Maidryn
Mabinog
[M:3]
I know it's not fair but you must be aware, I am a groovey dancin' panda bear.
Posts: 169
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Post by Maidryn on Oct 5, 2006 0:29:19 GMT -5
I contemplated this question as I read the Empyrion books. The Fieri all believe in God and are very spiritual and their society is wonderful but I can't help but feel that it will never happen on earth. I have belonged to several churches over three decades and we seem to fight a lot amongst ourselves, but if an outside force comes against us , nothing can pull us apart. The unique thing about Christianity and Judaism is that it flourishes more amidst persecution than when every thing is "hunky dory". Probably we'll never all be united until God comes to earth personally. Look at Ireland... the Catholics and Protestants have been at each other's throats for years. What do you think? Do you think we can all live together in love and I'm just letting my pessimism show?  |
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Post by Child of Immanuel on Oct 5, 2006 6:11:19 GMT -5
I think we can come close... but because of our humanity there will always be some problems.
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Maidryn
Mabinog
[M:3]
I know it's not fair but you must be aware, I am a groovey dancin' panda bear.
Posts: 169
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Post by Maidryn on Oct 5, 2006 18:34:01 GMT -5
This website is a small example of how nice it can be if people just follow politeness and give the basic respect that is due each person. Even though we are all exchanging ideas and many view points are different, this is such a pleasant place to come. I love reading the posts and experiencing a view point other than my own.  |
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Post by dgan on Oct 6, 2006 1:29:00 GMT -5
As a world, I think the Bible is pretty clear things are going to get worse before they get perfect...at Christ's return. As a 'religion', I really appreciate and agree with your insight. Christianity suffers when it has power. It is that power struggle within a church or within a demonination that always causes problems. When we are beaten down and persecuted and relying only on the power of God...that is when we are truly the Church of God. It is a shame it has to be that way...there are certainly enough of us to live in harmony with our fellow Christians. But it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bushel.  |
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Post by DanTheMan on Oct 6, 2006 11:46:13 GMT -5
No, I don't think we can all live together in love with the way people are in this world. I don't think that's pessimistic but realistic. We ALL live selfishly. Some love more than others. Some hate. I do think it will take Jesus reigning as King and all of us with regenerate souls and bodies.
But. We can all try to love more and live more in harmony. The more of us that try, the better this world can be. It can't be perfect, but it can be better.
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Post by CynanMachae on Oct 6, 2006 12:24:46 GMT -5
There are just as many arguments and divisions in the church as there are in non-Christian organizations. That's just human nature, as CoI pointed out. When we place our trust in Jesus, we don't instantly become perfect. It's a working process. No, utopia's can't work, IMO, Christian or not. However, when you have a group of people who are united in their beliefs and all resting upon the grace of the LORD, things will [hopefully] be better off than elsewhere.
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Post by Dred on Oct 6, 2006 14:54:48 GMT -5
I don't see everyone getting along in perfect harmony until after Christ returns. We are human and as such have differences that will keep us from living together in bliss. Some people do better than others but in the long run, the majority won't manage until after Christ returns.
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Post by Messenger of Eden on Nov 12, 2006 16:36:11 GMT -5
Agreed. I am wrestling with this issue in my own book, in which a wonderful underground Christian society exists in harmony with one another and all is well, the Elders are greatly respected, and the children are brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I think, with the proper balances, it would work--except for the sin nature in people. Pragmatically I believe that my utopia would eventually begin to deteriorate and corruption could set in. The characters in the story have taken strong measures, realizing this tendency toward entropy, in their daily lives. So long as individuals seek God with all of their hearts and submit to the authorities, this society would thrive. But as in Israel, sin must be dealt with swiftly and severely, lest it contaminate the whole colony. This is where it will get interesting--as we do have a tendency to sin.....
Realistically, we can try and we can succeed to a degree but true Utopia will never be realized until Messiah has returned and we have come to our true Destiny.
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