East Village Spirituality

If you want to know what’s going on in the world, just look at graffiti.

I swear, take a walk through the Lower East Side of New York, and you’ll get a better and more accurate depiction of the issues than even Buzzfeed will report.

And let’s be honest here: I love a good street art display. Banksy has taken the possibilities of a spray can from a crude gang tag, to a high concept art instillation. While all the while remaining anonymous…and dodging the law.

#goals…except the whole breaking the law part lol


But as I was heading out to meet up with my friends this past Friday night, I came across some graffiti that literally made me stop and take a picture.

Because it reflected, what I personally believe, is the most detrimental way of thinking, that frankly is F-ing a lot of things up.

And that, is spiritual relativism.

The graffiti read:


Peace is my religion. My god is love. Tolerance my shield. Acceptance my sword. Hate is my pain. Ignorance my enemy and forgiveness my salvation.

Now, let me just pause. Everything this is saying, is good. We should embrace peace. Love. Acceptance. Forgiveness. Those are good things. Things we should strive for.

But frankly, what makes this so damaging, is that it is taking all the things that Jesus came and died for, and just kind of putting those watered down themes under this blanket of vanilla “spirituality.”

Spirituality nonspecific.

Spiritual neutrality.

Spiritual realitivism.

What are we doing when we take God out of what we believe?

What happens when we accept and embrace some of the teachings, and tie it up in a bow, and forget to say that God was the one who bought the gift?

Because that’s what’s dangerous about this relative way of thinking.

That message this artist tagged, it sounds really good. Really right on. Like, of course. Who in their right mind would argue with that?

Who doesn’t want peace? Or love? Or forgiveness. – Only a bigot would be against that. Only a nincompoop. 

But by being “spiritual” and relative, leaving God out of the equation, what are you actually doing? Really?

Living that way because it makes you feel like a good person? Okay, sure. Yeah, I guess I could get on board with that whole, meditate-for-spirituality-and-center-my-mind thing. Relax for 5 minutes. Focus on being “zen” so that I don’t freak out when there’s a line out the door at Starbucks or I get behind a perpetual slow walker on the sidewalk. #MoveItOrLoseIt,Tourists


But frankly…those reasons, they just fall short.

Because when you take God out of spirituality…it becomes about the self.

It becomes about how it makes me feel. How it can improve my life. How I can grow. I’ll do this to see what I can get.

And that, is the wrong approach.


True spirituality is about God. And honoring what He did. It is a relationship. How I can serve Him? How I can live out His will and spread His love to others? How can I worship Him? Knowing the price He paid for my freedom, how will I respond?

That’s the difference.

That’s where this spiritual relativism does a face plant into a pile of poo.

Or gets hit by a bus, a la, Regina George.

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Spiritual relativism, it allows what you feel to be true. This is my truth. This is my religion. My salvation. My truth.

It’s that precise thinking that leads to destruction.

I can vouch for that…having lived through a period of anorexia where my body image was my religion.

But hey, it was my truth right?

Wrong.

200-2

 

God reminded me that His truth leads to freedom. To life. To healing.

There was nothing relative about it..

It was absolute.

The East Village, with all its vegan restaurants and hidden alternative music venues, makes you believe you’re taking in air that is progressive. Innovative. On the cutting edge. And graffiti like this just adds to the confusion we’re facing, navigating this life.

It’s a slippery slope, relativism. Because when we take God out of right and wrong, out of our thinking, out of our world view, we’re setting ourselves up to fail. We’re inviting vulnerability. We’re opening morality up for interpretation.

So what are we going to do about it?

Maybe I don’t have a spray can, or the balls to break the law with my spectacular tagging skills, but I do have a voice. I do have the way I live my life. The words I speak. The way I treat other people.

And so do you.


Faith doesn’t have to be tagged on the side of an East Village bakery-by-day-speakeasy-by-night building. It’s tagged in our hearts. And maybe, just maybe, if we all let that show, we can stop the slippery slope. We can keep God from getting “relative-ized”out of the picture.

Because keeping God in spirituality doesn’t make us close-minded, backward thinking cotton headed ninny muggins.

It makes us children of God.

And that’s a tag I’m okay with.

 

 

 

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372 responses to “East Village Spirituality”

  5. I love this!! I was always aware of this but never could figure out what it was called or why it was wrong – but you cleared it up for me! Every good thing cometh from God <3

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  7. You have this amazing and empowering way of writing about this deep issues that strike directly at the heart of the matter. It is a true gift! I am so grateful that you are writing about these things, because I agree with you that this sort of spiritual relativism is a societal sickness. Most of my friends probably subscribe to some version of this watered down, vanilla spirituality. They believe in a domesticated Jesus. I lack the eloquence to describe how utterly wrong they are while inspiring them to seek the way, the truth, and the life. The true LIFE. The only source of that life is Christ. I have come across some depressing statistics that adults in the industrialized world are the most overweight, addicted, and mentally ill cohort *ever.* It makes me so sad to not have the words to be able to spread the Gospel, but you, my dear, you have the words! What a blessing! What a grace! I can only pray that I can continue on this path of recovery and metanoia, and perhaps I can learn to just be still and let God be God. Thank you so much!

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    • Hey lulu! Oh my gosh you are so kind to say that. Thank you. You’re so right-a societal sickness indeed. Vanilla spirituality-that definitely rings true! Amen to that-He is the source of life! And abundant life at that! I definitely need to work on being still! Sending big big hugs xox

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  10. “Because keeping God in spirituality doesn’t make us close-minded, backward thinking cotton headed ninny muggins.

    It makes us children of God.”

    Thank you for saying this!

