#Theological Insight

[hellolatashiam]

Creations Cry: Suffer Patiently

Explore the profound depths of suffering and patience through the lens of Romans 8:18-30, discovering the joy and hope that await us beyond our present trials. #HopeInSuffering #SpiritualPatience

In the valleys of our human experience, where suffering shadows our days, the soul clings to the fragile threads of hope and patience. Romans 8:18-30 serves as a beacon for those of us enduring the night of pain, promising that the weight of our current afflictions pales in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. Today we will seeks to explore this promise, providing context and…

[ominouspositivity-or-else]

*The Eucharist is the body of Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

**God is bound to these sacraments, meaning he always gives grace through them when they are done, but he is not bound by these sacraments, meaning that God can do literally whatever he wants and can of course go around them and provide grace in other ways.

***7 sacraments, listed: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Feel free to add nuance in the tags or talk about why you find the teachings strange! Let me know if there's anything utterly baffling that I didn't include!!!

Also please remember to be respectful!!! Not everyone knows theology like you might!!!

[fandfnews]

Wikipedia Co-Founder Larry Sanger Shares Journey from Atheism to Christianity

In a candid interview, Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia and a lifelong skeptic, revealed his transformative journey from atheism to Christianity—a shift rooted in intellectual rigor, personal relationships, and a deep dive into scripture. Sanger, who holds a PhD in philosophy, spent 35 years questioning faith before embracing Christianity in his 50s. His story challenges stereotypes about…

[mindfulldsliving]

Analyzing Michelle Grim's Accusations Against Joseph Smith

Critics of Joseph Smith often bring up his involvement with polygamy, sometimes framing it as evidence of moral failure. Michelle Grim has recently raised concerns about Smith’s character and actions, aiming to challenge his divine calling. These claims deserve a thoughtful and respectful analysis, especially as they involve foundational aspects of Church history and doctrine. In this post, I’ll…

[bvthomas]

Iniquity and Sin: Understanding the Mystery of Iniquity and Its Spiritual Consequences

  Introduction The terms “sin” and “iniquity” are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but the Bible distinguishes between these two concepts in profound ways. While both represent forms of moral wrongdoing, “iniquity” goes deeper, pointing to a premeditated, entrenched evil that flows from a rebellious heart. Understanding the differences between sin and iniquity is crucial for…

[pastordin]

Job: Suffering and Faith through Canon Sense

Job: Suffering and Faith through Canon Sense | Pastor Aamir and Carissa Din Home | Media | Contact Job: Suffering and Faith through Canon Sense “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” — Psalm 28:7 (NIV) Introduction The Book of Job occupies a profound place within the wisdom literature of the Bible, grappling with the enduring questions of human…

[tmarshconnors]

"You don't have to give up your intellect to trust the Bible. You have to give up your pride."

Robert Charles Sproul was an American Reformed theologian and ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America. He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and could be heard daily on the Renewing Your Mind radio broadcast in the United States and internationally.

Theologian and Author: R.C. Sproul was a prominent Reformed theologian and author known for his extensive work in Christian theology. He authored numerous books on theology, biblical interpretation, and Christian living, including notable works such as "The Holiness of God" and "Chosen by God."

Founder of Ligonier Ministries: Sproul founded Ligonier Ministries in 1971, a Christian educational organization dedicated to teaching the Reformed faith through resources such as books, conferences, and broadcasts. The ministry is named after Ligonier Valley, where it was initially established.

Teaching Pastor: He served as the teaching pastor at St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, where he was influential in shaping the church’s theological direction and providing teaching and preaching that emphasized Reformed theology.

Popular Speaker and Teacher: R.C. Sproul was known for his engaging teaching style and was a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars. His teaching reached a wide audience through radio programs, such as "Renewing Your Mind," and his teaching series were widely distributed.

Reformed Theology Advocate: Sproul was a staunch advocate of Reformed theology, emphasizing doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of understanding and teaching core Christian doctrines. His work contributed significantly to the spread of Reformed thought in contemporary evangelicalism.

