I'm not a Catholic because

[PJM]

Originally Posted by Whadyamean
I grew up a very devout Roman Catholic. From before my identifying that I “had” a faith, continuing through my childhood, and into my adult years I have had what might be easily labeled “spiritual” experiences under a number of different circumstances. I read the Lives of the Saints and fully, willingly and eagerly participated in all faith related activities. Except catechism in that old, drafty, noisy, dusty, and overcrowded parish hall, lol. But I learned well and was at the top of my class in RC theology by high school. I even considered becoming a priest. But then I was shown something that not only shook my faith as it was taught me, but put my whole understanding of what it means to be human on entirely different grounds. Though I had a “solid” knowledge, it was book learning and habit, as I discovered, compared to the new reality that forced itself unbidden and suddenly on me.

I went to various clerics whom I had befriended through my life, and to books. No one or nothing came close to a rational reasonable and practical exegesis of what had happened to me. Prayers had no answer. I was in a dessert of unknowing. After exhausting what I could find that the Church had to offer, I started to turn to Eastern philosophical ideas. Those were somewhat satisfying, but still seemed incomplete.

Then I attended a lecture at the Graduate Theological Union at UCB. I was astonished. The speaker answered, without my verbal questioning, many questions that had been gnawing at my heart. His experience with and explication of the state I had entered at the point of my greatest insight was astounding. I remained associated with this man for nearly thirty years. He never varied from his statements and talked his walk exactly. men and women, some of whom you have heard of, I have no doubt, came to see him. From Jesuits to Jews, from swamis to seers, he answered all their questions from an unwavering Standpoint. Over time he introduced me to many authors from recent times to ages past who were lovers of God and of beauty and of Truth, as well as living individuals who were at the top echelons of their religions, sciences, disciplines and arts.

I came to know that there has always been a Truth before the formation of any particular religion, a Truth which Jesus spoke and was crucified for back then, and again even to this day by misunderstanding. This is evident from reading His words in a new Light, a Light of Love so immense that it is absolutely beyond the comprehension of the human mind.

And yet that mind is wherefrom most religion and atheism stems. It has no depth of understanding as an institution, only dogmas and formuae that cover a deep and vibrant truth, even in the Church. And while hat Truth is there, it is cloaked, and isn’t and wasn’t available to me when I needed it in the way that it was originally meant, by every measure that I am able to muster, especially using what I was given in my education in the Church.

So that is why I am no longer a practicing Catholic, though I have great gratitude for what the Church gave me and the education I received through its schools, and the wonderful,even saintly people I met and continue to meet as its members.

I tell you this story because you asked.

This was a mere moral [sales] man" right? WHY DI I ASK?

God Bless,
Pat

 

[Whadyamean]

***This was a mere moral [sales] man" right? WHY DI I ASK?***God Bless,
Pat

No, he wasn’t merely moral. He was very successful in business, but was primarily a phenomenal musician who even did a spectacular version of the Mass which was played on Vatican radio when he toured there with his choir. They had multiple plays and were extremely well received. Thanks for asking.

 

[GratefulFred]

Faith is a gift from God. Some receive it, some do not. If one asks sincerely for Faith, God will give that most precious gift. Faith either is nourished and grows, or it is not nourished and withers, and can even die. Parents are charged with nourishing Faith in their children.

As adults, we each make our own daily decisions about Faith. Do we believe that God exists? Do we believe, or at least allow for the possibility, that Jesus Christ is indeed the Living Son of God? Do we believe that when we die our body is a carcass and rots? Or, do we believe that we have an immortal soul destined for either Heaven or Hell for all eternity?

If we accept Christ as the Living Son of God - **examine the evidence carefully to decide **- do we try to be Christ like or do we prefer Christ lite? Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s Birthday. If your church does not have a service on Christmas Day, what does that say about their full commitment to Christ? What not come to a Catholic Mass on Christmas Day?

Or do we reject Christ, as many have through time, because we fear we may lose control of our lives - missing the truth that Christ is indeed our most trusted advisor, if we but open our hearts and minds to Him? Can any of us honestly say we have A+ knowledge of Christ’s teachings or do we reject what we misunderstand? Anger or pride or habit are not acceptable excuses.

Be not afraid. Ask God, as you currently understand Him, for an increase in Wisdom and Understanding leading to better Faith.

 

[Whadyamean]

Faith is a gift from God. Some receive it, some do not. If one asks sincerely for Faith, God will give that most precious gift. Faith either is nourished and grows, or it is not nourished and withers, and can even die. Parents are charged with nourishing Faith in their children.

