Enigma

hey guys...

was "enjoying" life (if ya know what I mean ) yesterday and had a thought...

Do you think that life is just one of a series of "tests" that we must go through, to show our true faith to God (whoever that may be to you)?

One thing that I try to understand is why things are the way they are for an individual...why is it that certain people are more "privelidged" (sp?) than others from birth? That could mean being born into either a 'rich' family (easier to go through life in alot of ways) or a 'loving' family (again, an advantage in life IMO) vs. being born destitute or abused....Or, worse yet, born without good health....Not just what you're born into, but how the series of events changes your life and outlook (let's say you move around alot)...In addition, I don't care what some people say, some are bound to have more luck (timing basically) than others...I, myself, do not have bad luck, per se, but have 'average' luck, it seems...timing for me just is wrong at many times...however, I do make out OK in other areas...

So, brings me to my point, I guess....my friend (who used to be a Christian 'nut') was telling me about the bible (doesn't matter what you believe, that is an outstanding 'book', IMO ) and how God will only give you what you can handle...makes sense, I suppose...kinda related:

Well, if that is true, then perhaps your previous 'tests' have placed you where you are now (in life)?

I dunno, maybe I've smoked too much something or another ? Does any of this make sense? I'd like to hear your beliefs on this....

schwadood

Sounds a little bit like Karma and Reincarnation, which is of course not a Christian concept.

peace and much love

Mamabudz

Actually...they are...but you have to look way way way back

Reincarnation was not a concept the higher anglican clergy felt was healthy for a desperately poor agriculrural serf and peasant class...They feared that the paesents would simply kill each other hoping they'd return as the higher ups. Not that the paesants would do this, but the clergy by this point were a separate class more attached to the ruling class than the serf class and couldn't comprehend that the serfs, or commoners were inately intelligent human beings in their own rights. Just not literate in very great numbers.

Can't have the farmers killing themselves ...bad for crop production. So they left Reincarnation out of the the *official* Book and made their anglicized version The Word.

BTW Karma is in the bible... you're just not recognizing it in its Sunday School clothes.

Just makes you want to go out and read some ancient religion and comparative mythology doesn't it?

Mama Budz
* I Toke & I Vote *

schwadood

Thats really interesting Mamabudz. I have always thought that all religins are really describing the same thing, but using different terms. You just helped put a little cement in that thought. Maybe if I read the Bible I'll find that about Karma.

peace and much love

bonghits4christ

The bible definitely does talk about Karma, specifically Jesus. He does not say the word "karma" so dont look for it in the bible dictionary, that would be futile. Most of the Christ's parables speak of plants and harvesting. Jesus often talks about seeds being planted. Seeds have been used by Christ to mean many things and multiple meanings within the original meaning. You really have to read his words over again so you can get beyond the surface of what he looks like he is talking about.

Christ says that we should plant the right seeds, meaning deeds done in our actions, hearts, thoughts, and words. Many Christians don't believe deeds are necessary to get into Heaven. They are partly right. Jesus says that those who believe in him, not just in his historical existence, but specifically in what he stood for, will receive life, not just in heaven but on earth as well. He also says that defilement doesn't come from external things, which was contrary to Jewish doctrine, like certain foods, and marijuana smoke, but defilement comes from within ourselves. In conclusion the seeds we sow will reap the kind of harvest we made for our lives. We reap what we sow. Karma is almost exactly the same concept. It is just how the world works. I have seen its effects even in my few years I have been blessed enough to live and observe the things around me. Sometimes it seems like karma skips but if it takes a while it means it will probably come back really good through patience and perseverance or really negative due to negative seeds being sown into the ground.

In conclusion, yes the Bible does talk about tests, but God doesn't test you in everything. If your mom dies in a car accident, it wasn't God testing your love for him, it was natural circumstances and the freedom God has given us to take responsibility for our own actions. This world is what we make of it. Tests are only necessary to grow in character. God will never harm you, since God is love.

P.S. Hey Enigma, just wanted to tell you that as you read, it seems like your getting to a point where you are very curious about the Bible and its teaching. The book of James is very enlightening. If you read that book, man it will make so much sense, the wisdom radiates from within the pages (IMO) Chapter 2 talks about deeds and our duty as followers of Christ to also incorporate deeds along with our faith, otherwise it is useless.

Peace out

BH4C

Mamabudz

Kashrut, the laws sorrounding kosher laws, involve the spiritual choices of a Jew to live in a certain concious manner making them more concious of their continuous choice to live in a Spiritually harmonious way with their beliefs.

It has nothing to do with defilement of the body by eating the wrong foods.

...have a cookie (btw I cook with Fleishmann's margarine)

Mama Budz
* I Toke & I Vote *

bonghits4christ

I know mama, but what does a Jew think of someone who eats the split hoofed animal? Defilement comes from external things to the Jew. Im not knocking Judaism or anything, just trying to let people know whats up. In fact I like almost every religion.

Mamabudz

All a Jew who keeps kosher thinks is ...Oh they don't keep kashrut. There is no "holier than thou" involved. Its a choice of free will.

As for defilement coming from external means for the Jew, no, Jews are human beings with free will who can defile and be defiled as all human beings created by G_d can be. Did you hear or read to the contrary, was it a specific book or a specific teaching? would very much like to read it and trace its origins to see where and how this particular rumour began.

Oh and there is nothing that bans marijuana, though there is an admonition of all things in moderation...except on certain feast days There is also a lovely prayer that specifically thanks G_d for fragrant herbage. It is said each week at the conclusion of the Sabbath on Saturday at sundown...just before party time. How kewl is that !

Hope that helps explain things a bit more. Spiritual matters are hard to explain in mundane terms, but you already know that

Mama Budz
* I Toke & I Vote

krolley

hey MamaBudz, why do you choose to say G_d instead of God? Just curious

-- krolley.
~ I want to be free to know the things I do are right ~

Mamabudz

It's the difference between the sacred and the mundane.

Mama Budz
* I Toke & I Vote *