#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!!!

[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…

[mindfulldsliving]

The Importance of Humility in Overcoming Conceit

In our journey towards spiritual fulfillment, understanding the balance between conceit and humility is crucial. Each of these qualities plays a significant role in shaping not only our personal growth but also our relationships and worldview.

Overcoming Conceit: A Guide to Spiritual Discipline Ecclesiastes 1:13; 1 Corinthians 8:1; Romans 12:16; Genesis 8:21 In a world where self-promotion often takes center stage, the challenge of balancing humility with conceit is more pressing than ever. We often find ourselves grappling with the idea of how to acknowledge our own achievements without slipping into vanity. Biblically speaking,…

[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.

[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?…

[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.

[pastordin]

Psalms: Poetry, Lament, and Worship through Canon Sense

Psalms: Poetry, Lament, and Worship through Canon Sense | Pastor Aamir and Carissa Din Home | Media | Contact Psalms: Poetry, Lament, and Worship through Canon Sense “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1 (NIV) Introduction The Book of Psalms occupies a central place within the biblical canon, serving as a profound repository of human…

[marietheran]

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

[gffa]

Tamsyn Muir: “It’s undeniable that the Locked Tomb books are going to include my personal relationship to faith: 'being a gay Catholic' is like the book’s logline. That said, the God of the Locked Tomb IS a man; he IS the Father and the Teacher; it’s an inherently masc role played by someone who has an uneasy relationship himself to playing a Biblical patriarch. John falls back on hierarchies and roles because they’re familiar even when he’s struggling not to. Even he identifies himself as the God who became man and the man who became God. But the divine in the Locked Tomb is essentially feminine on multiple axes – I think Nona will illuminate that a little bit more. “I mean, before this all sounds too theological I fundamentally believe one of the internal engines of the whole series is what if the magical girl . . . was a guy in his thirties with some very weird friends?” This quote absolutely has me by the throat because it’s a fascinating insight into the themes of the book, but also a 100% hilariously accurate take. WHAT IF ONE OF THE INTERNAL ENGINES OF THE WHOLE SERIES WAS THAT THE MAGICAL GIRL OF THE SERIES WAS JUST SOME FUCKING GUY IN HIS 30S WITH A BUNCH OF WEIRD FRIENDS? Stellar.  Phenomenal.  Absolutely zero notes.  100/10 character choices.

[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-theo]

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.

[queerprayers]

hello, i've recently come across more accounts similar to yours and they have really helped me feel closer to God. so for starters i appreciate you and everything you have to say is very insightful. i am new to Christianity (looking into Catholicism) but i have struggled with my relationship with God for a few years as i am queer. Anyway, all of that is not entirely related to my question. as i wasn't raised religious, i have done some things that i am not proud of that i hope won't ruin God's love for me. for example, i have said stuff that could be considered "taking the Lord's name in vain" such as saying "oh my god", "jesus christ", etc. do you think that is actually taking his name in vain? truthfully, i have been trying to cut down regardless as i love God and mean no offense but it's hard as i have said words carelessly in the past. i apologize for the longer text!!

Welcome, beloved, I'm so glad you're here!

This is always such an interesting topic and I'm sure I won't do it justice, but I'll try to answer your question. The third commandment has been oversimplified for a lot of Christians, and I do think we should take it seriously—but when we caught up with people saying "omg" casually, we miss a lot.

"Taking the Lord's name in vain" can encompass quite a bit: cursing God, swearing on God falsely (in the sense of making promises you don't keep), treating sacred things with disrespect, using God for your own gain, using God to justify evil actions, claiming God's name for harmful theologies—really anything that profanes/using hollowly/for profit the name/essence/qualities of God. "Name" is more than language—it's a presence. So is the third commandment addressing casualness with religious language? I don't think that's what it's specifically interested in, and because the Ten Commandments functioned communally/legally more than personally I'm inclined to say it's concerned more with the promise type of swearing and temple rituals, but I do think the philosophies behind these large things can be brought down to the personal language level, especially for those of us who aren't ancient Israelites.

An old anecdote from my church is that for years they had a plain wooden cross in the sanctuary, but my childhood pastor had a crucifix put up. (This was before I was born, and I'm so thankful I got to grow up with a full, embodied cross rather than an empty one.) An old lady stopped in her tracks that morning, staring up above the altar, and said "Oh my god." The pastor said, "That's right, he is." Besides being used to poke fun at this lady (who had probably never encountered traditional art of the crucifixion in her rural Protestant life) and as a justification for having a crucifix (to more fully confront God), it was also used by my mother to explain why we weren't allowed to say "oh my god" unless the situation necessitated it.

This has made me rethink some of the things I say—and I think there are lines here that we all have to draw. Many exclamations/curses are religious in nature (like damn or hell), and should we only say those when we mean the full essence of the thing? My mother thinks so, and I've gone back and forth. I think what we say matters, and carelessness should never be our framework. I also know that I don't get offended when people say things like "oh my god"—and I've definitely said it before, in way less necessary situations than confronting him bleeding.

