A Spiritual Discussion

Shiva So what is it about Jesus that offends your belief system? Jesus taught that God loves the human race even if the human race doesn't love him back. Does that offend you?

YES NO

Then I'm guessing that you don't believe in the concept of God or a "higher power". Maybe you're more of a Karma, Kai, Ying-Yang person. Okay. Great. Then at least you've got some morals, right? What? No absolutes? No right and wrong? Hmm. Well. Then I guess you wouldn't mind if I came over to your place and helped myself to your car and shot your dog. It's a nice car. Letting me have it should earn you some serious karma. And it's my "personal conviction" (Read that with finger quotes.) that dogs are dangerous. That should be okay then, right? No? Well why not. There's no God to say it's wrong. It's just the way (or Tao) that I follow. I know, I know. I'm just being silly, mocking your beliefs. You're right. I'm sorry. But here's something to think about. If our existence is just about "being good" (more finger quotes) then by living a Christian life, I'm going to have a ton of karma when I go back through the revolving door at the end of this existence. Maybe more than you! BUT, if there is a God and he does hold you accountable for your life and your rejection of Jesus' love, you're screwed. Now, would you like to be "enlightened" with a "broader view"? Enlighten me.

Okay. Maybe it's the fact that Jesus taught that everyone has fallen short of God's expectations. Everyone has sinned. Does that offend you?

YES NO

I understand. You think that you've been a good person. You feel that the golden rule should be good enough to get you into heaven. Why do you have to have Jesus to be a good person? Lot's of so-called Christians have done horrible things. (True. I wont' deny that.) Okay. So, if there is a God and his test for getting into heaven is based on what a good person you are then let me ask you some questions. Have you ever in your life broken the law? No? Not even driving over the speed limit? Oh, well maybe that. Have you ever in your life lied? Hmm. Well, maybe a little white lie, huh? Have you ever in your life been selfish? Ooh. That one stung a little. You see, way back when Adam and Eve and God were buddies, walking naked through the garden, God gave them one simple rule. Don't eat from this one tree. They screwed up. Couldn't keep one simple rule. Later, God talked to Moses and gave him some rules. Contrary to Hollywood and Charlton Heston, he gave them more than ten rules to follow. More like six hundred. (It's true, ask a Rabbi.) God spelled it all out for the Jews. Guess what? They couldn't keep up with all those rules. Surprise, surprise. The point God was trying to make is that we humans, no matter how hard we try, are not perfect. We can't be completely and totally good all the time.

Now, let's think about it a different way. How far can you throw a baseball? Me, I'm a computer geek. I'd be lucky to throw one from the pitchers mound to home plate. Maybe you could hit home from second base. There are pro players who might be able to get the ball across the plate from center field. Great. But do you know anyone who could throw a baseball from LA to New York? That's ridiculous. Nobody can do that. Well, I'm a pretty good person. You may be an even better person than me. Then there's the Mother Teresa's out there. But even Mother Teresa was not good enough to be perfect her whole life. That's why we all need Jesus. Tell me more about this Jesus fellow.

You agree then, that we all need help to get into heaven. Jesus taught that he was the only way into heaven. Does that offend you?

YES NO

Now we're getting down to brass tacks. Unfortunately there are so many "alternatives" to Jesus out there, that I can't cover all of them on this site. But I would LOVE to discuss with you whom or whatever you have hitched your eternal spiritual wagon to. Please e-mail me and tell me about your plan for salvation. As you can imagine I get a lot of e-mails, so I may not be able to respond right away, but I promise you that I will personally read your message and reply as soon as I can.

If you are still offended, then maybe you would like to express it to me in your own words. Please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail. I may not get back to you right away, but I promise I will read your e-mail personally and respond when I get a chance.