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August 2nd, 2013
08:00 AM ET
Why millennials need the church
(CNN) - For a time, I counted myself among the spiritual but not religious, Christian but not churchgoing crowd. Like many millennials, I left church because I didn’t always see the compassion of Jesus there, and because my questions about faith and science, the Bible, homosexuality, and religious pluralism were met with shallow answers or hostility. At first I reveled in my newfound Sunday routine of sleeping in, sipping my coffee and yelling at Republicans who appeared on ”Meet the Press.” But eventually I returned, because, like it or not, we Christian millennials need the church just as much as the church needs us. Here’s why: Baptism As former Methodist bishop Will Willimon has often said, “you cannot very well baptize yourself.” In a culture that stresses individualism, the church satisfies the human need for community, for shared history and experiences. And in a world where technology enables millennials to connect only with those who are like-minded, baptism drags us - sometimes kicking and screaming as infants - into the large, dysfunctional and beautiful family of the church. Confession “Sin” is not a popular word these days, perhaps because it is so often invoked in the context of judgment and condemnation. But like all people, millennials need reminding now and then that the hate and violence we observe in the world is also present within ourselves. We can be too idealistic, too convinced we can change the world from our iPads. The accountability that comes from participation in a local church gives young Christians the chance to speak openly about our struggles with materialism, greed, gossip, anger, consumerism and pride. Healing While the flawed people who make up the church can certainly inflict pain on each other and sometimes on the world, we also engage in the important work of healing. At their best, local churches provide basements where AA groups can meet, living rooms where tough conversations about racial reconciliation occur, casseroles for the sick and shelter for the homeless. Millennials who have been hurt by the church may later find healing in it. Leadership Like a lot of millennials, I am deeply skeptical of authority - probably to a fault. But when I interact with people from my church who have a few years and a lot of maturity on me, I am reminded of how cool it is to have a free, built-in mentoring and accountability program just down the street. We can learn a lot from the faithful who have gone before us, and the church is where we find them. Communion One of the few things the modern church has in common with the ancient one is its celebration of the sacred meal— the Eucharist. There is simply not the space here, nor in many volumes of theology for that matter, to unpack the significance of remembering Jesus through eating bread and drinking wine. But when I left the church, it was Communion I craved the most. Churches may disagree on exactly how Christ is present in these sacred meals, but we agree that Christ is present. And millennials, too, long for that presence. There are some days when the promise of Communion is the only thing that rouses me from bed on Sunday morning. I want a taste of that mystery. Confirmation Many churches practice a rite of initiation, sometimes called confirmation. Theologian Lauren Winner, in her book “Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis,” quotes a friend who said: “What you promise when you are confirmed is not that you will believe this forever. What you promise when you are confirmed is that that is the story you will wrestle with forever.” The church, at its best, provides a safe place in which to wrestle with this story we call the Gospel. Union with Christ Those who follow Jesus long for the day when their communion with him becomes complete, and Jesus promises this will happen through the church. The apostle Paul compared this union to a marriage. Jesus describes it as a banquet. No matter what the latest stats or studies say, Christians believe the future of the church is secure and not even “the gates of hell” will prevail against it. As much as I may struggle to fit in sometimes, as much as I doubt, question and fight for reforms, I am a part of this church, through good times and bad, for better or worse. The astute reader will notice that each of these points corresponds loosely with a sacrament—baptism, confession, the anointing of the sick, holy orders, communion, confirmation and marriage. Some would say there are many others. We could speak of the sacrament of the Word or the washing of feet. But even where they are not formally observed, these sacraments are present in some form in nearly every group of people who gather together in the name of Jesus. They connect us to our faith through things we can eat, touch, smell and feel. And they connect us with one another. They remind us, as writer and Episcopal priest Sara Miles put it, that “You can’t be a Christian by yourself.” This is why I haven’t given up on the church, and I suspect why it hasn't given up on me. Rachel Held Evans is the author of "Evolving in Monkey Town" and "A Year of Biblical Womanhood." She blogs at rachelheldevans.com. The views expressed in this column belong to her. Evans has written two previous posts for CNN's Belief Blog: Why millennials are leaving the church; and Not all religious convictions are written in stone. [twitter-follow screen_name='RachelHeldEvans'] soundoff (4,825 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Next »
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Opinion by Rachel Held Evans, special to CNN
@AE: "I've been told China and some of their neighboring countries are contributing to the largest revival in Christian history right now."