As adults, we each make our own daily decisions about Faith. Do we believe that God exists? Do we believe, or at least allow for the possibility, that Jesus Christ is indeed the Living Son of God? Do we believe that when we die our body is a carcass and rots? Or, do we believe that we have an immortal soul destined for either Heaven or Hell for all eternity?

If we accept Christ as the Living Son of God - **examine the evidence carefully to decide **- do we try to be Christ like or do we prefer Christ lite? Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s Birthday. If your church does not have a service on Christmas Day, what does that say about their full commitment to Christ? What not come to a Catholic Mass on Christmas Day?

Or do we reject Christ, as many have through time, because we fear we may lose control of our lives - missing the truth that Christ is indeed our most trusted advisor, if we but open our hearts and minds to Him? Can any of us honestly say we have A+ knowledge of Christ’s teachings or do we reject what we misunderstand? Anger or pride or habit are not acceptable excuses.

Be not afraid. Ask God, as you currently understand Him, for an increase in Wisdom and Understanding leading to better Faith.

This is a wonderful tract for faith. I’m not sure whom it is addressed to, but since it follows my post, I will reply.

I do accept the Christ as the living Son of God. But what that means to me is a vastly different understanding than what is required by faith. Faith requires separation, or it would be called knowledge. In particular, in this case, it would have a special name, as it refers to the hyopostatic union.

Further, while in the beginning stages faith may be even essential, it is not the end, but the threshold of “spiritual” discovery. It is the lack of coverage, so to speak, in that area, due to whatever reason, that it was necessary for me to look elsewhere than the Church for significant answers pertinent to the Nature of God/Man.

Chief in the many remarkable discoveries I was fortunate to make was the realization that while your great emphasis on “examine the evidence carefully to decide” is right on and very important, two things are fundamentally crucial to that task: first, you have to know what you are looking with, namely your mind, and how and what it does to information and why. Secondly, it needs to have sufficient information to direct one’s attention into a useful direction. Given what I got from the Church, as very sincere and compliant to dogma as that was, it was, it was interpretatively insufficient to yield the desired result. ame so clear that I have come to wonder how some of the Saints, God bless them, each and all, ever got to where they did.

And this is where there might be for the "faithful, a door. Or adore. Read it how you will. Religion has its truly wonderful and useful functions. Yes it does. But eligious affiliation and the information therein intended to foster faith tends institutionally to be flat. The book learning, the intellectual matter is there, in a sense. But Goodness and religion have little but nodding acquaintence. Goodness is of God. Religions, despite claims of Divine guidance, are yet in the interpative hands of humans. Therefore, as in any interior experience, the alleged guidance, even if totally accurate, is not on the level of mentality. But mentality, vastly inadequate mentality, is used to interpret it. So no matter how logically and intellectually consistent it might be, it is not a 1/1 equivalency to the, especially Original, revelation. But someone who is Good way beyond the paramaters of ordinary humanity, they might have a better clue as to accurate meaning. Such was my case with the man who rescued me from the desert of doubt and drought.

So take it for what you will. I’m not talking through my hat, or from any lack of faith, or from any lack of significant research. I’m simply speaking from a position that now allows me to see that there is more. In fact, if anyone had the honesty and courage to really comprehend what Mark 4:31-34 actually means, you might join me. The Church might be that much stronger for it.

 

[CopticChristian]

This is a wonderful tract for faith. I’m not sure whom it is addressed to, but since it follows my post, I will reply.

I do accept the Christ as the living Son of God. But what that means to me is a vastly different understanding than what is required by faith. Faith requires separation, or it would be called knowledge. In particular, in this case, it would have a special name, as it refers to the hyopostatic union.

Further, while in the beginning stages faith may be even essential, it is not the end, but the threshold of “spiritual” discovery. It is the lack of coverage, so to speak, in that area, due to whatever reason, that it was necessary for me to look elsewhere than the Church for significant answers pertinent to the Nature of God/Man.

Chief in the many remarkable discoveries I was fortunate to make was the realization that while your great emphasis on “examine the evidence carefully to decide” is right on and very important, two things are fundamentally crucial to that task: first, you have to know what you are looking with, namely your mind, and how and what it does to information and why. Secondly, it needs to have sufficient information to direct one’s attention into a useful direction. Given what I got from the Church, as very sincere and compliant to dogma as that was, it was, it was interpretatively insufficient to yield the desired result. ame so clear that I have come to wonder how some of the Saints, God bless them, each and all, ever got to where they did.

