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The person who looks pathetic and he hangs on a cross is the man made jesus. Humans need a god they can touch and see. Jesus is at the right hand of God, not hanging on some silly cross.
However, I believe he was hung on a cross. A real, literal cross. And died in the hands of angry, religious sinners whom he prayed for as they drove the nails into his hands and feet. That is a horrible way to die. He did it for us. To show us how to die that we might also live both now and in the world to come.
The OT was written by barbaric men from a very ancient era. Their view of God was colored by their ignorance.
Common sense should tell you God cannot be jealous or violent. These are qualities that illustrate the imperfection of humans. God cannot be imperfect.
It all boils down to being Sola Scriptura Bible Literalist or the use of common sense.
Christians are not supposed to throw common sense away.
Exactly that ^^^ otherwise his followers will become as barbaric as they imagine God to be, sadly.
But, some humans thrive with imagery, rituals, ceremony, scenery, etc. This simply stimulates the senses.
If you can get high on a vacuum, that is fine, but others get higher with additional stuff.
I keep a photo of my dead parents as my phone main image. It is just a JPEG, an inanimate thing, but it sure keeps me close to my parents. I could do it with no photo, but the question is: WHy not use the photo? Is this idolatry of my parents? Surely not!!!!!!!!
The early Christians got off on art, images, statues, and HUGE cathedrals, but this has nothing to do with idolatry.
When Peter Kreef walked into Saint Patrick's Cathedral he began his conversion form Calvinist to Catholicism. He was truly moved and felt closer to God.
I do not condemn anyone and I did think many of the churches in Italy were truly beautiful. There is a beautiful side to Catholic art and buildings. But not being born or ever raised Catholic, it's just hard for me to find spiritual strength from all of it. I do loved stained glass and the Sistine Chapel is truly glorious. I love Catholics as much as I love everyone else.
"I come down to the river to cool my eyes. But everywhere I look I see fire; that which isn't flint is tinder, and the whole world sparks and flames." -- Annie Dillard
Oh, wow, what a glorious quote. Saving that one! Thank you. When I looked at my grandson as I held him, I just cried and cried for joy and the love I felt for him. My daughter (his mother) didn't understand why I would cry for joy. I think it is because I have more love in my heart now than I did when my own children were born. I adored them, but I don't recall crying over them like I did with my grandchildren.
Oh, wow, what a glorious quote. Saving that one! Thank you. When I looked at my grandson as I held him, I just cried and cried for joy and the love I felt for him. My daughter (his mother) didn't understand why I would cry for joy. I think it is because I have more love in my heart now than I did when my own children were born. I adored them, but I don't recall crying over them like I did with my grandchildren.
It is wonderful, isn't it, Heart_Song? If you haven't read Annie..... I think you'd love her. Start with "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" and prepare to be enthralled.
I do not condemn anyone and I did think many of the churches in Italy were truly beautiful. There is a beautiful side to Catholic art and buildings. But not being born or ever raised Catholic, it's just hard for me to find spiritual strength from all of it. I do loved stained glass and the Sistine Chapel is truly glorious. I love Catholics as much as I love everyone else.
A tour of European ancient churches is something every Christian should do.
And to think some Christians want to destroy all that art and architecture.
It is wonderful, isn't it, Heart_Song? If you haven't read Annie..... I think you'd love her. Start with "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" and prepare to be enthralled.
The OT was written by barbaric men from a very ancient era. Their view of God was colored by their ignorance.
Common sense should tell you God cannot be jealous or violent. These are qualities that illustrate the imperfection of humans. God cannot be imperfect.
It all boils down to being Sola Scriptura Bible Literalist or the use of common sense.
Christians are not supposed to throw common sense away.
That would make sense, as would God not punishing all of humanity for the "sins" of a particular couple, and not having to send his son as atonement for the punishment he ascribed to those who disobeyed his laws. See, once you assert common sense, then the tenets of Christianity fall apart.
I have seen Christ standing on the right hand of The Lord God Almighty, in my vision, which was followed by a dream 'in riddles' [Numbers 12:6]. Not ONE man-made picture/image of Christ, is correct. So who is this 'man' who you worship, and draw/paint pictures of, and create images of? I know them not!
That would make sense, as would God not punishing all of humanity for the "sins" of a particular couple, and not having to send his son as atonement for the punishment he ascribed to those who disobeyed his laws. See, once you assert common sense, then the tenets of Christianity fall apart.
Yes, those tenets do fall apart.
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