So what? China has a billion poor people with nothing. Christianity's promises of justice and making things right in the afterlife are very appealing to people who will never have anything in this life. Having an all powerful friend when you're living under oppression is very appealing as well.
Christianity promises a lot while asking for very, very little in return, and it comes in so many flavors. It's no surprise it's so popular. But the popularity of a belief is not evidence of its truthfulness.
Exactly, it doesn't mean anything at all. Just like when the atheists get all giddy because they went from being 4% to 5% of the world's population. It really means nothing at all.
China has a sixth of the world's population. Over half of them identify as atheist/agnosic, that's not including all the non-theistic Buddhists. That's already more than 5%. Where did you get 5% from?
@So what?
So what?
Hey, I wasn't writing that to you. That was in response to AtheistSteve who said "none of you have been able to explain to the rest of us why we should believe what your Bible says."
And I gave an example of some of "the rest of us" believing in Jesus Christ.
AE: Once again you are trying to tell someone who they can respond to. Wow!!! This is a public blog, we can respond to ANYONE we wish. You don't have to like it but you're not going to stop no matter how much whining you do. Grow up!
"Hey, I wasn't writing that to you."
Whaa, whaa whaa. If you want to have a private conversation swap e-mail addresses or phone numbers.
WATCH OUT! You're totally not allowed to say anything to AE when he makes a comment that wasn't directed to you!
Apprently the blog has rules now. Shit, what did we ever do before AE showed up? It was like Lord of the FLIES in here!!
We have a new thread nanny named AE, now...bless his heart...where's the boar's head?
bless skytag's heart....
...he posts replies to old threads and then gets hostile at me because I don't see it.
...he posts replies to something unrelated to what I was talking about
...he randomly posts new threads quoting me
I'm just trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
Bless little AE's heart, he whines constantly about how I post comments.
Does anyone else find the author of this article desperate to find meaning in her life?
She broke away her church, looked deep within herself, realized nothing was there and rejoined the church? It seems in order to feel good about herself she needs a patriarchal caretaker to grant her eternal life if she blindly believes in words his followers left behind centuries ago....right.
This is more pathetic than Christians using "logic" and "reason" to justify the existence of a supernatural presence.
I try not to fault people for searching.
HELLO. LOOK AT ME USE "LOGIC AND REASON' TO JUSTIFY MY HATRED TOWARD PEOPLE LIKE HER.
HEY CAPTAIN CAPSLOCK
I didn't see any hatred in the post, are you PROJECTING?
pathetic
i agree with Lee - sad she can't find meaning in life without the church. some people miss the hive mentality of religion.
we are so much better than them
Does the lady's hubby approve of her books?? Could buy a bunch of fishin' gear and the required educational hazing of the kids.
Now, lol?? here is one of those that we say, "you remember lol??, don't you....bless her heart.
@AE: "When you follow Jesus, expect some suffering."
This is why people give you a hard time. Instead of discussing issues with them you throw out these mindless platitudes. It's frustrating to people who are using their brains trying to have a conversation with a Chatty Kathy pull string doll, and that's what it feels like trying to talk to you, spouting these simplistic one-liners all the time instead of dealing what people are saying to you.
News flash: People who follow Jesus don't suffer any more or less than people who don't.
Changing the civil laws to fit the minority socialists agendas is how the USA works nowadays
Yawn.
Go take a nap since you're yawning way too much...
Could you please explain to me what civil law has to do with an economic system characterized by state and/or social control over the means of production?
Open the pod bay doors Hal....
I'm sorry lamelionheart, I'm afraid I can't do that.
I wrote, "Changing the civil laws to fit the minority socialists agendas is how the USA works nowadays"
Hal asked me, "Could you please explain to me what civil law has to do with an economic system characterized by state and/or social control over the means of production?"