And this is where there might be for the "faithful, a door. Or adore. Read it how you will. Religion has its truly wonderful and useful functions. Yes it does. But eligious affiliation and the information therein intended to foster faith tends institutionally to be flat. The book learning, the intellectual matter is there, in a sense. But Goodness and religion have little but nodding acquaintence. Goodness is of God. Religions, despite claims of Divine guidance, are yet in the interpative hands of humans. Therefore, as in any interior experience, the alleged guidance, even if totally accurate, is not on the level of mentality. But mentality, vastly inadequate mentality, is used to interpret it. So no matter how logically and intellectually consistent it might be, it is not a 1/1 equivalency to the, especially Original, revelation. But someone who is Good way beyond the paramaters of ordinary humanity, they might have a better clue as to accurate meaning. Such was my case with the man who rescued me from the desert of doubt and drought.

So take it for what you will. I’m not talking through my hat, or from any lack of faith, or from any lack of significant research. I’m simply speaking from a position that now allows me to see that there is more. In fact, if anyone had the honesty and courage to really comprehend what Mark 4:31-34 actually means, you might join me. The Church might be that much stronger for it.

If you should explain what it is you might want me to comprehend with honesty and courage the meaning of Mark 4:31-34…then if I were to join you I would have to rely on the interprative hands of humans like you. You say that guidance in the Church faulters because of this. How then do we intepret what you say to be true, relevant, and concerning the rescue by that man from the desert of doubt and drought, that man was human as well.

 

[PRmerger]

If you should explain what it is you might want me to comprehend with honesty and courage the meaning of Mark 4:31-34…then if I were to join you I would have to rely on the interprative hands of humans like you. You say that guidance in the Church faulters because of this. How then do we intepret what you say to be true, relevant, and concerning the rescue by that man from the desert of doubt and drought, that man was human as well.

Yes, I’m interested in this, too. How is it that Whadya feels he’s on the right path after being rescued from the “desert of unknowing” by being subject to a (fallible) man’s interpretations of truth?

 

[PJM]

=Whadyamean;8733616]No, he wasn’t merely moral. He was very successful in business, but was primarily a phenomenal musician who even did a spectacular version of the Mass which was played on Vatican radio when he toured there with his choir. They had multiple plays and were extremely well received. Thanks for asking.

OH!, So like God he was imortal?

Delighted to hear about his success as a musician and business.

God Bless,
Pat
Merry Christmas

 

[PJM]

Originally Posted by CopticChristian
“If you should explain what it is you might want me to comprehend with honesty and courage the meaning of Mark 4:31-34…then if I were to join you I would have to rely on the interprative hands of humans like you. You say that guidance in the Church faulters because of this. How then do we intepret what you say to be true, relevant, and concerning the rescue by that man from the desert of doubt and drought, that man was human as well.”

THE REPLY

=PRmerger; "Yes, I’m interested in this, too. How is it that Whadya feels he’s on the right path after being rescued from the “desert of unknowing” by being subject to a (fallible) man’s interpretations of truth?

My response:

**Mk:31-31-34 **It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.”

REPLY:
Mk.4:11-12 “And when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables. And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables;”[Hidden]

When we place this passage back into the chapter from which it was culled; the meaning is quote clear. Look at verses 11 and 12. This is an affirmation of what I have often shared. God always and every time taught belief in One God; Only HIS One set of Faith beliefs, and continues this practice to the current day through the ONLY “church” and ONLY set of faith beliefs that He God not only guides, and protects but warrants personally. Jh.14:16-17; fulfilled in Jn.20:21-22; and in Jn.17:15-19].

Because the bible was fully written by the end of the 1st. Century; every reference to “church” MUST be intended for today’s CC. **Verse [25] **“For to him who has [THEE TRUTH] will more be given; and from him who has not, [The Truth] even what he has will be taken away." Gives even more credence to this understanding. And the earlier chapter verses about the “seeds” [Word of God] falling on different types of ground is still further evidence of this KEY lesson. Because ONLY the CC has the fullness of truth; grace is far more abundant. Those having fallen into Schism or belonging to mortal-man-made faiths; will struggle greatly to discover these singular truths.

