As far as politicians asking his resignation I don't know, but I was at a
conference today where Pauline Green gave him a "red card" a message in his
own language so to speak.
Regarding religion one of the source for percieving us a God's children
might be John 9:3 (I think) where Jesus encounters and cures a blind man
(born blind that is). The disciples then ask Jesus (since the man obviously
was blind before doing anything in this world) who has sinned, he or his
parents. Jesus responds, neither... this has been done to him so that God's
deeds will be shown on him . (You have to forgive the translation my bible
is on the top shelf and in swedish).
This is a common view of the meaning of our lives. One of the more
successful users of this perception was Mother Theresa. Who said among other
things: "We must thank God for the beautiful way in which we sense God in
the poorest of the poor." and... "the crucified Jesus is present and seen in
faces of the stricken and weak".
She also cites the passage when Jesus on the last day will say to those on
his right "Come, enter the Kingdom. for I was hungry and you gave me food, I
was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." And
when the people asked when they did see him, he answered: " Whatever you
neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto
me."
So you see in this religous sense the objectives of our lives are to be aims
for others exercises in goodness. Something that will if successfully
executed eventually earn them the merit of heavenly abode.
It's also extremely useful, in my opinion , to consider how the charitable
approach fit into this scheme. Charity to be of any consistent meaning in
this world, cannot contribute to social change (i.e. empowerment) since it
then takes away the road to salvation, which is the meaning of the thing,
and what God's son himself showed us.
Yes, I agree with the post that said we should discuss religion more. It is
extremely important. In fact I wonder if there exist any other singular
concept in society or history or culture that carries so much mythical and
valueladen images about us, as it does. Even if you do not consider yourself
a believer the stuff is in the air we breathe.
Susanne
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