Hal, I am sorry but your question is lost in translation... Rephrase it to fit what I wrote and I would be more than glad to answer it provided I can fathom it out...
In what way are things becoming more socialistic? I'll admit, I find some of Obama's economic policies alarmingly left-wing, but things are the same in general. I wouldn't say Obama was much more of a socialist than the average Democrat.
Hal wrote, "In what way are things becoming more socialistic?"
It depends upon what sects of socialism one is referring to... Until you make the sect(s) known to me, I'm sorry Hal, I cannot answer you right now... You must be more clear to me Hal..
You twist and turn like... a twisty-turny thing.
I'm sorry Hal but until you bottom out, I will be left ever to turn the crankshaft until it reaches top-end... So Hal, can you tell us what sect of socialism you are referring towards instead of being non-committed and stating an overall terminology of socialism which I cannot be submitted towards answering with any exactness..?
You're the one saying we're becoming socialized. It's you who should be telling me which sect of socialism is prevailing.
So Hal...
You want me to give you examples of socialized minorities getting civil laws changed for their own benefits sake..? Now why would I want to open the doors which are unlocked..? If one of your stature cannot see the writing on the wall regarding civilly stringent bias being overturned by the immoral minorities than who am I to be your teacher..?
Why even engage with trolls?
because you are also a troll, what you do, is trolling
In what sense?
Yawn.
Suit yourself.
Suit yourself.
This is why the hom.os will give you all the butt flu.
And Salero21 knows from personal experience.
@saltshaker....... wow! delusional AND a bigot... what a surprise!
Examples?
So...
You want me to give you examples of socialized minorities getting civil laws changed for their own benefits sake..? Now why would I want to open the doors which are unlocked..? If one of your stature cannot see the writing on the wall regarding civilly stringent bias being overturned by the immoral minorities than who am I to be your teacher..?
Why, you brought the claim up, of course, sugar...why shouldn't you give us examples? Unless you don't have any and your post was caca...is it?
R Belle...
Let me restate to get my point across..
"If one of your stature cannot see the writing on the wall regarding civilly stringent bias being overturned by the immoral minorities than who am I to be your teacher..?"
When you're into S&M , expect some suffering...
When you're into sewing, expect to pr ick your finger...
When you're into drinking lard, expect to get fat...
Christians only suffer because they bring suffering onto themselves.
The wurld suffers because their is more dead meat than salt.
"Newbies", "New Meats", "Warm Bodies"...think about it
for just a few seconds...and that will satisfy me...dead meant...salt...yes.
Hey, skytag, thanks for trying to fix me, but I didn't make this statement to you: "When you follow Jesus, expect some suffering."
I made it to a man that insisted I believed "....that a beautiful, perfect eternal existence awaits you as promised by your 'God'."
I actually disagree, so it seems reasonable to express my opinion that Jesus says to expect some suffering.
That's it.
Those very few "people give who me a hard time", and hurl insults and act unkind, can keep on doing that. It ultimately doesn't harm me.
There are promises to everyone. All get a resurrection. Noe, by surviving condemned the race that loves naughty.
@AE: "Those very few "people give who me a hard time", and hurl insults and act unkind, can keep on doing that. It ultimately doesn't harm me."
True. The harm to you has already been done. Their behavior is just a reaction to it.
The few posters giving me a hard time may just be insecure. They might put someone else down to feel better about or to take attention of of themselves.
Some people are so immature and can't handle their anger, so they try to start a fight or try to make the other person feel bad.
Their language and behavior really says a lot more about them then me.
@AE: "The few posters giving me a hard time may just be insecure."
I see no evidence of insecurity in them. In you, yes. In them, no.
"They might put someone else down to feel better about or to take attention of of themselves."
That's really not the reason, but you obviously aren't willing to deal with the real reason.
"Their language and behavior really says a lot more about them then me."
