished these disciplines for the outward appearance. They did it out of an obligation of being a Pharisee and a desire to appear pure to the people. Not because of a love and desire to be nearer to God. They did not let the disciplines change their heart. They did not reach that deep living we all desire. So we want to practice the disciplines and make them as much a part of our life as the Pharisees did, but we need to do it right and for the right reasons. We need to allow them to change our hearts. That is true Deep Living.
So we want to accomplish Deep Living to get closer to spirituality. Deep Living is attainable. However the idea that we are spiritual is out of our grasp. As Thomas Merton says, "We do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners, all our life!" So we will learn how to go beyond the shallow mushy faith that I have, and I'm willing to bet most of you, and emerge into Deep Living for Spiritual Beginnings.
Each Monday I will post on here an outline and general summary of what we talked about the past week in our class in case you miss a week. So check back if you miss a week. And you may want to check at other times as well because I will probably begin to write something whenever I feel like it or have some type of thought I feel somewhat significant.
Your Brother in Christ,
Brad Shelley
Center Pointe College Ministry Intern
"Everyone is searching for spirituality"
ReplyDeleteI certainly am not. I am searching for truth and unlike people of faith I am not afraid to die with unanswered questions. I will not just grab on to a pseudo answer just because it "cannot be disproved", I actually care if the things I believe in are true.
What evidence is there supporting your assertion about the "place called spirituality"? Please define whatever it is that you meant by that and then show the evidence you have for believing that such a place even exists.
Perhaps the phrase "Everyone is searching for spirituality" may have been a bit of an exaggeration. However, most people are searching for something more. It's why books on every type of religion are some of the most bought books. The majority of people are searching for something to believe in. I would argue that you have searched for something to believe in, even though what you believe comes from your reason and logic, you still believe in it. You have done more extensive research on the Bible than most Christians I know so what's to say you haven't searched for a deeper understanding of things? That's more or less what I meant when I said spirituality. Included in that is Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, etc. I am not counting Atheism as a religion or anything because I have read some of your notes on that, but there was still a search for understanding and a way of living.
ReplyDeleteOh and the "place called Spirituality" I meant to be a state of mind and life, not a physical place called Spirituality. The closest thing to that is our belief in heaven, which is why I say that "place" is not attainable here on earth.
Eh I guess I understand where you are coming from, I am searching for "something" which I like to think is reason, logic and truth, but what I do not get is this:
ReplyDelete1. Why use those labels which, in any case, will only confuse the readers? If what you are talking about when you speak about spiritual things is nothing more than a state of mind in this world then why use a label that has been understood to mean something which is other worldly?
2. And, what makes you say such a place exists? Or in this case, what makes you believe in anything outside of the natural, perceivable, manifestable tangible world?
1. I said a state of mind and life. If we were to truly have a state of mind and life of spirituality, we would be Christ. Which is why I think it would be unattainable here on earth. I apologize for confusing you and to anyone else who may be confused by it. Spiritual things go beyond the state of mind which is why I said life. That's what the Spiritual disciplines are. Things like praying, fasting, observing the Sabbath, Communion, and many others are all lifestyles that bring us closer to that life of spirituality, but true spirituality lies beyond our grasp because we are sinners by our standards. I know by your standards that's a moot point since there is nothing beyond this world so therefore no sin exists, but it's what we believe.
ReplyDelete2. I'm afraid that right now I can't give you an amazing life changing answer that you have never heard before. I believe in something beyond this world because I choose to. It's a choice. I've read the Bible. I've studied the Word. I have faith that none of this was just an accident. I have faith that Christ walked this earth, died for our sins, and rose again. I believe it with all my heart. Do I doubt sometimes? Sure. A faith untested is a faith that has no depth. Through questioning we discover answers for our faith. Unfortunately, the main thing that gives me my faith is a source you have discredited in your mind, which is the Bible. The Hebrew word for Holy is "Kodesh" which typically has three aspects to it. It is saying that God is pure, whole, and transcendent. We can't fully comprehend everything about him. Along those same lines is there tangible, undeniable truth that God exists? No. I admit that. In your first comment you said "I will not just grab on to a pseudo answer just because it "cannot be disproved." I respect and understand that. For me however, showing up, living, and dying is not enough. I believe in God and I believe in Christ, the living God. There's not a whole lot of reason beyond faith and desire. My reason and logic tell me however that there is something more out there. And that choice for me is Christ.
"I know by your standards that's a moot point since there is nothing beyond this world so therefore no sin exists, but it's what we believe"
ReplyDeleteWhy do you believe it? Why?
"I have faith that none of this was just an accident"
Why? And if it makes you feel any better, I do not either, I do not have enough information to think that it was or wasnt an accident. But I do have several reasons to think that it WASNT planned. And is faith all you have? What about evidence to justify the belief? And how many decisions are you taking based on this hunch?
"There's not a whole lot of reason beyond faith and desire. My reason and logic tell me however that there is something more out there"
So there is not a whole lot of reason but... that little reason is telling you that there is something more out there?
How are you able to admit that your belief is unjustified, and still manage to believe it? Is comfort all the drives your belief? The sense of place? The false sense of purpose and meaning?
I am completely baffled. It sounds like you JUST WANT TO BELIEVE IN SOMETHING.