#christian theology

[eelhound]

"Rituals are architectures of time, structuring and stabilising life, and they are on the wane. The pandemic has accelerated the disappearance of rituals. Work also has ritual aspects. We go to work at set times. Work takes place in a community. In the home office, the ritual of work is completely lost. The day loses its rhythm and structure. This somehow makes us tired and depressed.

In The Little Prince [1943], by [Antoine de] Saint-Exupéry, the little prince asks the fox to always visit at the exact same time, so that the visit becomes a ritual. The little prince explains to the fox what a ritual is. Rituals are to time as rooms are to an apartment. They make time accessible like a house. They organise time, arrange it. In this way you make time appear meaningful.

Time today lacks a solid structure. It is not a house, but a capricious river. The disappearance of rituals does not simply mean that we have more freedom. The total flexibilisation of life brings loss, too. Rituals may restrict freedom, but they structure and stabilise life. They anchor values and symbolic systems in the body, reinforcing community. In rituals we experience community, communal closeness, physically.

Digitalisation strips away the physicality of the world. Then comes the pandemic. It aggravates the loss of the physical experience of community. You’re asking: can’t we do this by ourselves? Today we reject all rituals as something external, formal and therefore inauthentic. Neoliberalism produces a culture of authenticity, which places the ego at its centre. The culture of authenticity develops a suspicion of ritualised forms of interaction. Only spontaneous emotions, subjective states, are authentic. Modelled behaviour, for example courtesy, is written off as inauthentic or superficial. The narcissistic cult of authenticity is partly responsible for the increasing brutality of society.

In my book I argue the case against the cult of authenticity, for an ethic of beautiful forms. Gestures of courtesy are not just superficial. The French philosopher Alain says that gestures of courtesy hold a great power on our thoughts. That if you mime kindness, goodwill and joy, and go through motions such as bowing, they help against foul moods as well as stomach ache. Often the external has a stronger hold than the internal.

Blaise Pascal once said that instead of despairing over a loss of faith, one should simply go to mass and join in rituals such as prayer and song, in other words mime, since it is precisely this that will bring back faith. The external transforms the internal, brings about new conditions. Therein lies the power of rituals. And our consciousness today is no longer rooted in objects. These external things can be very effective in stabilising consciousness. It is very difficult with information, since it is really volatile and holds a very narrow range of relevance."

- Byung-Chul Han being interviewed by Gesine Borcherdt, from "Byung-Chul Han: 'I Practise Philosophy as Art.'" Art Review, 2 December 2021.

#byung chul han #quote #quotations #ritual #ceremony #liturgy #time #community #philosophy #gesine borcherdt #faith #zen #christian theology #anthropology #consciousness #neoliberalism #capitalism

[beloved-of-john]

So. This is a personal life update of sorts.

Hello everyone, I'm trying to think of how to word what I need to say. I'm going through a big life transition of the spiritual kind, and it's forced me to think more deeply about where I am in my religious journey and where I want to be. As such, the content of this blog is likely going to change a little.

That is to say, there's probably going to be a lot less queer Christian specific content for a while. Don't panic! I'm still here and I'm still queer! But I want to avoid confining myself and my spiritual growth and understanding.

When I look around spaces like this, most of the people I see are queer people who have been raised religious and are deconstructing that framework to find a more liberating path, and that's amazing and empowering. However, I'm walking down this road from the opposite direction. I'm constructing. I'm completely acclimatized to being queer and out and loud about it, but it's being Christian that's the new frontier for me. At the moment, that's what I need to learn how to do. I know that my Christianity will always be inextricable from my queerness, but now I want to get to the stage where my queerness is inextricable from my Christianity. I want to grow and develop that part of myself and deepen my understanding of Christianity before I talk any more about its relationship to queerness and lgbtq+ experience. I need to learn what it means to me to be a Christian in its own right.

This blog will unequivocally remain a space of safety and solidarity for queer people and queer Christians though. I love all of you and I will always believe wholeheartedly that God does too. ❤️

I'll still do my best to answer any lgbtq related asks or comments and offer my support to anyone who needs it, just bear in mind that there's a good chance I don't know what I'm doing anymore than you.

