On Being A Christian
faith without works is dead24 total reviews
Comment from Southern Writer
Interesting and very well written. I am pretty ordinary in American's view point except I am an agnostic. Bring that up in a crowd and half the people want to save me and the other's sort of move away as though you can agnostic disease. No one seems interested in the face that people can be different and still live a moral life.
The very last sentence---I don't understand....was a word left out? Anyway, was glad I read this.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Interesting and very well written. I am pretty ordinary in American's view point except I am an agnostic. Bring that up in a crowd and half the people want to save me and the other's sort of move away as though you can agnostic disease. No one seems interested in the face that people can be different and still live a moral life.
The very last sentence---I don't understand....was a word left out? Anyway, was glad I read this.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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I don't think a word was left out, but perhaps I need to write more clearly. What I meant is that I thought I had Christian values by my acts. Thanks for an excellent review.
Comment from Adama
I don't know what all this stuff is about being a Christian and who is and who isn't. At the end of the day, it is about your relationship with God. Who as far as I am aware loves each and every one of us and desires a relationship with us. Whether that desire is reciprocated is up to the individual. Man cannot determine the condition of another man's heart regardless of the outer appearance - only God can do that.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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I don't know what all this stuff is about being a Christian and who is and who isn't. At the end of the day, it is about your relationship with God. Who as far as I am aware loves each and every one of us and desires a relationship with us. Whether that desire is reciprocated is up to the individual. Man cannot determine the condition of another man's heart regardless of the outer appearance - only God can do that.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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I agree. Thanks for an excellent review.
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You're welcome.
Comment from SWANNY
I enjoyed reading your story. I noticed a couple of small things that need fixing.
In both of the examples below in brackets, the period belongs on the outside of the brackets. The period would only belong inside the brackets if it were a complete sentence (capitalzed and not a continuation of the sentence).
For example:
This is a complete sentence. (This is a complete sentence.) OR... This is part of a sentence (this is still part of the same sentence).
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(in America, often the police are summoned when an ambulance is called and the homeless man would probably have been arrested for vagrancy.)
(I guess I have good company in Moses, St. Paul, and King David.)
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Funny, I thought had them... [Funny, I thought I had them...]
Overall, nicely done.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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I enjoyed reading your story. I noticed a couple of small things that need fixing.
In both of the examples below in brackets, the period belongs on the outside of the brackets. The period would only belong inside the brackets if it were a complete sentence (capitalzed and not a continuation of the sentence).
For example:
This is a complete sentence. (This is a complete sentence.) OR... This is part of a sentence (this is still part of the same sentence).
--------------------------------------------
(in America, often the police are summoned when an ambulance is called and the homeless man would probably have been arrested for vagrancy.)
(I guess I have good company in Moses, St. Paul, and King David.)
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Funny, I thought had them... [Funny, I thought I had them...]
Overall, nicely done.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Thanks for an excellent review. For clarification, I want the last sentence to be an integral part of the work. I am open to suggestions on how to do that. I edited the other places you mentioned.
Comment from Chrisfiore
I didn't know Moses, Paul and David were considered murderers!
Interesting, because of your faith you declare your works. Wasn't it James (the half-brother of Jesus) who said, "You have faith, I have works. Show me your faith apart from works and I'll show you my faith by my works." James 2:18
You say you are a Christian, which is good. How you conduct yourself is considered your "works". You cannot declare faith without works. James says in verse 26, "Faith without works is dead."
But if this part of your belief is true, then everything the Bible says must be true, correct? THAT is where people differ.
Peace. Chrisfiore
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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I didn't know Moses, Paul and David were considered murderers!
Interesting, because of your faith you declare your works. Wasn't it James (the half-brother of Jesus) who said, "You have faith, I have works. Show me your faith apart from works and I'll show you my faith by my works." James 2:18
You say you are a Christian, which is good. How you conduct yourself is considered your "works". You cannot declare faith without works. James says in verse 26, "Faith without works is dead."
But if this part of your belief is true, then everything the Bible says must be true, correct? THAT is where people differ.
