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Here comes that freedom of choice question again,it truely was a punishment on all mankind that god gave to us freedom to choose how we dealt with others,and how we evalueated right from wrong,as Jesus said let the man without sin cast the first stone,and we all know that none of us could throw a stone,but this does not stop us from being angry at the deeds of our fellow humans to other human beings,but surely it is not for us to judge these men/women,thats gods job.

[quote]Freedom is our most cherished gift.[/quote] One you have been quite vocal in looking to erode. I would like to go shopping on Sunday – that’s my choice, not yours. A young lady may wish to have an abortion – that’s her choice, not yours. Two men (or two women, for that matter) may choose to have sexual relations. That’s their choice, not yours. [quote]We are designed to exercise choice and those who rob us of this are therefore inhuman and un Godly.[/quote] I’m quite happy to remain ungodly and living life how I choose. I’m quite happy to say “design” has less than nothing to do with anything. [quote]In the dark ages unChristian power monsters took over the church and staged inquisitions or waged crusades forcing all to follow their unbiblical ways. Real Christianity had to shelter in monasteries, convents and individual hearts awaiting a reaffirmation and rescue.[/quote] You will find that they were entirely convinced (through their religious indoctrination) that they believed entirely that the wrongs that they committed were in the name of god, just as you do today. It’s a bit like the difference between the peoples front of Judea and the Judean peoples front. [italic]Christianity is best kept in the individual heart and away from organised religion[/italic] [quote]Today, Malaya and others endure dark times. Malaya automatically deems all born into Muslim families as Muslims for life, and last week Sharia Law jailed one woman a second time for opting out of Islam.[/quote] Look at the history of Christianity. It’s not that long ago that Christianity was guilty of exactly the same crimes. Thankfully our society is now less influenced by religion so we don't have to pu up with this level of nonsense anymore. We can only hope that countries which are suppressed by religion (whatever flavour) can shake free in the future. [quote]What about Russia and the overwhelming vote for the new leadership this month? Did the electorate really have much choice?[/quote] More than they used to have, so at least some progress. Still a log way to go, that's for sure. [quote]And what about another nation, where 90 per cent demand a referendum on Europe and the Government reneges on its promise? Should the electorate not feel robbed of choice?[/quote] Why? Don’t we elect MP’s to have authority to make decisions on our behalf? [quote]When the same government wants to kill unborn babies to harvest their cells [bold]so sick adults might live a bit longer[/bold] or create hybrid human/animal chimeras, is it not reasonable to give MPs of their party a free vote rather than be whipped into Stalin-like party lines?[/quote] Unbelievable tripe! Completely untrue pack of lies! And more than a little insulting (especially the bold type) towards those whose short lives are in danger but may be given a normal life through medical advancement such as stem cell research. Rather unjustified gallery politicking which might play well in the bible belt, though! Stem cell research is nothing at all to do with what has been suggested in Rev's article. The reality is very, very different. Stem cell research is already leading to cures for countless mental and physical diseases. [italic](Not long ago the church would have put some ill people down as “being possessed” and tried to cure through exorcism, leeches and all sorts of nonsence - now, NOT thanks to religion, we can cure)[/italic] Stem cell research is contributing to the cures for hundreds of thousands of people with debilitating illnesses. My loved ones included. Would I rather support your position or see my loved ones living a healthly life? (Rhetorical question) Prayer won’t help them get better – advances in medicine through research just might. Trying to restrict the freedom of scientific research on the back of poor rhetoric is shameful. [quote]The most grotesque abuse of freedom comes from Jersey where perhaps hundreds of children had no choice but to please paedophile bullies or die. Jesus came to give us truth which would "set us free".[/quote] This is not an abuse of freedom and I think at rather trite (at least) to use this example in this context. It appears to be an abuse of position, an abuse of authority and a number of systemic failures leading to child abuse. See the “Church of England” for further examples of child abuse being covered up by those in charge. As a CofE priest, your organisation has been heavily involved in child abuse and your bosses have tried to cover it up. [quote]God help politicians, priests or paedophiles, who remove it without just cause.[/quote] Look at the freedoms we enjoy today that you want to remove because it says so in your favourite book. You want to remove freedom, not spread it – as demonstrated in your previous blogs. I am pleased to see your admission that you need help. Humility is a saving grace.

