The BIG difference...
Last night, I was invited to participate in the discussion with one of our small groups. (Actually, the group is growing very nicely and isn't so small anymore!) The question was around people of other faiths and what the differences are and is Jesus really the way. Good stuff.
I want to summarize the crux of the discussion because it is a point that I think I sometimes fail to adequately make:
The difference between Christianity and any religion is this: A religion is a pathway to some supreme reality. Christianity is a pathway from that supreme reality (God) to humanity.
Don't miss that...because it is HUGE! Every religion of the world is some attempt to overcome issues in this life to achieve some higher state, of our own accord. Christianity is just the opposite...it is the realization that we cannot achieve some higher state on our own. It is the realization that God loves us first...and proves that on the cross. The rest of our existence in this world is simply a response to that love, not an attempt to earn it.
BIG DIFFERENCE!
23 comments:
Hey, found your blog, and thought it was great, it was refreshing to read! Thanks, it's nice to read something without having to overt my eyes, lol!
Questions: Is "Christianity" the path from God to humankind, or is "Jesus" that pathway?
Also, you said that Christianity is A pathway; are there others?
A: Jesus is...
B: No others...
Just asking. Fascinating subject(s).
And, for the record, I agree with both of your answers.
What are you counting down with that clock?
I'm counting down to March 16! I can't wait!
I love the countdown...personally I am anticipating March 1 a tad more, but whats a few days between friends?
Chris...I know what you mean...I am so excited for the 16th at 1:00 pm. It is going to be awesome. You on the other hand have a 365 day wait for March 1 again...
What's on March 16?
1:00
Is that it?
Pretty much! I saw the countdown clock on Dayton's blog (counting down to Annual Conference...of all things) and so I wanted to countdown too. But I couldn't think of anything to countdown too so I chose this randomly. I can't wait...it is probably the most exciting thing to happen to me in a long time.
Countdown to EASTER, brother...the most important day of the year (EVER, in fact)!
Even more important than Annual Conference?
I love Dayton, but he can also be a dweeb.
You two have really got me thinking... should I have more head tilt in my picture?
Chris, at least you have a picture. But I think you really do. If you're going to look young and emergent, it is a must.
If you let me know when you'll publish the new pic, I'll set up a countdown timer for it.
Chris,
I guess now I'm wondering if this is enough tilt. What do you think? No really?
This has got to be the most comments that I have ever seen posted to a post. Digression is interesting. For the record - you have got to get a new picture, and Chris, don't change yours - emergent or not.
What does emergent have to do with it? Brett - keep the pic!
Hey Cox....get a picture (with the sufficient amount of head tilt of course.)
Interesting post, but even more interesting is all the comments. I won't ask if all the early morning comments where done while texting each other, but it is amazing to see that many head tilting pastors awake and blogging that early :-)
Just so everyone knows...
I would have a clock on my blog with a countdown to Annual Conference, too. I would also have a picture with substantial head tilt. Unfortunately, I'm not smart enough to figure this whole blog thing out, so I have neither in actuality, but both in spirit.
Post a Comment