Peace. Chrisfiore
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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For clarification, what do you mean by true? I don't think everything in the Bible is historically factual, but I think the Bible teachs Truth. I don't quite understand--are you saying that a secular discipline (historiography) is what the sacred text should be judged by and not by its transformative power? Again, for clarification, yes, in Christian Scripture, Moses murdered a man, which is why he fled from Egypt, St. Paul watched the cloaks of the men who murdered St. Stephen and participated in the persecutions of Christians himself, and David arranged for Bathsheba's husband to be killed so he could marry her. Thank you for your review. I encourage you to enter this contest as well.
Comment from mermaids
Your story brings out the point it is not our sexual orientation that matters but how we treat people. Your tell this incident in a clear way that gives the reader much to think about. Best wishes for the contest.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Your story brings out the point it is not our sexual orientation that matters but how we treat people. Your tell this incident in a clear way that gives the reader much to think about. Best wishes for the contest.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Thanks for a great review and your good wishes.
Comment from Soledadpaz
Let me thank you for your kindness. If we were all Christians, practicing that is, you would not have seen a homeless sick man sleeping in a doorway. It's easy for some people to say, not so easy to do.
You and your friend sound like wonderful people. Bless you.
I don't hold much with organized religion, per say. I care more about being kind to others, no matter who they are.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Let me thank you for your kindness. If we were all Christians, practicing that is, you would not have seen a homeless sick man sleeping in a doorway. It's easy for some people to say, not so easy to do.
You and your friend sound like wonderful people. Bless you.
I don't hold much with organized religion, per say. I care more about being kind to others, no matter who they are.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Thank you for a superb and understanding review.
Comment from Veekz
You do have good Christian values and I'm so shocked there was an article that labeled gays in the same class as those monsters! How can people still be so far behind the times?! Being a Christian is about being a decent human being, people out your fellow man and having faith. It has nothing to do with who you are dating or your sexual orientation. I struggle to understand people who fail to see that has nothing to do with the person you are inside. Gays, straights - everyone - can be nice or mean or funny or depressing or kind or stingy or pretty or sad or hard working or not. Nothing to do with peoples dating preferences :) People seem to forget all that forgiveness and tolerance the bible also preaches huh....
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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You do have good Christian values and I'm so shocked there was an article that labeled gays in the same class as those monsters! How can people still be so far behind the times?! Being a Christian is about being a decent human being, people out your fellow man and having faith. It has nothing to do with who you are dating or your sexual orientation. I struggle to understand people who fail to see that has nothing to do with the person you are inside. Gays, straights - everyone - can be nice or mean or funny or depressing or kind or stingy or pretty or sad or hard working or not. Nothing to do with peoples dating preferences :) People seem to forget all that forgiveness and tolerance the bible also preaches huh....
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Thank you for this superb review. I am so glad to receive. I have been reading too much doom and gloom apocalypticism lately.
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Preaching to the choir on that one! Lol :) For sure there have been some pretty hard hitting, fanatic stuff coming out of the woodwork's lately and some of it is extremely judgmental.... not very nice.
Glad to see there are normal Christians out there like yourself to redeem the one's giving faith a bad name at the moment :)
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Thanks. Are you considering entering the contest?
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I'm an agnostic unfortunately and I wouldn't know what to enter lol :) I've studied several religions in depth and have read the bible (all versions) numerous times but my logical mind can't seem to grasp onto anything to verify His existence. I'd love to have an undying, unshakable faith in a religion but so far science has won most times...
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I think Al would accept a piece on having faith in science if it led you to a good deed. He's a very accepting Christian.
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I never thought of it like that! :) Hmmm you've got my ol' noggin ticking now my friend....
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Yes, I know Al wants more entries in the contest. He has been concerned about the doom and gloom apocalypticism that is prevalent in American society.
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I think I might just enter then. I just had a read and saw its about a recent event and how it reflects your faith so why not :)
Thanks for the encouragement! :)
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You're welcome. I am sure Al will be pleased.
Comment from Spiritual Echo
In the 2nd or third line you use the word date twice. I would change the 2nd to HIS CAR and it will flow a little better.