Freedom is the domain of those who are Truly Free. Every day we are robbed of our Freedom by the limits we impose upon our True Self. In our heads the reason-maker, the doubt-maker, the blame-maker resides. He has many disguises. This is the Devil within us. This Heart is Divine. This Heart is also within us. If we must fight in a war, Fight in that war. A man can win that war. He can re-claim the lost territory of the Heart that reason has stolen from him. The other wars on the outside are a picnic compared to that war. And that is why there is so much war on the outside. Because Man has not made the Conscious Decision to Fight in that war within himself. You have the weapon. Are you ready? If you are ready I will bend every rule in the book for you. And you will win! The Heart will re-claim it's throne.

Be in no doubt! [bold]The Heart will win.[/bold]

Once again, I applaud your stand in this time when it seems that the only sin society won't tolerate is to not tolerate the vices that run rampant. Ignore Simon and the others, unless you pity them. They are in need of God's grace on their hearts to become regenerate instead of degenerate.

Amand,what did i say wrong?i know that James and Marcus are quite expressive against your form of worship,in fact Marcus just doesnt do any worshiping at all..lol,well maybe some but not the sort that YOU think is correct,but i think if you were to slowly and methodically read MY reply i dont think you should find it offensive,but who am i to speak for you,we all have our own free will,and tbh Marcus does make some very good points and if you wasnt so stereotyped you maybe could see his argument as well,but it does all come down to faith,belief,brainwa shing or whatever you want to call it but it is there choice not yours if you dont want to hear these comments well the sensible thing to do is keep reading the parish magazine and do not log on to this blog.on the other hand you could look with respect at another persons point of view not much for one christian to ask another i would think,even should kevin take your stance no one is forceing him to post these thoughts,and i personally like to read the different views,but have you noticed that not many christian church goer type come on and put there point of view forward,that one is strange,maybe they carry this sheep bit a little to far,?anyhow you are entitled to your oppinon as well,but please read all the posts a little more carefully in future,some folks are easily upset..lol

[quote][bold]Amanda[/bold] wrote: Once again, I applaud your stand in this time when it seems that the only sin society won't tolerate is to not tolerate the vices that run rampant. Ignore Simon and the others, unless you pity them. They are in need of God's grace on their hearts to become regenerate instead of degenerate. [/quote] Amanda, I think your response says more about the differences between the cultures in the USA and in the UK. In the UK, rightly or wrongly, religion is diminishing (at least in it's fervency) and is very much a private thing for many who choose to follow it. The very strong impression we get over here is that religion is very much at the heart of every aspect of life in the US, particularly in Government. George Bush is seen by many in the UK to be every bit as extremist in his Christian views (and actions) as any Muslim extremist, and every bit as dangerous. Thankfully, our Government is no longer swayed by religious dogma (openly, at least) and therefore we are "free" to make whatever comments we wish against religion without being considered "unpatriotic".

Ian,you have got me thinking with your reply there mate,if what you are saying is true, i would like to state as strongly as possible,that i am a true Brit and i would not want anyone to think any different of me,i will stand up for my country against any foe home or abroad if needed. I hope i have made that clear on that point.My friend.

[quote][bold]Nostradamous[/bold] wrote: Ian,you have got me thinking with your reply there mate,if what you are saying is true, i would like to state as strongly as possible,that i am a true Brit and i would not want anyone to think any different of me,i will stand up for my country against any foe home or abroad if needed. I hope i have made that clear on that point.My friend.[/quote] Never doubted it, Nosty! The basic point I was making is that state and religion are more closely intertwined in the USA. Somehow, denying religion can be considered as a sleight against the Government. In that respect, "freedom" in "The Land of the Free" is compromised. Not so in the UK!

