Having been born again is an expression that can refer to a profound experience which maps to the content of christian thematic elements. A moment when they go from one thing, to something else. I suspect that this state of affairs is far more rare than the percentage of christians who would describe themselves as such. In this sense, most born again christians are supplicants of the cult - performing necessary ritual in the hope of achieving an altered state of conscious.
The moment in which, and after which, one simply and sincerely trusts in christ.
Laying aside the factual accuracy of christian elements, that is the deliverable good. Either by serendipity or through a process of systematically emulating enlightened lives, magic book claims that such a state is attainable - and that it will be made evident in the changed behaviors of the subject. Magic book also claims that any subject who achieves this state will become a very compelling recruiter. I see no reason to be skeptical of either claim. Altered states of consciousness can be achieved in a variety of ways, ritual observation and enactment among them. That a person who's achieved this state could offer genuine comments on that experience seems like a rather mundane addendum to the claim.
This is the underlying pitch. If you are unsatisfied with your current state of consciousness, or simply wish to explore altered states - there is a credible expectation that christian practice, sincerely and in earnest, is capable of producing one.
A skeptical observer might say "aha, but how is that different from nirvana or zen, or smoking weed?" - exactly.
The moment in which, and after which, one simply and sincerely trusts in christ.
Laying aside the factual accuracy of christian elements, that is the deliverable good. Either by serendipity or through a process of systematically emulating enlightened lives, magic book claims that such a state is attainable - and that it will be made evident in the changed behaviors of the subject. Magic book also claims that any subject who achieves this state will become a very compelling recruiter. I see no reason to be skeptical of either claim. Altered states of consciousness can be achieved in a variety of ways, ritual observation and enactment among them. That a person who's achieved this state could offer genuine comments on that experience seems like a rather mundane addendum to the claim.
This is the underlying pitch. If you are unsatisfied with your current state of consciousness, or simply wish to explore altered states - there is a credible expectation that christian practice, sincerely and in earnest, is capable of producing one.
A skeptical observer might say "aha, but how is that different from nirvana or zen, or smoking weed?" - exactly.
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