    This post reminded me of some celebrities who say that they don’t believe in God, but they consider themselves spiritual. I’m still not sure what that means. How can you be spiritual without God? *completely baffled emoji*

    May God bless you always. 🙂

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  17. God / The Creator connects us all by negatively viewing others we cast these views on ourselfs. We are just a meer figment of his/her imagination how else would gods words/ thoughts bring us into being.
    From a spiritual, religious, scientific explanation all that remains is more unanswered questions especially when we get to the point of quantum physics our philosophy’s and beliefs are blown out of the water. I have yet to find a hole in my theory we are a simulation in the mind of the creator he thought us into being.
    He created the heavens and he created the Earth the bibles all tell us this we just choose not to listen. The word of God is inside us all it was through meditation and through my quest to astral project further out than any one has previously dared to go that made me realise all this.
    The truth literally sets you free and allows you to love your fellow man religion is a control method spirituality gets closer to the truth ang quantum physics smacks us in the face that modern science and beliefs are fundamentally wrong on a massive scale.
    Something to think about live respect and peace Ben xx

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    • Hi Ben, thank you for your perspective. I can definitely appreciate that there are things that I will never understand — unanswered questions. That’s where faith comes in. Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you taking the time to read. Hugs and love xox

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  18. Thanks for a great commentary! Humanists, atheists, liberals, etc. so often use phrases that make you look like a moron if you dare to disagree. We can’t be intimidated, but lovingly show them where Peace and so on originate.

    I was so pleasantly surprised to see your article right after posting this evening. It’s not about just caring, but caring about the right things in the right way.

    As always, you’re a comforting read!

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    • Thanks Jeffrey. You’re right-it’s amazing the power of a turn of phrase. But God is good and is the author of all things good. Thanks again for the reblog. Hugs and love xox

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  20. Right on time–that’s exactly what this post was. Boy do I have some more thinking to do. Thank you for sharing. I love when blogs make me feel something, and you always do! ❤️

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  21. I love your boldness! So many people want to believe that “goodness” is all it takes to make this world better. They don’t want to speak the truth that we can never be “good enough” or acknowledge that God already made a way. We just have to believe and accept the gift He already gave us through Jesus.
    Thank you for speaking the truth!

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  22. My first reaction was #sorrynotsorry 😉

    The next is infinitely more difficult. I fully get this (I think) and believe that God is love, and without His sacrificing Himself for us we would not know Him. I’m still in the process of finding Him, in what I’ve called for too many years my Jacob time. I believe….and….

    The challenge is (as part of my struggle now) in defining God. Even as a professing Christian, I would have to say that the god that the haters at westboro believe in is not my God. And (allegedly at least) we are turning to the same source of wisdom (the Bible). But I read it, I understand it, I experience revelation so differently from them! And they aren’t the only example, just the most extreme. Even in my own church, I look at the intense focus on homosexuality and abortion and don’t understand why these sins are the focus and so in the cross hairs, instead of other sins or instead of focusing on the good we are to do.

    Yes, what the artist posted was human-centric attitude (albeit a better one than some espouse!), not a God-focused faith. And we can’t eliminate God from the equation. But isn’t that the first stage of faith, to believe in God? He is not provable by a finite mind. You believe because His Spirit moves you to, not because of anything we do lest any may boast. And maybe the artists attitude at least moves him to open up to hearing and experiencing that Spirit.

    Quite a challenging post for me :/ But thank you for putting it up and for putting up with my response 🙂

    And….great picture too 🙂

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    • Thank you for this reflection, Jeff. Those are definitely some powerful things to think about. You’re right- we can’t eliminate God from the equation. Hanks again for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  23. Insightful! You uncovered the spiritual emptiness of our culture. Little wonder that Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life is second only to the Bible in sales. Experiencing the vacuum in our souls, humankind constantly seeks answers that are rock solid as opposed to quick sand. Keep up the creative work!!!!!!!!!!!

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  24. I just listened to an Alistair Begg sermon for the 10th time called No Place for Truth and he said we can do one of three things as Christians, we can Admonish (rail against), Accommodate (soften the message of sin and promote ourselves), which are both unacceptable, or thirdly Proclamation, tell the gospel always careful with our tone. You are doing this well. Thank you and thanks the the encouraging and truthful words.

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  25. I have some friends who subscribe to this view. I pray for them often and only hope that God is working on their hearts. The temptation to create our own God is so tempting, yet when we get even the smallest taste of the true God we can see how empty our old ways are. Always a pleasure enjoying your blog.

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  26. You need religion and spirituality to work hand in hand. Religion is the driving force of spirituality and you need spirituality to make the whole religion thing work.

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  28. Well done 👏 I couldn’t agree with you more. I see this all over my urban college campus, and it really does worry me. People either think Jesus isn’t necessary or is whatever they want Him to be. Not that I am perfect, but I am learning my abiding in Him and reading the Word. 😊

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    • Thanks Emily! So glad this resonated with you. Yeah, I totally feel you. I am on a journey as well – learning to trust, learning to give things to Him, learning to be patient. I have a long way to go! haha one day at a time! hugs and love xox

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  32. Great post. Makes me want to go tag a bridge with your words! Seriously, keep expressing your faith in this humble, kind manner. It reflects the God I know very, very well.

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    • Hey friend! Haha oh my gosh! You just made my night. How funny would that be 😂😂😂 seriously though thanks for you kind words. I appreciate it. Hugs and love xox

