Whatever happened to the love, the mercy, and the un-forgiveness that those who followed the Christos we are to demonstrate? What happened to the examples that Jesus passed on to us such as “Go and sin no more”, and being friends with the outcasts, prostitutes, and tax collectors? Jesus called his followers to be LOVERS of PEOPLE? What’s happened?
History seems to have the answer.
Once the church was given status and position by emperor Constantine in increasing amounts between 312 and 325CE, the direction and purpose of the church changed almost over night. The focus moved from changing the status quo to protecting it- them! It was down hill from there on out as the church prided itself in being the power and being RIGHT!
From 300 to 600CE the church was more interested in doing away with free thinking than promoting mercy. The church was more interested in stamping out heretics (anyone who didn’t agree with the church hierarchy) than saving people from poverty and hardships. But worst of all as I see it, the church took a pious position and began to see everything in light of GOOD and EVIL!Duality was full speed ahead!
The church proclaimed itself as the JUDGE of what was GOOD and what was EVIL rather than being LOVERS of PEOPLE! It’s been that way for 1,700+ years. We no longer burn people at the stake; however, those outside the mainstream and what’s called orthodox thinking must be shunned. No more does a John Calvin burn a Michael Serventus at the stake for taking a differing position on the trinity; however, religious toleration, especially in the Bible Belt is a serious moral failure.
News flash to all Christians! We’re to be LOVERS of ALL PEOPLE. Let God be the judge of who is right and what is wrong. Deal? 
AMEN!!
Deal! You said it best (on the podcast from last Friday), when we judge others, we are only hurting ourselves—we are all ONE. In other words what I put out I am reflecting back to myself.
Hmm…. I havent listened to the podcast yet, but I couldnt agree with it more. We are ALL ONE!!!!! Seeing how LOVE is the center of all, we should LOVE everyone not judge them according to what we “think” is the way to go. How do we be so sure we are completely accurate ourselves? If we judge according to our beliefs are we not boxing them as well? Are we really LOVERS OF ALL PEOPLE? What is that saying? judge not or you will be judged…. something like that. Yet LOVE ONE ANOTHER sticks so closer to my heart and makes the world a much happier place in return.
How the world could change if EVERYONE would just LOVE everyone without any expectations based on own standards. Same goes for self. Love yourself more and see a change. LOVE someone more and see a drastic change in yourself 
Sometimes I feel like I am “escaping” from who I was, to a place of safety now. Once I began noticing that was what happened, I tried to start invisioning myself holding on to reigns to control the transition a little. So much change in me now. It’s happening so fast there are days that it seems like I’m meeting another person inside myself that I had been vaguely aware of all my life, but never actually let myself consciously think about her.
Amen brother, E! Forgiveness, mercy, and love not just coming from above but through imperfect people like you and me as we walk in unity!
Jane B. That is exactly what is happening to me. By the way, it was nice to meet so many at your house last Saturday.
Dang it! That’s good preachin’!!!
LOST IN TRANSLATION
Can you hear the sounds of the city?
The hustle & bustle of the night?
There’s a seedy lady being kinda shady…
While the business man’s meeting lasts past nine.
He hurries in a scurry to catch the last train.
Like a wild dog with no regard he scoffs at her pain.
“Excuse me sir I’m hungry, can you please spare a dime?”
He tosses her a twenty and gives no more of his time.
On to his castle, the big house on the hill…
Just to fill the loneliness with his next big thrill.
Three white powder lines set in a row…
“Now that’s better.” Off to La La Land he goes.
Back to the lady tossed to and fro…
Like a used rag doll she lost her way long ago.
One’s a dead man walking in a three piece suit of the elite…
The other is living untold hell on a one way street.
Christos says to both but they can’t quite hear…
To the dead man: “Oh, that thou wouldst awaken my dear.”
To His lost one: “Woman, where art thou accusers? For neither do I.
Oh, that I could comfort thee and stop the pain you cry.”
Do you hear the sounds of the city?
The hustle & bustle of the night?
It’s crying out for you & I – those that have awakened…
The power to love and judge not, the world’s forsaken.
Oh, with great courage that we would heed the call.
I AM, who lacks not, placed in us the power of His all.
With divine awareness it slowly makes sense…
Those “lost in translation” we have need to recompense.
Claim thy brother and thy sister for we are truly one.
His love heals all wounds from this life and beyond…
What a paradigm shift. From thinking heaven is accessable only following all the rules. 10 was bad enough, then some bright people came up with 613 others. I knew I was destined to burn. Who can remember them all.
It is not so difficult to think of ways to love. In fact there isn’t enough paper in the world to write all the ways we can do that. Who was it that said, “How do I love thee. Let me count the ways”. 1234567890000000…..
That is truly profound Sojourner! Perhaps after movie night we should consider a “Poetry Slam” at LRC. Flush out some local talent in that area. I know a few and I bet so do you.
Ernie thank God for His love bringing true freedom to love one another.That to me is the gospel is that we have been free from having to judge and we now an love one another.
Love Dan
Poetry night sounds like a blast Paulette. But then I’d have to rat myself out and I’m having way too much fun with my anonymity (other names included), as are others on this forum I might add. *hint*hint* =)
It would be fun to find out who’s who among us though. Gives a whole new meaning to “coming out”. Hmmm…wonder what price Ernie has on our heads to keep our secrets safe? LOL!
If the ‘church’ as Ernie describes her is Jesus’ wife no wonder why shes still single. But lets not blame the woman in the tower for what the guards are doing. Humbleness and humility are appropriate weapons to help hold on to forgiveness. Collisians 2:6 tells us “As ye have therefore recieved Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:” I don’t know about you but when I found Christ I was a heap of repentant tear drenched humility on the floor. Not in any form a legalist towards any save that of myself. And at that moment God said I was not a worthy judge of even my own person. But I’ve always been one to project all the blame towards my own being. 613 laws or 613 ways to know if your in love? Sounds like an article in some teen pop magazine. Actually I was born on 6/13, got a bday comin up. Lahyil tov shalom.