[lostinthelibrarysworld]

This is for ally smart Christian followers and likes. Can someone tell me just what makes the song Reckless Love non biblical? Or at least non theological.

[great-book-review]

"Christianity 2.0" by John Dorsey: A Spiritual Odyssey of Modern Faith

Summary: John Dorsey's "Christianity 2.0" is a thought-provoking exploration of how religion is changing in the contemporary world. We'll go over the main ideas and components of the book in this in-depth assessment, covering everything from its theological depth and reader effect to its historical background and visionary concepts.

Historical Odyssey: Dorsey sets out on an engrossing historical investigation that establishes the framework for his innovative take on contemporary Christianity. He gives readers a thorough picture of how the Christian religion has evolved throughout time. The story is enhanced by this historical background, which also makes it more understandable for people who are not familiar with Christian history.

Challenging Conventions: One of the most remarkable aspects of "Christianity 2.0" is Dorsey's audacious challenge to conventional Christian beliefs. He highlights the dynamic nature of faith and encourages readers to question traditional dogmas. In my capacity as a critic, I was much moved by Dorsey's bravery in challenging readers to reconsider their religious beliefs in light of recent social shifts.

Introducing "Christianity 2.0": In essence, Dorsey's story revolves around his notion of "Christianity 2.0." This phrase captures his idea of a more progressive, flexible, and inclusive religion. As a critical reviewer, I thought Dorsey's forward-thinking strategy was both welcome and relevant. His plea for a faith that honors social justice, diversity, and modern ideals is an important addition to the continuing discussion about faith in the modern world.

Theological Depth and Reader-Friendly Approach: Dorsey masterfully balances theological depth with a reader-friendly writing style. He ensures that readers of different backgrounds may understand his tale by condensing difficult concepts into language that is simple to understand. His incisive writing inspires readers to participate in insightful conversations about the direction of Christianity.

Addressing Controversies and Divisions: The book doesn't shy away from addressing controversial topics and divisions within Christianity. It acknowledges that these challenges are integral to the faith's evolution. As a critic as much as a reader, I value Dorsey's open examination of these challenging topics. His readiness to address these concerns head-on encourages a greater comprehension of the intricacies of the Christian faith.

Practical Guidance for a Modern Faith Journey: While "Christianity 2.0" is dedicated to the history and philosophical aspects of Christianity, it also offers realistic insight for Catholics who seek a more inclusive and dynamic spiritual path. Dorsey demonstrates concepts that seek to stimulate an active, meaningful dialogue between the reader and his faith.

Conclusion: In conclusion, John Dorsey's "Christianity 2.0" offers a thoughtful and provocative analysis of faith, history, and spirituality. The book invites readers to question conventional narratives, embrace diversity, and envision a more adaptable form of Christianity. Its historical context enriches the reading experience, making it accessible even for those less familiar with Christian history and doctrine.

Rating: I rate "Christianity 2.0" 4 out of 5 stars. I deduct one star due to occasional theological complexity that may challenge readers with limited prior knowledge of Christian history. However, these moments should not deter potential readers from engaging with this enlightening book.

[mindfulldsliving]

Understanding the Apostasy: Christian History, Divine Authority, and the Need for Restoration

Dispensations: The Pattern of Apostasy and Restoration What happened to the early Christian church after the apostles were gone? For Latter-day Saints, the concept of apostasy explains much about how divine authority was lost and why restoration was essential. This wasn’t merely about social or political changes; it was about the gradual erosion of core doctrines, priesthood power, and true…

[bvthomas]

                                                      GOD “Exploring the Divine: The Essence of God” Introduction: In the vast expanse of human history and thought, few questions have stirred as much contemplation, debate, and yearning as those concerning the Divine. What is God? Does God exist? And if so, what is the nature of this supreme being who eludes easy definition and comprehension?…

