Subject:
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Re: 22/7 & infinities (was: Re: The nature of the JC god, good or evil?)
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Mon, 13 Sep 1999 22:27:46 GMT
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Reply-To:
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johnneal@uswest.^NoSpam^net
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<37DD1613.D194240B@uswest.net> <FI0oIw.2uo@lugnet.com>
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John DiRienzo wrote:
> <snip>
> > I meant that instinct is a perfect moral code *for animals* I think • inapplicable
> > to humans. *Because* we can reason and think for ourselves, we have
> > outgrown/evolved beyond that moral code. Much of our problems as a race of • beings
> > stem from the fact that we are caught in the middle, being pulled by two • sets of
> > directives. And I would say that letting oneself be directed by • instinctual
> > behaviors is the easy way, requiring little thought or introspection. Also • don't
> > have to take a lot of responsibility. Trying to become (what I would call)
> > authentically human takes work and diligence AND, as I believe, requires • help from
> > God. How this occurs other than by following the example and teaching of • Jesus I
> > cannot explain, but I believe it does.
>
> I agree that being animals is wrong, John, but how does God help in being
> fully human?
Well, I would say that our (human's) natural tendency is to take the path of
least resistance-- least pain, most pleasure to self. That path leads to using
our mental capacities the least by giving in to base desires. If I understand
you correctly, John, you would say that this is immoral behavior. As Dave
eloquently illustrated, we develop and grow into more moral beings, on a path
to becoming authentically human.
I believe God directs our paths in several ways. First, as I mentioned, are
the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was special, and avoiding another debate on His
nature (which is very interesting in and of itself!), suffice it to say that He
presented an radical ethic to which we should aspire *which came from God*.
This ethic is diametrically opposed to human nature, but ironically leads to
fulfilling our human potential. He illustrates the path in teaching and deed
to becoming authentically human. Second, once one decides that one will follow
the path Jesus laid out, I believe that God's Spirit (some would call it the
Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, etc) guides, encourages, comforts, strengthens,
empowers us in our daily lives as we attempt to become more fully human.
An analogy might be having Wayne Gretzky as your best friend coaching you as
you learn hockey{:^D The guy's a living legend, but he considers you his best
friend and is totally absorbed in helping you, encouraging you, anything it
takes to helping you become the best hockey player you can be. The example
might be lost on someone who has never heard of The Great One, but to me it
would be an amazingly edifying experience. It is the same when one experiences
the joy of the Spirit in their life. It is a peace and serenity and confidence
that there is purpose to life and that we are a part of something much greater.
It gives one the inner strength to persevere during hard times.
Third, it is I believe, the natural response to the Agape (unconditional) Love
from God that produces the desire to please Him by being pure in His sight. In
human terms, kind of like the desire for a child to make their parents proud.
In fact, Jesus uses this analogy powerfully when prays to "Abba", or literary
"daddy".
I believe we *all* have this connection to God, yet in some it is unrealized or
in various stages of revelation.
-John
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