[HPforGrownups] Christianity *in* HP, revisited was Re: Baptism/Christianity in HP

[Kemper]

No: HPFGUIDX 153650

> Randy ponders....
>
> ...snip...
>
> It is much more interesting to discuss the real issues of life in a
> friendly setting without all of the trappings of any one organized
> religion. After all, your peers and parents are probably telling
> you to stay away from "those guys" in that other church. I think
> some of these posts reflect that thinking pattern. That person must
> be from the other side of the street that my mom told me to stay
> away from.
>
> If we take away all mention of Jesus, Christianity, and church
> services, we have eliminated the points of controversy. Now we can
> get to the real issues of
>
> 1. Loss of one's soul
> 2. Eternal Life
> 3. The consequences of betraying others
> 4. The positive effects of love
> 5. Laying down your life to save another
> 6. The need to love your enemies (or at least treat them with
> kindness to try to overcome their evil)
> 7. The evils of prejudice
> 8. The importance of seeing yourself as you are (with Humility)
> 9. The consequences of losing control of your patience and acting
> in anger
> 10. The importance of taking ownership of your responsibilities
>
> These are issues that I want my kids to read about. I can't get
> them to talk about them by handing them a manual. I might scare my
> neighbor by throwing a book on theology at him.
>
> ...snip...
>
> Why preach to the choir? Why not talk to the people wandering
> around outside the church?



Kemper now:
First, I agree.
It's healthy to dialog with the people wandering around the outside of the
church, but just as importantly, I think the unlost wanders on the outside
of the church should start a conversation with the church choir.

Second.
JKR, through DD, promotes the idea that we are shaped by our choices and not
by a god's predestined fate for us let alone some prophecy.  No Calvinist,
she.

So, I would like to add to your list another 'Christian' concept, free
will.

God bless the Tree of Knowledge.

-Kemper


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