[quote] Ignore Simon and the others, unless you pity them. They are in need of God's grace on their hearts to become regenerate instead of degenerate.[/quote] Go on then, please explain why you need to need to resort to insults and call us degenerate. Those I care for would take issue with your description. If your only reason for calling us degenerate is that we do not subscribe to your belief system then I suggest that is a very unchristian attitude.

Dear Ammanda, God resides in my Heart. God resides in your Heart. I have never seen the Eternal in a temple, cathedral, mosque, synagogue. I have not seen the Eternal in a Religion or any belief system or any Philosophy. God is not subject to man-made rules and regulations. I Discovered the Eternal God when I looked within my own Heart. I am just a man who was willing to learn how to do that. I was given the Grace and the Courage to 'look'.

Well I might be in a church this weekend . . . . . . http://www.mass-club .com Nice to see a former house of brainwashing being used for something useful. The acoustics and architecture are of great help (I'm reminded of Tom thinking that tells him he feels gods presence)

I hate to see churchs fall into this sort of use,i see it almost everywhere i go, and i do find it very upsetting,our ancestors worked hard to in some cases build these Churches, even if it was some mill magnate whos conscience was slightly pricking him decided to put up the brass,these buildings were tended and loved by our forefathers,even if we now think it was full of hypocrisy i for one respect there misguided commitment to there churches, in my oppinion the churches should have been demolished when they ceased to be used for the purpose of worship,the land would have more or less been just has valuable

Nostradamus, These places of worship are just a fancy cattle-shed. Built by the rich upon the graves of the poor for the benefit of the often well-heeled and well-positioned clergy. It's just a building when all is said and done. A place to present the outward show of worship. Often used for the sake of 'appearances' The older ones make nice tourist attractions. I have nothing against the Churches made by man but I cannot get sentimental and attached to them. They are mere sand-castles to an Immortal Soul. Only the Palace within the Heart will never crumble. Let the True Worship be there. God looks for the inward and invisible sincerity of our praise. Where we praise is of no consequence. As the Eternal is everywhere.

[quote]The basic point I was making is that state and religion are more closely intertwined in the USA. Somehow, denying religion can be considered as a sleight against the Government. In that respect, "freedom" in "The Land of the Free" is compromised. Not so in the UK![/quote] Ah, "technically" not true, but "in reality" quite close" The US is sort of technically secular. In this country we have religious nominees to the house of lords, so the CofE has a say in running the country (ie leglistature)- hence the bashable bishops voting against the abolition of the blashemy law. If they had half a conscience they should not have voted at all given the conflict of interest. End of digression. . . .

Hi folks (especially simplysimon) Been off line for a week or so. I see you've not missed me, though. There are more emails than when I contribute! Simplysimon, you write of the Eternal. You find the Eternal in your heart and urge us to look into our own. The Eternal, you write,is God. [bold]Questions:[/bold] These are genuine questions of interest, simplysimon. Not getting at you. Just want to know your reactions. How do you stop making this Eternal God in your image? How do you stop fashioning a god who will agree with everthing you want to do. If you make up this god within you, does that mean that you are God's creator? In this case, are you not saying that you yourself are your own god? I agree that the Eternal is God, and God is within for those who have invited him in. However, the God I invite in is the God of the Bible rather than a god of my own design. Am I being unfair to you when I write this? Looking forward to your reply. Kevin

