One of the fascinating things about us humans is the way in which we process information. We have a good understanding that the brain is hardwired both in the physical structures and functions as well as the cognitive (or operational) elements. Now consider for a moment, at any given point in time the brain is processing thousands of bits of information, from all our senses, internal status, and all our internal conscious thoughts. The processing of this data takes place largely at a non-conscious level, picture a wall, and look across to the opposite side of your room. Think of that wall as containing the sum total of all information your brain is processing at this moment, now picture on that wall a small picture frame which we will call our awareness, we can move that frame all over the wall bringing various elements into consciousness, shifting our thoughts, perceptions and awareness around the larger field of information. This all takes place within a complex mind-body connection and operates in a systematic, orderly and largely automatic manner. This process is “hardwired” it is the physical and mental system operating system if you will. We understand much of the system, and one element that makes this system as rapid and efficient as it is, it that the brain uses constructs to fill in the pieces. We do not need to process every bit of information, run it through complex logarithms to arrive at a conclusion, but instead we use these constructs that allow us to very quickly make assessments on minimal amounts of information. We do not require every possible piece of information in order to make assessment. In fact we make most all assessments using minimal data, because of these constructs. One very clear example of this is optical illusions, the reason optical illusions “work” is because of this process, these mental shortcuts. We like to think of ourselves as largely rational, but in reality we are predictably irrational, many of our decisions are made as a result of these mental shortcuts and can be quite irrational, we can as a result be conditioned (largely by chance but also intentionally) to behave and respond in ways that are contrary to our best interest. Interestingly these mental shortcuts not only apply to us individually (psychology) but also in the context of our interactions with and in social settings (social psychology).
In our larger social context we use very similar processes when we use various constructs to interpret the large amount of social, cultural and contextual information we must process. A few (there are many) familiar examples are our prejudices, bias and stereotyping, all of these contain both positive and negative elements. Again these processes (these social shortcuts) happen largely at a non-conscious level.
The way in which we operate using these mental and social shortcuts allow us to operate at a high level of efficiency, but also add significantly to the risk of error and mistakes, awareness of the how give us insight into the why.
gwg
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Eternal Hell Roots in Paganism Not In Christianity: Part I
Eternal Hell Roots in Paganism Not In Christianity: Part I
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths”1
This is the second installment (if you will) as I attempt to explain my understanding of scripture related to the completed work of Jesus Christ. Most Christians believe that if a person dies without accepting Christ as their personal Lord and Savior they will spend and eternity in eternal torment of Hell. This was a belief that I grew up with and have believed (most of my life), taught and argued for many years. It is however incorrect and is not taught in scripture. Wait don’t pick up the stones just yet. As I said in my introduction, I began to see contradictions to this doctrine throughout scripture, the doctrine does not fit the nature of God as he has revealed himself. I ask only that you prayerfully consider what I have to say, and more important examine the scripture seeking the truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit.
Historical Development of the doctrine of eternal Hell:
First few centuries universal salvation was taught by a majority of Christians, early church fathers and theologians, Clement of Alexandria (150-213 AD) and Origin (185-254) both taught universal salvation there were some during this time period who believed in Hell as eternal punishment one such person was Tertullian who wrote how he would delight in looking down and seeing his enemies burning in hell fire (hardly demonstrating the fruits of the spirit). Augustine (converted to Christianity in 386 AD) really ushers in a significant change in the church’s teaching on his matter. Also Augustine represents a shift in power from the Greek Christians to the Roman (Latin) Christians; this has significant impact on the direction the young church will take. Related to political control and over the next many centuries we see the roman church controlling kings and queens, nations and armies and it does so predominately on the threat of excommunication resulting in the eternal punishment of hell! One should not miss the significance of this doctrine as a means of control and power for an increasingly worldly church. At the beginning as Augustine gained power there was only the Latin school at Carthage that was teaching the doctrine of endless punishment, the Greek schools were teaching universal salvation. Augustine was the champion of the former view. Another significant move in the church was away from the Greek texts to the Latin translations. In 390-406 AD Jerome an Italian scholar translated the Latin Bible that we know as the Latin Vulgate, Jerome clearly bolster the support for the Latin concept of eternal punishment in this translation. It was the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 5th Century condemned universal salvation and threatened excommunication to anyone who opposed him, at the 5th General Council. Then on the basis of a vengeful god punishing multitudes for all eternity they acted in kind and plunged the world into the dark ages and the inquisition.
This is a brief introduction to the historical elements we will be discussing.
