Jdee:

It isn't as if the Bible was written by the hand of God and then it fell out of the sky. Its chapters were written by men and men decided which chapters became a part of the book. At some point these chapters were translated in various ways. There are different versions of the Bible and numerous Christian denominations.

When it comes to what Jesus' life was all about and what he said, things such audio recording devices didn't exist while he was alive. The story of his life and what he said was passed along by word of mouth for years before anything was written. Then the above referred to selection and translation process took place.

If a person tries to figure out what's true while being influenced by fear, there is a good chance he (or she) won't figure out what's true because fear will prevent him from doing so.  As long as we have good intentions we don't need to be afraid to consider certain possibilities simply because they differ from what a book says or how some people interpret that book.

I really find it hard to believe that God would set up a pass or fail test that requires you accept Jesus or you will end up in hell for all of eternity. Finding your way to a higher realm is more about living according to qualities such as unconditional love and humility. If you do so, then you will quite naturally be in tune with beings who do the same and will create a beautiful, wonderful and harmonious existence accordingly.

I've found that the more I've freed myself from fear-based concepts, the more I've been able to experience divine love.  There are other people who have done the same. On the other hand there are some people who are so afraid of their concepts about God and Jesus that they have a hard time opening up to unconditional divine love.

If you have a place in your heart for Christ this is fine, but fear and love do not go together. It is impossible to truly love and respect another if you believe that you better do so or else.

Does it make sense to conclude that Jesus wants people who are obedient to him because they are afraid not to be obedient to him? Only a narcissistic-power hungry person (being) would expect such obedience.

Quote:


Does it explicitely say "only"  ? If so , where?

If you are fearing it, Jdee, then perhaps as others have said, you should consider that first. There is no truth in an apparition saying to be Catholic or any other organized religion, in my opinion. Look at the history of the Catholic church and then decide for yourself if they are capable of lying and then how probable it is that they are. And even if it isn't the church it is still word of mouth from a group that holds the church in high esteem ...because they are afraid not to.

I can only take issue with the word "fact". Even gravity is not a fact, merely a highly probable theory.

Im not homosexual, im as straight as you will get.

But the Catholic Church's rules on contraception and homosexuals is nothing short of disgraceful.

Thank you for your help.

What do you all make of the miracle of Lanciano? And Blessed Alexandrina who only ate Communion for years and survived?

Also if anyone could provide similar miracles of other religions it would be a great help!

Can anyone find any similar miracles of other religions?

Cheers