Please forgive if I offend anyone-this is not my intention. Perhaps I missed the point, but is it always a good thing to try and push others to believe as we, as Christians, believe? Someone once said to me that we really donot know what Christ or God, for that matter look like. Is it fair to say that we are 100% correct in our beliefs? Maybe Jesus wears a 'headdress' or a stocking cap, or even an earring in his ear. Isn't it more important that we just love each other or at least tolerate each other? However, I have thought alot about becoming a muslim- no, I would no more give up my beliefs than 'they' would. Who says when the Lord died on the cross, HE left us-Christians- in charge?>

Posted by: Margie Merrick | September 20, 2006 7:08 PM

Think about what you are saying "HE left us in charge." Us, that is "we" are in charge of ourselves and HIS message was an example of a sublime and revolutionary way of life. This is what HE died for. The rest is symbolism not an edict or dogma to "carry his message." Trust, admire and believe in HIM but for God's sake, think and be yourself, be your own inspiration!>

Posted by: me | September 20, 2006 8:17 PM

Kevin, I just think the Bible gives Christian's a better connection this way. Besides, one runs into all kinds of anachronistic problems when one attempts to link the literal message with the present. A very seductive expression of one's faith but not all that open-minded or forgiving. Maybe the Bible is partially symbolic and partially literal, historical fact. Are we really the choosen ones to make such a proclamation? At the end of the day all we can do is hope. I like what Wallis says about hope. And I also think the late Bill Coffin offered up a good definition as well, "Hope is something that is experienced with a kind of psychological certitude, rather than intellectual certainty...it s not believing without proof. It s trusting without reservation. You and I can trust each other, because we know each other, and love each other."

In my opinion, God doesn t want us narrow-minded, priggish or subservient, but joyful! When I'm not studying my Bible I'd like to think that I haven't lost my ability to take The Word seriously, even as I sin.>

Posted by: me | September 20, 2006 10:26 PM

Are we really the choosen ones to make such a proclamation?

Yes:

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 16:19)

"He replied, 'The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.'" (Matt. 13:11)

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (Matt. 28:18-20)

"He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.... He replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:16,18)

"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs." (Matt. 10:26-27)

God doesn t want us narrow-minded

On some things he does:

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)

P.S. For what it's worth, every verse here is Jesus speaking.>

Posted by: HAC | September 25, 2006 7:28 AM