In this blog I will follow a suggested three dimensional approach (this approach not original to me2) as well as adding my own fourth element
1) Exegesis: A critical analysis of Biblical text
2) Philosophical: A critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs
3) Theological: Study of the nature of God and religious truths
4) Psychological: A study of the behavior and mental processes of man.
So this is not intended to be simply a commentary on various scriptures, although this is a critical element for which I will devote considerable time as well as providing additional scriptures and reference material for you continued study should you so desire.
Knowing most anyone reading my blog will be from within my (very) small circle of friends and that most of you come from similar backgrounds as I, you may place less importance (possibly discount altogether) any critical analysis other than an exegetical one. I understand that response, let me just point out that truth is truth no matter where you find it. Psalm 19 tells us that we can discover the nature of God by way of astronomy and natural science; I think it is no less likely that we can also find truths by way of reason and other human sciences. My approach is to validate it against the spirit and truth of the Bible.
Let me dispel a misconception, on which I will go into more detail later. There is a time of judgment, and we are clearly accountable for our actions, but Gods judgment is one of a Father correcting his children rather than of vengeance. The vengeance and penalty of sin was paid for by Christ, and “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”3
GWG
1 Psalm 25.4
2 Ken R. Vencent Ed.D.
3 Philippians 2.5-11 also consider that “no man may say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit”
1 Corinthians 12.3
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths”1
This is the second installment (if you will) as I attempt to explain my understanding of scripture related to the completed work of Jesus Christ. Most Christians believe that if a person dies without accepting Christ as their personal Lord and Savior they will spend and eternity in eternal torment of Hell. This was a belief that I grew up with and have believed (most of my life), taught and argued for many years. It is however incorrect and is not taught in scripture. Wait don’t pick up the stones just yet. As I said in my introduction, I began to see contradictions to this doctrine throughout scripture, the doctrine does not fit the nature of God as he has revealed himself. I ask only that you prayerfully consider what I have to say, and more important examine the scripture seeking the truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit.
Historical Development of the doctrine of eternal Hell:
First few centuries universal salvation was taught by a majority of Christians, early church fathers and theologians, Clement of Alexandria (150-213 AD) and Origin (185-254) both taught universal salvation there were some during this time period who believed in Hell as eternal punishment one such person was Tertullian who wrote how he would delight in looking down and seeing his enemies burning in hell fire (hardly demonstrating the fruits of the spirit). Augustine (converted to Christianity in 386 AD) really ushers in a significant change in the church’s teaching on his matter. Also Augustine represents a shift in power from the Greek Christians to the Roman (Latin) Christians; this has significant impact on the direction the young church will take. Related to political control and over the next many centuries we see the roman church controlling kings and queens, nations and armies and it does so predominately on the threat of excommunication resulting in the eternal punishment of hell! One should not miss the significance of this doctrine as a means of control and power for an increasingly worldly church. At the beginning as Augustine gained power there was only the Latin school at Carthage that was teaching the doctrine of endless punishment, the Greek schools were teaching universal salvation. Augustine was the champion of the former view. Another significant move in the church was away from the Greek texts to the Latin translations. In 390-406 AD Jerome an Italian scholar translated the Latin Bible that we know as the Latin Vulgate, Jerome clearly bolster the support for the Latin concept of eternal punishment in this translation. It was the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 5th Century condemned universal salvation and threatened excommunication to anyone who opposed him, at the 5th General Council. Then on the basis of a vengeful god punishing multitudes for all eternity they acted in kind and plunged the world into the dark ages and the inquisition.
This is a brief introduction to the historical elements we will be discussing.
In this blog I will follow a suggested three dimensional approach (this approach not original to me2) as well as adding my own fourth element
1) Exegesis: A critical analysis of Biblical text
2) Philosophical: A critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs
3) Theological: Study of the nature of God and religious truths
4) Psychological: A study of the behavior and mental processes of man.
So this is not intended to be simply a commentary on various scriptures, although this is a critical element for which I will devote considerable time as well as providing additional scriptures and reference material for you continued study should you so desire.
Knowing most anyone reading my blog will be from within my (very) small circle of friends and that most of you come from similar backgrounds as I, you may place less importance (possibly discount altogether) any critical analysis other than an exegetical one. I understand that response, let me just point out that truth is truth no matter where you find it. Psalm 19 tells us that we can discover the nature of God by way of astronomy and natural science; I think it is no less likely that we can also find truths by way of reason and other human sciences. My approach is to validate it against the spirit and truth of the Bible.
