Standards for determining the righteousness of our own beliefs come into view, today, along with more on mob rule and violence as I continue a response begun yesterday to a reader at thoughts.com, who uses the ID “The Eggman”. The following note was posted to Facebook (09/27/2012); more clarifying my beliefs and understanding are presented in the article below.
Just posted at thoughts.com in reply to an extended comment from “The Eggman”:
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts and feelings in some detail. As I read, I felt you were expressing a great deal of anger and pain. The question hit me, Does he feel this is his “final” answer? I wonder whether he expects to learn more, change, or whether he believes he should hold this position for the rest of his life, no matter what. As far as I now know, life experience is not just material and social. There are spiritual experiences also; and maybe, in the future–as near as an hour from now–you may have a life encounter like mine. I had an unexpected experience of seeing Jesus one night after getting high with friends. I realized no one else could decide for me whether my experience was real, or all in my head. To me, that is the “bottom line” of faith: What does a person really believe to be true and real from within themself regarding GOD? I examined my own thoughts and trusted that the humility that literally touched me was a power from GOD, not from any demon, devil or imp. In seeking to know more, and to be more certain, I have studied the Bible, worshiped in the church, had experience of seeing angels, saw into the motives and purpose of others, and shared the fellowship of true believers. In general, others do not connect to my personal testimonies; and it is as Jesus once said, If I have told you earthly things, and you have not believed; How shall I tell you of heavenly. There is more to learn than most of us can handle in a lifetime. Don’t condemn GOD or the human condition in such a way as to deny yourself a chance to check things out more thoroughly. Be encouraged.
THE BATTLE AXE: Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012)—When religious freedom and liberty are defined as matters of politics, social behavior, conduct, feelings and opinion (instead of godly order and structure for conscience and faith), no church, mosque, community or national state can long endure. Repeatedly, those we now label as extremists, fanatics, militants and terrorists have declared that they will answer to no earthly authority, civil law, or impartial judge. Compassion, forgiveness, mercy and wisdom are all cast away so that the tools for religious freedom and liberty may be destruction of property, murder, secrecy, violence, and denial of ones duty to be directly accountable to others (i.e., those entrusted as officials, the public-at-large, and those enduring loss because of their actions.) Men having genuine conviction, integrity and NO shame would even dare come forward into an “open court;” would not “hide” in the faceless crowd; and would answer without hesitation when challenged to “own their deeds.” However, knowing they are wrong, should be punished, and cannot justify themselves, such cowards and low-life will continue to be silent, and cover themselves in lives of darkness. All such must be surrendered to the just workings of a righteous GOD. Had the amount of money lost through the riot and tumult been invested in feeding the families of various imams, been used to create new schools, been used to train media consultants who would share guidance with productions to clarify, honor and respectfully teach the things of Islam, the zeal of the angry mobs could have been known worldwide as a blessing from GOD that will extend to future generations, rather than an effort to spread fear, ignorance, lack of a people’s maturity, primitive stupidity, and ungodliness. Clearly, their murderous, selfish and thoughtless acts have no meaningful part as current truth that is uplifting Islam.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3: 13-15, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Content Of Prayer (01/29/2012); To Save Jesus? (03/12/2011); A Testimony? (03/11/2011); Faith and History (11/09/2010)
The same experiences that bring a person to spiritual maturity also challenge him or her to ask, Suppose I am wrong? What if there is a better way to think about this? What if there is another way to say this, or do this that would be more correct? And how can I be sure that I am not operating with bias, prejudice, and the blindness that comes from pride? At the least one wants to be able to say, I tried to do the right thing, the right way, and for the right reasons. Thus, some of the most important criteria for deciding right and wrong then becomes the benefit (love) to others. Also, where one properly affirms a godly belief, this should be possible without demanding or expecting the material goods of others, their money, the breakup of their homes, or the denial of their vital relationships. The things that truly have power to edify and buildup may operate quietly over an extended period as unseen forces; however, in due time their effect and outcome will become visible to all, and will be clearly known.
When a person speaks to declare their core beliefs, the conviction of their hearts and minds should always be expressed. As a result, they will use language that presents themselves as certain, sure and unwavering. Their purpose is not to boast, exaggerate, and proclaim themselves a big shot, or to lord it over others. In the say way some things are always the consequence of natural events, and the ordinary process of reality, the spiritual attitudes, beliefs and understandings a person proclaims are always in line with their true inward nature. Those who deliberately show themselves as spiritually stupid and unaware, often do so with the idea that they will not be held accountable, and that they do not have to answer to any authority. Despite years of academic study, broad personal experience, or our private losses and tragedies, most of us do not begin to communicate clearly until we “connect” in relationship. This seems particularly true of when declaring ones faith. We have to speak with a correct knowledge of the person(s) we address. This may include their fears, their goals, their needs, their strengths or their weaknesses. Similarly, we have to speak with a right knowledge of our own inner being, and routinely hidden nature.
Most of the arguments regarding spiritual truth that are made in a public forum are not new. The entire spectrum of ideas may be found documented and recorded in various secular, and sacred writings. It requires discovery and growth before one may consistently recognize the intent and motives of others (for example, expressions of personal ecstasy and joy are distinct from doctrine, and exhortation). Believers are challenged to realize that what they thought were their own ideas, in fact, are attributed to earlier kings, patriarchs, prophets, and even fallen angels. Given the discouragement and disrespect that may be shown ones ideas, Christian speakers and writers rely upon GOD to endorse and signify the soundness of their beliefs. These usually agree that, to avoid spreading error and confusion, it is best to maintain strict standards for what, when and how they share. While they go forward by the force of truth, imperative and urgency, the fact that others have the same access to what they “know” is a great counter-weight against arrogance, overconfidence, and self-importance that establishes balance, clarity and stability.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, as surely as you can see the sacred purposes in what I have written, I can see your purposes in what you post. The issues are more than simply whether we should or should not see angels. More properly, once you have heard, seen, touched or been touched yourself, how are you to use that in the rest of your living experience? Should this change your feelings, your thoughts, your beliefs? How is this to be a benefit in your life? Just having a chance encounter on the Internet with someone who says, I’ve been there, done that–what’s it to you? Some sit in the jury box with their minds made up that everyone who appears in court must be lying, including the judge. To such, the whole process is a sham; and why shouldn’t they decline jury duty? Others understand the limit to what they may offer, and wholeheartedly submit themselves to the process in order to do their best.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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