[stacyann21]

So maybe I'm just a spiritual oddity but I find myself drawn to the teachings of Jesus but I do not believe that he is the son of God/Christ/savior of humanity etc. At least, not in a literal sense. I've read that the gospel of John ("No one comes to the father but through me, "I am the way the truth and the life" etc) is entirely fabricated. And after reading the other gospels and doing a comparison I tend to agree with that theory. I believe that Jesus was a spiritually gifted person (certainly not the only one), an enlightened liberal democrat/social reformer and a preacher of equality and compassion. I also believe that the "kingdom of God" is within us and that God is the power for good in the universe that unites all living things. Uh, anyone else, LOL?

 

[Tigerchild]

I love the actual teachings of Jesus, and have since I can remember.<br><br>
However, I feel that there is a huge amount of corruption in the church, and it makes me very sad how sometimes the church can be completely at odds with the actual teachings.<br><br>
I too tend to discard the gospels that were written after the establishment of the church or by people who never knew Jesus.<br><br>
I know I can never go back to the church. Too much personal damage and history there. When someone gave me a copy of Marcus Borg's "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time", I cried all the way through it because it was the first time I saw any church member GET and ACCEPT my love for Jesus the person and yet I reject the popular image that's projected in most churches.<br><br>
For a time I thought I could claim Christianity back, but now I know it's out of the question. But I'm very much at peace with it now.<br><br>
So If you've not read Marcus Borg's stuff, I bet you would like it a lot.<br><br>
I'm uncomfortable with labeling Jesus as a pacifist or affiliating him with any particular political party, but otherwise I do get what you are saying, and feel very similar things.

 

[UnschoolnMa]

I second Marcus Borg's work. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
I am Pagan/Buddhist but I grew up in the Methodist church, and I took my love of the teachings and stories of Jesus with me. I see him as an expression of love, wisdom, compassion, and forgiveness. I think Jesus can also be an expression of the male aspect of the Sacred.

 

[*clementine*]

Add me to your growing list of Jesus groupies.

 

[Summertime Mommy]

Muslims believe that Jesus (pbuh) was a great prophet, and arguably one of the most important prophets, but not the son of God.

 

[anjelika]

I struggle with this myself - I'm even thinking about returning to practice in a Christian Church, but I don't know...<br><br>
Glad to see that there are many others like me...

 

[eco_mama]

Here.<br><br>
I believe Jesus/Yeshua was sent here to be an example for humanity. He was never mean't to be worshipped or praised but to show us what every person could become. He never proclaimed that he preformed "miracles" but told everyone that they too, could do those things and things even better. I believe his goal was to show humanity how they should live and that the greatest lesson to be learned was to love your fellow creatures on earth. If love is present there will be no negative karma, suffering, wars, etc. Jesus was the perfect example of what everyone has within them and are capable of attaining.<br><br>
(It goes deeper but this is the tip of it.)

 

[EFmom]

Me, too.<br><br>
I was raised Catholic and attended many other denominations. The older I get and the more research I do, the more agnostic I become. I'm currently attending a United Methodist congregation every week because I have elderly relatives who need transportation and support.<br><br>
I like Jesus a great deal. Most of the other early church leaders, meh. Paul, in particular, I don't think was inspired.

 

[mad4mady]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>eco_mama</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/10319443"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Here.<br><br>
I believe Jesus/Yeshua was sent here to be an example for humanity. He was never mean't to be worshipped or praised but to show us what every person could become. He never proclaimed that he preformed "miracles" but told everyone that they too, could do those things and things even better. I believe his goal was to show humanity how they should live and that the greatest lesson to be learned was to love your fellow creatures on earth. If love is present there will be no negative karma, suffering, wars, etc. Jesus was the perfect example of what everyone has within them and are capable of attaining.<br><br>
(It goes deeper but this is the tip of it.)</div>
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I agree with eco mama. I believe that Jesus is a beautiful person filled with so much light and love and was here to teach us. It makes me feel so sad when his teaching are used to seperate people and spread hate <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">

 

[rupiezum]

As a non-Christian UU, I think Jesus was an amazing teacher full of wisdom and compassion. I do not believe he was the son of god or divine in any way, however.

 

[Arduinna]

Interesting that you think that the gospel of John is a fabrication when it's the most mystical of the gospels IMO. You know Deepak Chopra is coming out with a book soon called The Third Jesus which discusses the mystical interpretation of the bible as opposed to the literal.<br><br>
Have you read Revelations of Christ: Proclaimed by Paramhansa Yogananda ?

 

[oldermamato5]

subbing. I'm with you.

 

[eco_mama]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Arduinna</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/10330615"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">. You know Deepak Chopra is coming out with a book soon called The Third Jesus which discusses the mystical interpretation of the bible as opposed to the literal.</div>
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It's already out I thought? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shrug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="shrug"> Anyways, that's on my list of books to read this year. Very interested in it. I'm reading 2 of Deepak's books right now that I'm enjoying.<br><br>
Another book suggestion is Jesus and The Essenes by Dolores Cannon. Amazing book. It totally confirmed many of my beliefs.<br><br>
Oh, and The Drama of the Lost Disciples by George F. Jowett. Also on my list to read.

 

[Collinsky]

I'm subbing to this thread. I've considered myself Christian for my whole life but honestly... most other Christians would call me a heretic and denounce me as a hypocrite for claiming that. The rift between my beliefs and mainstream Christian thought does nothing but grow every year.<br><br>
ITA with eco-mama as well. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[Arduinna]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>eco_mama</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/10332148"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">It's already out I thought? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shrug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="shrug"> Anyways, that's on my list of books to read this year. Very interested in it. I'm reading 2 of Deepak's books right now that I'm enjoying.<br></div>
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Not sure where you are, but in the US is doesn't come out till February 19th.

 

[Joyce in the mts.]

Well... I'm a (hereditary) Jewish pagan who grew up in the United Methodist Church. I also have some Buddhist tendencies- go figure. (I have had some other spiritual experiences also)<br><br>
There's alot of ceremony and celebration in my life- especially around the winter solstice, I must say.<br><br>
I have found over many years that it is possible and even deeply important to honor my whole path- including walking with Jesus and venerating Buddha.<br><br>
I cannot deny any of it, because it'd be denying who I am. Inside my life, it all interacts and enriches every day.<br><br>
Happy to be here.<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"><br>
J.

 

[oldermamato5]

Joyce in the mts. I think your post is simply beautiful. I grew up in the Methodist church and feel a connection to Jesus and Buddha. I just recently left the church(about 2 years ago) and my spiritual journey has been very eclectic and liberating.

 

[mamaley]

I third reading Marcus Borg. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Pepperdove]

Although I believe he was a man like any man, I believe Jesus was a great teacher and scholar and that essentially (if not technically) he was a great rabbi. So I give his teachings as much consideration as any other revered and respected rabbi.<br><br>
Can't really say that in front of any of my Jewish family except my DH, though... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/bag.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Bag">:

 

[eco_mama]

I agree Pepperdove. I believe He traveled the world and studied with all the great masters and since He was chosen as a messanger/spirit guide for humanity to guide them to greater enlightenment, He was more open to his teachings and understanding. (i.e learning at a fast rate) He was at about the highest level of consciousness one could obtain. Basically the level of perfection which is to be marveled at, but not worshipped. And I think He followed the natural laws of the universe.<br><br>
I also do not believe that He died for our sins or the virgin birth or hell/the devil. I have other beliefs about those things.<br><br>
Anyone else?