The problem with Christian dogma is that it is carnal, not spiritual. That has been the major problem with understanding Jesus. Our carnal-minded ancestors could not grasp anything spiritual (and they were terrified of Spirits). There hasn't been any difference in interpretation and understanding of the spiritual message of Jesus for over two millennia and counting. Paul tried but was unsuccessful in overcoming the carnal minds of those who controlled the scriptures.

The Comforter...

The concept of belief in God as accepting a specific set of "precepts and doctrines of men" that please God and avoid some implausible Eternal Hell is incredibly myopic and misguided, IMO. First of all, it is incredibly self-centered and focused on "What happens to me?" This is exacerbated by the emphasis on rewards and punishments purportedly dispensed by God.

Our savage primitive ancestors needed to be "tamed and civilized." Using anticipation of reward...

The rapture and return of Jesus was a valiant rationalization by our highly intelligent but fundamentally ignorant primitive ancestors and those who followed. In a sense it is as accurate as a carnal mind terrified of Spirits would be capable of intuiting and inferring.

But the end of days does not refer to some far-off end of the earth.. Having experienced what I believe is a glimpse of the rapture, I am convinced the rapture is what happens upon our physical death (the end of...

The rapture and return of Jesus was a valiant rationalization by our highly intelligent but fundamentally ignorant primitive ancestors and those who followed. In a sense it is as accurate as a carnal mind terrified of Spirits would be capable of intuiting and inferring.

But the end of days does not refer to some far-off end of the earth.. Having experienced what I believe is a glimpse of the rapture, I am convinced the rapture is what happens upon our physical death (the end of...

Salvation is an accomplished fact. Jesus accomplished it as a human for all humans. It is finished. Concern yourselves with sanctification (which involves your "works"), NOT salvation (which has nothing to do with our "works"). Faith in the FACT that Jesus saved us is completely justified BECAUSE it is TRUE. It is NOT a CONDITION of salvation. It is a condition of what we BECOME.

It is faith in Jesus that is supposed to motivate your sanctification and "works"...