When we look at all the things the third commandment can encompass, exclamatory swearing is surely at the bottom of the list in terms of what matters interpersonally and religiously. The megachurch pastor who uses God to sell things and the abuser who uses religion as an excuse are much more relevant to me. This is about your attitude toward your faith, how you want your language to reflect that, and how seriously you take words that are really only translations of a human approximation of a theological truth.

A line I draw is "Jesus" vs. "God"—one is the personal name of my god, and one is more of a title. I don't swear using Jesus's name, but I've dropped an "oh my god." I'm also more likely to use religious exclamations in the face of things I genuinely care about—I'll say "oh my god" to something beautiful but am more likely to say "shit" when I drop something. Is this all arbitrary? Of course! But the language we treasure and the language we're less careful with always is.

I won't tell you where to draw your lines, but I will say the best way to approach any of it is to notice these things—which you definitely are! Whether or not we end up changing something, it's always good to be aware of what we say and how it could affect us. So ask those questions, think through it all. Don't let casualness make you forget the enormity of what we're talking about when we say "God," but also, turn to God with every emotion and in every situation. Don't bring religion into everything because you're being careless—do it because it's where you and the universe touch.

To answer another (and in my opinion more important) question you've asked, no, God's love for you isn't ruined. I don't care what you've said, what you haven't cared about, what you've done—God's love is incapable of being ruined. This would imply weakness or unfaithfulness, which our faith does not characterize God with. And Christianity is firm that it is never too late to repent—meaning, to turn around and dedicate yourself to not going back. (God's love reaches the unrepentant as well, of course—it is a matter of whether we can see it and move through it, not whether it's there.) Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand—as in, it's always been here, it's happening now within you and your communities, and it will arrive.

Whatever changes you make and journeys you begin, God's love goes with you—it's not something we work toward having, but something we work toward honoring. It is hard to change habits—it's hard to change anything, and your dedication to thinking about this new part of your life is admirable.

I want to say don't get caught up in the smallest possible meanings of the commandments as you continue into Christianity, but I love that you are and that's not really the advice I want to give. What I mean is more, don't let this be a barrier. Every tiny thing is part of our lives, which means they can trip us up, be things to obsess over, be things we focus on to avoid other things, be areas we become perfectionist when that energy could be used more usefully. I am contributing to harm in countless ways that don't include swearing, and to be an imperfect human in this world, you are too. I give you permission to not let this be the hill you die on. Christianity calls us to be willing to die on so many hills, y'know? The enormity of our dedication can be overwhelming, but we move forward knowing the love of God is on our side.

The sacred Name has only ever been put into human words in the form of Jesus, and meeting him in both the sacred and ordinary is how I honor the Word. As I navigate the countless ways I exist and affect and am in relationship with the world, I come back to that. That true holiness can never be profaned, so I must not act as if it can be. When I find myself acting as if God could be hollow, I know I must turn back. I may embody this idea differently than you and others—we cannot all pay attention to everything at once. But I honor your commitment to the small things, and I pray that you live confident in the knowledge that nothing you have done or will do can stop God from entering into communion with you.

<3 Johanna

[saintmachina]

do you have any recs for beginner theology books?

Some theological books that have been absolutely foundational for my spiritual development that are very friendly to beginners and/or curious seekers include:

Getting Involved With God: Rediscovering The Old Testament by Dr. Ellen Davis

My Bright Abyss by Christian Wimin. It's more of a personal essay infused with theology and poetry about belief in the face of suffering but it's truly so powerful and I want to hand it to every new convert.

I know he gets recommended into the ground, but C.S. Lewis really does have the juice, especially for profound but plainspeak insights. You're probably best served starting with Mere Christianity.

If you have an interest in mysticism or want to explore theologies of the Trinity, I love The Divine Dance by Mike Morrell and Richard Rohr.

This is like...the four-legged stool of intro books I would wrap up with a bow for anyone who is interested in dipping their toe into Christian theology. They aren't doctrinal reference texts, but I think these may serve you better. Explore and report back!

[awideplace]

Since early 2020 I started sharing Scripture via text with loved ones; people the Lord would put on my heart to encourage at times. Just wanted to share: feel free to save my verse images and send in a text to a loved on or a few to encourage them, sometimes it helps to put a personal message if desiring to do so (I.E., thinking of you, praying for you [don’t just say this though—actually stop and pray for them], wanted to encourage you, sending a hug, etc.). I would encourage this though as well: when we share Scripture or theological truths/gleanings with those who know us, they are looking at our lives; so make sure you’re taking insightful inventory of living up to what you are sharing with others, hypocrisy turns people off and can harm. None of us is perfect this side of Eternity, but to mindfully make sure what we share is also what we live.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16