Please read "observationalist approaches" instead of "conversationalist approaches" -- although the point might be the same.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 09:29:39 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] dualism and the Christian experience
Thank you. Sorry that it sounded so much as a preacher to his congregation. What was going on as I wrote was this: as I was reading MOC, an argument made by the author (how conversationalist approaches to knowledge are self limiting) made me realize that the change I have seen in my life over the past year and half is the indicator -- perhaps the primary indicator - that I am alive in Christ.
I am talking about a change that increases faith, of course. Such "change" does not need to be "right" or complete.
The vegetarian in Romans 14 had a vibrant faith inspite of his poorly considered doctrine. His life had been changed by the Living Christ. We seek truth - always. But change that brings us closer to God for whatever reason is the confirming reality, IMO.
Anyway -- I did not mean to sound as if I was revealing truth to those who knew no such thing.
JD
-----Original Message-----
From: Lance Muir <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 07:21:07 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] dualism and the Christian experience
Intimidatingly well said, John.
----- Original Message -----From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: September 22, 2005 02:26Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] dualism and the Christian experienceOne additional thought. With regard to our pursuit of the Living Christ, which came first -- bias or revelation? Almost a redundant question.The point? If personal bias predates our Christ experience, it would seem apparent that as we draw closer and closer to the personal reality that is the Living Jesus, more and more of our "original" thinking about things religious would be amended. Change will occur if we are on the right track. And this change (of ideas and experiential understanding) is an integral aspect of becoming a "new man." . Association with the Living Christ will produce great change - the unraveling of our personal bias and the subscription to a Divine Bias.Righteous growth is evidenced in change ----------- radical change as an end result. If you are where you were ten years ago -- at all levels -- you are not connected to the Living Christ as you should be. You may have pledged your allegiance to Him. You may have benefited from His reconciliation. But a connection to His personality, His heart, His way of thinking has not been your walk. Not all change is good, of course. But a walk with Him without radical changes in the way we think (including doctrine) and act (the way we express the love of Jesus) is simply impossible.JD
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 00:39:30 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] dualism and the Christian experience
To whomever:I read theological presentations with the hope of coming across some "gem" of an idea that is grounded in the bibilical message. It is for this reason that I do not read fiction.I am about half way through the Mediation of Christ. Because of some of the comments of the author of that book, I have decided to -- on a personal level -- to resist or seek alternative explanations for ANYTHING I see in the Message that strikes me as being grounded in dualism.The finite and infinite.Good and evilThe carnal nature and the Indwelling.Perhaps some of you could add to this rather humble list. Is there some way (from a biblical perspective, of course) that the above considerations are not separated by the divide that gives us dualism as an explanation ?And, is it possible to think outside the limitations of "dualism" without destroying the uniqueness of each of the above matters. I.e., does "good" have definition apart from "evil." "Dualism" is a single word used to describe OUR CONCEPT of the stated issues. Correct? If "dualistic" is the word that describes MY THINKING of carnality and Indwelling (the old man and the new man) , is there a single word that could be used to describe an opposing conceptual disposition -- two aspects of the same thing?I believe man has but one nature. It grows from the profane to the divine with God's fellowship. This growth is seen as carnal at one point and spiritual at another.That's easy.What about eternal life and eternal death? Or, heaven and hell? What of love and hate?And why is this important? Well, I have no answer for that question. But I do know thatthe importance us such a quest could manifest itself in the pursuit of an answer.JD