If you've read this far without judgement, thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm going through this struggle right now, but I have faith that I will come out the other side of this a better rounded person.

#queer christian #queer christianity #progressive christianity #christianity #trans christian #gay christian #queer religion #abrahamic religions #religion #christian faith #queer theology #christian theology

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

"The study of theology, as it stands in Christian churches, is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authorities; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion."

-- Thomas Paine

#Thomas Paine #christianity #theology #christian theology #nothing #god is nothing #religion #religion is a mental illness

[daydreamfairyy]

Hi! Welcome to my blog!🧚🏻‍♀️

About me: Julia | 22 | she/her | heterosexual/bicurious | Infj | from Spain 😄

In here you will find reposts/posts that relate to art, cute stuff, nature, cafes, boho style, cottage-core, folklore, mythology, christian theology, feminism, horror genre & fandoms 🧿🎨🍃🍄✝️

Disclaimer: there might be 18+ posts so mdni

DNI sexists, racists, terfs, bigots, homophobes, transphobes, maps, etc

Enjoy! 🫧

#hi #nature #fanart #naturecore #horror #introduction #art #cottagecore #feminism #womens rights #cute #folklore #mythology #christian theology #coffee #julia's thoughts <3

[luna-drinker]

I don't get how people can say God in the old testament was mean. The entire old testament is God chosing to love humanity despite them constantly disobeying him by being evil little bastards to one another.

#old testament #christianity #God #christian theology #christian tumblr

[forhisgrace]

Studying the Bible Effectively: A Beginner's Guide

Studying the Bible can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and tools, it can allow so much spiritual growth!! Whether you're new to the faith or a seasoned believer, having a structured method can improve and ease your experience. Here's a straightforward guide to help you get started on your Bible study journey!

Choosing a Translation

One of the first decisions to make when studying the Bible is choosing a translation that suits your needs and preferences. There are several translations available, each with its own approach to translation. Here are the three categories they fall into.

1. Word for Word Translation: These translations, such as the King James Version (KJV) or English Standard Version (ESV), aim to follow the original texts as closely as possible, offering a literal rendering of the words and phrases. They are great for detailed study and analysis of the text.

2. Thought for Thought Translation: These translations prioritize clarity and readability, conveying the original meaning in modern language by updating language to be mor relevant to modern readers. They are ideal for easy comprehension, especially for beginners or those looking for a straightforward understanding.

3. Paraphrased Translation: These translations capture the essence or gist of the message rather than focusing on precise wording. They are often easier to understand and are suitable for new believers or younger children. However, they are most likely to stray from the original text and can sometimes be slightly inaccurate.

When I am reading to spend time with God (such as my daily reading) I use NLT, which is a thought for thought translation and therefore easier to understand. However, during bible study it is advisable to keep a word for word translation on hand (I use the KJV translation in the YouVersion bible app alongside a physical copy of the NLT).

Establishing a Study Routine

1. Prayer: Before sitting down to read, it's essential to prepare yourself spiritually and mentally. Begin your study session with a prayer, asking God to open your mind and heart to His word and guide you in your understanding.

2. Reading the Passage: Start by reading the passage without taking notes or annotating. Try to grasp the overall message and what God is communicating to you.

3. Annotation and Reflection: Read the passage again, this time making notes of any observations, questions, or insights that come to mind. Consider who is involved, what is happening, why, when, and how. Reflect on the message God is conveying through the text.

4. Consulting Study Tools: Dive deeper into the passage by using study tools such as Bible commentaries, online resources, or cross-referencing different translations. This helps gain a broader perspective and insight into the text. They often also include historical context and reasons for writing.

5. Application: Reflect on how the passage applies to your life. Identify one or two key messages and think about how you can incorporate them into your daily life. Is the scripture challenging you to change certain behaviours, draw closer to God, or strengthen your faith? Pray for guidance on how to apply these insights. Personally, I like to make an extra effort to apply these in the upcoming week.

Conclusion

Studying the Bible is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about cultivating a deeper relationship with God and living out His word in our lives. By choosing the right translation, establishing a study routine, and seeking guidance through prayer and study tools, you can embark on a fulfilling journey of spiritual growth and understanding. Remember, consistency and patience are key, so keep seeking God's wisdom as you delve into His word.