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  33. Well that post was very heart felt. Though I have to disagree with some points starting with spirituality is not religion. It may a gate way to spirituality. You can have spirituality without god. For in the bible it said morality came from food not god. God is supplementary to humanity. Otherwise we have people claiming kills in the name of god doing gods will in his behalf. It would be chaos. The content of that graphitti quote you gave is still there does it make it any less because it’s not empowered by an Almighty God. That it doesn’t justify your agenda that there is a god? Don’t get me wrong I’m Agnostic and leave room for the possibility of god but my interpretation is that God is a lion and I run with him as a vehicle but I don’t trust him with the steaks I’m leaving on the kitchen table before I get home. Or trust him completely to not bite my head off because he doesn’t know his own strength. God Is good but the people who follow him through idols and human interpretation may not be so good. I do not trust anyone religious or not with a knife behind me no matter how talented or for them to be pure saints abstaining from porn and sex. I have faith don’t get me wrong but I trust the heart of man not his evil nature. Vanilla spirituality I have no problem with they are constructive warm and mean well. They are least obstructive in society than religion where as the idea of god and no god is more abrupt and too complex. It’s not looking out for everyone’s interests is all.. only that of the certain persons agenda. Im just saying your going to share the world. Any ideas on the
    extreme end of the spectrum will mostly cause more confusion and separation when we need ideas that bring people of all ideas together. For I don’t believe in the authority of god through man because it makes no sense. Religious facility idols and images are all a sign that we are breaking the very law that is don’t follow false idols. Christ in this world would not be pleased with what the world has done making him a vehicle for this religion that is christianity. HE was a prophet a messengr with a message. History has warped his image through history and drawing him as such and such. He would not even recognize himself if he time traveled here right now. Not even his name is spelt right.

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    • Hi friend, thank you for your perspective. I always appreciate a healthy dialogue on BBB. I agree that blanket spirituality means well. But I am firm believer in God. I absolutely respect your beliefs and appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. I hope you stop by again! Hugs and love xox

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    • Thank you for expressing your world view as well. I echo what BBB said. I myself am a believer in Yeshua whom has indeed helped me though a season of darkness. I no longer self injure thanks to a supportive family, getting insight from others outside of the WWW and taking constructive insight from those that were along side me fighting for my freedom from the bondage of cutting. All that aside, did you know God sings over you? Did you know that He knew you from the foundation of the world? His gentleness and yet fierceness is something I want others to get to know as well. But free will is a wonderful thing isn’t it? Be blessed.

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      • ❤️❤️❤️hi Hannah, I’m so glad you’ve found the freedom from self injury. You deserve that freedom❤️ that is such a beautiful truth. Hugs and love xox

      • The Lord your God in your midst,
        The Mighty One, will save;
        He will rejoice over you with gladness,
        He will quiet you with His love,
        He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 that’s probably why 😉

      • “He will rejoice over you with gladness,
        He will quiet you with His love,
        He will rejoice over you with singing.”

        Just so beautiful. 🙂

      • I see. If there is a function and necessity for a being to be there to heal such wounds — let there be a way. There is no reason to not ask for help if you really need it. Some times I feel when I try to have this world view and include the whole world in my perspective, my light gets dimmer. The weight of the world shouldn’t be on anyone’s shoulders, but i feel carrying more weight gives me a bigger grander perspective of life.. at the cost not praising god for all my blessings and being grateful for them. I’m second guess myself about what god has to offer. I am truly grateful for everything he’s done.. maybe i just cloak it so i can work behind the scenes with people who hate and don’t believe in him.

        I’m humble and not power hungry either way.. being agnostic gives me a stance that doesn’t force me to take sides making me argue a point that in no way you can win about his existence. You also say he sings? I thought his angels do that for him.. My idea of him must be foreign to you but i think he lives in all things and manners of good.. but he must also exist in some form of chaos/evils too. He expresses jealousy and wrath and all these human emotions. And that brings in the idea is he really perfect? the idea and philosophy of perfection — can only be an idealism. Nothing more.. As the state of the world and humans are not perfect.. I won’t be led to believe he is a perfect being either. Maybe perfect for the situation and scenario that is life.. in that sense he is perfect but not in function.

        Oh and sorry about not using proper paragraphs before.. I was on my phone. It’s hard to type responses and I don’t even use punctuation when I use the phone to type out my thoughts.

  36. So many people preach the “self” gospel and their “interpretation” of it! This post is wonderful! Definitely going to share with my girls in our book club! Thank you for your wonderful writing!

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    • Thank you so much, Brooke! Oh my gosh, that’s so awesome:) I really appreciate you sharing it. I hope it sparks some good discussion! Sending big hugs to you friend! xox

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  37. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing. A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace. – Ecclesiates 3:1-8

    This passage teaches us even more how incorrect that graffiti is. The times are appointed by God. The denial of His hand in these times is the denial of God Himself, which I think was your point, B’s. More so:

    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10

    Understanding and humbling ourselves before a holy God gives us the wisdom we need for those events where we, individually, plant or uproot, war or make peace, mourn or dance, etcetera. The rest of the world just wants peace without understand that actual peace requires God (which is not the peace they want).

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Be thankful and praise Him (as I know you do) that He has gifted you with eyes to see what was missing in that so-called art – His beloved Son.

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    • Hi Nathan, wow what a beautiful reflection. Thank you so much. and thank you for passing along those great verses! so. much. truth. God does have a hand in everything we do – we just have to trust. Sending bug hugs and love xox

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  38. It’s not just the city. There are tons of shops all over here that go out of business and bought out and nothing is done with the property and there is graffiti galore

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  40. Dear BBB, This was a very lovely post. But to be very honest, I was expecting something, no matter how little, about the recent race crimes that have been occurring. I believe that with a platform like this, you have been given a divine opportunity to in your own little way talk about the evil in our world.

    I really like the work that you’re doing, and I understand that most of your audience may be mostly white, but I think that it’s important to note these things, especially if we’re going to talk about God and spirituality and relativism.

    Don’t be relative or lukewarm to the injustice in the world, but take a stand. Just like we shouldn’t be relative with spiritual and christian matters.

    God Bless.

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    • Hi Alheri, thank you for this response. You’re right, I have been praying about how to write about this very serious and very important topic. Because you’re right – it deserves to be discussed. I take it very seriously, and I want to write something that gives justice to the gravity of the situation and state of things. I appreciate your feedback so much. You’re so right – I can’t be relative when it comes to big issues either. Great point. Big hugs and love to you friend xox

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  42. Awesome post! You hit the nail on the head and got right to the heart of the matter. Love it! I love reading post from other Christians who promote the truth of God’s Word. Keep writing truth and glorifying God’s name.

