[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by Chris

If I wasn’t in the middle of finishing my final assignment for my theology degree, I’d take some time here to explain all the ways you’re doing it wrong. But I am in the middle of finishing my theology degree, so I won’t. Plus, we’re veering off the topic.

Suffice it to say that the Bible is not a rule book. It does present a rule for life, but that’s not the same thing, and living by it can’t be achieved by quoting individual verses out of context. The Sermon on the Mount, from which you are quoting, is a great example of that, because if you try to follow it like a list of rules it’s impossible to achieve.

If you did try to do it that way, then a fully Christianised culture of the sort you have argued we are, would have reacted to Matthew 5:38-40 by closing down its courts: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” Yet no country in Christendom ever did so, and quite rightly because despite first appearances, judicial process is not what’s in view here.

Jesus’ rule of live is brilliant, the absolute best, and I’m delighted you’re attentive to it, but a rule of life, and a list of rules, are not the same thing. The Sermon on the Mount is the former.

First, I hope you sail through your theology degree.
As regards whether or not Cummings should be held to a higher standard than the public at large, I think you've failed to prove your case.

Earlier, you prayed the bible in aid to make the case for Judeo-Christian culture holding the likes of Cummings to greater account than ordinary people. Where the bible supports this notion is in relation to "teachers", who were Rabbis seeking directly to preach/influence the people. That is not relevant to a civil servant in the UK.

In your latest response, you appear to row back and say that the bible is not a rule book. Then why did you try and make the case against Cummings in the first place?

By contrast, Matthew 7 covers my point exactly in nearly plain English. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged".


---------- Post added at 11:09 ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 ----------

Originally Posted by Carth

Why . . . is Sephiroth attending?

Bless you!

---------- Post added at 11:10 ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 ----------

Originally Posted by Hugh

In spirit...

To quote from your signature:

There is always light.
If only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.