it's not a matter of what I call it.
it's a matter of what you would call it were you not the subject, in other words, I always ask people to be objective about their positions and they can seldom comply,
if they are issues of organized religion, then, they ARE issues of religion.
but yeah....whatev.
I agree, Mr. Sparkle, that we all should be truthful and go "outside of ourselves" when we're talking about anything. (I'm not saying that Matt isn't doing this, though.)
I've said this before, but I guess it won't hurt to say it again. The problem
is religion. Yes, there are issues with organized religion, and they are issues of religion. But, if we agree that God is a living God, and that his word is the living word, than who really operates and dictates the church? Men? Thats the problem, like I said before. The problem is men. The problem is us. The problem, is me. I'm faulty. I can have ego. I can be selfish--as are all of us, at times. And, if you don't believe that God is a living God, well then there's no more point in me explaining myself.
If, lets just say,
I decided I think it'd be really cool if I became a pastor. Lets say
I decide to start a new church or lead an existing church. Lets say I come up with a constitution, and set up distinct beliefes. Then, lets just say I preach my first sermon, saying what I wanna say in accordance with God's word, because I think it's important for that Sunday. Let's just say I keep doing this throughout my tenure.
Before you know it, you have another church run by men, and while I won't say that they won't do some good, I will say that such a church will cause way too much harm. I've seen it. In that case, whether I'm aware of it or not, the church isn't grounded in God, its
inspired by God, and modeled/run by me. My first mistake would have been to just become a pastor, without being called to be one. Not all will be pastors. In this moche case, I didn't seek God in anything. I didn't look for his input. All that ego, selfishness, imperfectness, and flawed construct will manifest itself within the church. It will show, because that
is that church.
Anyway, I hope not to come off all preachy, or heavy handed, because thats not where my heart is, honestly. I don't pretend to know everything. I'm not saying everyone
has to believe this.
On another note, please stop bashing eachother. I know this is a sensitive subject, but it's getting a little ridiculous.
t:
I believe it was sponsored by Log(tm). All kids love Log(tm)!