[francesderwent]

thinking about snarky cultural/theological commentary and. the thing about snark is this: it’s easy, and it’s instant gratification. it’s easy because you’re playing to a likeminded audience. you get the way they think, you know the sort of things they find ridiculous, and so you know what’s going to play well with them. it’s not that hard to come up with a zinger that’s going to earn you applause from your own side. it’s also pretty easy to make another human being who’s not on your side look stupid, because we’re stupid creatures and we all have plenty of exploitable weak spots. it’s preaching to the choir, and it’s preaching meanly to the choir. and then, your snark bears all its fruit right away. you get the glowing feeling of having scored points against the enemy while being patted on the back by your friends for being so brave. if you succeeded in being snarky, you get the rewards of snark that very instant.

on the other hand, seeking to share the truth you possess in a mode in which it could actually be received—that is, says St Thomas, according to the mode of the recipient—that’s hard, and it’s so far from being instantly gratifying that you may never see the fruits of it in this life. not only are you not thinking about your likeminded audience, you’re not even going to trot out the truth simply in the way you understand it and call it your best effort. rather, you have to try to get inside your interlocutor’s frame of mind and understand how the truth you know is going to fulfill their own priorities and longings. you have to understand them so well that you see the truth of their position, even if that truth is buried very very deep, and then see how that truth connects them to the truth you see. you have to be insightful, and compassionate, and so, so patient. you don’t get to score any points, with anybody. your interlocutor might still get annoyed with you and turn around and make you look stupid. but you can’t just say “I’m going to speak the truth and I don’t care who hears and how they take it”—you have to care how they take it, because the truth is relational, it’s given and received, not just spouted into a void. and frankly you have to care how they take it because you have to care about their salvation.

don’t get me wrong, there are times in every person’s life when they will be called to stand up and be counted, to put fumbling words to what they hold most dear even if they can’t make everyone understand. but I don’t know that it’s a virtue to be always focused on being seen saying the truth, with no consideration given to who hears you and what they’ll hear in it—and it’s certainly not a virtue to be always focused on being seen saying the truth in a mean and funny way. “instruct the ignorant” is a spiritual work of mercy. but instruct the ignorant does not mean “instruct the ignorant while making the knowledgeable laugh and/or high five.”

[marietheran-archived]

Christblr dashboard simulator:

Aesthetic photo of some church's ceiling

Incredibly cute anecdote about someone's three year old

WIP update

Religious quote with pink sparkles

"Normalise believing in heresy" followed by a twelve yard long quarell

Optionally a Protestant/Catholic debate (...generously speaking) or self-righteous political concerns

Mental illness thoughts

Essentially fangirling over Jesus Christ, God Almighty, Lord of the Universe

Essentially writing love letters to the same

One of those posts to the effect that the music of the spheres kind of is a thing scientifically with the obligatory comment about Tolkien (and optionally Lewis)

Absolutely insightful and unique theological insight, unrebloggable

Farawyn fanart

[windvexer]

Hi chicken, hope you're doing fine!

I wanted to ask about how to include animal spirits (not individual animals, but The Animal) in one's practice. I'm a polytheist and I never interacted with anything other than gods, my understanding/interpretation of spirits is based on the hierarchical roles of the divine, so I'm not very familiar with animism as a paradigm. I know that some say that gods are just spirits with silly hats (love the image lol), but since it's not my theological pov I'm a bit lost.

I've been thinking for years about adding a few Animals to my cultus, but I don't really know how/what to do - I know how to handle gods, but I have no idea how to do the same with idk the Cat Godhead of all the other cat spirits. I never did anything because I don't want to fuck things up, especially because I don't know how spirits react.

(I also need to add that the ones I'm interested in don't live in my area and surroundings and that for religious obligations I can't touch/interact with animal remains.)

I know it's a silly question, but is there something specific that I can do about this?

Thank you in advance if you'll answer, have a nice day!

Hello! Thanks for your patience.

I think you have great insight that the way you work with gods, perhaps within one or more pantheons, is not the same as working with Oversoul spirits, or whatever you want to call them.

I think it's best to regard each Big Animal as being in its own pantheon, if that imagery translates. Each Big Animal may have its own preference for how you interact with it and what kind of relationship you have.

Big Animals are animals, yes, but they are distinct from the spirits of corporeal animals or those beings recently incarnated or 'close to physical.' They are more alike in dignity to gods than animals, in my opinion.

