RE: Homeless because iam a atheist
September 8, 2014 at 11:13 am
(This post was last modified: September 8, 2014 at 11:14 am by ShaMan.)
Nowhere in the story of the good Samaritan do I find the benefactor requiring anything of the stranger he is aiding. All I see in that story is care and compassion.
I think the church would see more converts with statements like... "Go and sin no more" rather than its usual... "You're a sinner... REPENT!" Likewise, "Today you will be with me in paradise" is today said as... "You're a thief, you'd better get it right if you want god's love" Also, the Samaritan went out of his way, and bore great personal and financial expense to aid a stranger, all without judging him in any way, nor requiring anything of him. It was the religious people who refused to even care, let alone help. It's like believers don't read the text - or fail to comprehend its implications.
Note how Mary responded when she wasn't judged by Jesus - she became his most devout follower. See the thief on the cross, receiving grace amid his life of crime, cleansed. See the wounded traveler... RESTORED! All without having to perform one single act other than to receive.
IF this church's primary goal is gaining converts, then they should stop counting the cost, and requiring repayment in the form of performance.
I think the church would see more converts with statements like... "Go and sin no more" rather than its usual... "You're a sinner... REPENT!" Likewise, "Today you will be with me in paradise" is today said as... "You're a thief, you'd better get it right if you want god's love" Also, the Samaritan went out of his way, and bore great personal and financial expense to aid a stranger, all without judging him in any way, nor requiring anything of him. It was the religious people who refused to even care, let alone help. It's like believers don't read the text - or fail to comprehend its implications.
Note how Mary responded when she wasn't judged by Jesus - she became his most devout follower. See the thief on the cross, receiving grace amid his life of crime, cleansed. See the wounded traveler... RESTORED! All without having to perform one single act other than to receive.
IF this church's primary goal is gaining converts, then they should stop counting the cost, and requiring repayment in the form of performance.