It says they're frustrated by your refusal to engage in real conversation. Several people have tried to explain what you're doing that frustrates them but you just ignore the truth and imagine yourself the victim of all these people with personality problems. You can't even conceive of the possibility that you're contributing to the problem.
Dude, you're like some parody of yourself at this point.
She might need a church, but the rest of us certainly don't.
@AE: There's a good episode in the 3rd season of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled, Who Watches the Watchers. You should watch it sometime.
So you're saying we should watch Who Watches the Watchers sometime? But who'll watch the watchers while they are watching Who Watches the Watchers?
Women's rap*ing LIB!!
That'll work.
"Newbies", "New Meats", "Warm Bodies"...think about it
for just a few seconds...and that will satisfy me.
Ugh. Both of you.
lol??
Did the little lady vote in the commie contest??
Bill Clinton Won a ‘Father of the Year’ Award, and It Was a Real Award
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/bill-clinton-father-of-the-year.html
Chelsea voted yea! "Dad got me a socie job!!."
August 7, 2013 at 10:40 am | Report abuse | Reply
niknak
What the hell are you talking about? ...............................................................................Juanita Broaddrick
Juanita Broaddrick.....................................................................Juanita Broaddrick.....................................Juanita Broaddrick
Juanita Broaddrick.............................................Juanita Broaddrick................................HillBilly, Big Mama!!
Big Mama!! ........................................Feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeels Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuddd
Commie Commuuuuunion
You may make even less sense when you "explain" yourself.
commie rail rap*es da neighbors, too?
And then claims ignorance, typical.
You're offensive, and you need psychiatric care. If you wonder why your posts get moderated, look at the content. You are as far from a Christian as Aleister Crowley was.
You would know all about rape, it being your preferred dating technique. God help you.
@Layla: "You're offensive, and you need psychiatric care."
You could only know this if you were dumb enough to waste time reading his comments. 😉 I never, ever read one of his comments. "lol??" = "Don't read this."
It is too late and the hom.os will give you butt flu.
Layla, err Lola, you sound like the rail. the split type.
Lol??, it's Layla, errr...Layla. And you are still no Christian, not even in name only.
Skytag: so noted. The thing still needs psychiatric help, however. Needs to get over his mommy issues.
Juanita Broaddrick is an American former nursing home administrator from Arkansas. She alleged in 1998 that United States President Bill Clinton had ra ped her two decades earlier. Clinton's attorney denied the allegations on his client's behalf.
God has control over the entire world. That is why all things work for the Glory of God, and God will bless and strengthen nations, or bring them down. May He bless this nation for a people who might lift up His name, the name above all names.
There is only one savior.
He is Risen.
John 15:26-27
The Work of the Holy Spirit
26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
All things? Every single thing everywhere?
Seems far-fetched... not buying it...
"...God will bless and strengthen nations, or bring them down."
If this were true, wouldn't it be obvious that God was real based on the nation(s) that existed?
He is Risen.
John 15:26-27
.>
Yuck, another zombie
Which book of the Almighty Harry Potter are you quoting from?
There is only one savior.
----
"Darn it, I guess I'm just out of luck."
– signed,
A human being God placed in an area of the world devoid of christianity
"God has control over the entire world."
Too bad he never chooses to exercise it. Christians love to say this because it let's them believe they have an all-powerful friend controlling everything, and then when you point out the fact that there's no evidence of any kind he's used that control in any way to help anyone all you get are excuses. So lame.
Botswana is 70% Christian.
Nearly 1/4 of their population is infected with AIDS.
Is that all for the Glory of God?
Wait, let me gues -- He works in mysterious ways and it isn't our place to question.
"Wait, let me gues - He works in mysterious ways and it isn't our place to question."
Amazing. How did you know? Did God tell you that? 😉
He sent the hom.os to give them the butt flu to teach them His glory.
It's a pity he spends so much time starving children in Africa or giving AIDS to children. Seems as though an omnipotent being could do a lot of good, but is missing his opportunity.
I don't believe you Austin. And there's no reason why I should.
Austin: If god controls the entire world, how does freewill happen?
