I always thought of myself as a mediocre christian.

[Joe for Clark]

I probably am. And I think that makes this whole situation impossible to understand.

As I went thru school it was clear to me that most religions come to the same point. The point made clear to "us christians" in the sermon on the mount - that we must treat the least of our brothers as we would treat him. Cause when you consider it - to do anything less would violate all other teachings. And if the same message rings true in so many voices - there must be something to it.

It is interesting that most other religions come to the same point. You know, I understood - believe - that Jesus was the son of god - and it is equally true to me that god could have more than one son. I do not for the life me understand how so many could miss such a central point held dear by so many religions for so long.

Truly, there are many agnostics, others, with a better sense of right and wrong - and in the end, what else is there?

What was it that Spike Lee said - you "Do the Right Thing" - I think it is prophetic.

So Merry Christmas - to every single person out there, christian or not - doesn't even matter so much what you believe. I think Merry Christmas is more a state of mind. And hope.

Joe

[DemBones DemBones]

1. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and peace to all people on Earth.

[Joe for Clark]

3. Merry christmas to you!!!

Joe

[Lusted4]

2. There is a quote

I don't know who said it, but it goes like this
"Only mediocre men are at their best all of the time"
That could apply to Christians also, I suppose.

[Joe for Clark]

4. Applies to everyone I hope.

Great quote -and I DO wish you a very Merry Chistmas in the most sincere way I can.

Joe

[jody]

5. A common theme among all great religions and the Secular Humanist Manifesto I says

"a cooperative effort to promote social well-being".

[Joe for Clark]

6. Really nice post Jody -

I didn't get it til my second year of college -

I DO reccomend for everyone - take COMPARTIVE RELIGON - Jody just reduced in one graphic the course material for the class.

Joe

[Az]

7. When looking at a work of art people use different words to describe it

In this case all the world's religions and philosophies are examining human nature. And consistantly the thing that works the best is to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves.

Socrates figured it out. They accused him of teaching his students to be evil. But he countered by simply stating that doing such a thing would be foolish and selfdestructive. For the things he taught to his students they would simply turn around and do to him.

We are a species that learns from each other. If you want people to be jersk to you then treat them like jerks. They learn that one real fast. But if you want people to be kind and trusting individuals then treat them as kind and trusting individuals. Show them how to treat you and in time they will learn it as well.

All the worlds religions and philosophies spend their days pondering the nature of humanity and life. Of course they are going to draw similar conclusions.

Oh and Happy Socrates Birthday and Merry Christmas as well.

[Joe for Clark]

9. It is a tougher standard - not as you would treat yourself -

as you would treat the son of god -

Pretty tough to treat anyone like crap and expect a decent treatment when you die, you know??

One of my uncles when he went thru the seminary said it meant - it is easier for a camel to pass thru the eye of a needle - and I believe that is true, if you understand what a needle meant 2000 years ago (it is a tall tower with a narrow opening). Possible, but difficult.

The conclusions are similar in many religions, it is true.

Joe

[Az]

10. re The eye of the needle

See the thing of the eye of the needle comment is that camels of rich people would be burdened with goods. In order to pass through the eye they would have to be unburdened of their goods and on their knees.

[Joe for Clark]

11. Thats right.

Joe

[Tinksrival]

8. Merry Christmas to you and your's, Joe

And Peace on Earth, Good Will to All!

Nice Post Joe! :hi:

[Joe for Clark]

13. To you too

and every single person here.

You know it is probably going to be true - some fewer numbers of kids will die in Iraq bacause of November - we all know it is true. May or may not save my kid - but it will save others.

At the end of the day - you guys did it. You really did. And that is all that could be done.

Merry Christmas to you Tink!!!

Joe

[G_Leo_Criley]

12. well said Joe ...

A state of mind and a state of hope. Perfect.

Merry Christmas. Happy Everything to all, however you celebrate the return of the light.


glc

[Joe for Clark]

14. You too!!

Joe