I wasn't sure where to put this thread. And it made me concerned I may be too self-obsessed for this forum. And not lifting others up enough. I feel like I need to explore my own thoughts whether they be positive or not. in fact a number of my threads are more blog style than anything. Is that a problem?
I was thinking today about the nature of sin. I know when I get caught up in hatred, contempt for others and their world view, it becomes a kind of downward spiral.
In Buddhism there are realms of Hell. I guess the lowest is when we act on hatred. We stop taking responsibility for our behaviour. We say anything spiteful or mean or even become violent. I haven't got there yet in case you are wondering.
I wonder for you people versed well in the Bible, are there realms of Hell mentioned there?
But anyway, there are levels of hatred. From mild dislike to monster-like hostility. How aware are we, when we get caught up in the vortex ? Very little. And it sucks you up like a vacuum cleaner. Like a lascivious leviathan. Satan takes over and you start to feel like Saint Paul says "why do I do the things I hate?" Self-alienated. You become a shell walking around, wondering when the next rage is about to take hold.
I see some value in what I am doing now. Because if I can describe sin in more detail, what it feels like, how it grips you, I can understand it better. And if I understand it better, I can take steps to prevent it. In addition, I might be able to have compassion for other sinners and help them. I might have been suited to becoming a counsellor but alas that career has passed me by. I am but a sad school janitor. Mostly grumpy and over reflective.
I was thinking today about the nature of sin. I know when I get caught up in hatred, contempt for others and their world view, it becomes a kind of downward spiral.
In Buddhism there are realms of Hell. I guess the lowest is when we act on hatred. We stop taking responsibility for our behaviour. We say anything spiteful or mean or even become violent. I haven't got there yet in case you are wondering.
I wonder for you people versed well in the Bible, are there realms of Hell mentioned there?
But anyway, there are levels of hatred. From mild dislike to monster-like hostility. How aware are we, when we get caught up in the vortex ? Very little. And it sucks you up like a vacuum cleaner. Like a lascivious leviathan. Satan takes over and you start to feel like Saint Paul says "why do I do the things I hate?" Self-alienated. You become a shell walking around, wondering when the next rage is about to take hold.
I see some value in what I am doing now. Because if I can describe sin in more detail, what it feels like, how it grips you, I can understand it better. And if I understand it better, I can take steps to prevent it. In addition, I might be able to have compassion for other sinners and help them. I might have been suited to becoming a counsellor but alas that career has passed me by. I am but a sad school janitor. Mostly grumpy and over reflective.