Gerdean wrote:
One of the things we need to learn to do is depicted in the situation with John's Apostles and Jesus' apostles.
Quote:
" These twenty-four men had a truly remarkable experience these two weeks when they were compelled to face problems and compose difficulties without Jesus. They learned to differ, to debate, to contend, to pray, and to compromise, and throughout it all to remain sympathetic with the other person's viewpoint and to maintain at least some degree of tolerance for his honest opinions." (Pg 1625)
And obviously it can be done, as these fellows managed to do it in two weeks.
Quote:
"And this is the story of the first attempt of Jesus' followers to co-ordinate divergent efforts, compose differences of opinion, organize group undertakings, legislate on outward observances, and socialize personal religious practices."
But this can only happen when individual religionists have acquired levels of functioning that would enable them to make such attempts at fostering civilization, and which would restrain them from breaking out in fisticuffs or slamming the door shut on further discussions.
I think our biggest handicap at this point is that we are still developing the skill of opining, and we are not inclined to concede or compromise our positions when it can be such an adrenlin rush to engage in verbal conflict, especially on the internet. We each have to do a little personal animal training before we can hope for others to fall in line.
Good stuff Gerdean. Thank You. This is real pertinent to the personal changes we can make in ourselves to work towards the planetary adjustments. It does have to do with compromise, tolerance, patience, respect of "the other person's viewpoint and to maintain at least some degree of tolerance for his [or her] honest opinions."
With the 24 it's seems they did have some focus as a group. I believe they we're intent on understanding and unifying the spiritual teachings of their teachers (John the Baptist and Jesus) for the purpose of sharing them with others in a teaching mission.
Often times even among ourselves we are working on distinctly different paths, from distinctly different perspectives and it is even more difficult to remain tolerant of each others diverse interests and work in furthering the interests of God. Which is sharing the knowledge of the fatherhood and motherhood of God and brotherhood and sisterhood of human kind.
There are so many ways that can be done.
TUB being a common thread for all of us is truly a wonderful gift for me. To relate with others who have been moved like me by their interaction with the book. And we each in our own ways move forth on that spiritual path to God.
God Blessings be with you all in your diverse pathways to God. 