June 25th, 2009
I probably spend at least as much time discussing theology with people who claim atheism or agnosticism as I do with other Christians. I tend to prefer it this way.
For one, it challenges me to really think about and articulate what I believe and why. For another, I’d much rather have some lively dialogue with people who think differently than I do than to sit around and agree with everyone.
After one of these kinds of chats recently, I started wondering if someone actually could be a Christian, while also not believing in a divine being. It began as a fairly abstract intellectual exercise, but the answer I came up with actually surprised me.
Depending on your personal Christology, I am pretty confident that you can be both a Christian and an atheist.
I should explain here what I mean by Christology. There’s a sort of Christological spectrum that helps define how each person perceives Jesus. Those who focus more on the divinity of Jesus, his miraculous works the significance of the crucifixion and resurrection within their theology of salvation would have what’s called a high Christology. Those who emphasize Jesus’ humanity, his works of compassion, his teaching and his love for all of humanity would have a lower Christology.
Though I’m not a big fan of the connotations that “high” and “low” attach to one’s beliefs, I didn’t make up the terms. As someone who has a pretty low Christology, it feels a little bit demeaning to be considered by others to have a faith system that lingers at the bottom of the God Chart.
But that’s not really the point. If you consider that the lower Christology focuses not so much on divinity and more on humanity, it begins to make sense how someone could adhere to the moral teachings of Jesus, and even try to pattern their lives after how he taught and lived, without actually having to believe in God.
Sure, there’s the challenge of what to do about the whole praying thing, but I’ve met plenty of atheists who still meditate without any intention of communing with God. But I’ve met plenty of people who don’t consider themselves to be Christians, but who I think are very Christ-like in the way they live their lives.
So are they Christians? It probably depends on who you ask.
One thing I’ve noticed about those with a higher Christology is that they tend to limit the definition of the word “Christian” to the boundaries of their own understanding. They’ll back up their belief with Biblical scripture, but in the end, the understanding that you must accept Jesus as your personal lord and savior is the only way to be a true Christian.
Through the research I did for a previous book on the spirituality of young adults, I found that younger people are increasingly comfortable with recognizing Christians as anyone who conducts themselves in a Christ-like way. Though high-Christology believers will likely decry this as an erosion of basic religious principles, I think it actually offers an opportunity to open up the best of Jesus’ example and teaching to a lot of people who have felt shut out or judged by Christians.
Even if we maintain a high Christology, do we really need everyone to agree with us before we even have dialogue? Is it possible that there’s a both/and reality that can counter our tendency to think in either/or terms? Can I arrive at my own truth through reflection upon the life and teachings of Jesus, possibly among others, without recognizing him as divine?
Some will feel the need to assert absolute authority in answering this question, and that’s all right.
Personally, I think I could spend the rest of my life trying to understand the essence of what I think it means to be a Christian, and still only have a dimly lit view of the whole picture. Other people, atheists included, help me understand a little bit more about my own spiritual reality every day.
That personal growth is way more important to me than knowing who’s right and who’s wrong.
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NeoStrata for Problem Dry Skin
June 15th, 2009
NeoStrata® Problem Dry Skin Cream3.4 oz. tub for $30.00
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Coral LLC Offers Kid-Friendly, Fluoride-Free, Coral White Toothpaste
June 10th, 2009
Containing Above-the-Sea Coral, Coral White is Considered the World’s “Cleanest” Toothpaste
Not all toothpastes are created equal. In fact, some can be downright harmful to children, while only one, Coral White®, actually helps build tooth enamel and is free of fluoride, additives and preservatives. As fluoride is considered toxic to children in high doses when swallowed, an alternative, natural toothpaste that is actually good for them is essential.
My son Spencer was born pre-mature. He has a few teeth where the enamel did not form correctly and it has caused some discoloring. Fluoride has not been an option for him b/c of the harm to these teeth that were not formed correctly. He also needs SLS free items and he adores having his own special toothpaste. When I asked my spriteful 7 year old his thoughts, he responded: “Its minty and good. I like that it’s white and gives me sparkly teeth.” He responds with a toothless grin!
Coral White, the world’s only coral-based toothpaste, is now available in a convenient one-ounce tube, great for little ones. Considered the cleanest toothpaste available, in addition to fluoride, it is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) free, both of which have proven detrimental health effects, and Coral White contains no glycerin, preservatives or synthetics. “Coral White is much more than toothpaste; It is nutrition in a tube,” said Kurt Althof, director of marketing for Coral LLC, the industry leader of coral calcium-based nutritional products. ”The new small tube is a perfect size for children and even great for toting to sleepovers,” he explained.
- Helps to shift the mouth’s pH to alkaline and neutralize bacterial acids, thus decreasing decay
- Helps re-mineralize tooth enamel with mineral content from above-sea coral and Xylitol
- Aids in gum health
- Helps to prevent cavities
- Freshens breath
The toothpaste also contains hydrogen peroxide for a gentle whitening effect; the essence of tea tree, spearmint and peppermint oils and Xylitol for their flavorful freshness; and the antiseptic, antimicrobial and antioxidant botanicals of echinacea, goldenseal, clove, ginseng and ginkgo. The new small-sized tube is currently available in mint flavor at natural foods retailers nationwide or at www.coralcalcium.com, and retails for $3.25. The standard six-ounce tube comes in mint or tea tree flavor and retails for $6.95.