If god controls the entire world, he is a vindictive pr1ck, and so are you and Vic and all the other snivelling sycophants who belly up to jeebus's supposed sacrifice like piglets suckling mama in order to not be punished as you feel you deserve. Get back on your knees, b1tch
Austin
Didn't God save Jesus from dying for real?
It is the "Spoken Word" of the Most High, Almighty God, the Father, Son (Lord Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit, manifesting into this physical existence. God spoke everything into existence, aka First Cause.
Do not tempt Odin's wrath by mocking him with your impotent god. The Aesir are the only gods worthy of your fear...
How does that work, Vic? How do words manifest into created physical objects and beings? Please explain the process.
Yes, Vic, We're all waiting for your explanation. And please, pretty please, no bible quotes.
It is called casting spells
"In the beginning of mankind’s walk was the word said and the said word was about God and all the following words revolved around God and all words were so said of being worded godliness."
And who caused the first cause? Gene Siskel?
Vic,
What spoke god into existence?
NEE!…NEE!…
That is exclusive to the Sovereign Divine Will of the Sovereign Most High, Almighty God, the Father, Son (Lord Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit who is Eternal in Generation and outside the realm of this existence and its time that He created all.
Dein haar muss riechen schrecklich ... mit dem kopf in den arsch die ganze zeit ...
Wow, Vic. That was certainly profound. I heard celestial music when I read your comment. And then the odor kicked in.
I guess that translates to "don't ask questions".
"God spoke everything into existence, aka First Cause."
... except Himself, apparently.
"Nothing but turtles all the way down"
something eternal has no beginning thus no need to speak ones self into existence. Lame...
That's just a cop-out. Why doesn't the creator need a creator? How do you know this creator is eternal? How do you know the universe hasn't been eternally cyclical?
@oncler,
Your arbitrary claim that God is eternal could be equally applied to the universe or a multi-verse. "lame..."
@ME II "..."
Not really! That Multiverse Hypothesis is a very long shot to the extent that it is the worst of all at failing the Occam's razor principle!
It's a lot less of a long shot than 'God did it'.
@Vic,
"That Multiverse Hypothesis is a very long shot to the extent that it is the worst of all at failing the Occam's razor principle!"
I'm saying that it is arbitrary, or "Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.") just like the claims for God are arbitrary. How does Occam's razor apply?
The God Hypothesis passes the Occam's razor (less assumptions) when compared against the Multiverse Hypothesis (more assumption.)
In what sense are there more assumptions regarding the multiverse?
ME II
The children of God have eternal life when we are in Christ. All else does not have eternal life. It is a belief not a mathematical construct.
@Vic,
1. Occam's razor is not fewer assumptions, it is usually phrased as something like 'all thing being equal the simpler is likely to be more accurate' or "We consider it a good principle to explain the phenomena by the simplest hypothesis possible"
2. A God hypothesis is not very simple when you consider that it necessarily implies an entire environment in which God exists or existed before this universe not too mention a being capable of existing in such an environment and yet powerful and knowledgeable enough to create a universe by "speaking". Many assumptions and massively complex.
I'm not saying a multi-verse hypothesis isn't complex, just that it's not obviously more complex than a god hypothesis, and perhaps much less complex.
@fred,
not sure how that applies.
I'm Sorry Dave
"How do you know the universe hasn't been eternally cyclical"
=>The mathematics of eternity point to a beginning (http://arxiv.org/abs/1204.4658). This applies to all pre Big Bang cosmological speculations on the table today as to multiverse or quantum flux or cyclical creation.
ME II
"@oncler,Your arbitrary claim that God is eternal could be equally applied to the universe or a multi-verse. "lame..."
=>My reply was to clarify "eternal life" is a Christian belief that God is eternal falls into the philosophical whereas multiverse /infinite universe discourse is based on tensor calculus.
Our pre-Big Bang cosmological knowledge is non-existent. It's perfectly plausible that we've been Big Banging and Big Crunching for eternity.
