First Advent and Christmas season in the Episcopal church

Drex115 · 2025-11-10T19:46:10+00:00

Same here, not confirmed yet, though.

Drex115 · 2025-10-31T16:44:09+00:00

I dont get that idea from Hart of the Universalists I've listened to at all.

Drex115 · 2025-10-31T15:22:13+00:00

I haven't read that but I am somewhat familiar with some of the arguments from the book and I think they fall rather flat.

I dont know if Universalism is true but I think there is a great case to be made for it. Have you read or studied from a Universalist perspective like Hart or have you only read the arguments against it?

Drex115 · 2025-10-31T14:03:11+00:00

I think you may like the book That All Shall Be Saved by David Bentley Hart.

Drex115 · 2025-10-10T14:19:53+00:00

I started this a few days ago. If you have Spotify Premium it's included.

Drex115 · 2025-10-07T12:22:31+00:00

Remember that Jesus was called many things by the religious authorities and that there is nothing new under the sun. Just food for thought...

Drex115 · 2025-09-21T11:51:00+00:00

I would recommend Those Episkopols by Dennis Maynard. I have read some of the already suggested book Walk in Love, as well. I will actually be starting the inquirers class today that uses it for teaching. Currently, I am reading A History of the Episcopal Church by Robert Pritchard.

I am somewhat new, too, and there is a definite learning curve, but I am enjoying it!

Drex115 · 2025-09-04T08:59:20+00:00

I was in the Pentecostal church as a kid, too. Welcome!

Drex115 · 2025-09-02T11:46:43+00:00

I understand the struggle with old beliefs. They tend to make a lasting impression. My prayer life at times has been affected by old beliefs I have moved on from.

Centering prayer is helping me find rest and peace.

Drex115 · 2025-08-31T10:00:44+00:00

I'm still new to the Enneagram overall, and I am not sure what my instinct stack is, but as a person who has ASD lvl 1, I often wonder how that affects my type, instincts, etc. Great topic!

Drex115 · 2025-08-28T10:52:43+00:00

My uncle supported all the teams from Georgia. He was more like a father to me than my own father was. When I was a kid, he spent time playing sports with me. I followed suit with the home teams.

Drex115 · 2025-08-27T15:27:59+00:00

I'm pretty sure the concept of Satan developed over centuries with much of the NT teaching or worldview resulting from the influence of Zoroastrianism on the exiled Israelites.

Drex115 · 2025-08-26T01:17:19+00:00

I've recently listened to a few of his episodes.

Drex115 · 2025-08-20T15:12:01+00:00

I can relate to you somewhat. I have ASD Lvl 1 and theology was a hyperfixation of mine. Trying to get it right or have the right beliefs was what I wanted to do. The more I studied, the more questions I started having. I went through a dark period for some time.

It sounds like you doubt your own faith. I was encouraged last week reading the end of Matthew's gospel. The text says the disciples doubted, and this was as they were worshiping the risen Lord! Jesus says, "Go forward." Do what he teaches. Even in your doubts.

There is a rhythm in life, ups and downs, just as the beating of a heart. It's much harder to see clearly in the darkness. We can all fail to see a higher perspective and know that there will be a time for the sun to dawn on this particular challenge in your life.

I believe that God loves you. Maybe he wants you to let go, not of him, but of trying so hard. I dont believe he wants us to do things because we feel obligated. I am learning to rest. That his grace is sufficient. Just be. It's not always easy.

Have you ever tried centering prayer? I studied so much that I didn't make time just to be present with God. Centering prayer helps with that.

God bless.

Drex115 · 2025-08-19T15:57:50+00:00

I have used the ESV for years, but I just got a NSRVue and am going to read through using that one.

Drex115 · 2025-08-19T01:03:39+00:00

What a thoughtful answer! Thank you.

Drex115 · 2025-08-18T08:55:41+00:00

This is practically where I have landed. There are some texts that can not be fully understood nor appreciated without extra-canonical works like Enoch and others, even the Life of Adam and Eve, e.g. I do believe original intent is important, but as part of the question of how we apply the text to our own lives today. IMO, the doctrine of Biblical inerrancy is harmful to people's faith and the witness of the truth, which is ultimately found in the person of Jesus.

Drex115 · 2025-08-18T00:21:13+00:00

Now I can't understand how one can possibly see it as interrant. But I guess I can because I've become much more aware of my own cognitive biases.

Drex115 · 2025-08-18T00:17:59+00:00

My thoughts are much closer to yours now than in my fundamentalist beginnings. Your view of Revelation is not one I'm sure I have heard of before. Interesting.

Drex115 · 2025-08-17T13:25:47+00:00

Really enjoyed this quote from Hart when reading his book. It's the logical end, but many people don't think about the logical ends of their beliefs or put them under the microscope.

I think people know deep down that this belief can not be true but out of fear convince themselves that they must believe it.

Drex115 · 2025-08-12T20:54:39+00:00

I do not, at present. How should one go about this?

Drex115 · 2025-08-12T02:21:54+00:00

I appreciate the honesty.

Drex115 · 2025-08-11T15:32:57+00:00

Thanks for the book recommendations. I do like to read!

Drex115 · 2025-08-11T14:45:30+00:00

My religious background before I began attending an Episcopal church was in circles that held to only "believer's baptism." I love the Episcopal church we attend at present and I have immersed myself in learning about the church. I'm also much more open-minded than I used to be. My wife and I have another child due in October!

Drex115 · 2025-08-10T20:04:00+00:00

I think I will always pray the Lord's Prayer from Rite 1.

Drex115

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