My experiences in cyberspace are for the most part positive. I like to rely on a positive effect being put out by me equals a positive return. In most cases, that's exactly what takes place, every now and then I get surprised when it goes the other way.
Recently, I was added to a Facebook group (I won't link to it as I do not want to publicize them) who'd description seemed good enough. When I got into it I realized, I was not in the company of Christians who share my passion for the living God, but rather a group of ravenous Evangelical Dominionists out to crush the spirit of anyone they considered to be an "enemy of God."
My journey throughout the whole of Creation has yielded to some amazing things. One of those is the very fact that God is perfect. Not in the human sense of perfection, as the divine perfection is far beyond human comprehension. As a result, God has no "enemies." Such an idea is an absurdity. What God does have is a vested interest in the whole of his Creation. This manifests as his pure love and grace for all of his children, not just some chosen few.
As a result of the twisted mindset that results in Biblical Literalism, the hatred found in the group was deeper than surface level. Homophobia, sectarianism, misogyny and the most ridiculous demand of Levitical law. Actual stoning of disobedient teenagers was encouraged, and I'm not exaggerating.
What I tried to convey through reason and kindness was such literalism and contempt of fellow human beings doesn't endure anyone to Christianity, it drives them away and truthfully, I'd rather live in a world full of Atheists than create one more hater for fellow human beings.
This is exactly what I mean when I say that the Bible read incorrectly then applied incorrectly is a Weapon of Mass Destruction. A weapon that crushes the human spirit and with the sectarian wars waged throughout the ages, loss of human life.
God loves all. God is love. God is living, only when you realize these things can you help to build his kingdom on Earth.
I experienced the same disdain from a group of people who considered themselves to be believers. The very Word of God was rejected there. People who loved the Word were treated as outcasts, simply because some did not "elaborate" on their reasons for posting scripture. Some of us love the Word so much, just as it is, for many of us, it is that very Word that has delivered us from slavery, bondage and even death. I saw believers persecuted by other "believers" and the Spirit of true Love was altogether absent. Hate is hate, regardless of the shape and form it takes. Some hate is obvious. Other hate forms are less recognizable. For some of us, it is easy to discern this spirit, not so much by others. I pray for continued discernment every day. Either way, it was painful to witness and each day I spent in that group, the Holy Spirit within me was deeply grieved. I spent many nights crying over it. I know how you feel, Joan. I think in the case of believers, rejecting other believers, or promoting intolerance of any kind, is something we can turn over to the Most High. He is able to make changes where necessary. True Lambs of God will be convicted by such behavior. The Lord truly does love those whom He chastens, no different from a father or mother providing loving correction to their offspring. We may weep over such hate in this world, but we will be comforted because God is just, and merciful, altogether loving. The bible is clear about the correct way to interpret it's very Words. "1 Corinthians 2:6-16 6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ." And yes, God is Love, and true Love comes only from God. Thank you for your entry on the subject. <3
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteThank you both. Love and blessings to both of you.
ReplyDeleteMy Sister,
ReplyDeleteI can fully understand the distress that you under regarding these groups. Here is a thought of hope for you to hang on too. There is a video on youtube by Matthew Vines regarding Gays in the church. It really opened my eyes. I didn't realize that Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians that Gentiles are not bound by the Law. In other words only the jews were bound by the Laws of Moses. Therefore, the scripture verses in Leviticus that these "Christians" keep citing as the reason to exclude gay people from anything has been overridden. I should also mention that the verses in Leviticus were referring to prostitution and rape not a loving relationship that God would encourage. I would point out that in Genesis, God states "that it is not good for man to be alone. Let us find a helpmate suitable for him." With these 2 verses, we see that God doesn't want anyone to be alone and that the old laws no longer apply. If you want to see real hatred then look at the Westboro Baptist Church. They call themselves a church but the synod of baptist churches won't admit them. They are a hate group, I believe that the group that you encountered should be treated the same way as a hate group. I would be honored to stand with you in our battle against the hate that is being spread.
God Bless you all,
Bishop Roy Stevens SSFX
Christ's Evangelical Catholic Church
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ReplyDeleteThe powers of the divine can heal and they can kill. Once it is understood that there are twin or dual divine powers, then understanding that the road runs both ways will come.
ReplyDelete