#christian bible #christian #christian blog #bible #bible study #guide #how to study #how to guide #christblr #christian faith #christianity #jesus christ #faith #bible verse #christian girl #christian theology #forhisgrace #christian living #pink aesthetic

[christianposting]

A lot of people ask the question: if God exists why do bad things happen? Why do people become so evil and disturbed? Why would God allow evil to manifest in his infinite creation?

God made us to have free will. This is an important factor a lot of people overlook, that he created us to make our own choices. So therefore if a person makes an evil choice, a disturbing choice, that is on them. Because just like freedom allows you to make the best choices, it also allows a person to make upsetting choices.

I think a lot of people misunderstand the power God has. He is all powerful, all knowing. But that does not mean he has the power to intervene in shitty situations. But that doesn't mean you are truly alone. God can effect you in subtle ways, through messages in dreams, or his presence in life. He can't fully shield you from certain people you might have issues with, but he does see their actions. He knows evil people and sees the evil being done, and he will judge them when death claims them.

But there are tools in life that will protect you, like going to thearpy, or getting away from certain people. And sadly, like God has subtle tools so does Satan. And he might effect them, in the most subtle way to do the opposite.

And I am a very big believer in karma. If a person does something really bad to you, and it causes life altering trauma and pain, I believe that what you put out in the world comes back to you. So even though God might not be able to directly intervene at that moment, bad luck can plague the person who did you wrong for the rest of their days. Like for example, if this person tries to get a new job, the luck factor will make it to where it's not likely. They won't meet that special person, their car's engine might not last as long as they hoped. But in the reverse, God provides good luck to you to get through it.

But that is just me, that's just what I believe.

#chrsitianity #christianity #christian blog #christian living #christian faith #jesus #bible #faith #jesus christ #jesus is coming #faith in jesus #episcopal #christian imagery #episcopal church #episcopal christian #christian things #christian theology #christian thoughts #philosophy #blog post #astrology #god #christian #jesus loves you #faith in god #salvation #christ #ghost and hauntings #haunting #haunted house

[gingerfan24]

Christian thought on the possibility of alien life seems to fall into two camps.

Either A.) They are fellow beings that were saved by Jesus as well and should have the gospel preached to them if we contact them or……

B.) Straight up demons.

#Christian thought #christian theology #christianity #alien life #no longer a Christian myself #I just follow a few Christian subreddits #and the dichotomy is interesting to observe

[satanourunholylord]

Satan hates you and wants you to die miserable and alone so why devote your life to a cunt when you could have God watching over you?

If I want to devote my life to a cunt, I should be allowed to do that.

#ask #asks #anon asks #satanist #religion #satanism #pagan #satan #theistic satanism #god tw #christianity tw #christian tw #christian theology #christian mythology

[thinkingonscripture]

Theological Implications of Jesus' Resurrection for Salvation

Jesus’ resurrection is an essential element in soteriology. In fact, every writer of the NT assumes that Jesus was resurrected from the grave and treat it as an event that took place in time and space. Paul wrote that Jesus “was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:4), that He was “the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Cor 15:20), and that “having been raised from…

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#Apologetics of Faith #atonement #Biblical Apologetics #Biblical Exegesis #Biblical interpretation #Biblical theology #Biblical Witnesses #Christian apologetics #Christian beliefs #Christian doctrine #Christian faith #Christian Hope #Christian living #Christian salvation #Christian theology #crucifixion #Divine Atonement #Early Christian Beliefs #Easter #Easter Theology #faith #gospel message #Historical Jesus #how important is the resurrection of Jesus #importance of Jesus resurrection #is resurrection important #is the resurrection essential to the gospel #Jesus Christ #Jesus resurrection #justification

[eelhound]

"For whatever is demanded by truth, by justice, by mercy, or by love must surely be taken to be willed by God. To consent to His will is, then, to consent to be true, or to speak truth, or at least to seek it. To obey Him is to respond to His will expressed in the need of another person, or at least to respect the rights of others. For the right of another man is the expression of God's love and God's will. In demanding that I respect the rights of another God is not merely asking me to conform to some abstract, arbitrary law: He is enabling me to share, as His son, in His own care for my brother. No man who ignores the rights and needs of others can hope to walk in the light of contemplation, because his way has turned aside from truth, from compassion and therefore from God."