When working with unknowns, I focus on employing my best rules of courtesy and respect. That way if I piss someone off I can say, "I'm sorry, I did that as a sign of respect, I didn't realize it was rude. Now I've learned." Otherwise I think I might be stuck saying, "well, I don't know what I was thinking," and we can all see that's a much worse excuse. So don't feel a need to cleave yourself from your knowledge of how to work with Gods. Many of those same aspects may be relevant here.

I generally find that when working with Big Animals, you can't necessarily assume what role it will play in your life. For someone, Big Grizzly Bear might become a guardian and display virtues of fierce protection and territorial violence. For someone else, Big Grizzly might appear as a nurturing caretaker who teaches about the joys of feasting on tasty salmon and watching sunsets over beautiful vistas.

What this means for you as a practitioner is that I believe it benefits you to keep a very open mind about what's going to happen, and not try to shoehorn the Big Animal into any specific role, especially not if your expectations are based around Animal Speak or other somesuch "animal correspondence" list.

As such, I recommend being wary of an approach where you meet an Animal just to see what you get, and then take that as some kind of divine soul-lesson about yourself. It's not their prerogative to peer into your depths and present themselves in such a way that harmonizes with your ideal growth.

Instead, it's probably wise to ask yourself exactly what you want from your relationship with that Animal, then explain to that Animal what your goals are and ask if/how that can happen.

To reach out to a Big Animal is trivial, about the same as reaching out to a God. In fact IMO you're probably better served not using animal remains to do so - animal remains are very strong links to a discrete individual animal, and it can be easy to accidentally call forth the ghost of Mittens instead of connecting to Oversoul God-Cat.

Just as you might build one for a God, try building the Big Animal a shrine filled with icons of its living children (or if you like, it's manifested fractal form as it intrudes into physicality), decorated with things from its natural biomes, and!:

Especially include a recreation den, nest, or sheltered resting-space for the animal. It's alright to include traditional man-made substitutes (wooden bird house), as long as those substitutes are made for the comfort and shelter of animals.

(If you're trying to call a predator, an icon or two of its preferred prey may be a tempting lure to get its attention!)

If a shrine isn't possible, try condensing these things into a container like a box or bag; this is functionally a container spell talisman.

Include also some witchcraft: write up a ruleset for this shrine or talisman that clarify you are trying to reach that being you identify as being Cat-Godhead, Animal Oversoul, Top of the Hierarchy. Explicitly state you are not trying to reach out to ghosts or individual spirits. (*You may wish to include a caveat that these 'smaller' spirits may arrive as emissaries or intermediary spirits on behalf of the Big one).

Then, performing whatever ritual of consecration you prefer, consecrate and the shrine or talisman and invite the Animal to dwell there. Here are general tips for this kind of thing:

The road between you and the spirit may be tenuous at first and require many repeated attempts to solidify. Multiple rituals of invitation, perhaps undertaken once weekly or every full moon (etc) may be necessary to establish a solid connection.

All offerings are ideally aligned to that animal's diet, but other offerings (incense, candles, energy, etc) will also be fine. It's ideal to provide an offering each time you call forth the spirit, both to facilitate its presence, but also to tempt it along :)

Animals may begin appearing to you in dreams or in random encounters. I don't mean necessarily seeing a living member of the species, but that coincidental and serendipitous things may begin happening. Pay attention if unusual things happen which seem to be a test of your character, or if you keep having new and repeated dreams. These sorts of things may happen when reaching out to any spirit - they have a way of pressing into our lives.

You are best served to immediately begin treating that animal species with the utmost respect in daily life, no matter what. E.g., you want to know Deer and a friend makes a silly comment about how deer are dumb idiot babies. You should not agree with them. You should say you find Deer to be beautiful and wise in their own ways.

(I hope I've covered all your questions - sorry again for the delayed reply)

[whencyclopedia]

Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years

Paula Fredriksen is an eminent figure in the field of early Christianity and ancient Judaism, and her knowledge of the historical and religious circumstances surrounding these faiths is well-established. Her writings are essential reading for those curious about how religion, history, and culture interacted in the ancient Mediterranean.

Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years by Paula Fredriksen conveys precisely written ideas from the result of meticulously analyzing a great deal of historical data. Different branches of Christianity emerged simultaneously in reaction to a flourishing Judaism and an established religion that was not dead but was instead referred to as "paganism" by Christians. By delving into the subject of ancient "Christianities," new light is shown on the religious practices of the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Middle East during the latter 200 years of the 1st century CE. Christian, Pagan, and Jewish faiths are discussed. The book itself contributes significantly to the history of Christianity and explores aspects of other religions.

Paula Fredriksen is a historian of early Christianity and William Goodwin Aurelio Professor of Scripture at Boston University. Early in her career, Fredriksen published writing on topics such as Christian antisemitism, Judaism, and Christianity. Now, in Ancient Christianities, Fredriksen traces the history of Christianity in the ancient Mediterranean from its nativity up to the 5th century. Throughout history, many people believed in the figure of Jesus transforming countries into monotheistic societies, and Fredriksen provides incalculable depth and insight into this process.

From its beginnings as a messianic sect within Second Temple Judaism to its ultimate inclusion into the late Roman imperial government and rise to prominence in the Western world following Roman rule, Fredriksen emphasizes the whole historical trajectory of Christianity from the 1st through 7th centuries. She ties together the intricate network of interactions among supernatural beings, the celestial bodies, spirits, and prophetic forces existing in the ancient "flat-disced" Earth and geocentric universe as well as the many ways in which the Pagan, Jewish, and Christian occupants of the Mediterranean interacted with these beings.

Fredriksen imparts her profound understanding of the history of Christianity and how the doctrines of the Abrahamic faiths have evolved through the ages in clear and understandable writing. In her view, the history of ancient “Christianities” is more deep and nuanced than previously thought, and she intends to "introduce the reader to the complexities and ambiguities, the ironies and surprises and the twists and turns" to reveal this. If you ask Fredriksen, the Christian faith does not have its roots just in Jesus, there is more to the origin story. Through her writing, she hopes to convey the idea that a "large cast of characters" is responsible for shaping modern religion.

According to her, the narrative and development of "Christianities" encompasses a wide range of characters, including aristocratic patrons, eccentric ascetics, gods, devils, angels, magicians, astrologers, and regular folks. The author examines the gradual conversion of numerous non-monotheistic faiths to monotheism over several centuries, drawing parallels and differences across various ethnic and theological traditions.

Theology, Israel, the impact of social factors including diversity, the necessity for governmental control, and persecutions on the development of Christianity are all covered in depth in the chapters that follow. Further discussions touch on the various regions impacted by the Second Temple Matrix, the connections between Jews and pagans, and the incorporation of Jewish people and culture into Greco-Roman civilization.

Historians, theologians, and anyone interested in the origins of one of the world's largest religious groups would benefit from reading this book, which focuses on the transition of Israel and the Jewish message of the end of time to the emergence of different gentile Christianities. With her unconventional viewpoint and extensive knowledge of the subject, Fredriksen offers readers an opportunity to learn something new. Fredriksen has been an excellent resource for scholars of global religions for decades, and her work is truly unique and rich in history; as a result, this is a recommended book. For further reading materials, readers would find Bart D. Ehrman's The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World (2018) and Diarmaid MacCulloch's Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years (2009) to be suitable companion reads.

Continue reading...

[numinous-archives]

Homeric Hymn to Demeter

Interpretations of Religious and Socio-Cultural Significance

The Homeric Hymn to Demeter (circa 7th–6th century BCE) is one of the most significant literary works in Ancient Greek religion, offering profound insights into the myth of Demeter and Persephone, the establishment of the Eleusinian Mysteries, and the theological themes of life, death, and renewal.

Attributed to the Homeric Hymns, the poem serves as both a sacred narrative and a theological foundation for the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most important mystery cults in Ancient Greece

The Abduction of Persephone

Zeus, without Demeter’s knowledge, permits Hades, the god of the underworld, to abduct Persephone. While gathering flowers in a meadow, Persephone is seized by Hades and taken to the underworld. Her screams go unanswered except by Hekate and Helios, who later reveal the truth to Demeter.

