Ted, I don't believe that you can go through most of your life sinning until near the end and then expect redemption by proclaiming that Christ is the son of God. Assuming that there is a God, JC and another realm, then I don't think we are on this plane to play until near the end and then get religion.
Forgive me if I avoid directly answering any of your questions. I'll just leave you with this: It's all about a relationship with the Father, not about the good (or bad) works we do. Every other religion in this world is centered around good works, but among Christians, good works is only the result of salvation, not the means to obtain it.
I can't agree with that mindset. How can one have a good relationship with God when he is out murdering people?
That's why the death of Christ is held in utmost reverence among Christians, because it is the source and the foundation of their relationship with God. To everyone else, Christ's death is just another tragic execution of a "good man." I hope you realize this as you go watch "Passion," for at the very least, it should explain why Mel Gibson portrays Jesus' death in such a brutal, violent manner.
I am unclear why the death of JC has to be depicted with extreme brutality. Even if its historically accurate, its not the brutalizing of JC which is the "source and foundation of their relationship with God" but rather its the actual death. To me, its bespeaks of human high drama when the real drama was JC's message to humanity.
ted |