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  43. Fantastic post, BBB. I want to share this when I get a chance to spend more than a minute on my blog. Just excellent.

    This priest from Michigan gives these talks and they air on the radio sometimes. Well anyway I heard one and tracked it down and it reminds me a lot of this post. It’s a little long so if you don’t want to listen, it won’t hurt my feelings, but I sense you’d get a lot out of it like I did.
    http://old.avemariaradio.net/archive2/2016/07/cia_20160705.mp3

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  44. As always, so well-said, and so relevant, with all the pseudo-spirituality being trumpeted today, totally devoid of the life-giving power of the indwelling Christ.
    You nailed it on the head. Great job.
    But I thought this statement was totally uncalled for, untrue in all it implied, and grossly generalized, unbecoming of this great blog-
    “Who doesn’t want peace? Or love? Or forgiveness. – Only a bigot would be against that. Only a nincompoop. Only a Trump supporter. (#SorryCouldn’tResist)”
    Though not a Trump supporter myself (though I cannot bring myself to vote for the criminal alternative), I know many who are, and they most certainly are NOT bigots and nincompoops, who don’t want peace, love or forgiveness. Many out here in middle class America are just tired of the politics as usual, from both sides of the aisle, with the lies, power plays, dishonesty, and arrogance that the rule of law does not apply to them. Trump may not be ideal, but he is in tune with the frustrations of many middle class Americans. To lump his supporters all together as bigots and buffoons, as you did, is inexcusable and immature. So knock it off.
    Do what you do best- speak to the heart, from your heart, about the heart of the Father.
    Blessings,
    Rob

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    • Hi Rob, thank you for this feedback. I’m so glad you brought that up, because that was not my intent AT ALL for that statement!! It was sarcasm! I try and bring some humor into my posts, and one way I do that is through sarcasm. I do not, in any way, shape, or form, believe that people who support Trump are bigots or backwards thinkers. That was 100000% sarcasm. That’s the danger with writing, is that you can’t hear tone of voice. I am so sorry that you thought I was being insensitive. That was never, ever, ever my intent. Know that this, as with all my words, is from the heart. Thanks for this, and I hope you stop by again!! Sending big big hugs and love xox

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  45. And it’s a tag I can’t live without! The truth of Jesus is the only one that matters. May our lives testify of this that many will see and believe and put their trust in The Lord (Psalm 40:3b)

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  46. You couldnt say it any better!! I loved reading your perspective and im totally agree with this… I am a child of God and nothing makes me prouder than this.. unfortunately i do think most of the people today leave God out of the equation because they think it is uncool or silly to talk about Him. It is so sad, cause as you said.. that is just focusing on a self culture, just taking what makes us feel good with ourselves!! Thanks for sharing this i hope everyone read it!!!

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      • I liked the content as well, by the way; an additional thought to the relativism is that it leads quite quickly (once God is removed) to humanism, which then – as you mentioned – becomes the accepted religion. When acceptance is about people, rather than God, many things ungodly will be accepted and the moral lines digress. While we have a shadow of kindness the thought itself becomes detrimental to society because of the greater and greater compromise.

        Humanism seems like a fine thing from the secular perspective, but the basis that’s neglected is the first and greatest commandment. The second is second, and must remain so if it is to retain its power… (Matt 22:37-39)

        (I’m glad to hear you actually did change it up, I was concerned for a moment you duped us by playing the same face side with a mirror or something :))

      • This is so great. You’re absolutely right- it neglects the first commandment. Ive never thought about it that way but it’s so true! Hope you’re having a great night! Hugs and love xox

  49. Good stuff! Vague spiritualism without Christ as the center, is just, well vague, opaque, and doesn’t do anything. It’s just dead. Great read!!

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  50. My goodness. Thank-you again for walking backwards on the one-way streets of this culture we live in – so many other people (and I don’t doubt many professed Christians) would’ve taken that message and run with it. And it’s been such a pushed message recently; you’re a breath of fresh air! (:

    Happy Thursday (:

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  51. Children of God. Right there. God is absolute in this world where people want to define truth as relative. And that is so precious. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

    Sister, I just am amazed at how God gives you the words filled with grace and love and truth.

    Truly praying Philippians 1:3-7 tonight, ‘I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

    4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

    5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

    6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:’

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    • Hey Emily! Wow, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. Seriously you have touched my heart with this and that beautiful prayer. So very grateful for you and your loving spirit. Hugs and love xox

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  53. I’m still wrapping my head around the idea that because an idea came from a human mouth and hands how does it make the message less just because it doesn’t enforce the idea that there is a god? The content is still there and functioning? is it the virtue of gratitude, service and godliness that makes it more? I don’t want to sound deluded by saying God made my sandwich today because —– reasons like he made man, gave me a chance at life, gave me purpose, handed me my destiny, gave me a wife, children and an experience in life that brought forth the sandwich. Now i need to prove with evidence somehow that he was there for all those accounts.. and that’s just unfair.

    “Peace is my religion. My god is love. Tolerance my shield. Acceptance my sword. Hate is my pain. Ignorance my enemy and forgiveness my salvation.” It’s sound. And just to me.. just because it doesn’t fit the “god made the world” dialogue doesn’t mean it’s wrong. You know god has also caused a lot of problems in the middle east.. there is a dark side to him.

    Sort of rambling now.. sorry for all the confusion. I guess I have more to learn about myself and grow then i thought.

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      • How to start this.. Isis is man made as is religion but based on an idea of Islam. Which is religion based on god. If you believe in God you take the complete pie of religion which includes Islam christianity and semitism. They are all believers of the one god opposed to Agnostic and Atheist opinion. You don’t hear that “my spiritualism is god from anyone”. You hear “my religion is christianity”. Spiritualism is separate entity. It cannot be said it is hand in hand with religon because you can find spirituality without god this is fact it has been done by Buddhist they exist. It seems everyone wants to Mish mash terms when it is convenient for them. Isis before bombing something use god to empower their act by reading verses from the Koran and killing in gods name. That’s your god also.. it is establish that one true god under earth is the same god the jewish and middle east praise. If you are going to argue about gods existence you have to fight for the whole package and the injustices of Israel doing to the middle east included. All in gods name.