I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that
Not possible unless you want to discard science and base your argument on faith. Here is a summary of the study I referred to:
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/427722/mathematics-of-eternity-prove-the-universe-must-have-had-a-beginning/
@fred,
"The mathematics of eternity"
1. there are assumptions: "..., it states simply that past geodesics are incomplete provided that the expansion rate averaged along the geodesic is positive: Hav > 0."
2. It doesn't claim proof necessarily:
"At this point, it seems that the answer to this question is probably yes.2"
(http://arxiv.org/pdf/1204.4658v1.pdf)
"...that God is eternal falls into the philosophical whereas multiverse /infinite universe discourse is based on tensor calculus."
And yet there are those that claim that a philosophically eternal God created a philosophically finite universe. My point was that answering a question like, "where did the universe come from", with with an arbitrarily eternal multi-verse is just as valid as an arbitrarily eternal God.
What about pre-existing or prior universes? If they are impossible, why is the multiverse theory becoming so prevalent amongst physicists?
@Vic,
"However, Mithani and Vilenkin point to a proof dating from 2003 that these kind of past trajectories cannot be infinite if they are part of a universe that expands in a specific way. "
While heat death, if not Big Rip, is likely, based on current evidence, it is not a certainty especially since we know little about dark matter and energy and we still don't understand why the expansion rate is accelerating.
@I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that,
Yes, that is possibility mentioned in Vic's link:
""So although we seem to live in an inflating cosmos, other universes may be very different. And while our universe may look as if it has a beginning, the multiverse need not have a beginning."
ME II
I didn't actually look at the link, I'm cautious about random links. So the article he is championing actually makes his own point moot? Bad choice Fred.
ME II
I agree, you are "probably" right.
Which other god created your god?
God Almighty, the Father, Son (Lord Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit, the Creator of everything, is not created but eternal in generation, metaphysical, infinite, outside the realm of this existence and its time, and not subject to them. This universe is finite physical matter (creation) that can not be eternal!
And how do you know all of this to be true Vic? a funny feeling you get inside? voices in your head? your pastor told you? a creationist website?.
This is according to the same people who used to claim disease was caused by evil spirits and the sun revolved around the Earth. The record on Christian attempts to explain physical phenomenon in the real world is abysmal. No credibility whatsoever.
Vic, Do provide evidence of a first cause and why your god is that first cause.
For this universe, which is ever changing, hence finite, hence can not be eternal, hence temporal, hence had a beginning, to exist, there must be a cause. Since the universe had a beginning, there must be a cause that is outside the universe's beginning that is non-temporal (without beginning nor end,) hence unchanged, hence uncaused, hence a First Cause (Eternal.)
For this universe, which is ever changing, hence finite
Fail
I don't believe you Vic.
You are welcome.
Sayin' it don't make it so, pen-day-ho
Not believing in it does not make it untrue either!
How do you know the universe hasn't always existed? Science, that area of thought for which religion has never had much use?
Change implies finiteness! The least of motion (e.g. expansion) is change, hence temporal, hence finiteness. That's a scientific basic.
The universe could have not caused itself nor can it be eternal since it is finite, temporal, had a beginning. Only a cause outside the universe's beginning that is non-temporal, hence eternal, could have caused it. The First Cause can only be non-temporal, that is non-changing, that is infinite, that is Eternal.
@Vic,
"Change implies finiteness! "
Umm... wouldn't God have had to do something different, i.e. change, in order to create a universe? or get Himself crucified?
You are talking about different manifestations into matter that changes, hence temporal, hence finite but the source, God Himself, who is metaphysical, hence non-matter, is unchanging, hence non-temporal, hence infinite, hence Eternal.
@Vic,
1. Your claim that God is metaphysical is just as arbitrary as the claim that God is eternal; it answers nothing. (special pleading)
2. How exactly does being metaphysical imply unchanging?
Matter, which is physical, is a changing e n t i t y, hence temporal, hence finite, hence non-eternal. Metaphysical, which is non-matter, that is not physical, hence unchanging, hence non-temporal, hence infinite, hence Eternal, is spiritual e n t i t y.
@Vic,
Why exactly does changing equate to finite? Cannot something be forever changing?
"...not physical, hence unchanging..."
