Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
To me, the problem with focusing on a "ground of oneness" is that by taking the energy to give it a label that is not simply "Christ" and the realization of the common thread of Christ among so many groups from the most fundamental/evangelical to the most liturgical/high church, we take our eyes off of Christ and put it on the "ground of oneness" and thereby force it to be something other than Christ.
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I remember when in a meeting Mr. Lee made such a big deal that "Christ is everything." He said in our dictionary there is only one word: Christ. "Christ, Christ, Christ", he said with much vehemence.
How could that morph into "Christ and the church"? Jesus Christ is the way, not the church or some ground. The more we realize how Christ has made peace, breaking down all walls, the less we need to concern ourselves with their non-existence. We are already one, by believing into the One.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
Now to say there is a ground of oneness in a sermon, and take great pains to describe that as Christ and the common link between us all is well and good. And if that sermon goes further to challenge any "we are the best Christians" thoughts among those listening, even better. But if that is the case, then the emphasis will be on Christ and what we have in common.
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It is sooo easy to discern the splinter elsewhere. But as soon as you see the splinter elsewhere (manifest in some sectarian fashion, for instance) you are in danger of missing the beam of sectarianism lodging in your own. Thus the irony that the publisher of the book "Christ Versus Religion" now promulgating the idea of "no buying or selling in the local churches unless it bears the mark of the Living Stream Ministry", which is religion more sinister than anything it previously identified.
I think Christ ultimately dissolves everything but Himself. He is God's love, come to us. He is God's forgiveness, reaching us. He is the resolution of God and man. He is the only peace we ever need. He is our wisdom, our joy, our hope, our strength. He is our way. All teachings must fade.