Reply #15: As today's "Why can't I own a Canadian?" thread relates, there are inconsistencies in the bible.

[Fire Walk With Me]

Repeatability is a good determination that something is worth having in your life, especially in regard to spiritual and religious teaching. An open mind is essential in life. Discrimination is important.

I've seen the miracle of surrender in some 12-step groups. If you've seen an addict in the throes of powerlessness against their vices, down to the point of the edge of death in spite of their best efforts and intentions, you would be likely to consider the repeatable, documented effects of surrender to a higher power to be in the realm of the inexplicable and miraculous.

The concept of an invisible friend that can actually save your very life when you can do nothing is interesting at minimum. Is there some vast placebo effect in our minds that answers this, something we have tapped but not qualified in ourselves, or is it indeed something external that is able to intervene when allowed?

The important thing would be to see if anyone is turned away from this process, by the judgement of said higher power. The individual knows if surrender is accomplished, and observers will as well, if the promised changes occur. Are any truly surrendered, and turned away? I have not seen anything of the sort, and have heard nothing of the sort.

The bottom line would be that "all are welcome". In spite of human judgement of difference, all are welcome.

The concept of God is certainly updated as we learn more about ourselves, even to the point of not needing God. How nice to have repeatable, qualifiable experiences from an extremely wide range of individuals repainting the portrait of God into one of acceptance and support.

People are still people and will always and eventually make mistakes; it's our nature. If an individual fails to maintain connection to this process, blame the individual, not God. I certainly fuck up, and will fuck up again, in spite of seeking.

If Christians try to live decent lives and help others in need, it's a good start.