Posted by femlite on January 10, 2004, at 10:46:57
In reply to Re: Nothing in Christianity is original....., posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 7, 2004, at 10:30:43
Though this is a protestant book it is a good source for answers to your question, who was/is Christ.
"More Than a Carpenter" by Josh McdowellI am Eastern Orthodox, converted from agnostism and protestantism. I have also struggled with this question as an Orthodox Christian, but my pre-Protestant days of research on the subject have helped.
Christinaity is a religeon based on revelation. We look to those who have gone before and have aquired great holiness to help guide us. But in a sense it is a question of faith. Faith is a gift from God. Ask Him and his saints to help you.
Sometimes we have to make our choice to believe anew each day, sometimes each moment.
Unbelief and cynicism are the children of modernity.
Judiaism is the precussor of Christianity, and grew at a parallel pace in time to the beliefs of Egypt and the Orient.(remember the stories of Joseph and Pharoh) We believe God has used the truths in those beliefs to prepare the hearts of people in those parts of the world to recieve the revelation of Christ (in the fullness of time), as they desired it.
While there may be similarities (and yes nothing is new under the sun to quote the man the scriptures called one of the wisest in history, King Soloman), there are fine and subtle distinctions for example between the concepts of ancestor worship and honoring the saints of the church. Fine though this distinction may be it is extremely signifigant and not easily understood by those who are outside the Christian church.Your questions are good and honest. Use them and the intercessions of the saints whom you hold dear, to find the answers.
Christ "types" and figures are just that, types. Moses was a prfigure of Christ, as well as King David and so was Loa Tsu. But there has been no other figures in history exactly like Christ, who claimed not only to be a prophet, but God, since Christ. people can choose not to believe Him, but it was His claim, not only what others said.
> I have always been fascinated by the pagan roots of all religion which is one reason I love Catholicism so much. I love the polytheistic aspect of the communion of saints as well as Mary's presence.
>
> I just wonder how we know for sure that Jesus was not just another mythical god figure. Does it all come down to pure faith in the end?
poster:femlite
thread:297550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030908/msgs/298972.html