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Your Voice On Healthcare….
May 20th, 2009
The chance to finally reform our nation’s health care system is here. While Congress moves rapidly to produce a detailed plan, I have made it clear that real reform must uphold three core principles — it must reduce costs, guarantee choice, and ensure quality care for every American.
As we know, challenging the status quo will not be easy. Its defenders will claim our goals are too big, that we should once again settle for half measures and empty talk. Left unanswered, these voices of doubt might yet again derail the comprehensive reform we so badly need. That’s where you come in.
When our opponents spread fear and confusion about the changes we seek, your support for these core principles will show clarity and resolve. When the lobbyists for the status quo tell Congress to hold back, your personal story will give them the courage to press forward.
Join my call: Ask Congress to pass real health care reform in 2009.
After adding your name, please consider sharing your personal story about the importance of health care reform in your life and the lives of those you love.
I will be personally reviewing many of these signatures and stories. If you speak up now, your voice will make a difference.
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing
American families are watching their premiums rise four times faster than their wages. Spiraling health care costs are shackling America’s businesses, curtailing job growth and slowing the economy at the worst possible time. This has got to change.
I know personal stories can drive that change, because I know how my mother’s experience continues to drive me. She passed away from ovarian cancer a little over a decade ago. And in the last weeks of her life, when she was coming to grips with her own mortality and showing extraordinary courage just to get through each day, she was spending too much time worrying about whether her health insurance would cover her bills. She deserved better. Every American deserves better. And that’s why I will not rest until the dream of health care reform is finally achieved in the United States of America.
Please add your name to join my call. Then share your personal story about why you too will not rest until this job is done.
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing
Last November, the American people sent Washington a clear mandate for change. But when the polls close, the true work of citizenship begins. That’s what Organizing for America is all about. Now, in these crucial moments, your voice once again has extraordinary power. I’m counting on you to use it.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
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Save Your World Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
April 27th, 2009
The whole world’s going green. Everywhere we look, there are new products touting their environmentally-friendly credentials. But what’s to say one product is greener than another? How does the average consumer feel good about their purchases? Save Your World has begun making a quiet but distinct mark in the beauty product market with their line of organic personal hair, skin and body care products. Made with all natural ingredients and potent essential oils, Save Your World’s Body
Aside from natural ingredients, one of the stronger selling points of Save Your World is that between 15 cents and $2.50 per item is donated to Conservation International, which pays Guyana’s government not to log precious South American rainforest. Though the tag line, “One Product = One Acre of Rainforest Saved for One Year” is a bit confusing at first glance, given the wide range of donations per product, the commitment is a cornerstone of their environmentally-friendly business ethic.As for the products themselves, you can choose from three varieties: Rainforest (wood-berry), Regal Blossom (rose, geranium and lavender) or Oasis Fruit (Grapefruit Citrus). Personally, I opted for the slightly more Woodsy Rainforest, while my husband snapped up the Oasis Fruit, which he feels gives him a fresh clean feeling with a citrus undertone.
We had the opportunity to review the newest product line from this group, Save Your Hair, Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner. While neither of us color-treat our hair, we were anxious to gain the benefits of an already personal favorite product line.
We were impressed. We love the original shampoo and conditioner in all of the scents. But this line will be a stand alone winner. The rich lather produced from such a small amount of shampoo was definitely a surprise. It contains nutrient-rich ingredients such as organic aloe to retain moisture and prevent brittleness. The line also contains organic Yerba Maté, one of the richest herb sources, having over 24 vitamins and minerals and 15 amino acids to replenish the scalp and hair with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, organic Avocado Oil, rich with Vitamins A & E to open up the hair shaft, and organic Coconut Oil to add shine to lackluster hair. This product contains natural UV protection in the form of Titanium Dioxide to help reduce the fading impact of the sun on color treated and natural hair. The best thing about this shampoo is that it left my long dark hair shiny and thick! My hair actually looks and feels thicker. With my RA and the Texas sun, this is sure to be a staple in my home.
Save Your World’s conditioner is just as much a treat. I believe it is actually repairing my dry hair with its moisture retaining ingredients. When you open the bottle you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the thickness of this nutrient-rich cream, which my husband called motor-oil. Its definitely motor oil for my hair and the organic Coconut Oil is adding shine to my dry hair.
The only real drawback for some consumers may be price; natural and socially-conscious doesn’t equal cheap, but if quality and earth-friendly are worth a bit of a premium, you’ll enjoy saving your world while also using some all-natural products to save your hair at the same time. Save Your World Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: $9.99-$12.99 and worth every penny.
Mommy’s Company will be giving away 2 sets. Email us at syw@mommyscompany.com for our drawing to try a free set of these treats for your hair.
Save Your World products are available online at www.saveyourworld.com or in most Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppes and other natural grocers.
Laura lives in Keller,
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