Does anybody really care WWJD?

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine
The Bible is the Word of God, it means as much as whatever Jesus did. Remember there is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. One does not trump the other. In the Bible (God's holy word) it says homosexuality is a sin. However, it does not say it is a greater sin than any other. Sin is sin.

Good answer, but I still want to know what that has to do with what Jesus would do. We all know that there are things in the Bible that we don't adhere to anymore - like stoning people that don't keep the Sabbath - so I look to Christ's teachings to help me understand the "new covenant". How would we get an anti-gay sentiment from Christ's teachings?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I for one am not anti-gay. I do not agree with the lifestyle, but it is not my job to judge. The day will come when EVERYONE will need to answer to God (according to my beliefs), it will all get sorted out then. Also, I don't agree that we just throw away all of the Old Testament because Jesus came and died for our sins. I think this is where a lot of people lose sight. The Old Testament STILL matters.

As for what would Jesus do? He befriended the dowtrodden, the prostitutes and other sinners. He would tell them to Go and SIN NO MORE.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine
I for one am not anti-gay. I do not agree with the lifestyle, but it is not my job to judge. The day will come when EVERYONE will need to answer to God (according to my beliefs), it will all get sorted out then. Also, I don't agree that we just throw away all of the Old Testament because Jesus came and died for our sins. I think this is where a lot of people lose sight. The Old Testament STILL matters.

As for what would Jesus do? He befriended the dowtrodden, the prostitutes and other sinners. His parting words often were "Go and SIN NO MORE."

So we have to guess that he thinks homosexuality is a sin? There is plenty in the old testament that we don't do anymore - why keep this idea, when Jesus gives us no indication that it's still important? Of course we don't throw out the old testament, but isn't it clear that Jesus was looking at a new era? Why else was he annoying all those scholars?

 

[wdwfam]

I didn't say the Salvation Army is sinning for denying help to homosexuals. Someone else must have or you surmise that. Jesus came to teach a gospel to be spread. His main focus was getting the Jewish nation to get ready for a new covenant. The apostles, such as Paul, Peter, and John were inspired by the Holy Spirit to address issues such as adultery, immorality, coveteousness, etc. It's not just what Jesus said, but what the inspired men of God also gave us in their writings. Keeping all in context is like any other book. You can't pick and choose pieces to get what you want out of it.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by wdwfam
You can't pick and choose pieces to get what you want out of it.

But we do that all the time!

 

[wdwfam]

But that doesn't make it right, does it?

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by wdwfam
But that doesn't make it right, does it?

you're saying that Jesus wants us to stone people who don't keep the sabbath?

 

[wdwfam]

You know I have figured out that you aren't really asking questions; you're trying to twist words. Sorry I didn't realize that earlier. You don't want answers. Jesus had an answer to people who wouldn' listen to the words spoken - "shake the dust off your feet". This thread is going nowhere and is not productive at all. I wanted to respond to someone who really is trying to search out the truth.

 

[binny]

Yes I care. I really do.

I think that as Christians we know were supposed to STRIVE for that. BUT we are also human with free will and God knows that. He gave us that. We can go round and round all we want but there IS an absolute truth. Thats what *I* believe.


We all have to answer to God. Not to each other.

 

[chobie]

Does anybody really care what Jesus would do, or is that just a catchy slogan.

Catchy slogan. Though It has been pointed out to me that I am ignorant of the bible, I believe cutesy WWJD bracelets and the multitudes of Christian bumper stickers (In case of rapture car will be unmanned, Christians aren't perfect-just forgiven etc) would annoy Jesus in the same way the money changers in the temple did.

Didn't Jesus say something about not flaunting your piety in public?

 

[Maleficent13]

Originally posted by wdwfam
You know I have figured out that you aren't really asking questions; you're trying to twist words. Sorry I didn't realize that earlier. You don't want answers. Jesus had an answer to people who wouldn' listen to the words spoken - "shake the dust off your feet". This thread is going nowhere and is not productive at all. I wanted to respond to someone who really is trying to search out the truth.

