xjwsforChrist

It is important to understand that for most people, structure and organization is very important to them.
It is a hard step for some to take to put the "responsibility" of knowing Christ on themselves, it is far easier to be told and led and follow than to lead.
When I started to want to learn for MYSELF I knew that it would be a challenging chore.
I have dozens of books on the various themes and theology.
I have various translations of the bible and many commentaries.
All have helped me to understand the many views we have of God, Christ and the bible.
This was MY way.
Your way may vary.
Most people's way DOES vary from that.

PaulS says...

It is important to understand that for most people, structure and organization is very important to them.
It is a hard step for some to take to put the "responsibility" of knowing Christ on themselves, it is far easier to be told and led and follow than to lead.


You are correct... structure and organization are very important...but important to individuals that do not want or need to walk by faith instead of by sight.
This is how organized religion has taken advantage of sheep that need to be led.

It may seem to be a hard step for some because yes it does take " a leap of faith" to put the responsibility upon ourselves to walk with CHRIST and him ONLY, because it IS easier to be told and led which continues to be the problem of how one comes to allow themselves to be misled.
But are we really suppose to lead? ....or be led by our fine shepherd CHRIST who knows HOW to lead US? I personally do not trust myself, so I must put my trust IN HIM.


Just a thought
Love Justmom

I really and truly do not want to continue any argument whatsoever, and I am not writing this by way of any argument but in a spirit of truth. Truth matters.

I do not know which particular religion you had in mind, justmom, but I feel it must be a fair bet that you meant Catholics (in all forms of the Catholic Church, Orthodox, Coptic, and all churches where you see ceremony and a hierarchy.

I've already written this in another post, but either people didn't read it, or they think I don't know what I'm talking about.

Justmom, yes, yes and yes again, you are of course absolutely right. No man should and no man of course CAN come between each one of us and Christ. Of course not. And anywhere, Zoe, where anyone says that anyone has to go to Christ through them...yes, of course, that would be ridiculous and false, and such a statement would just be untrue, a lie.

But, here's the thing. No church does say that! No- one says it. Not one. No-one. It doesn't happen. No-one teaches or believes that.

The structure you describe, justmom, is largely organisational. Ceremonial, yes, but that ceremony does not imply anyone at all standing or pretending to stand in Christ's place or between a person and Christ.

Justmom, I absolutely agree with what you say, and I think so would everyone. Each of us can go to Christ and talk to him and listen. I do that all the time if we are not talking about real physically audible
sound of voice.

But there is no man putting himself, or pretending, or purporting, or trying to be between anyone, or the group, and Christ.

It just is not so.

That's all. I am sure others who also know will bear me out.

I just can't bear people to go on under false impressions, and implying that what you call "religions" such as Catholics etc put a man or woman in between a person and Christ is a mistake. I know you don't say something on purpose that isn't true, justmom, I know you simply just don't know, but honestly, really and truly, it isn't right and it breaks my heart to think of Zoe, or anyone else, believing that it is really the case.

No man comes to the Father except through Christ, just as he told us. He is the Way and the Truth. He died for each of us. We can and many of us do go to him, and he welcomes us with open arms. He searches out those who have strayed, just as he described in the parable of the shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd and only he is the one we follow. No-one else!

I am hoping and praying that it doesn't cause offence, because justmom, I am AGREEING with you! How could I not! But just please don't think that anyone really does say they put themselves in the place of Christ, or stand between anyone and Christ, or has to go to Christ through them,because they know and believe and teach exactly the opposite!

I am so pleased you and Shelby are safe home!