purpose

I'd like to share an insight I received from a wise seminary professor, pastor, and author, himself somewhat conservative yet a earthy mystic none the less. I feel not matter what ones Christology is this teaching is apt.

“Jesus did not come into the world to make us religious or even Christian, he came into the world to enable us to become the humans we were always meant to be.”
~ Eugene Peterson

Re: purpose

Beautiful! Isn’t he the one who translated the Bible into the paraphrase called the Message? I have been very impressed by his insights.

Peace

Nicole

Re: purpose

Not sure…My favorite was Long Obedience in the Same Direction. He hands without with Carmalites and Buddhist Monks. Would rather go hunt arrowheads as much as anything else.

Re: purpose

i didn't know that about him… very cool!

 

here's a wikipedia article referencing the Message and other works, incl Long Obedience

here are blog posts referencing him and some viceos

peace,

nicole

Re: purpose

Didn't see this gem the first time. Very nice indeed.

Re: purpose

Yes, this is the half-purpose intended by the Creator to be received from those heading down. Jesus hid most of what He'd have to say to those heading up.

If a person goes to a costume ball, the friends that he meets there think of him not as the normally costumed one who unfortunately must take off the costume tomorrow, but as the one who usually wears no costume, and has assumed one temporarily.

This is how I think about the Christians, who were never really my friends, and whose human costumes seem poor and inadequate.

Re: purpose

I have always seen Jesus' purpose as it is described by Peterson.  It warmed my heart to read that quote.  Thank you!  When I get the time, I am going to read more of his writing. 
I really, really do not get your point Jayceeii.  The sweeping judgment you make of all people of a particular faith is, well, I am at a loss for words.  Christianity is a walk, not just being able to site a bunch of verses or repeat the beliefs that are taught.  Maybe a lot Christians are not at the point that they understand this.  However, to make such a statement as your's demonstrates an equal lack of understanding.  Don't judge the religion by the man.  Judge the man.  Maybe it is just those Christians that you come in contact with. 

Re: purpose

I love this.  Eugene Peterson, haven't heard of him.  Sounds like he may be saying something similar to what I say at times (e.g., the blog, Revealing Revelation).  Thanks, Ookami san.  Burl   

Re: purpose

I should have said not to judge at all least you be judged. 

Re: purpose

Eugene Peterson is quite an interesting writer Burl, check him out!

Opening, yes, judging can be a serious problem.

Love,

Nicole