    • What BBB didn’t emphasize in this post is that Jesus did not consider peace and tolerance to be sufficient. It was necessary to “pick up your cross” and follow him. The goal, as many reform Jews also testify, is to heal the world.

      You also reference spirituality below. I think that if you delve deeply into the soul of Christ, you will discover that he has nothing at all to do with the political opportunism of Daesch. That people use God’s name as a prop to justify destruction does not mean that they represent the avatar.

      Finally, if we love everyone, we should love Jesus, and we shouldn’t blame him for everything done in his name.

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      • You heal the world with kind words, helpful tips, facilities of education, recovery and health. Not glory filled words of conqueroring and zeal of righteousness. If tolerance and peace is not enough for god when we suffer famine, domestic abuse and mistreatment of women.. what is he really after? Complete absolute obedience and submission to his Almighty power of god? We need compassion and careful accessing of loving hands not power trips of I’m in the right and you need a little bit of god in your recipe as if there’s not enough god in everything you need to label it to claim glory for it.

        I know what christ’s message is.. it’s very clear to me. His message is redemption through his gift of life. Love and compassion. Forgiveness and simple kindness. He fed the poor. Healed the sick and blind and lived with humility. He also said he was a sword and means of conquest. Though what does it mean to you? And they are doing it in allahs name not Christ’s. Allah is synonymous with god. God means he fights for those who believe in God. Whether they use it as a prop or not they are tied to the source of which is they fight in the religious name of the force which “god exists” category.

        I don’t blame christ. Christ is just one life of a grander macrocosm. He is a link.. but not the chain. The people who fabricated the bible and changed the message of christ and altered fixed the book throughout history. (Namely constantine and his political agenda) Who distorted christs image and name are the actual chain. At the ends of those chains are puppets who work for this man made idol and the puppeteer who rolls in the riches for a system that is parasitic to constructive society. Though it doesn’t matter because god can hear you through whatever medium even if the knowledges in the book are made for medieval conquest.

        I don’t have a solution for you for imanent knowledge can never know more than the material. And the immanent material cannot be transcendant because of paradoxes. Not because it’s convenient but because the process loops in circular logic. Let’s just leave it at love christ. And hail god, let his rein be absolute and supreme. The talk will be too complicated and you have a very luke warm and very dodgy safe perspective. Hard to tell what you really desire.. just open up with your beliefs so I don’t have to prod and poke every word and cranny.

      • Based upon very few words from me, you make some strong judgments of me as a thinker and a person of faith. If you wish to know what I actually think, and how I engage with realms both spiritual and material, I suggest that you check out my blog. I think that you’ll find that we’re not so very far apart.

        And in the end, words aren’t the true measure of faith. I am doing the work, and in the end that has led me to the humbling realization that people just aren’t that important. We have a role to play, but it is in facilitating the manifestation of a potential that surpasses our means alone.

    • Thanks David! I really appreciate it. Yeah, things are quite sad in our world at the moment. I’m just sitting here right now with a heavy heart reading about everything going on all over the country and the world, and now in Dallas. Praying. Hugs and love xox

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      • indeed. I felt a great deal of anger when I saw the news. My father used to have a saying, “when you fight fire with fire you burn everything down.”

      • Hi David, yes, your father sounds like a wise man. I know, things are in such dire condition right now. I’m on vacation right now in a very remote location where the cell/internet service is spotty at best, so I’m not able to use the Internet without going into town. So you can imagine the horror and sadness when I opened up the news app to read allll that has been going on at once. My heart broke with sadness.

      • Here’s a replenishing hug, precious sister. Your heart is held with great love, always kept strong for where you can make an uplifting difference. I appreciate you so much for never being indifferent to suffering, but sometimes it is better to let go of the news, allowing the Almighty to be cleansing us of all uncontainable pain, silently sending through us [p.e.a.c.e.] to everyone we touch. I pray your Light is always lovingly [shielded] and attractive of everything and everyone you need to keep up your beautiful work my dear. <3 Leon

  56. Wow as ever BBB such powerful words <3 loving the use of the word nincompoop hehe and as for the slow walkers, grace has shown me such patience with those, I never rush anywhere now I take my time and reflect on God's creation around me

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  57. OH MY GRACIOUS YES. AMEN. 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Lady, you are right on – I’ve literally been thinking about this recently and was like, “Oh man, she better not side with the graffiti’s message.” Because most people would.)
    Anyway. Keep up the good work, and God bless! <3

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  58. I like your thoughts on this, there’s a powerful message in it. I think perhaps it’s not anti God, but anti religion. I think that the view of many is that just as government has been failing the people over recent times so has religion, which despite claiming to be about God has dome things which are more about ‘self’
    What do you think?

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    • Yes true, mistakes have been made at all levels. but that’s because of people and their choices. Sin is in the world. God never changes, God knew what He was doing at the time of creation. We have strayed from Him and because of free will and the choices we make, it affects everyone. God bless.

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    • Hi Simon, this is definitely an interesting perspective. I think “religion” per se is a tricky topic, because people have such strong opinions about it. I think that there can also be misconception about religion and traditions and sacraments, that from the outside may look one way, when the true meaning is misunderstood. I don’t know, I’m not an expert on the topic. I do agree, however, that the government has dropped the ball in a lot of ways. Who knows, those are my thoughts:) thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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      • People do have strong opinions about it. The thing I find is that people tie God with religion which is often ancient and full of traditions as you say. There is nothing wrong with that, but a religion to me (I was brought up in a Christian church) is something made from man – it is therefore flawed.
        The other problem I had was that many religions want to converts others from their religions because they are the ‘right’ ones. This attitude has caused so many wars that it’s terrible.
        In my stage in life I have nothing against those who choose to worship however they like, but I don’t feel I can support a religion and is can hold me back from God being the person he wanted me to be. I’m hoping he will help make me into that person without having to adhere to the religious traditions that I struggle with.
        It’s always good to have a discussion on this. To me Jesus preached love and acceptance, it’s not for me to judge anyone. So that’s the way I live now. It’s hard, because out own values often need me to judge. This isn’t to say I accept any behaviour of course.