For that matter why does metaphysical imply unchanging or eternal?
Act 1 Scene 1.- "In the Beginning of Celestial Creation, Nothingness gave rise to immeasurable amounts of Big Bangs placed proportionately distant from each other in order for them to expand just rightly and for them to all grow into being celestial manifestations of greatly magnified organisms in scalar symmetries of fractal relationships from their inbred counterparts we know of as being atomically natured naturalisms.."
Act 1 Scene 2.- "An unbelievable amount of time transpired between the Creation of the Celestially Consecrated and of mankind's formulated being that the atomic domains were the first to be congealed into ever increasing formulations upon their united fronts to become as living quagmires of spatially aspiring transfigurations akin to their docile counterparts, the lowly atoms."
Danke, weil LionlyLion ist nicht genug eines fuctard auf diesem Blog...
His correct name is Loonylion.
And your correct name is Cesspool Sassy Athy...
Sorry Cesspool... I'm giving the sewers up for Sassiness Athy...
Bedsit meanderings. Beware.
"Thanks for what I'm sure you think is an insightful comment." Passive-agg.ressive much?
As a veteran 30+ year Catholic, I think I've got a good grip on how much "thinking" the catholic church does.
"Thanks for what I'm sure you think is an insightful comment." Passive-aggressive much?
As a veteran 30+ year Catholic, I think I've got a good grip on how much "thinking" the catholic church does.
I don't know why this posted here...
Neither do we.
But god works in mysterious ways, right?
I'm not always passive. Consider it a courtesy
Just how did you know I was talking to you? 😉
Uh, I can read. It's an advantage I acquired because somebody thought I should be able to read the Bible.
Bill if you read the bible and decided it was true then the next thing you need to learn is how to comprehend what you are reading.
Well opinions vary Johnny. That's why I like mine with a healthy dose of magesterium and tradition. Where do you get your truth? The bankers TV show called CNN?
@Bill Deacon,
"In Catholicism, the Magisterium is the teaching authority of the Church.[1] According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 'The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him.'" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magisterium)
Is that accurate? You, literally, cannot interpret the Bible for yourself?
Anyone can interpret anything they want however they want to. I just think it's a benefit to have 20 centuries of scholarly reference. Don't you, or is your present perspective sufficient to maintain the integrity of doctrine for 2000 years?
@Doc Vestibule,
You're hedging. Beneficial is one thing, but the quote seems to state that no interpretation is valid unless it's the church's. Is that accurate?
Sorry, that was @Bill Deacon not Doc. (don't know why I did that)
Rachel likes all of the church rituals. Another way to put it is that she likes to do the hokey pokey. Doing the hokey pokey alone would feel silly, but doing it with a group makes it seem perfectly normal. That's what it's all about.
LOL
lol??
Spot on Roger Dodger!
You put your full wallet in, you pull your empty wallet out, you put your whole brain in and shake it all about, then do the Christian Hocus Pocus and ignore all of the doubt, that's what it's all about!
Thank God for the New Covenant, the better covenant, where our Lord can heal each one of our own conscience.
That is a miracle! I recommend this to everyone, you are all justified to receive this blessing.
Was that English you were trying to write Autism?
If you want a lord so much, try the UK. They have a whole House of them.
"the New Covenant" that's a kick a$$ band!!!
Before you get all excited about that "New and Improved" sticker you imagine Christianity has, who's to say that Islam, or even Mormonism aren't even "newer" Covenants, improving on the one you follow?
It's weird that a new one was necessary. I guess god can change his mind/admit he's screwed up, then?
My conscience is clear, Austin. I have never gotten drunk and vandalized a "house of god".....can you honestly say the same?
Christians are the temple of God. You are the temple of _________________ doom??
this place has a biased process by which they cherry pick comments to take as a rules violation. If anyone should be able to speak out , it should be permitted to slam the authors of these articles for their vulgar negligence and deception.
how is that one get kicked off for saying reza has a twisted personality and it shows on his face?
but i repeatedly get told i am mentally ill and delusional?
That is flat out garbage hypocrisy!
