FCSLC:
Ahhhhhh--you got it.
The TRUE message of the GOSPEL of LOVE is the LOVE. It was so revolutionary to a Jewish way of thinking steeped in guilt (Old Testament) that it was barely comprehensible by anyone, including the Twelve. Much of Christianity is warmed-over Judaism, some of what Jesus taught (and things he didn’t teach), and spiced up with a lot of Paul’s ideas. It is not an accurate representation of his teachings. Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son did more to explain his ‘theology’ in one simple story than everything else in the Bible. The summation of his GOSPEL is thus: GOD IS LOVE, LOVE your Brother.
The Prodigal Parable can be used as a plumbline to identify everything Jesus was attempting to convey. The quote you referenced, “whose ‘misdeeds’ were discounted as having no effect on his father/son relationship”, was merely an extension of his statement, “this world, not (our) KINGDOM”, meaning GOD had nothing to do with this place nor anything in it--so don’t take it so seriously. Our only obligation here is to LOVE--everything else is window-dressing.
Your reference to Marcion illustrates a significant point, not only doctrinally, but with regards to TLW culture in general. It was widely proclaimed from the pulpit during the JRS ‘daze’ to avoid seminary at all costs, as it would ‘undermine’ our faith. Actually studying early church history and the formation of the Bible was one of the ‘rude awakenings’ I underwent shortly after exiting the fellowship. What I discovered was that what Jesus actually taught was a universe away from Christianity--which is why Christianity has done such a great disservice for 2000+ years, and has its own self to blame for its troubles.
The GOSPEL of LOVE is all about LOVE--period.
P.S. My own personal ‘theology’ which is stated on my contact info/non-business cards which I hand out when appropriate reads:
LOVE EVERYBODY & have fun. (That’s how I roll.)
P.P.S. GOD does EXIST as the LOVE in your own heart. BE IT and SPREAD IT.
Ahhhhhh--you got it.
The TRUE message of the GOSPEL of LOVE is the LOVE. It was so revolutionary to a Jewish way of thinking steeped in guilt (Old Testament) that it was barely comprehensible by anyone, including the Twelve. Much of Christianity is warmed-over Judaism, some of what Jesus taught (and things he didn’t teach), and spiced up with a lot of Paul’s ideas. It is not an accurate representation of his teachings. Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son did more to explain his ‘theology’ in one simple story than everything else in the Bible. The summation of his GOSPEL is thus: GOD IS LOVE, LOVE your Brother.
The Prodigal Parable can be used as a plumbline to identify everything Jesus was attempting to convey. The quote you referenced, “whose ‘misdeeds’ were discounted as having no effect on his father/son relationship”, was merely an extension of his statement, “this world, not (our) KINGDOM”, meaning GOD had nothing to do with this place nor anything in it--so don’t take it so seriously. Our only obligation here is to LOVE--everything else is window-dressing.
Your reference to Marcion illustrates a significant point, not only doctrinally, but with regards to TLW culture in general. It was widely proclaimed from the pulpit during the JRS ‘daze’ to avoid seminary at all costs, as it would ‘undermine’ our faith. Actually studying early church history and the formation of the Bible was one of the ‘rude awakenings’ I underwent shortly after exiting the fellowship. What I discovered was that what Jesus actually taught was a universe away from Christianity--which is why Christianity has done such a great disservice for 2000+ years, and has its own self to blame for its troubles.
The GOSPEL of LOVE is all about LOVE--period.
P.S. My own personal ‘theology’ which is stated on my contact info/non-business cards which I hand out when appropriate reads:
LOVE EVERYBODY & have fun. (That’s how I roll.)
P.P.S. GOD does EXIST as the LOVE in your own heart. BE IT and SPREAD IT.