This is very well written and doesn't throw up any curtains or half-truths from the reader. It's very true that especially in the US there remains an enormous homophobic soceity. In your position it must create a great deal of sadness to realize you both whorship the same God with completely different views on Christianity.
If in doubt try reading through the feature poem something about stench and sin. Even more enlightening is reading the reviews.
Good luck to you and keep the deeds alive.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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In the 2nd or third line you use the word date twice. I would change the 2nd to HIS CAR and it will flow a little better.
This is very well written and doesn't throw up any curtains or half-truths from the reader. It's very true that especially in the US there remains an enormous homophobic soceity. In your position it must create a great deal of sadness to realize you both whorship the same God with completely different views on Christianity.
If in doubt try reading through the feature poem something about stench and sin. Even more enlightening is reading the reviews.
Good luck to you and keep the deeds alive.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Thank you for your review. I considered your suggestion. Would the antecedent for his be clear? Some homeless people do have cars (but then, again, they probably don't bed down in doorways if they have cars.)
I reviewed the piece of which you speak. I found that piece to be about words; this piece is about deeds.
I never use the word homophobic anymore, though I respect people who do. I want to emphasize the sin of that position, so I use the word heterosexism to align with the sin of racism and the sin of sexism. We don't call sexism gynophobia and we don't call racism negrophobia. However, it doesn't really matter to me, as long as the person using the words has her or his heart in the right place. You obviously do.Thank you for this review.
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Well you taught me something about the careless use of language.
Yes, you can substitute his for my date's car.
Personall I found the pece I directed to you repulsive and self indugent rage.
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Let me think about that. I did not find the piece an appropriate respresentation of the Christianity I live. Are you thinking entering this contest? I found it very cathartic.
Comment from vickib
I believe you are brave to write this. There is a important message here. I doubt sadly that some will accept you and yours no matter what you say or do. I believe you know that as well. Sadly I may never please everyone either, no matter what I might do to prove that I make a difference in this world. I try to practice these things,
Be impeccable with your word.
Don't take anything personally.
Don't make assumptions.
Always do your best.
From a book called the Four Agreements
I admire you for writing this, your honesty I love and this flash of faith should cause most to pause and think, I know it did me.
What did you wear to the party?
XO Vicki
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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I believe you are brave to write this. There is a important message here. I doubt sadly that some will accept you and yours no matter what you say or do. I believe you know that as well. Sadly I may never please everyone either, no matter what I might do to prove that I make a difference in this world. I try to practice these things,
Be impeccable with your word.
Don't take anything personally.
Don't make assumptions.
Always do your best.
From a book called the Four Agreements
I admire you for writing this, your honesty I love and this flash of faith should cause most to pause and think, I know it did me.
What did you wear to the party?
XO Vicki
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Jeans, a T-shirt, boots, and a leather vest--it was that kind of party. Thanks for an exceptional review; I am extremely grateful. Someone I was letting stay here for a while (another homeless person who was trying to sober up) was reading The Four Agreements, so I am somewhat familiar with the book, though I have never read it myself. It seemed to help him in his quest for serenity.
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That sounds very handsome, your welcome, you sure do work at helping others Alvin. I think that's the coolest thing ever about you. You have a huge heart.
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That's so kind of you to say. Thank you, Vicki.
Comment from Jeanie Mercer
This is a touching, well-written vignette which well illustrates that "works inform faith." In some mystical way, I'm sure you were ministering to Jesus when you ministered in kindness to the sick, homeless man ("Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me"--Matt. 25). With this action comes the promise of being ushered into the kingdom "prepared for you since the creation of the world." My steadfast hope is that God's grace will cover us all in all our imperfections, including that of self-righteousness. My best to you, Jeanie Mercer
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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This is a touching, well-written vignette which well illustrates that "works inform faith." In some mystical way, I'm sure you were ministering to Jesus when you ministered in kindness to the sick, homeless man ("Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me"--Matt. 25). With this action comes the promise of being ushered into the kingdom "prepared for you since the creation of the world." My steadfast hope is that God's grace will cover us all in all our imperfections, including that of self-righteousness. My best to you, Jeanie Mercer
Comment Written 22-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2011
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Thanks for a great review, Jeanie. I am highly appreciative.