Fantastiskt bra skrevet Emanuel:)

Hi Patrick, of what I know of Mclaren and his view on the cross, I think it is very central to his thinking. If it isnt I certainly am one to disagree with him.

Hi Tarun, thanks for your thoughts.

I appreciate the historical implications the word Cordoba means. My main point though is no matter who these people might be or the people who fund them might be people in the west or New york should choose a different path than the one you probably propose. It should be not one of revenge or retribution, it should not be one that puts him in the same boat as terrorist Muslims.

My understanding is that its not even going to be a traditional mosque with prayer calls etc.( I have lived by a few and know it can be annoying for someone who wants to sleep, I do have a feeling New York has a lot of noise pollution as it is.)

What has the Imam said that makes it impossible or disqualifies him from practicing his religion and disqualifies him from building a community center in New York?

Thanks for this, he sure is both inspiring and a great speaker:)

you seem to have that one right Anthony :)

Ja 30 prosent av det norske folk kan ta feil!

Do I believe evolution is true?

Yes

Did God create the world?

Yes

Is God behind evolution?

Yes

Is God good?

Yes

What do you think about evolution and evolution theory, or about Coyne and his perspectives?

I had a talk about this at a University in Gothenburg (Sweden) last week, that's why I put it up on my blog.

Jonathan,

Thanks for your thoughts. Like you I also believe the resurrection of Christ is central to Christian faith. Like you I also believe that Jesus is the Son of God and God raised him from the dead. So I do not deny the resurrection.

But as I pointed out in my last reply, I believe another centrality to the christian faith is the fact that God became human. That God lived a whole life here on earth. I also believe that a central part of Christianity is not only what you believe, its how you live your life. What is the point of believing all the right doctrines in your intellect?

My understanding of God becoming human is also to show as the way of God here on earth. Central to Jesus message was; Heaven is here!(according to Mathew) Or as the other gospels would say Gods kingdom is here!

You asked the question can one be Christian and deny the resurrection? Well let me ask you a question back, do you believe that one needs to be able to read or write to be a christian? Do you believe that a child needs to understand the concepts of Christ dieing as a substitute on the cross to be a christian, or do you believe that a person with brain damage needs to be healed so He/She can believe rightly or understand Christ to be a christian?

The idea that one must believe certain things to be a Christian, well I don't know, it creates all sorts of problems in my mind. My understanding is simply to do as Jesus said; follow me!

We have made belief and Christianity into a system of belief. I have myself studied systematic theology (for a whole bunch of years) I know all the systems, I know all the beliefs but is that really what Jesus is about?

Is Jesus really only about being "travel insurance" that will determine my afterlife hell or heaven? If I bought the right insurance I have nothing to worry about?

I do not deny the resurrection. It is besides; God becoming human the most central belief I have. And a basis for how I understand the way of Jesus and life.

Your last comment and question was about Christs mission and focus being about eternity or the present?

Well when Jesus lived there was no Hebrew word for spiritual. Jesus and Judaism understood the world as both spiritual and material all at the same time. Jesus understanding was simply "everything is spiritual" so eternity is a part of the here and now as I understand it. Most of his parables, most of his teaching are all about the here and now. About everyday life.

The thought that something is spiritual is a christian concept that was introduced into Christianity by people like Origin who had a platonic view on the world and Christianity. (The material is evil- spiritual is good) This was introduced around 150 years after Christs birth into christian faith.

But well its interesting, what do you think Jonathan?

I would be interested to hear what you think of Ireneus views on God and Christian faith if you have the time for read through, you can find it here; http://danielkorol.com/blog/?p=166