For my church, they say that the mentioning of one faith, one body,etc mean there is only one True church. If you also agree with this, how do we know which church is the True church and what the True church require?
What is a church? (apart from being a building ;))
"Those who accept and practice a particular religious belief: communion, denomination, faith, persuation, sect"
These things, to me, imply a following and trust in the teachings and beliefs of another person or persons. Is there "truth" in what those others believe and teach? Is the "truth" not already within ourselves; in which case do we need others to tell us what to believe?
how do we know which church is the True church and what the True church require?
If a church is requiring of something then it is not giving without expecting something in return. It is not giving unconditionally. Is this the truth, or is this a means of control?
Only you can decide what is the truth for yourself. I know where my truth is.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
If you also agree with this, how do we know which church is the True church and what the True church require?
The one true church is in your heart, and that true church requires you to love.
These quotes came up in another thread and I think they're relevant here:
As different streams coming from various sources ultimately flow into one ocean, so do the many religions of the world, emerging from innumerable sources, at long last mingle in the great ocean of love.
That eternal Christ is not to be found in churches, nor in temples; not in books, nor in scriptures - but within your own heart. Find him there.
What is a church? (apart from being a building ;))
"Those who accept and practice a particular religious belief: communion, denomination, faith, persuation, sect"
These things, to me, imply a following and trust in the teachings and beliefs of another person or persons. Is there "truth" in what those others believe and teach? Is the "truth" not already within ourselves; in which case do we need others to tell us what to believe?
If a church is requiring of something then it is not giving without expecting something in return. It is not giving unconditionally. Is this the truth, or is this a means of control?
Only you can decide what is the truth for yourself. I know where my truth is.
All Love and Reiki Hugs
Well said Giles. I couldn't agree more. 🙂
The one true church is in your heart, and that true church requires you to love.
Beautifully put Barafundle.
As different streams coming from various sources ultimately flow into one ocean, so do the many religions of the world, emerging from innumerable sources, at long last mingle in the great ocean of love.
That eternal Christ is not to be found in churches, nor in temples; not in books, nor in scriptures - but within your own heart. Find him there.
The one true church is in your heart, and that true church requires you to love.
I just love how this is said!
Its something I 've been trying to say to my 'its Sunday & you must go to Church' family for years -only in a different way.
I go to Church if & when I want to - and I do from time to time.
My belief and faith remains strong - I never lost that. In fact I would say even stronger now since stepping into the healing world and following my own spiritual path over 10 years ago.
I've 'saved' the quotation - its so lovely. Thanks for posting it!!
Beautifully put Barafundle.
I just love how this is said!
I've 'saved' the quotation - its so lovely. Thanks for posting it!!
Thank you, Rosi and Holistica. I'm glad it struck a chord with you :).
You can always recognise a 'truth' Barafundle, because it has a beautiful way of resonating at a very deep level. 🙂
Hi bluesparrow,
For my church, they say that the mentioning of one faith, one body,etc mean there is only one True church. If you also agree with this, how do we know which church is the True church and what the True church require?
I agree that there is only one true Church, but it’s not to be found in material buildings or creeds, or organisations. It is the Church of Christ (not to be confused with the denomination of that name). What we experience here is but a shadow of what is real and spiritual. Tome this is the best definition of the one true Church: [COLOR="Blue"]“the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death;” (Church Manual p 19)
Jesus, when he was speaking to the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well spoke of this true church and true worship. The woman said to him:
[COLOR="Purple"]John 4
20 Our forefathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 "Believe me," said Jesus, "the time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
23 But a time is coming--nay, has already come--when the true worshippers will worship the Father with true spiritual worship; for indeed the Father desires such worshippers. 24 God is Spirit; and those who worship Him must bring Him true spiritual worship." (Weymouth New Testament from )
Mary Baker Eddy, a religious reformer, founded a church[COLOR="Blue"] “.. designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.” (Manual p 17). She gave this definition of Church – first stating the spiritual foundation, then how it is expressed humanly:
[COLOR="Blue"]
CHURCH. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle.
The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick. (Science and Health p 583)
Our church is built on the divine Principle, Love. We can unite with this church only as we are new- born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love,--casting out error and healing the sick. (Science and Health p 35)
She wrote of what unites all Christian denominations:
[COLOR="Blue"]
All Christian churches have one bond of unity, one nucleus or point of convergence, one prayer,--the Lord's Prayer. It is matter for rejoicing that we unite in love, and in this sacred petition with every praying assembly on earth,--"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Pul. 22)
And also foretold a time when individuals would not need the human organisation:
[COLOR="Blue"]
The Church, more than any other institution, at present is the cement of society, and it should be the bulwark of civil and religious liberty. But the time cometh when the religious element, or Church of Christ, shall exist alone in the affections, and need no organization to express it. Till then, this form of godliness seems as requisite to manifest its spirit, as individuality to express Soul and substance. (Miscellaneous Writings p 144)
Love and peace,
Judy
These quotes came up in another thread and I think they're relevant here:
As different streams coming from various sources ultimately flow into one ocean, so do the many religions of the world, emerging from innumerable sources, at long last mingle in the great ocean of love.
That eternal Christ is not to be found in churches, nor in temples; not in books, nor in scriptures - but within your own heart. Find him there.
Brilliantly put. There is no monopoly on truth.
Welcome to HP Observer! I look forward to reading more of your posts. 😉
Yes, our friend Barafundle is always coming out with gems of wisdom!
Love and peace,
Judy