Dear Vanilla,

Oooops, I made a blunder, sorry.

Did you mean am I a fan of the liberal - retired Bishop John Shelby Spong? (Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark). Who's for racial equality et cetera...

Yes, I am a fan.

The Christian tradition that “Foxy” is talking about claims that Jesus had no earthly father. His earthly mother or “God-bearer” [Greek “Theo-tokos”] was never “defiled” by the “seed” or semen of any earthly man. Even the “seed” of Zachary was supposedly “decontaminated” before it entered the womb of Anne – Mary’s mother.

Moving on – considering that Jesus had no earthly father but only an earthly mother “undefiled” by human semen – the question nowadays arises – From where did Jesus [a man like every other man – except sinless] get the “Y” chromosomes of his 44-plus-XY genetic configuration from a woman with a 44-plus-XX genetic configuration?

Did the Holy Spirit “circumcise” or “amputate” an arm or a leg off one of Mary’s “X’s” to make a “Y” in a cell modified to act as a sperm able to penetrate one of her “seeds” [“eggs” or “ova”]?

The essential “foundational belief” of Christianity has always been Christ’s victory over dying, death and disintegration. As Paul said, “If Christ be not risen, our preaching is in vain – and so is your faith!” (1 Cor.15:14). Yes – the body of the Nazarene [aged about 33] did die and start disintegrating (Jn.19:34). But a “break-through” occurred in the tomb – a mystery that no one has yet explained [nor will ever explain?]. Jesus burst from the tomb and resumed his ascension from the beginning to the end of time – drawing the basic stuff of all things to himself as he promised (Jn.12:32) and according to the inner plan which God the Father so kindly made from the beginning – that in the course of time He would bring all things together under Christ as Head (Eph.1:9-10). So Jesus is what Teilhard called “The Universal Element”[1] – the universal “reconciling” or integrating element. “Above all,” he said, ‘we seek Christ in his integrity!”[2]

[1] 1919 “The Universal Element” pp.289-302 in “Writings in Time of War” 1968
[2] ibid., p.30

Foxy

Thank you kindly for your considered response to my query.

I am trying to understand why clearly intelligent people like yourself believe in Christ, the resurrection and a paternalistic god (whom I don't find at all loving because of the many contradictions in both the OT and NT).

I guess I have to say that I can no more believe in the bible than I can in the tooth fairy - I am not being facetious; just straight.

If there is some kind of singular intelligence behind the universe, then I don't understand why it would be so involved with a bunch of primates on this tiny planet, 2000 years ago. Involved to the point of killing an offspring that it created (and apparently loved) - how that expiates our collective sins is completely irrational to me. And then there is the whole 'born sinners' bit. Look at any little baby and tell me it is a sinner. Disgusting.

The only religion that comes close to being rational (to me) is Buddhism, although without the supernatural reincarnation part. It offers a good way to live in a contemplative, responsible way.

I started questioning the inconsistencies in the bible when I was ten, moving to agnostic when 12 and then completely atheist at 15. I only really became concerned about the effects of religion on people since 9/11. OK, I know they were extremists, but for extremists to exist they need a place to start, and that is within the mainstream religion. In the case of 9/11 it was Islam, but Christianity has a blemished record also, although not so bloodthirsty in recent history, but just as into controlling people. That is why separation of church and state is essential – look at George Pell, he’s mainstream but I wouldn’t call him moderate.

So just what is meant by “Total Christ” then? Total what? Control? So many intelligent people with so much to say about someone who probably didn't exist.

Dear Vanilla....

I'll try to alter my approach somehow.. to heal the obvious wound you are feeling. There is a verse in scripture..

1 Cor 8:13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

The chapter is about exercising rights.. but notes that using our rights can cause those less robust among us to fall.

Honestly.. it would give me no joy whatsoever if my posts drive you from Christ.

But let me say this.. if for example you came 'to' Christ, without recognizing that Jesus did speak harshly at times to those who were building and maintaining social/religious structures which were abhorrent to God (Pharisess/Scribes/Lawyers/Saducees)...you would find yourself in all manner of conflict with those who spoke forthrightly about important issues and even threats.

So...I'm hoping you have the grace to see that the Christian life is not all a bed of roses, and that sometimes those who hurt us most, are our supposed brothers and sisters.

I guess in my case, my past life experience under Islamic rule is what is coming out far more than it should.

My choice would be to proclaim Christ in all His glory and love.. "I am the good shepherd... I am the bread of life.. he/she who comes to me will never hunger"

I mentioned that verse (Bread of life) to a Muslim chap on the phone the other day.. he totally recognized how beautiful it is.

Let the pain of my rants fade :) let them be replaced with a vision of Jesus more like the one presented by Roch...

Dear Fractelle,

I'm hoping that one day there will be one humanity, struggling to be honest to themselves. One humanity that won't live in suspicion, in tension, in anger, in bitterness, in calumny and righteousness, in narrowness and fear. A humanity that won't hide their weaknesses and exaggerate their strength.

That we will accept our differences and tolerate them.

I respect your beliefs and the uniqueness that is you. And I hope that you will do the same for me.

I struggle to find myself, to love my fellow human beings, and to hope that in this way I am truly loving God.

Thank you for sharing your views with me.

All The Best.

Dear Fractelle,

I don't pretend to have all the answers. I call Christ God, in simple and indefensible faith. Others might find their God in "Church" or "Abraham" or "personal honesty."

That's all I've got to say. I wish you happiness along your chosen path in life. May you find what you're looking for.

Kind Regards,