Let me dispel a misconception, on which I will go into more detail later. There is a time of judgment, and we are clearly accountable for our actions, but Gods judgment is one of a Father correcting his children rather than of vengeance. The vengeance and penalty of sin was paid for by Christ, and “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”3
GWG
1 Psalm 25.4
2 Ken R. Vencent Ed.D.
3 Philippians 2.5-11 also consider that “no man may say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit”
1 Corinthians 12.3
Friday, September 18, 2009
Restoration
Universal Salvation, Jesus the Redeemer of Mankind an Introduction
I began about a year ago to develop an understanding of the complete and encompassing redemptive nature of the work of Christ. I have struggled for a much longer time with seeming contradictions around the unfathomable grace and power of Christ’s propitiation, and that it seemed all sin could be forgiven except unbelief which seems a limitation to grace, the work of Christ and the victory won on the cross. And though I grew up singing the old hymns (some of the newer songs are nice but I do miss some of the old hymns) and as much as we sing and confess that we are saved by grace if it ultimately comes down to a decision to accept or reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And that decision allows us a part, albeit a small part, but a part nonetheless in salvation. So it would seem we could sing the hymn “I am just a sinner saved by Grace… and my right choice”. We as good Christians deny it and would repress any sense of pride that this correct choice might foster, but the fact remains. We by our choice are saved, the fact that we have made the correct choice of faith results in our salvation. All praise and glory to God “I” chose Christ as my savior. Now no one would deny the work of Christ but there still remains that small element that we as Christians can “take credit” for – the correct choice. Of course we allow that the Holy Spirit has lead us to this point of understanding where by we recognize our sin and grace freely offered, but ultimately we make a choice. And it is by the very nature of that decision that one may choose correctly or incorrectly, those that choose correctly have a part to play in the outcome and in this case it is their own salvation.
This never has seemed quite right to me, it would seem to detract, or diminish the Grace of God and the complete work of Christ. That when Jesus was crucified and rose again, splitting hell asunder defeating sin and death, the awesome power, majesty and love of that act cannot and would not be diminished by the mere choice of mortal man.
Some have said there is no choice that God foreordains the elect to salvation and the rest to damnation. This view places even more limitations on God’s love & grace, than does our individual decision.
I have through the course of my life encountered the concept of a completed universal restorative1 work of Jesus Christ, but always rejected it outright. After all I grew up a Baptist, revivals and tent meetings hell fire and brimstone, eternal agony of punishment was part of my psyche. It is a corner stone of the faith. Or is it?
As I reexamined these questions closer I discovered these ideas are not original to me, nor are the particularly recent in Church history universal salvation or restoration has been taught throughout church history and was particularly strong in the early church. Now in fairness to history as the church grew and organized the concept of eternal damnation became an accepted tenant as well it played a very critical role particularly as a means of power and control2. And to be clear outside of a large number of the early church (and church fathers) the concept of universal salvation has always been a belief held by a small segment of Christendom.
So began my spiritual journey, in subsequent posts I will provide the argument supporting this truth, through scripture, theologians and church history.
I commonly get two responses from Christians in response to this; first, this is heresy and I am a heretic for talking about this; I say historically3 that puts me in the company of some pretty godly men and women, I’m just saying examine the scriptures yourselves. The other is that if everyone will be “saved” then why bother to live a godly life, “I can do whatever I want it doesn’t matter” this says more about your current relationship with God, that it is fear based which is sad whether I am right or wrong.
John the Baptist said of Jesus “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
As an old boss of mine (who ironically was one of the worst I’ve had) used to say you eat an elephant one bite at a time, so this no doubt is my first bite on this subject. I look forward to your comments.
GWG
1 Completed, Universal and Restoration have been used and I will use them interchangeably to refer to the concept of universal salvation through the work of Jesus Christ
2 I will discuss this in subsequent blogs
3 This is not to say that all “heretics” are godly
I began about a year ago to develop an understanding of the complete and encompassing redemptive nature of the work of Christ. I have struggled for a much longer time with seeming contradictions around the unfathomable grace and power of Christ’s propitiation, and that it seemed all sin could be forgiven except unbelief which seems a limitation to grace, the work of Christ and the victory won on the cross. And though I grew up singing the old hymns (some of the newer songs are nice but I do miss some of the old hymns) and as much as we sing and confess that we are saved by grace if it ultimately comes down to a decision to accept or reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And that decision allows us a part, albeit a small part, but a part nonetheless in salvation. So it would seem we could sing the hymn “I am just a sinner saved by Grace… and my right choice”. We as good Christians deny it and would repress any sense of pride that this correct choice might foster, but the fact remains. We by our choice are saved, the fact that we have made the correct choice of faith results in our salvation. All praise and glory to God “I” chose Christ as my savior. Now no one would deny the work of Christ but there still remains that small element that we as Christians can “take credit” for – the correct choice. Of course we allow that the Holy Spirit has lead us to this point of understanding where by we recognize our sin and grace freely offered, but ultimately we make a choice. And it is by the very nature of that decision that one may choose correctly or incorrectly, those that choose correctly have a part to play in the outcome and in this case it is their own salvation.
