Re: OT: Shades of gray?

"Ed Chait" <edchait4remove@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"Su" <no.name@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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Sure, anyone can choose (or not choose) to follow the 10 Commandments,
but I don't believe there is a choice about one's level of faith or how
they feel about a Higher Power.

The central message of the New Testament is that Christ came to free us
from the condemnation of the law (ten commandments). If we could please
God by following the ten commandments, then Jesus would not have had to
sacrifice His life for us.

For someone who is supposed to be all "everything," I have a little trouble
believing that they couldn't think of another way to open heaven up for
people.


The love that the realization of that sacrifice produces in the heart of
the believer in Christ produces a changed heart that seeks to do the right
thing, as opposed to doing evil, but we are human in that endeavor, so our
striving is a lifelong process of change, not instant perfection.

Never had any impact on me, even as a little kid.


Christianity is not a set of rules that are to be followed with a spirit
of fear. It is about a changed heart that desires to do good out of the
love that comes when one realizes that someone innocent has died so that
others who are guilty can live.

You should have been in catholic school with me ... "If you disobey your
parents and get hit by a car, you'll burn in hell for all eternity."


That is why I said that everyone has a *measure* of faith.
We all choose to place that measure of faith where we choose to place it.

I disagree.


I was once a devout atheist. I believe it took more faith on my part to
not believe in God than it does to believe.

And I believe you were "called."


I'm not a person of great faith. I am a skeptic by nature, I tend to
question everything, and the measure of faith given me is modest.
Fortunately (or most probably divinely), I have had quite a few
experiences that have bolstered and confirmed the faith I do have.

That's wonderful.


I asked God to reveal Himself to me with a sincere and searching heart,
and He honored my plead.

I never felt as you do.


.

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