The mustard seed story is about the CC, which indeed grew to enormous proportions guarded and guided by the HS and Jesus Himself. Because there is BUT One God; and His One set of Faith beliefs there HAD TO BE only ONE Church able to teach correctly these singular truths. God is both Wise and Logical.

One of the key’s logically passed to Peter and the CC HAD TO BE the exclusive right, and ability to translate the bible. Otherwise Christ COMMAND in Mt. 28:16-20 could not be carried out. “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. **Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” **

These passages give more evidence of this teaching.

Eph.3: 9 to 12 “And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church [SINGULAR: meaning THE CATHOLIC Church] the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him

Matt.13:9-12 “He who has ears, let him hear." Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”** And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” **For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. “

**2nd. Peter 3: 14-17 ** “So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability”

God Bless each of you,
Love and prayers,Merry Christmas,
Pat

 

[Carlan]

Originally Posted by Whadyamean
But then I was shown something that not only shook my faith as it was taught me, but put my whole understanding of what it means to be human on entirely different grounds

We do not lean on our own or another humans understanding…we seek the enlightenment of the one supreme being, God.
Peace, Carlan

 

[Whadyamean]

We do not lean on our own or another humans understanding…we seek the enlightenment of the one supreme being, God.
Peace, Carlan

Oh, I totally agree. A Blessed Christmas to you and yours!

 

[CopticChristian]

THE REPLY

My response:

**Mk:31-31-34 **It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.”

REPLY:
Mk.4:11-12 “And when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables. And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables;”[Hidden]

When we place this passage back into the chapter from which it was culled; the meaning is quote clear. Look at verses 11 and 12. This is an affirmation of what I have often shared. God always and every time taught belief in One God; Only HIS One set of Faith beliefs, and continues this practice to the current day through the ONLY “church” and ONLY set of faith beliefs that He God not only guides, and protects but warrants personally. Jh.14:16-17; fulfilled in Jn.20:21-22; and in Jn.17:15-19].

Because the bible was fully written by the end of the 1st. Century; every reference to “church” MUST be intended for today’s CC. **Verse [25] **“For to him who has [THEE TRUTH] will more be given; and from him who has not, [The Truth] even what he has will be taken away." Gives even more credence to this understanding. And the earlier chapter verses about the “seeds” [Word of God] falling on different types of ground is still further evidence of this KEY lesson. Because ONLY the CC has the fullness of truth; grace is far more abundant. Those having fallen into Schism or belonging to mortal-man-made faiths; will struggle greatly to discover these singular truths.

The mustard seed story is about the CC, which indeed grew to enormous proportions guarded and guided by the HS and Jesus Himself. Because there is BUT One God; and His One set of Faith beliefs there HAD TO BE only ONE Church able to teach correctly these singular truths. God is both Wise and Logical.

One of the key’s logically passed to Peter and the CC HAD TO BE the exclusive right, and ability to translate the bible. Otherwise Christ COMMAND in Mt. 28:16-20 could not be carried out. “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. **Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” **

These passages give more evidence of this teaching.

Eph.3: 9 to 12 “And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church [SINGULAR: meaning THE CATHOLIC Church] the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him

Matt.13:9-12 “He who has ears, let him hear." Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”** And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” **For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. “

**2nd. Peter 3: 14-17 ** “So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability”

God Bless each of you,
Love and prayers,Merry Christmas,
Pat

Could you be the man that could rescue from the draught of doubt…may I join you?

 

[PJM]

=CopticChristian;8736407]Could you be the man that could rescue from the draught of doubt…may I join you?

Merry Christmas,

Please look fro a Private Message from me,

God Bless you,
Pat
PJM on this Forum

 

[GratefulFred]

This is a wonderful tract for faith. I’m not sure whom it is addressed to, but since it follows my post, I will reply.

I do accept the Christ as the living Son of God. But what that means to me is a vastly different . . .

. . . that it was necessary for me to look elsewhere than the Church for significant answers pertinent to the Nature of God/Man.

Thanks. I meant it for any who take time to read and reflect on it. Glad you answered.

John 14: 6** Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.****” **

See also Mark 4:13 - 20 for how the Word of Christ fails to take lasting root in a number of people. And Mark 4:34: He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

And John14: 23-27 23 Jesus replied, **“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. **

Given these pasages I think it is incongruent to claim to accept Christ as the Living Son of God and pursue transcending knowledge of our proper relationship with Christ from sources outside His Church.

I don’t know how to multi-quote, so more below.

 

[Whadyamean]

Thanks. I meant it for any who take time to read and reflect on it. Glad you answered.