Hi Kevin, No, I do not believe you are being unfair. You are being Honest and I like People who are Honest. I like People who are willing to consider things. a- how do you stop making this Eternal god in your own Image? When you Discover the ETERNAL. Connect or meet or come into contact with the Eternal. All the images fall away. Any image is only fleeting, temporary, physical. The Eternal is beyond Imagination. Only Physical Substance can be imagined. Substance is not Eternal. It changes and is affected by time. Neither Memory or Imaginations are Eternal. They change, they can be accurate or in-accurate. That which is Eternal is beyond memory and Imagination. It will not fit into memory and Imagination. It has never, ever, ever, changed. The mind is subject to change. The ETERNAL is beyond the grasp of the Human Intellect. It is impossible for the Eternal to change. Everything else will change. But not the Eternal. I cannot create the ETERNAL. I cannot create an Image of it. I can Know it. I can Understand it. I can Accept it. I can benefit from it. I can participate with it. I can be blown away by it. I can appreciate it. I have the ability to recognise it, To acknowledge it. I am unable to imagine it, or create any Image of it. Long answer, I know. They are good questions. I am having to think about them. My next answer is on it's way.....

Dont let me interupt you both ,please go on at last an interesting discussion on the columni am seeing were you are coming from Kevin,wow is this confusing or what?..

Question b - how do you stop fashioning a God that will agree with whatever you want to do? Well, Man wants what man wants, and if he has to interpret a religious teaching to fit in with what he wants, He can and let's face it, he does sometimes do that. Religion and the so called 'will of God' has been Hijacked and used to Justify and excuse Mans own behaviour. These justifications are required because man is ignorant and un-aware of the Eternal. It isn't about God. Because the ETERNAL IS GOD. what God does or does not do. What God agrees with or does not agree with is actually Man putting his own freedom and ability to choose before God. It is super-imosing these abilities onto God. It is Mans way of 'subjecting' God and making God a subordinate of human nature. God is above Human nature. Man is the subject of his Human nature- not God. The ETERNAL is not 'subject' to anything.

With reference to Mankind - God is an 'option' God is a matter of 'choice' a matter of 'belief' or 'non-belief. Every Man is going to decide if there is or is not a God. Some may decide sooner than later and some may never decide. The Eternal does not become more or less real on the basis of Mans decisions. If the body of the physical universe is temporary and subject to time and change. How can that body create an Eternal nature that is not subject to time and change. The body can only create that which is borne from it's own nature. i.e. things with temporary natures. With reference to the Eternal - Within, not outside of Mans being, the ETERNAL can be Discovered. Every day we Consciously look outside. There is a way to use those same sense powers of perception to look [bold]Within[/bold] a mans own Being. Or within a mans own Soul. That is where the Eternal resides. That is where the Eternal is. Man is the Pioneer that Discovers God. Not the creator of God. The ETERNAL is 'hidden' within the SOUL of Man.

Now Kevin, This is the Challenging part. The Eternal was within Mans own being before man had invented paper. Before man had invented ink. Before man had invented words. Before man had invented alphabets. Before there was a religion, The Eternal was within mans own Being. Within your Being and within everyones Being. Even where there is no existence of anything. The ETERNAL IS THERE. The Eternal is not the subject of an Invitation. The Eternal is not cast out by mans Rejection. The ETERNAL does not come and go according to Man. It is Man that comes and goes according to the Eternal. There are some who Discover the Eternal. They [bold]Discover[/bold] the Eternal something. In the absence of that Discovery. Man gives it a label. That label is God.

My Question for Christians is this - Do you feel ready to Discover the Eternal within. To encounter the Eternal. To meet the Eternal. So real is that meeting, it is beyond the capacity of Human Belief.

[quote]the God I invite in is the God of the Bible rather than a god of my own design[/quote] The god of the bible IS designed by man.

[quote][bold]simplysimon[/bold] wrote: My Question for Christians is this - Do you feel ready to Discover the Eternal within. To encounter the Eternal. To meet the Eternal. So real is that meeting, it is beyond the capacity of Human Belief.[/quote] Have you discovered/met the eternal James?because i would like to think you have mate. And i would say that Kevin has allready met his eternal in the way that Kevin feels he should.but i cant speak for Kevin..