This never has seemed quite right to me, it would seem to detract, or diminish the Grace of God and the complete work of Christ. That when Jesus was crucified and rose again, splitting hell asunder defeating sin and death, the awesome power, majesty and love of that act cannot and would not be diminished by the mere choice of mortal man.
Some have said there is no choice that God foreordains the elect to salvation and the rest to damnation. This view places even more limitations on God’s love & grace, than does our individual decision.
I have through the course of my life encountered the concept of a completed universal restorative1 work of Jesus Christ, but always rejected it outright. After all I grew up a Baptist, revivals and tent meetings hell fire and brimstone, eternal agony of punishment was part of my psyche. It is a corner stone of the faith. Or is it?
As I reexamined these questions closer I discovered these ideas are not original to me, nor are the particularly recent in Church history universal salvation or restoration has been taught throughout church history and was particularly strong in the early church. Now in fairness to history as the church grew and organized the concept of eternal damnation became an accepted tenant as well it played a very critical role particularly as a means of power and control2. And to be clear outside of a large number of the early church (and church fathers) the concept of universal salvation has always been a belief held by a small segment of Christendom.
So began my spiritual journey, in subsequent posts I will provide the argument supporting this truth, through scripture, theologians and church history.
I commonly get two responses from Christians in response to this; first, this is heresy and I am a heretic for talking about this; I say historically3 that puts me in the company of some pretty godly men and women, I’m just saying examine the scriptures yourselves. The other is that if everyone will be “saved” then why bother to live a godly life, “I can do whatever I want it doesn’t matter” this says more about your current relationship with God, that it is fear based which is sad whether I am right or wrong.
John the Baptist said of Jesus “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
As an old boss of mine (who ironically was one of the worst I’ve had) used to say you eat an elephant one bite at a time, so this no doubt is my first bite on this subject. I look forward to your comments.
GWG
1 Completed, Universal and Restoration have been used and I will use them interchangeably to refer to the concept of universal salvation through the work of Jesus Christ
2 I will discuss this in subsequent blogs
3 This is not to say that all “heretics” are godly
Thursday, September 17, 2009
My Blog Introduction
I am beginning this blog as (I speculate) so many others do, out of a need to express myself on a variety of issues. My interests are many and varied, I have a few initial ideas of what I want to write about, but I am sure the topics will vary greatly.
It is my plan to approach this endeavor with the goal to continually improve; I ask your patience as I learn the technology as well as (I hope) improve my writing as a craft. I welcome your feedback, and comments.
Here are a few of the topics bouncing around in my head that I will be writing about, in no particular order:
Technology:
o Particularly its impact on the alienation of mankind – and I am not blind to the irony of using a technology to deliver this assessment
Religion/Spirituality:
o My perspective is decidedly Christian but I am fascinated with the commonality of truths across all religions.
o The complete and universal redemption of Christ
o Modern Christians lack of knowledge of church history and its impact on current Christian faith and theology
o The creative power of speech / intention
o Alienation of work, dissatisfaction and Spirituality in the workplace
Psychology
o Psychology of control (political and other)
o Irrational decision making
Business / Economic
o Behavioral Economics
o Organizational Development
These are just a few of my interests, I tend to research various topics simultaneously and jump around a bit, I will attempt to be more focused in my blogging and I hope write in such a way as to be informative but readable and interesting.
Gary
It is my plan to approach this endeavor with the goal to continually improve; I ask your patience as I learn the technology as well as (I hope) improve my writing as a craft. I welcome your feedback, and comments.
Here are a few of the topics bouncing around in my head that I will be writing about, in no particular order:
Technology:
o Particularly its impact on the alienation of mankind – and I am not blind to the irony of using a technology to deliver this assessment
Religion/Spirituality:
o My perspective is decidedly Christian but I am fascinated with the commonality of truths across all religions.
o The complete and universal redemption of Christ
o Modern Christians lack of knowledge of church history and its impact on current Christian faith and theology
o The creative power of speech / intention
o Alienation of work, dissatisfaction and Spirituality in the workplace
Psychology
o Psychology of control (political and other)
o Irrational decision making
Business / Economic
o Behavioral Economics
o Organizational Development
These are just a few of my interests, I tend to research various topics simultaneously and jump around a bit, I will attempt to be more focused in my blogging and I hope write in such a way as to be informative but readable and interesting.
Gary
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