Quote:
Originally Posted by Patricia
I am now deeply puzzled. I always understood that Christians didn't measure success by such worldly standards. Yet here they are described as the only meaningful ones.
Nothing about striving for holiness, excelling in works of charity, or promoting human dignity actually counts as a success then?
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It depends on the type of Christian you're talking about. Personally, I think the things you mentioned last are the only things that do matter. Most the religious people I associate with believe that, too. No one in my church talks about the status of someone's immortal soul, but we talk a lot about the Missions (and missions in our church are not about converting people) in Africa that have built schools or feeding the hungry there or here. We talk a lot about social justice and the importance of equality and then go out and do what we can towards those goals. We talk a lot about Jesus... but we do not dwell on his death or 'resurrection.'
Personally, and I do mean that in the sense that I know very well, I don't know many Christians who actually believe in miracles or that Jesus was the literal son of God or was resurrected. They certainly don't believe in God as a big dad in the sky or Hell for those not saved (or anyone else, for that matter).
But the point is there is an entire strata of theology and religion that exists in this vein. It's not all hocus pocus and world-denying.
Which is not to say many, or even most, don't. But it's not as uncommon as some like to think.