posted May 18, 2009 05:32 AM
Drama is the spice of life. 
I agree, the crucifix shouldn't be used as
a tool to introduce people to Christianity.
It's a very sophisticated symbol which
is very easily misunderstood and misused.
The crucifix is a powerful archetype,
infinitely rich in the deepest spiritual significance,
for those who are inspired to contemplate it correctly.
It is a symbol which reflects the true movement of Spirit,
which is not a movement "out of darkness and into the light",
but, rather, a movement of light, carried into the darkness.
The crucifix is the symbol par excellence of sacrificial love;
of love in its highest, most compassionate and devoted form.
"Greater love hath no man than this:
that a man lay down his life for his friends."
~ John 15:13
It is a shining example of the best that is in us, and a sobering reminder that, when we do not rise to the duty of healing ourselves and our world, someone must do it for us. Jesus spoke words of love and truth at a time when this was a capital offense. Because of his sacrifice, and the sacrifices of others like him, the world has been given a chance to become aware of love and truth. And, because of a great many sacrifices like his (many of which were inspired by him, and performed in his name), we can discuss these things today without fear of being crucified or burnt at the stake. So that we do not take this for granted, we may contemplate the archetypal image of sacrifice; the crucifix.
Martyrs are spiritual heroes.
Christ was the greatest martyr of our species;
through him has martyrdom become infinitely significant and holy.
~ Novalis
Puzzle
Someone who keeps aloof from suffering is not a lover.
I choose your love above all else.
As for wealth, if that comes, or goes, so be it.
Wealth and love inhabit separate worlds.
But as long as you live here inside me,
I cannot say that I am suffering.
~ Sanai
It's not about guilt, but
Kierkegaard was right in saying,
"Christianity is a demand,
not a consolation."
There is a responsibility
that comes with being Christian.
And, if we do not want it,
we should not guilt ourselves,
but, neither should we
call ourselves Christians.
"Why call ye me 'Lord, Lord,'
and do not the things which i say?"
~Luke 6:46
Incidentally, I'm not a Christian. 
While I deeply admire aspects of Christian symbology,
and many of the sayings attributed to Jesus of Nazareth,
I think that it would be a gargantuan undertaking
even to define, for myself, the meaning of Christianity;
which denomination suits me, and what do I bring to it;
would I have to create my own sect, or what??
I have enough difficulty trying to define my own identity,
without having to define my Christian identity, as well.
As I understand it, Jesus was an anarchist,
who advocated a life of severe poverty and pacifism.
If you aren't a pacifist, and you own property,
it really makes no sense to imagine that you
are a follower of this man's teachings.
But thats my opinion, and I may be wrong.
Your friend sounds like a handsome guy. 
Lindaland
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posted April 26, 2009 10:43 PM
posted April 26, 2009 10:43 PM
posted April 27, 2009 01:06 AM
hehe
posted April 27, 2009 09:20 AM
posted May 06, 2009 09:57 AM
posted May 06, 2009 05:52 PM
posted May 06, 2009 05:55 PM
posted May 06, 2009 06:00 PM
posted May 14, 2009 09:08 AM