John 14: 6** Jesus answered, “I am the** way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.**” **

Yes, I completely agree with this. There is not a truer statement in the Bible, though some may be its equal, but few. It’s just that my experiential understanding and exegesis from that brings me closer to another philosophy than to any religion.

If you have trouble with multiple quotes, I can;t say that I know that “right” protocol, but I have found a very simple way to do it. Message me if you are interested and I will explain it in a few simple steps.

 

[GratefulFred]

Given what I got from the Church, as very sincere and compliant to dogma as that was, it was, it was interpretatively insufficient to yield the desired result. . . .

Religions, despite claims of Divine guidance, are yet in the interpative hands of humans. Therefore, as in any interior experience, the alleged guidance, even if totally accurate, is not on the level of mentality. But mentality, vastly inadequate mentality, is used to interpret it. So no matter how logically and intellectually consistent it might be, it is not a 1/1 equivalency to the, especially Original, revelation. But someone who is Good way beyond the paramaters of ordinary humanity, they might have a better clue as to accurate meaning. Such was my case with the man who rescued me from the desert of doubt and drought.

So take it for what you will. I’m not talking through my hat, or from any lack of faith, or from any lack of significant research. I’m simply speaking from a position that now allows me to see that there is more. In fact, if anyone had the honesty and courage to really comprehend what Mark 4:31-34 actually means, you might join me. The Church might be that much stronger for it.

This view seems to ignore the Power the Holy Spirit. John 14: 15-18: 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bec] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

I appreciate your sincere search for THE Truth. I hope we both continue to grow in Wisdom and Understanding. And perhaps you have more academic training than I do. But it does not seem useful to take an explanation about how the US Air Force works from a US Naval Officer as being more credible when there are many highly trained Air Force types who know it well, any more than it seems useful to depend on an educated man who teaches without the authority of the Church Christ Himself established.

I find the encyclicals by many Popes. Blessed John Paul II and Benedict XVI for example, are well reasoned and adequately footnooted to the Bible. Their knowledge and experience are far beyond ordinary humanity. Yes, there are highly educated critics, but given what Christ said about the Holy Spirit being always with His Church, I greatly discount the critics. I follow the Church, not the critics.

 

[Whadyamean]

My friend,

Never ever; not even once in scripture or Sacred Tradition has God HIMSELF ever permitted or tollerated any set of “faith beliefs other than His own.” WHY? Because truth is singular!

Despite your spelling overall, I think I understand what you are saying, and I do not disagree with the above statement in the least bit. It is absolutely true. What way could there be but God’s???

We catholics hols the paten on it on all matters of Faith bekiefs and Morals.

Well, as you say, beliefs. I think you mean "beliefs, from reading contextually. May I see the patent?

While you may have been given head knowledge; you MISSSED the Critical truth.

Actually, the heart is what is missing in today’s theology. All I see is head knowledge and flatland, save in a few cases. It is why I had to go elsewhere.And that, of course, is not a comment on the great sincerity, devotion, and faithfulness of those adhering to the Faith. I spent inordinate energy devoting myself to the work of converting no-Catholics myself. I know intimately how you feel.

Faith is NOT about what you like or dislike; or my preferences… It is about WHAT God commands. Heaven and hell are real. There are MANY way’s to choose HEll; BUT ONLY GODS WAY TO CHOOSE SALVATION. GOD LET’S US CHOOSE.

Yes, of course we have agency. And Heaven and hell are as real as you make them for yourself. On the other hand, How many Christian “faiths” are there? I believe it is approaching 40,000. and of course, then there are the other Abrahamic Faiths, and the non-“A’s,” as well. Not a matter of choice??? What then?

Thank you for your post. Merry Christmas,

Blessings on you and yours, as well!

Pat Yes, I know. Thanks.

I’ll pray for you.

Thank you. The God will “understand” what you mean.

 

[CopticChristian]

GratefulFred;8736950:

Thanks. I meant it for any who take time to read and reflect on it. Glad you answered.

John 14: 6

** Jesus answered, “I am the** way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.**” **

Yes, I completely agree with this. There is not a truer statement in the Bible, though some may be its equal, but few. It’s just that my experiential understanding and exegesis from that brings me closer to another philosophy than to any religion.

If you have trouble with multiple quotes, I can;t say that I know that “right” protocol, but I have found a very simple way to do it. Message me if you are interested and I will explain it in a few simple steps.