        It was great stopping by – love and hugs back at ya xo

      • I agree-I love the discussions on here! And I’m with you-everyone’s relationship with the Lord is different, and I’m not here to judge either:) have a beautiful day! ❤️❤️❤️

    • Thank you so much! You’re right, it’s one of the “big three” you’re “not supposed to talk about” at the dinner table: politics, money, and religion. Let’s bring it to the table:) Hugs and love xox

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  60. WOW!!!!! The mouth speaks what overflows out of your heart my dear. SPOT ON!!!!!
    Definition of a relativist………”one who does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate standard consists solely of one’s own ego and desires.” Relativism aspires to….The way you see God is based on what you think for yourself, it’s a projection of your mind.” (Pope Benedict) What’s wrong with this? . A ‘Relativist’ makes of life something that works for them……….. that there is no definite truth……. you discover your own path …making life something that works for you …If it doesn’t hurt anyone it must be right?? WRONG!!! THIS HAS A PROBLEM because each would then live according to his/her own truth. How can a society function justly and equitably like this???? How can a government rule and democratically formulate laws using a relativist’s view of the world? Where’s the order and consensus if everyone would do as they pleased? Today, in fact, truth is regarded as far too subjective a concept for us to find therein a universally valid standard. Everything is to some extent negotiable, so then we face the risk of having no standards. Well, we all know where that may lead, just look at the world in chaos today. Relativism takes the meaning out of life!!!! LIFE HAS TO HAVE A PURPOSE AND ULTIMATE GOAL—TO OUR FINAL DESTINATION WITH FATHER GOD IN HEAVEN. The real truth comes from the Word of God AND THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. GOD BLESS YOU <3

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    • Hi friend! Thank you so much for this powerful reflection. You’re so right- there is one goal and purpose in life, and that is getting to heaven with our father. That is such a powerful thought when you think about it. It really makes you stop and reevaluate the decisions you’re making/have made. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  61. I have to admit, relativism scares me stiff. Why? Because it can seem so difficult to say exactly when it’s wrong.
    When it has The One And Only God excluded from it. Thankyou, BBB, this is an amazing post. 🙂

    This is a little off track from your post, but I’d love to know what your real name is! (So like, not BeautyBeyondBones!) I understand if you want to keep your name secret like you have been, so I won’t be offended if you say no. All the same, I would like to know! 🙂

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    • Hi Rajiv, thank you for sharing this. As a fellow “block go-around-er” 🙂 I can definitely appreciate having to try to figure out where to turn, who to trust, what/who I can rely on. For me, the only way I stopped “going around the block” was with God’s help-otherwise I’d still be stuck in those ways. Just some food for thought. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  64. Hi, Yes and no to this – which I like for its focus on your utter belief in God, and in Jesus (both on the Cross and in his teaching ministry. But, I would go a little easier of the spirituality without God people, who are at least attempting to line up with the good of the planet, and often are actually generous and decent and not totally self-obsessed. But, again, you are much younger than me, and I have been where you are. Now I think that we need to all walk a careful path which is neither non-religious nor religious in fundamentalist way, because the decline of ‘organised religion’ and the rise of secularism have combined to take away what we once had. Both ends are fundamentalist or can be. Balancing in the middle isn’t easy, but it means a person is more open to others, accepting of inclusion, and from that place can witness effectively to Christ and make links with others. Just my thoughts, and hoping to be constructive!

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    • Hi Mari! Thank you for this. I hope I didn’t come off as being harsh on people who are in the “spiritual” camp. That was not my intent at all. Because you’re right-they are lovely people who are trying to put good into the world and practice love and tolerance and peace. Those are good things and those people good people. It’s just that what they believe is missing God. But the people themselves are good people. After all, we all were created by God and deserve love and have great worth. It’s just their belief in pushing God out of the picture that I disagree with. I hope that clears it up. But you’re right, perhaps I should have been a little easier on them:) so glad you stopped by and thanks again for this perspective. Hugs and love xox

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  65. Back in the day Shirley Mclean said it best..”I am god”. The thinking you have defined is just another version of that. Elevating self above God. Very dangerous! Great post! Have a wonderful day!

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  66. Do you ever read something that someone writes and just KNOW there is a lot of truth in their words. That’s this post. 🙂

    Truth!

    Your message that God is GOD…there is no one and nothing else. He desires us to be free IN and THROUGH His Son, Jesus. No other way. No other path. No other process. That Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father and the ONLY way to true, absolute freedom hits the proverbial nail on the head!

    I’m so glad that I found your blog because you’re a breath of fresh air.

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  69. This post is one of the reasons why I get so excited to see the emails from WordPress saying BBB has published a new post. You are awesome.

    I was raised in the United Methodist Church, baptized in two different denominations (by accident, I guess my grandparents were so excited that they wanted me to be baptized in their church in Florida, as well as the one my parents attended on Governors Island), and have attended many different services in different denominations over many years.

    I respect those who are religious, and those who are not. My husband doesn’t go to church with me. It took me a long time to accept that I wasn’t going to change his thinking, and even longer to get over other people’s thoughts about him not coming with me. He does believe in God. He earned his bachelor’s degree from a Christian university. Frankly, he knows a lot more about the Bible and religion, in general, than I do.

    I have this one friend who is an atheist. Over the years, he and I have had the most amazing conversations about religion, God, spirituality, angels, demons, and more. I always value his word. It makes me think. It puts my thoughts into perspective.