Interpretations of Marriage

This myth can be interpreted as a reflection of ancient Greek societal norms and traditions surrounding marriage, where the man would take his bride away from her family and bring her to his home/household, or oikos, where she'd then become a part of the man's family.

This was an important rite of passage for both the man (who was often much older, around 30) and the woman (who was often much younger, around teenage years).

This bond represented not only their love, but also their family, a crucial institution that contributed to the development and maintenance of the polis.

Demeter's Search (and Grief)

Devastated by her daughter’s disappearance, Demeter wanders the earth in search of Persephone.

Disguising herself as a mortal, she withdraws from her divine role as the goddess of agriculture, causing a famine that threatens the survival of humanity.

The hymn is a profound exploration of maternal grief through Demeter’s relentless search for Persephone. Her anguish disrupts the natural order, illustrating the deep connection between divine emotions and the functioning of the cosmos.

Interpretations of Seasonal Changes

The hymn portrays a cosmic cycle of death and rebirth, with Persephone’s descent and return symbolizing the seasons: the barren winter (her time in the underworld) and the fertile spring and summer (her time on earth with Demeter).

The grief of Demeter is thought to represent the season of winter as Persephone spends the half or quarter (depending on the version) of each year with Hades in the Underworld.

This mythological symbolism of seasonal changes is also quite common among religious traditions and mythologies in the ancient world.

Interpretations connected to Marriage

The grief of Demeter is also thought to represent the grief of a mother after her daughter's marriage. Persephone's abduction is thought to have represented the daughter's transition into the man's household (oikos) and becoming a part of his family.

Demeter at Eleusis

Demeter arrives at Eleusis and is taken in by the household of King Celeus and Queen Metaneira, becoming the nursemaid for their son, Demophon. Attempting to make the child immortal by placing him in the fire, she is interrupted by Metaneira, revealing her divine identity. Demeter then instructs the people of Eleusis to build her a temple.

Eleusis, as a setting, became a holy site, with the Telesterion (initiation hall) serving as the cult’s sacred center. The hymn’s connection to Eleusis reinforced its cultural and religious significance.

The Reunion of Demeter and Persephone

Zeus, pressured by the famine, sends Hermes or Hekate (depending on the version of the myth) to the underworld to negotiate Persephone’s return.

Hades agrees but tricks Persephone into eating pomegranate seeds, binding her to the underworld for part of the year.

Persephone is reunited with Demeter, but her dual residency establishes the seasonal cycle.

The hymn reflects Greek religious concerns about divine justice, cosmic order, and humanity’s role within it. Persephone’s seasonal cycle reassures the faithful of the gods’ ability to maintain cosmic balance, despite temporary disruptions.

Foundation of the Eleusinian Mysteries

The hymn concludes with Demeter teaching the rites of the Eleusinian Mysteries to the people of Eleusis, ensuring the preservation of her worship and promising initiates a blessed afterlife.

The Mysteries promised initiates a deeper understanding of the mysteries of existence, offering hope for a blessed afterlife. This esoteric knowledge distinguished initiates from the uninitiated, who were believed to lack access to such spiritual insight.

Central to the Mysteries was the belief in the immortality of the soul. Initiates were taught to view death not as an end but as a transformation, aligning with the mythological journey of Persephone between the realms of life and death.

Held in spring at Agrai near Athens, the Lesser Mysteries served as a preparatory stage for the Greater Mysteries. Participants underwent preliminary purification rituals and initiations, paving the way for full participation in the Greater Mysteries.

Celebrated annually in September or October, the Greater Mysteries lasted for nine days and culminated in the central rites at Eleusis. These included processions, sacrifices, and secret rituals held in the Telesterion, the sacred hall of initiation.

Literature List

Bowden, H. (2023). The Eleusinian Mysteries. Mystery Cults in the Ancient World. Thames and Hudson Ltd