[Faith-talk] Eastern Religions

[Brandon Olivares via Faith-talk]

Hi Debby,

Yes, I understand what you are saying. I’m simply drawing a comparison between western and eastern ways of thinking. In Christian thought, we spend a few decades trying to ensure we make the right choice and trying to convert those whom we feel are choosing wrongly. Then there is an eternity of either bliss or torment depending on which side of the coin you fell. The point is that there is only the span of a single lifetime for someone to get that choice right. The Catholic Church allows for some provisions for those who are “invincibly ignorant,” but for those who know about the Catholic Church and still choose otherwise for their entire lives, well it can get quite ugly.

In eastern thought, we have an eternity to get it right. There is no need for evangelization or conversion because everyone is on their own path to discover their true nature. There is one guarantee: the Self will be realized; there is no eternal punishment for anyone.

Thanks for your thoughts, and I truly enjoy this discussion. No offense is meant and I hope none is taken. I believe we should all question our beliefs, and in that way we will be made stronger.

Brandon
On May 15, 2014, at 8:33 AM, debby phillips <semisweetdebby at gmail.com> wrote:

> Brandon, if you are coming from a Catholic perspective, then surely you understand that it is still by grace that we are saved, and that God's mercies are new every day.  We have a covenant relationship with God.  Part of that covenant requires that we do certain things.  I am being simplistic, perhaps, but I liken it to being part of a family.  My biological family had certain requirements growing up.  Like, we all ate dinner together, as a minor I asked permission from my parents before I went somewhere.
> 
> There's a big difference between joyful and happy.  I'm happy when I get an unexpected present or something.  I'm joyful when I am worshipping, thinking about, serving God.  The Eucharist brings me joy.  Nobody, Catholic or Protestant can say that our life here on earth will be happy all the time.
> 
> 
> As for Hitler, well, I can't even comment on that.  Nobody knows what someone's heart is like before they die, in those last seconds.  I don't know.  I'd love to spend more time responding, but I need to get ready to head for work.    Peace,    Debby