Comments on: What is a Christian–Really?

By: gail philbin

gail philbin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:03:25 +0000

I just happened upon this as I was looking at your facebook site. I really enjoy your writing style and your take on life and religion and spirituality. Hope all is well with you and Peggy and Erin.

By: John Penberthy

John Penberthy — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:24:56 +0000

Linda; This is a tough one. You want your last visit to be loving but don’t want to compromise yourself. I wouldn’t broach the subject but if it comes up tell your “uncle” that you believe in Jesus but in a different way than he does. If he pushes it, tell him that religion is a highly personal thing and that we each have to be true to ourselves. If he wants to go beyond that I’d change the subject and be firm. We don’t owe it to our relatives to make them feel good about our religious choices. If they are uncomfortable, then it’s something they’ll have to deal with. No one is ever too old or entrenched to expand their thinking. Good luck, John

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:04:42 +0000

My brother and I are planning a visit with an “Uncle”, (2nd cousin), and it may be the last time we see him as he is in his 90’s. He has always been, in this life, a Southern Baptist – and a fine man.

We haven’t seen him in years, nor his daughter who will probably be there as well, also of the same faith.

I have fond memories of being with these people in my much younger days but the “split” that our country is outpicturing around fundamentalist Christian and non-Fund.Christians has infiltrated this relationship. I don’t want to “create” it out of fear but I wouldn’t be surprised if the “salvation of our souls” subject were brought up, or to “be with Jesus” (like they are), etc.

My intention is for this to be a pleasant visit yet I’m having trouble letting the possibility of this go. More than the subject being brought up is my response to such an occurence.

My questions to you is, what to you would be the most pleasant response of nipping a “discussion” or possible awkward happening in the bud if this is brought up?

It was brought up years ago, and I just don’t feel like “going there.” I’m metaphysically/spiritually oriented and align myself with the essence of your above article.

Thanks for your time.

By: John Penberthy

John Penberthy — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:39:17 +0000

Hi John; Thanks for your insightful comments. When you get past the dogma of all religions they all come down to one thing–love. It’s sad that human egos cling so tightly to the different paths prescribed by religions that they block realization of the common Goal.

By: John C. A. Manley

John C. A. Manley — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:33:03 +0000

John,

You’re thinking and mine are very similar.

I grew up in the Cathiloc tradition. Became very intent on spirituality at around age 14. By age 16 I left the church, practiced Buddhism for a while, but found my path in yoga.

Most of Jesus’ most misunderstood teachings were about inner liberation not outer.

I agree, hell, referred to life on earth in a human ego, “where there will be darkness and gnashing of teeth.” Hell and reincarnation are a bit synonmous in that way. “The burning fires” probably referred to burning human desires which cause compulsory rebirth.

I know what you mean that Paul’s teaching seem off-base. But I often suspect that they aren’t, but just so deep in metaphysical metaphor that they go over our heads. They’ve also most likely been edited.

His control issues with women, I suspect is more in reference to controlling one’s human emotions, for example.

When people ask me which religion I belong to I have three different answers I use (depending on the person):

1. If they are Christians, I say I’m Hindu.

2. If they are Hindus, I say I’m Christian.

(That makes life easier.)

3. If they seem open-minded I tell them the truth: “I don’t believe there is more than one religion. Like in ancient India, religion was dharma. There was no Hinduism. Just the way of life — eternal duty — the return of the soul to God or Bliss which every human being is pursuing, whether they know it or not, since everybody wants to experience more joy and less pain. There are simply different paths to that one religion. My path is Kriya Yoga. But our religion is the same.”

John C. A. Manley
http://www.metaphysicalstories.com

P.S. So glad to have found your site. And looking forward to reading your book. If you want to send me a review copy, I’d review it on my site and send the review to my large subscriber base.

By: Steph W

Steph W — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:47:01 +0000

Thanks for this thought-provoking post, John. I agree – Jesus was a great guy, but the trappings of the establishment seem to have gotten in the way.

By: jrpenberthy

jrpenberthy — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:02:53 +0000

Good point. We’ve all got our intolerances, some better disguised than others. I do such a good job of disguising mine that I’m often not even aware of them. My favroite quote from Jesus sums it up nicely: “Let he who is without fault cast the first stone.”

By: Annie Rose Stathes

Annie Rose Stathes — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:50:06 +0000

Perhaps the intolerance in the world is the best (and maybe only?) way for our own intolerences to be revealed. If everyone is God walking around in drag (as Ram Dass so beautifully said), perhaps those intolerant practitioners of religion are our greatest gurus and therefore our greatest access to reaching within and experiencing our own disconnections from the dinvine. Just a thought.

By: jrpenberthy

jrpenberthy — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 05:10:03 +0000

Of the four qualities that I mention in the post that Jesus embodied, the one that people seem to have the most trouble with is tolerance. It’s fairly easy to love, have compassion for and forgive others like ourselves but tolerance involves extending these to others. When others have different skin color, religion, culture or beliefs it really puts us to the test. Jesus was such a master at this and we can learn much from his example.

By: Mary Carwile

Mary Carwile — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:48:12 +0000

John,

Oh, how true this message. I agree with you. As I age I continually see the closed mindedness of so many people and the fear…FEAR?…of accepting someone that looks or belives differently than we do. I believe if Jesus were to appear on earth today he would be shocked and surprised and very sad to see what we have done with His message. Wasn’t it a message of LOVE? Why, then, all the hate in this world. It seems simplistic to say, “Can’t we all just be nice to each other?” but I happen to believe that our world would look much differenly if we did just that. Let’s try..one person at a time, if we need to, to just give more love. Love and Peace to you, my brother!

Mary Catherine Carwile
Author of
Heartstrings at 35,000 Feet
and
Heartstrings and
Pink Ribbons
CutAndJump.com