Hi Marcus, Yes! I am on very good terms with the Eternal. I have not seen God, But I have Discovered the Eternal. Only the attributes of the Creator are visible to Man. Only the Gifts of the Creator can be seen. By recognising these Gifts, by appreciating these Gifts, Man will Know the Eternal Generosity of the Creator. Focus on the Ultimate Gift! Can Atheist Man appreciate The Kindness, the Tenderness, The Beauty, the Loyalty, The Companionship, The Kiss of the Creator, Eternal Power of a Breath. The Power that enables him to think, to see, to hear, to feel, to smell, to taste, to enjoy to be. The Power that allows him the Freedom to choose what to think, to look at, to listen to, to feel, to smell, to taste, to enjoy, to be. Does Religious Man appreciate This Power! This Breath that allows him to EXIST! Does he Recognise the significance of A BREATH! You are being given the Power of a Breath. You cannot [italic]be[/italic] without one. How simple is that? [bold]Do you Appreciate the Kindness of that. The Beauty of that?[/bold]

If Kev has met his Eternal. He will recognise that the Breath he has just taken is as close to the Eternal Creator as he will ever be able to get. God is only an option. Many Atheists can live without God. Nobody can Exist without this Power of a Breath. Not even Kev. Nobody is [italic]forced[/italic] to Appreciate that which is keeping them Alive!

[bold]Recognise[/bold] this Breath and you will Discover the Eternal. There is no such thing as Humanity until this Breath shows up. How can there be a Universe without a Breath.? How can the possibility of a Faith even exist without a Breath. Mankind has been putting his Faith in the wrong thing.

I see lots of simularities in the type of appreciation you advocate James,apart from these facts, you accept the fact that breath is an all important part of the eternal,i agree and i also say that god gave us all that breath, and we became a living thing,or are you saying that we are all mearly maggot type creatures that evolved from some other source,all living things breath James.. -------------------- -------------------- ---- Yes! I am on very good terms with the Eternal. I have not seen God, But I have Discovered the Eternal James how many people could say, that they have SEEN god?not many i would say,but how many would say that they have discovered god,many i would say James.

Hi Nosty, If it was there before God. I call it Eternal. Look at your Life. which came first. A Breath or God? Man can Invent God. No way has he the ability to Invent a Breath. You are [bold]assuming[/bold] that your God gave you the Breath. When in Truth it is a Breath that gave you the possibility of pondering about your God. This Breath was there before God. It is the sole Creator of Humanity. The sole sustainer of Humanity and the sole destroyer of Humanity. We do not Breathe, I do not Breathe, You do not Breathe. If Man had the Power to Breathe he would never stop Breathing! Man is Receiving that Power, He Benefits from it, He can appreciate many things because of it. He can also Appreciate that which allows him to Appreciate all those things. That which allows him to Exist is a Breath. Only the Breath is Living. That is the only Living element. The rest is dust and water. The rest is dead. It has only the 'appearance' of living because of a Breath. What are you without a Breath. A corpse. No Breath = No Life. Even Humanity existed before God. Otherwise who would there be to believe in God? Do not confuse the Eternal Power with the God that Man has invented. [bold]They are not the same.[/bold] There was a time when God did not Exist. The Eternal Power of Life has never ceased to Exist. If it did cease to Exist. Nothing could exist. Many believe in a God. Many dis-believe. Neither can exist without a Breath. This Breath is THE ETERNAL LIFE. You have already got Eternal Life. Can you RECOGNISE IT ?

I am a REALIST. I look at what is REAL. I mean, man does not see what is right under his own nose. Man runs off into fantasy-make-believe -guessology-theory-l and. and doesnot recognise what is right under his own nose keeping him and every other human being Alive. He recognises, every other component and excludes and ignores his very next Breath. I don't do that.

