I can understand what you are saying about the board. However, I really think that to get respect, you need to give respect. We are all fighting for respect and we aren't giving it. So, Believers are trying to get some distance from the non-Believers that believe we are judging them.
Some may be judging, but my intent is not to judge when I speak of my beliefs and this book. Yes, the book is offensive to me for the most part because it degrades my Savior. He is not a mere messenger, and to claim He is really is insanity. If you quote Him because you respect Him, then it doesn't make sense that you wouldn't call Him the Son of God and Lord of all because that is Who He said He Is. If you don't believe that, then why quote Him? Because then He was just a liar or a lunatic and not a good reference. Okay? Do you understand? If your god had been misquoted, wouldn't it anger you? Because He was misquoted over and over by a man that doesn't believe He is Who He claims to be. I hope I'm clear on that. And, when I say that Jesus is the Only Way, I'm not doing it in a sense of "Ha Ha, I have God and you don't." I'm doing it because I truly believe it. I had to make the choice too.
Ilene is not judging. She is standing firm in her beliefs and should be respected for that. When she says the "lost path of Tolle" she really believes that because as Believers believe (as above) that he is leading away from Christ. Christ taught us thru the Bible. Tolle acknowledges that BUT he uses Jesus' teachings out of context. She cannot condemn you to hell with her beliefs so quit thinking that. Your ego is saying that. No one can condemn you but yourself if what we believe is true. You have the same opportunity that we do, you and only you are responsible for the choices you make.
Say you were trying to give directions to someone. You pointed over in the direction that the person wanted to go and said, "It's over there." and then they ran off before you finished because you were going to tell them, "but, the only way you can get there is this way." They have missed the most vital information. They can see it, but they are not going to get there because they don't have the right information.
Now, knowing that, please see that we ARE trying to teach you our way because as we fully believe thru our faith and the words of our Savior that it is the only way. With that said, you are comfortable about your faith. So what if you feel we are telling you you're not right. You say you have the relationship but as far as I know, because I believe Jesus' words, you cannot. That does not mean you don't. We are told their are false gods. As far as I know, you are following one. But, you might not be. My beliefs should not be offensive to you, because I am following Jesus. If you don't like the message, then you have a problem with Jesus, not me. See where I am coming from? And, so it is hard for me to believe that anyone could find Him any other way because that is not what He said. He said He was the only way over and over again.
Sometimes it is hard to put it in words, because it is so black and white to us. I knew when I knew and it wasn't that hard. Maybe because I came as a child I didn't question then. I just gave my life. I really don't have to question, because I have the relationship. Some of what people have described their relationship (non-believers) is very different than what I experience as a Christian. I, too, can enjoy God's wonderful creations, but they are not God to me. No, God is very different. More amazing than His creation. I do not see Him in a flower. I see that He made the flower.
Where did I say you were not worth my time? I would never say that to anyone. Arguing is a waste of my time. You've heard the truth and you have made your decision.
You know what is really hard about all of this is that there are so many that say they are Christians, but then they say they don't believe the Bible and don't believe Jesus is the only way. A Christian is a follower of Christ. The only way any of us have known their was a Christ is from History from the Bible. If God had not given us that word or the disciples, we would not have known. Just as if I wasn't on this board, I wouldn't know you even exist.
I am not assuming no one reads the Bible. But, when someone gives me a quote or half of it, and uses it for some other means than intended, then I have a problem. Jesus explains Himself over and over. He explains His parables and when He says He is the only way, how is that up for interpretation. If I said, "The only way to get there is by...." I mean you can't get there any other way. Would you have some other meaning???? Especially when Jesus has said it in many other ways. Over and over. God even says it in the OT.
That is great that many Christians have gotten something great out of it. I have too. However, do you believe that there are other ways to God than thru Jesus? If so, how? If so, why do you not trust Jesus' words anymore?
I know what bothers us well-meaning believers is that the Bible says that false teachers will come and many will fall away (many Believers). We know that will happen. We fill that this is what is causing it. Many Christians are saying that Jesus is not the Only Way. And, if Jesus meant what He said and you believed it before but have turned from that and are telling others it is okay, then you have fallen away. Now see that I said IF. Honestly, I just don't see how Jesus' words can be understood any differently. Maybe you could show me by verses how you've come up with different interpretations??? I would love to hear.
I disagree with interpreting Jesus in a new way. But, that is my opinion. I got it the first time. His meaning is eternal it doesn't change. I think what we have to be careful with are the different rules that the apostles had for us. What is sin to one man is not necessarily sin to another and that God will judge each of our hearts. So all of that is up to interpretation and how you feel about it.
And, I also do not agree that ANE is all about exploring how to better live by Christ's teachings because ANE does not support the Bible and is not meant to. This book is about how to change your mindset. I see that very differently than you. Doesn't make me right but just what I believe.
I really tried to be respectful of your feelings while trying to explain mine. I pray I didn't offend. I'm not good at this. I really do not mean to be judgmental. I'm just not a good communicator.
May God Bless you!
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