    I attempt to share my faith through my blog and through my actions. One of my favorite mottoes is the theme from one summer’s Carolina Cross Connection mission work: “Faith in action. Love in person.”

    Keep doing amazing things, BBB!!

    Love,
    Laura Beth
    hotshotheadlines.wordpress.com

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  70. There’s a song that goes”..and they will know we are Christians by our love.”
    I think that says it all. Thanks for your visits and likes on my two month old blog. Your kindness is noticed and does matter!

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  73. Coming from a background that included both Christianity and Judaism (full disclosure: I chose Judaism), I’ve always been interested in the difference in emphasis the two closely related religions take. Both care about beliefs and deeds, but not, it seems, in the same ratio. Christianity cares passionately about what you believe. It’s developed creeds and deep theologies. Judaism seems, at best, um, well–only mildly interested in theology. Maimonides did come up with something like a creed, but everyone’s been arguing about it ever since. So, overall, our emphasis is on doing.

    For me, that’s the right emphasis. I look at that sign and, while I might take some slight theological issue with it–well, that’s my problem, not the writer’s. If the writer lives up to the words, that’s a person who does the right things. Can’t ask for more than that. (Unless they’re Jewish, in which case I might point out that we could really use some help making a minyan tonight–but I won’t push too hard, because I get where ardently secular Jews are coming from.)

    All that said, this was a pleasure to read, as always. I admire the way you always speak your truth, even when I find myself disagreeing.

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    • Hi Jenn! Thank you so much for this great reflection. I love to hear about different perspectives and have a good healthy dialogue on BBB! I definitely resonate with “doing” as well. There’s something about walking the talk that really moves in my heart. It’s putting action to faith when things start happening. So glad you stopped by! Hope you’re having a beautiful afternoon! Hugs and love xox

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  74. Awesome post! This may be your best work yet! Once we realize we need a Saviour then we receive peace faith hope and love through Jesus! Have a blessed day!

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  75. I would warn you though I think you should focus more on your grounds for christianity to work with society and “self” who look out for practical humanitarian needs not concerned with what is beyond the human world (high heavens and god) than make enemies with it. Agnostic people are not your enemies and you have other priorities like the Atheist front and those other amongst you who claim to do gods will but do the opposite. Your religion is on a slippery slope to extinction if you press too hard and decide that god is the only element to your soup. Religion is in a decline and I know I’m probably barking up the wrong tree but understand life is not black and white. We should work towards coming together.. Working together and sharing the world with less prejudice and pressure for an idea that may work for everyone. Collectivity of man kind is essential and not it’s divided kingdoms will unite us and allow us to thrive. The world is not black and white it’s many shades hints and hues of color and grey. I feel you live in a very secure and peaceful almost privileged background. With very first world problems. I feel the only reason to defend this topic is because you feel threatened that the non religious are creeping into territory that you consider god’s. I respect and still love your opinions.. There’s just a bit of naive and innocent soul that needs to consider the situation more critically. You don’t want to separate and be too hard on the relativist that’s not where you start.

    With love and concern.
    Nam

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  76. Well said! As C.S. Lewis put it, “If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

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  77. I am not religious but I enjoyed this post. I work for my family and my true friends. I always consider “How do I protect them?” “how do I bring my daughters up better?” “How can I contribute more to my family and make our relationships better?”

    Spirituality without God is possible, If you have love in your heart and understand that we are here for each other.

    Your love for Jesus is such a force.

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  78. God is a person, and there is no person in that “religion.” Love demands an object of love, which must be a person: and there is no person there. As for what he means by “peace,” I think I’d rather not know.

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  80. Great post 🙂 Spiritual relativism is not the right way to go If one wants to get closer to God. If one wants to get closer to God is read a few passages of the Bible (not for the whole day because it is impossible) and go to church every Sunday and take into account everything Jesus taught. One can not equal God or Jesus because let’s face it that is literally impossible, but to learn the wisdom of the lessons that both God and Jesus teach us. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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    • Hey there John! Thank you so much! You’re right, we were given the best teacher in Jesus and we just have to follow His example. So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  81. “That’s where this spiritual relativism does a face plant into a pile of poo” Great line. And this culture of spirituality has be a detriment for a while. It has not been addressed. This culture combined with luke warm believers has left us with a major cleanup on our hands! Keep the faith and keep shining your light!

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    • Thanks so much! Haha yeah I’m kind of a sucker for potty humor:) hehe you’re right-we’ve gotta bust out of the Luke warm state and crank it up a notch! Hugs and love xox

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  83. I saw this last night Beauty and I was so pleased. I also am going to reblog at some point this morning when I gather all of my thoughts around it. I have been thinking (and replying to many) about the lack of an anchor in people’s lives. It is like living without a working constitution which is clearly has to be something beyond us as our own definitions of good never suffice. Thank you very much for posting. And I hope you won’t mind a repost from me. God bless you child.

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    • Hi bonsai! Thank you so much for this. You’re so right- we all need an anchor. Amen to that. Thanks for reposting! Can’t wait to read your thoughts! Hugs and love xox

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  84. Reblogged this on thesixfootbonsai and commented:
    Spiritual nuetrality is non-committal and if you were the creator of this universe how would this sit with you? If your children denied your existence and the direction you provided; attributed what you said to some general feel good meme how would you take it? Humans were placed on the same boat with a diversity– physical diversity, circumstantial diversity and more. We were provided a cox with amazing leadership skills to help us row together. If we do not listen and trust Jesus Christ our rowing team will fall apart and our boat will turn in circles. Let’s not pussyfoot around the matter! There is an ultimate truth.

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  85. I do tend to forget God. Or in other words, forget that I am but a part of the Whole. And hence the desired result of my actions and words may not be what I want. But if it is what God wanted, I should be happy, because that means that it is what I need. I know that, but I do need reminders. Like your post, thank you!

