>I'm agnostic nowadays... I too have been through very some tough times the past 15 years (and still ongoing), which has certainly tested my faith pretty much to breaking point. I've come to realise that the WAY Christianity is taught/interpreted by the western (i.e. affluent) world is a major problem. I will summarise the interpretation as I have experienced it for the past 30+ years:
1. When you become a Christian, all your problems will disappear. 2. If "1" turns out not to happen, then whatever problems you may encounter will very soon disappear. 3. If "2" turns out not to happen, then it's because you're a "sinner", and you're being punished, and it's your own fault. Repent of your sins and return to "1". All these statements are based on people selectively choosing "nice" passages from the Bible, out of context, and interpreting them incorrectly. The Bible (particularly the New Testament) must be taken as a whole, to build up a true picture of what we can expect from life and faith - the good and the bad times. I have spent the last few years trying to "unlearn" all the above tripe, which has been ingrained in me. It's been a struggle, and remains a struggle. Through the ongoing suffering of our autistic daughter, my wife and I have been driven to the edge of despair (dare I mention suicide), and are both suffering from acute stress reaction, and related mental/physical conditions. "A bruised reed He (i.e. God) will not break." [Isaiah... whatever] i.e. to all human eyes useless, but not to the Lord. It does not say He will heal/repair it. Why should our daughter be healed when millions of other families are suffering in the same way? What special privilege as Christians do we have over others? None at all. I can only summarise it as this: things happen to us, so that things may happen in us. Things happen in us, so that things may happen through us - for His will. Gaffer This communication is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument or as an official confirmation of any transaction. All market prices, data and other information are not warranted as to completeness or accuracy and are subject to change without notice. Any comments or statements made herein do not necessarily reflect those of JPMorgan Chase & Co., its subsidiaries and affiliates. This transmission may contain information that is privileged, confidential, legally privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein (including any reliance thereon) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Although this transmission and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by JPMorgan Chase & Co., its subsidiaries and affiliates, as applicable, for any loss or damage arising in any way from its use. If you received this transmission in error, please immediately contact the sender and destroy the material in its entirety, whether in electronic or hard copy format. Thank you. Please refer to http://www.jpmorgan.com/pages/disclosures for disclosures relating to European legal entities. _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