Where did auntpolly twist words? And fwiw, I think she does really want answers. Also, fwiw, I think she isn't going to get any that are going to satisfy her. Because (if I may be so bold, auntpolly), she is like me. She is looking for someone to explain this to her in a way that makes sense to her. No one has ever been able to do that for me, and I doubt anyone is going to be able to do it for her.

I agree that this thread probably will go nowhere, but for a reason different that you do. When you say you wanted to respond to someone who really is trying to search out the truth, you meant your truth. My truth is fundamentally different than yours. Our searches lead us to different places. I'm okay with that. Others aren't. I'm okay with that too.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by Maleficent13
Where did auntpolly twist words? And fwiw, I think she does really want answers. Also, fwiw, I think she isn't going to get any that are going to satisfy her. Because (if I may be so bold, auntpolly), she is like me. She is looking for someone to explain this to her in a way that makes sense to her. No one has ever been able to do that for me, and I doubt anyone is going to be able to do it for her.

I agree that this thread probably will go nowhere, but for a reason different that you do. When you say you wanted to respond to someone who really is trying to search out the truth, you meant your truth. My truth is fundamentally different than yours. Our searches lead us to different places. I'm okay with that. Others aren't. I'm okay with that too.

Thanks Maleficent! I forgot about this thread until this morning - I kind of gave up on it when I realized no one was getting what I meant and that some people were just kind of threatened by the question. Thank you for recognizing that I really wanted a discussion - this is something I really think about a lot.

I ask priests questions like this all the time....good thing they are pretty thick skinned I guess! I've had some pretty good discussions with them, actually. Some of these questions you know won't ever get really "answered", but with discussion, you learn a little more hopefully grow spiritually.

 

[CRB#33]

Originally posted by auntpolly
I agree - but what do you say to Christians who would discriminate and feel superior to those who choose differently than you?

I have to let them know that Jesus wanted us to reach out to others in His name. That He wanted all people to come to God and know Him. I tell them that their judgmental nature pushes people away from Christ, not to Him. This is NOT what Christ wanted from us.

As far as Jesus not dealing with every issue that comes our way and not knowing where to go to for guidance, I talked about this a little in another thread. Paul had a conversion experience on the road to Damascus that changed his life from a scornful Roman to a true believer and lover of Christ.

I really believe this was God's plan. He appointed Paul to travel, preach the gospel and bring people the good news of Christ. Chrisitainity was born and God appointed Paul to help these new Christians learn how to live their lives as followers of Christ. What he taught was what God wanted him to teach. This is obviously something that Jesus could not do because He needed to be glorified before the spread of His word could happen.

I think we need to refer to both Jesus' and Paul's teachings when we make our decisions.

Auntpolly, Jesus did think the Old Testament was important. He may not have used those words, but He referred to OT scripture all of the time in His teachings. How many times did He start His teachings with words like, "It is written that"? Many. Sometimes, he solidified what was said and sometimes he adjusted it to give new meaning or help us move away from doctrines of men.

Now, like I said above Paul and the other apostles were appointed by God to help us learn how to live as believers in Christ. What God wanted in the Bible is there.

As far as the slogan, I think it's kind of neat for the younger (teen) crowd as a personal reminder for them. It could also facilitate conversation that we all have a hard time starting.

If you're wearing something just to show off, I don't think it's a great thing, but as a personal reminder in times of trouble or difficult choices, I think it's okay, especially for the new Christian.

It's no different than wearing a cross on a chain around your neck.

 

[auntpolly]

CRB - Thanks for the great reply.

At the risk of making people mad, I've been thinking alot about Paul lately. He kind of freaks me out, and I wonder if he wasn't a little nuts. Sacreligious, yes; but I'm just being honest.

Also, the OT isn't as big with Catholics - we're more Jesus centered, I think.

 

[CRB#33]

Well, I think you're looking at Paul from today's point of view.

Paul had a huge task, something that was so new, so different and so important. He was among the first to spread this unbelievable news.

He had to be totally committted, totally sure and totally filled with the Holy Spirit in order to do what God asked of him.

He would probably seem nuts to many in today's world view.

Back then he was the perfect person for God to use exactly the way He wanted.