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  86. 😁 your oost nade me laugh today. I think I lost you as a follower once I made the change over to my new hosring site. Oh how I miss you.

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  93. I love that you see how telling street graffiti is. Remember that Simon and Garfunkel line, “And the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls.” I would argue that the words you encountered in the East Village are not merely relativism but hostile toward “traditional” (God-centered) spirituality. There is an undertone of my god is better than your God. I’m not sure it’s even as subtle as an undertone. That being said, I think there are cases in art and rhetoric and writing and graffiti where Christ IS in the story and in the details, wrapped up and breathing into and lording over the whole darn thing, even when the creator is not a believer. How He pursues us before we even know it. I know I have found Christ in the most secular of hiding places. But not, I don’t think, on your sign in NY. Sad.

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    • Thanks for this, Laura. You bring up some great points. True: I definitely can find God is art and music especially. Forms of worship for sure. Thanks for stopping by and for your great perspective. Hugs and love xox

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  94. Well done Beauty. I love your insight and clarity. This kind of pseudo spirituality is exactly what you have described, a clever way of justifying a totally self centered life. Two other great examples of this pulp is Imagine by John Lennon and the Ode to a Grecian Urn by John Yeats. This is truly very powerful Satanic deception dressed up as Angels of Light . Keep up the fight. your doing a great service for the Kingdom

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  95. Thanks for dropping by and the blog like. 🙂

    it’s obvious to me you are doing well on your path to reunion with God and i do like your level of understanding on this topic.

    I would like to point out though that the world is full of many different souls; amazing ( to me) numbers of whom are nowhere near your level of understanding and would deride your comments as religious #@$% if they ever even bothered to read them at all.

    I think the thoughts you repeated from the bakery have a place in some people’s lives, particularly the ones who currently feel hurt by religion and blame God, or those who have little to no sense of their spirit at all.

    Sure God can convert whomsoever he wishes at the time of His chosing, but there are many people in this world who simply are not yet ready to give up their swollen and or hurt ego’s enough to make room for God in their lives and debunking what they might believe in, right or wrong, probably won’t move them much.

    Your words ring true for those of us who have faith in God, by all means continue growing and sharing your wisdom, just consider there may just be a worthwhile place for the graffiti you spotted in that it might reach out to someone who desperately needs something to believe in and which might make them more open to what you (& God) are saying in their near future.

    Love.

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    • Hi friend, thank you for this perspective. You bring up some good points. It’s true – God is powerful and His timing is always right. lots to think about. hugs xoxo

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  96. Do you know what you just did with this post? You took an amazingly complex philosophical issue and boiled it down to what either side can lead to. Spiritual relativism, and for that matter–moral relativism, are all about the self. Both these force the individual to do one thing–look at the self and if it feels right to you, then do it. I don’t know you at all, but from what I’ve read on your site thus far–you are not the one to look and care about yourself anymore–your heart is for Jesus.Then, you went and asked the same question that Pontius Pilate asked of Jesus:

    “Truth? What is Truth?”

    And with this exact post you responded the same way that Jesus did–“All those who belong to the truth hear my voice.”

    This post truly amazed me and I love it. All truth belongs to God and it can be summed up in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. People try to spiritualize everything in today’s world and make it more complicated than God intended it to be–people just can’t wrap their minds around a God who would willingly lay down His life for men and women and children.

    Keep up the amazing writings! I enjoy and love reading your thoughts on things!

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    • Wow, thank you so much for this kind comment! I am so touched by your words. you’re right – it is truly amazing to really think about what Jesus did for us. It brings me to my knees! thanks for stopping by! hugs and love xox

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  97. Yes, yes and more yes. I love how you articulate these sticky topics. Your comic relief has impeccable timing.

    This whole I’m spiritual, positive energy, good vibes era is honestly a pet peeve of mine. What’s even crazier is that people often times know that this new religion, if you will, is self serving. How can I justify doing every single thing I think makes me feel good, religion. It’s in a gray area. Luke warm. People won’t say their atheist because that’s too extreme, but they’ve replaced God with “spirituality.” This way, if we just pretend that God doesn’t exist, then we don’t have to obey his commandments. We can just run rampant doing whatever makes is feel free. So often, we look to each other for approval, and we’re giving it to one another based off of a made up belief. That’s why we are perpetually searching for our freedom through physical and material liberties. People who truly find freedom, need not search any longer. I just wish that people would just give God a good college try. Like, really open their hearts up to him. There is nothing more freeing than being a child of God.

    Thank you, thank you again for this post! I will definitely be reposting this to my page!

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  98. This was a good post today, BBB, even for your blog! Something else I thought of when I read that inscription. Without sin there can be no forgiveness. If we are unwilling to confess our sins and repent we cannot be forgiven because we claim there is nothing to forgive. Period. That’s why God won’t do it.

    Plus, according to John–the Apostle of Love–we’re making God out to be a liar and the truth is not in us.

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  101. I’m not being critical, but I didn’t like this post.
    I’m not enamoured by the word God. That is because this rendering is a non-specific whitewashing of who one is referring to. God can be any god. It has no meaning beyond something worshipped outside of ourself.
    I much prefer the original El or Elohim, which means The Mighty Ones. The word is plural, not singular as are all the original Biblical Names for God. The reason why it is plural is because it is not exclusive to some thing or entity that rests outside of us, but is a spiritual quality that comes from Source/Yahweh that is also present in and through us. This is not something we look to the outside to worship, but a Spirit that is inside that we find activated within ourselves, inside our soul temple. Paganism has always been associated with worshipping idols outside ourselves. God just smacks of being another one of these deities. Besides, the word god is totally meaningless.
    Again, the quality that rests inside us when Elohim is there, is better quantified by the sign that leaves the name out, than the unreserved avowal of a name that does not specify any god at all.
    That is the bane of Christianity. They whitewashed all the names of God in the Bible to appease the Romans, and then they lost track of where god actually is. It’s tragic.

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