[bold]What is More Important than a Breath?[/bold] Whatever it is you are giving [italic]way[/italic] too much Importance to it. Nothing should be more Important [bold]to you[/bold] than that. Nothing should have a higher value than that. There would be no Humanity. If not for that. No Adam, No Eve, No Jesus, No Steve, No Moses, No Mohammed, No Mary, Not One Human Being would ever have existed on the face of this Earth.

It is the recognition of a Breath that seperates Man from Animals. Only a Human Being has the ability to Appreciate a Breath. No other creature exists to do that. No other creature has the ability to Appreciate that. Only A Being that is Human can do that. That is what makes Man the King of Creation. That [bold]simple[/bold] ability.

I do appreciate what you are saying about a breath,can you give me your thougts on why man fears death,even kevin who i would think clearly serves god in is own way,and surely would expect to go to heaven when he died,would be scared stiff if someone threatened to shoot him,BUT he is supposedly going to a better place so why be frightened?

Hi Nosty, That's a very good point - [bold]why does Man fear Death ?[/bold] The answer is this- Man fears Death because he believes in Death. He Believes in the possibility of Death because he is mortal. Religion presents him with a reward possibility (Heaven) or a punishment possibility.(Hell) Obviously, The Religious Man wants to save his own skin when presented with these two possibilities. He is not going to choose to disobey the teachings. He is going to find reasons and justifications for following the teachings. Being and doing good in accordance with the teachings will increase his chances of going to Heaven. Therefore all his good intentions are based on a personal reward at the end of his time. These actions are not the actions of a Pure Heart. A Pure Heart does not work to attain a personal reward. A Pure Heart works and acts without considering any reward for those actions. Man is mis-informed and mis-lead regarding his understanding about Death. Religion includes Death as a Reality. When in Truth, Death is nothing more than a bad rumour that helps the Religions to control the behaviours of mortals. Man, due to the ignornce of his own nature, subscribes to Death as a reality. In Truth, only Life is the Reality. Birth and Death are two events that happen as a result of mans Reality. Mans Reality is Eternal, but man does not recognise the Eternal part of his own nature. This leads him into a lot of error. Mortal is the Man who undermines his own Immortal nature. Mortal is the man who does not recognise that part of himself that is Truly the Immortal part. A typical Mortal regards a Breath as mere lungs and oxygen. Places no value on a Breath. A Living Immortal regards a Breath as the Gift of Life. A Breath can be ignored or adored. You get from it the value that you place upon it. To some This Breath means nothing. they give zero attention to it. To others, this Breath means everything! As long as you have a Breath, there can never be any such thing as Death. All fear is removed. There is no Death for those who recognise the value of a Breath. They attain Immortality and enjoy Heaven every single Day! This is the nature of the Power you have within you. Existence is giving you an opportunity to recognise the Power you already have. The Power you already have is itself an Eternal One. [bold]Recognise it.[/bold] with all your Heart. There is no remote possibility of Birth or Death for an Immortal. Immortality is the Key to Heaven. The Key to Eternal Life. Therefore attain Immortality.

Where there should be Eternal Freedom Peace and Joy, man has ushered in his Reasons for Fear and Guilt. Life is bestowed to good and bad alike un-conditionaly. Without any reason. Life, a Breath, is a Gift that comes without any reasons attached to it. The good and the bad get the same Power to Live. Man invents the reasons. Man forgets that God doesn't need to have a reason. This is man limiting God to be in accord, to fit in with the set of logic that man has invented. The Creator is not bound by the Logic of Man. Man in his arrogance thinks the world should change it's perspective and not him.

You have been given a Breath - Have you added any Heart-felt meaning at all to the Endless Power that is keeping you Alive? This is Your Life-giving Breath. It is not piped into you from the Church. The Breath of Life does not come from a teaching. Every teaching comes from the Breath of Life. It is that Power that is keeping you Alive! What is another Breath worth to you? Nothing or Everything!

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