What da hell are you ranting about now, Autism?
niknak
Don't call him "autism". Plenty of autistics are actually quite brilliant.
That's very true Ready Freddy.
I should not elevate him to the status.
From now on, I will call him less then Autism, or <Autism for short.
And some, apparently, are not.
How is it you are complaining about Reza on an article written by Rachel Held Evans?
I've read some of your posts, Austin. Intermingled with your Biblical verses are condemnation of anyone who doesn't believe exactly as you do. Which is pretty much half of the population of the world.
It's a conspiracy man. They're out to get you and others like you. Be afraid, be very afraid. I'm sure this post will get censored too because it exposes this fascist, commie, socie, network for what it is
thats what happened for a week straight, my posts were deleted probably 75 of them, of simple testimony to spiritual things.
then i said one thing rude and got booted. i take that twenty times a day and never call names back, stick to scripture and testimony, decent atti.tude, and one shot a reza and bam, they get their way..
Peace be with all of you. Just wanted to say good by then. I pray for the Lords intervention in your lives. There is no greater joy.
It was god Autism, he didn't like what you were writing.
In fact, he doesn't really like you all that much.
He told me yesterday that.
He also told me you dress like a d ork.
Wait a minute, message from god......
OK, just got off the mind link with the big fella, he wants me to tell you that you are not in fact getting into heaven.
He said you were just too annoying to have around for all eternity.
Sorry bro, what can I say, it was god and all so it must be true.
You just may not realize how offensive you are, Austin.
"fascist, commie, socie"
Which is it? Do you actually understand the meaning of any of them? Doubtful.
♰ ♰ ♰ Jesus Christ Is Lord ♰ ♰ ♰
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ6kQCrPBmo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5w0Vzc1Ks0
The USA is a republic. We don't have lords, ladies or any aristocracy.
++++Vic is a whacko++++
Good luck with your ministry Vic. You are a loyal priest for God most high!
God Bless The USA
I would hate to see God bless only one regional man made boundary or someone who only sees their own interest and nation.
but that's the way religion works.... it's my way or the highway..
Well said Austin. I think this is something we can agree on. Equating religion with national pride leads to nothing but xenophobia and jingoism. If there is a god, I cannot imagine he would care much about arbitrary political boundries.
We're already the richest country in the world; how greedy are you, Vic?
@Rachel Evans – I pity your "need" to go back to church... You seem to recognize the hypocrisy... but then you obviously have chosen to ignore it and to blindly merge back in with the sheep. Very sad.
You are reading it all wrong.
What she is saying without saying it is,
She tried the bars, the supermarket, Match.com, getting a dog, yet nothing worked in trying to find a husband.
So she is trying the church.
Makes perfect sense.
I'd rather die single than go back to church to find a wife.
I agree, but you and I are dudes.
Chicks think differently.
That clock starts ticking like Big Ben, and they just gotta get hitched.
"Pretty woman walking with gorillas down my street......."
LOL. Those christian_mingle commercials are annoying and ridiculous
And out of reach I'll wager
Haha, actually Rachel is married and has been for years, I think to a fellow Bryan College alumn named Dan. (I followed her blog and read her first book before leaving Christianity behind a year ago.)
I think she was kinda speaking for all 30 plus single woman.
This woman keeps writing these kinds of opinion pieces as though she has some unique insight into the millennials minds. As a millennial who grew up in a religious household and who hasnt attended church in almost a year i can confirm we do not need the church in our lives. Churches are full of hypocrites and sheeple who riot at the first sight of any fact that contradicts their dogma...want us back in church? Present us a religion at is supported by reality
Pick up a science book my brother, and find a reality.
Find salvation by freeing yourself from religion......
I agree that science is best for understanding our physical reality and full accept evolution and the big bang (and feel any religion would have to match our scientific findings to be considered "true") but i do also accept the possiblities of other "spiritual" realities...
Our imagination is the only limit to the number of "possibilities" there might be, and we can get about as far as it's possible to go from truth with our imaginations, correct? Why even put "truth" and "possibility" in the same thought, then?