- Thomas Merton, from New Seeds of Contemplation, 1962.

#thomas merton #quote #quotations #christian mysticism #christian theology #human rights #civil rights #compassion #truth #god's will

[roseserpentpress]

Something a little different than my usual bookbinding projects- Gemeinsames Leben, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as a gift for my father, in the original German as where we live it is virtually impossible to find a non-translated version. The typesetting and the cover is loosely based off of the first edition, although I chose not to have a gothic font as the text font because that would be torture to read, and I am disturbed to know people have used gothic fonts as text fonts for probably a decent chunk of history in some places. I guess you just got used to reading it, after a while.

#Gemeinsames Leben #bookbinding #renegade bindery #rose serpent press #dietrich bonhoeffer #Bonhoeffer #christianity #theology #christian theology

[beloved-of-john]

Hi! :)

Since you're a progressive christian, I wanted to ask you what you think about eternal damnation (or Hell) as a concept? Is believing in Hell a part of your faith personally? if it is, how does it work (who goes there and why people go there)? As a fellow spiritual & God-believing person (not a christian though, I lean towards religious pluralism), I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Hi! Thank you for asking :) It's a complicated question, and my view on the question of Hell is also complicated. I'm still figuring out what exactly I believe about it, and of course I'm only one person and one with no theological training so I may be wrong on any number of counts, so I'm afraid my answer may not be very satisfying. But I'll try my best!

(Bear in mind of course that these are only my beliefs and ideas)

Firstly, I think the Bible is fairly clear that the segregation of souls' location based on virtue does not occur until Judgement Day and the Second Coming of Christ. A place called Sheol, or its Greek name Hades, is present throughout the Bible, and is less a place like Hell and more simply the realm of the dead. Sheol is also referred to as the depths or the bowels of the Earth. I assume this is where we go while awaiting Judgement Day, although I don't know whether to interpret it as a literal spiritual realm or rather bodies returning to the earth (though I tend to lean towards the latter personally). I think our bodies return to the earth, "dust to dust". What happens to our souls during this time I'm not sure, although I think maybe they rest with Christ until Judgement in a kind of dormant state.

Then after an unknowable time Christ raises the dead and all humans are judged. At this point I do believe in some form of Hell, but I think a person would have to be unquestionably evil to be sent there. Those that commit murder, torture, r*pe, and things of that severity. I do believe in damnation, but not an eternal one.

I'm quite inspired by Saint Julian of Norwich and I believe that her divine revelation was true. I believe all things will one day be reconciled to God. All living things are of God and I don't believe any living being can remain separated from Him forever. I personally think that a person's soul that has been marred by true evil will be wiped clean before being returned to God.

So those are my thoughts! I personally believe that judgement and damnation are necessary, but ultimately, "all shall be well".

#christianity #progressive christianity #christian theology #judgement #judgement day #damnation #hell #julian of norwich #theology #progressive christian #queer christian #christian faith #religion #afterlife #faith

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Xians sometimes complain like, "why do you say such nasty things about Xians and Xianity?" I don't. I just listen to and repeat what Xians - and the bible - tell me. If you're bothered, telling me that "no Xian - or no true Xian - says that," is not the way to go. Tell them, not me.

#christianity #church signs #logic vs religion #religion vs logic #logic #theology #christian theology #religion #religion is a mental illness

[metanoias-substack]

What is metanoia, why it may be the most mis-translated term in the New Testament, and what are the implications for Christian theology? (Plus: What does the Ancient Greek god of opportune moments have to do with it all?) Find the answers here.

#metanoia #new testament #translation #greek mythology #philosophy #greek philosophy #christianity #christian theology #repentance #repent #fortuna #kairos #greek language #ancient history #ancient greece #greece

[rescatada]

I’m late but June marks the celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Glory be to Christ!

#sacred heart #sacred heart of jesus #christianity #faith #religion #christian #catholic #catholicism #theology #christian theology #catholic theology #jesus christ #jesus is king #jesus saves #lamb of god