Many of your posts speak in riddles and nonsense.

I do accept the Christ as the living Son of God. But what that means to me is a vastly different understanding than what is required by faith. Faith requires separation, or it would be called knowledge. In particular, in this case, it would have a special name, as it refers to the hyopostatic union.

You might consider looking at your sentence structure. You do not convey thoughts well. If you say that something means something different then it would be proper to explain that difference. You say Faith requires separation. What does that mean? You then say or it would be called knowledge. This requires explanation and you give none. You then say that in this particular case. What case? This is unclear. A special name. If it is special then name it.

These are the thoughts of a free associating mind without formulating thoughts or taking into consideration elements of communication. I have no idea what you are talking about and you do not explain it. It reminds me of reading the writings of Raja Yoga.

And then this

And this is where there might be for the "faithful, a door. Or adore. Read it how you will. Religion has its truly wonderful and useful functions. Yes it does.

What does this mean read it how you will. Are we having lessons in Zen?

What is this philosophy? Spell it out.

 

[PRmerger]

What is this philosophy? Spell it out.

Yes. We are all curious!

Could you please address these questions, Whatdya?

.What was it that you were shown???

What were you shown?

Hi Whadyamean,

Would you tell us who this man is? I’m wondering if I’ve run across him.

Xuan

 

[Whadyamean]

What were you shown?

Whatever I could say about it would be misleading, as it is one of those insights that clearly defy words but has as it’s chief component Significance and meaning. Let me say simply that everything, the totality of what I thought I was, I know I am not. That is all I will say for now. Thanks for asking. But this is as well not something that is susceptible to arguments and logics, as it has to do with the dimension we call, in ignorance, “Soul.” And while there is dogma and teaching about soul, that is all book learning, similar to the difference between reading about swimming and actually being in the ocean, let alone a tame pool.

So, nuf said, as the point of all this is that when I had what for me was a culminating experience, the admonitions to “have faith” or that it was a chemical imbalance were several parsecs from what could even begin to be useful. Neither was anything Catholic I read useful. And though I am sure you have your faith based opinion or adamant stance on that, you weren’t there. So, in fact this is for those who might e in my position and need a way from belief. And I am assured in this due to the change in heart of a friend of mine who was positive that I needed both clerical and psychological counseling at the time of what happened to me. He was a witness, by the way, so had a close perspective on the event. Long story short, we met again ten years later, and he said to me that he had had a remarkably similar insight. So he went from thinking I was nuts, to being able to have a cogent and meaningful conversation about a kind of transformative experience that humans overall are not strangers to. Not by any means.

However, what is lacking, is some sort of structure that within the ordinary conveyance of the Parrish might afford a rescue line for such as myself, such as I did not have, and such as, I am sure, many have not.

Thank you for your kind attention.

 

[CopticChristian]

Whatever I could say about it would be misleading, as it is one of those insights that clearly defy words but has as it’s chief component Significance and meaning. Let me say simply that everything, the totality of what I thought I was, I know I am not. That is all I will say for now. Thanks for asking. But this is as well not something that is susceptible to arguments and logics, as it has to do with the dimension we call, in ignorance, “Soul.” And while there is dogma and teaching about soul, that is all book learning, similar to the difference between reading about swimming and actually being in the ocean, let alone a tame pool.

So, nuf said, as the point of all this is that when I had what for me was a culminating experience, the admonitions to “have faith” or that it was a chemical imbalance were several parsecs from what could even begin to be useful. Neither was anything Catholic I read useful. And though I am sure you have your faith based opinion or adamant stance on that, you weren’t there. So, in fact this is for those who might e in my position and need a way from belief. And I am assured in this due to the change in heart of a friend of mine who was positive that I needed both clerical and psychological counseling at the time of what happened to me. He was a witness, by the way, so had a close perspective on the event. Long story short, we met again ten years later, and he said to me that he had had a remarkably similar insight. So he went from thinking I was nuts, to being able to have a cogent and meaningful conversation about a kind of transformative experience that humans overall are not strangers to. Not by any means.

However, what is lacking, is some sort of structure that within the ordinary conveyance of the Parrish might afford a rescue line for such as myself, such as I did not have, and such as, I am sure, many have not.

Thank you for your kind attention.

What you don’t say is misleading. We communicate with words. Your thoughts were tranlated to this page with words. I discerned that there were issues with chemical imbalance and need for psychological counseling from your writing as I posted before. I have no further interest in your dialogue. It is nonsense.