Freedom of Conscience and rigidity

[Universalist Catholic]

I read Eric Stetsons book "Christian Universalism-Gods good news for all people".  In the book, an interesting statement was written that Jesus gives us freedom of conscience unlike the laws of Moses.  If Im correct, I believe he is referring to Jesus commands to love God and your Neighbor.  Its pretty well stated in the ten commandments, based on our natural reasoning abilities.  People in all cultures, civilizations, businesses and religions have pretty much followed these commands.  The major issues at hand are there are many beliefs amongst Christians varying on different bible interpretations.  People could make arguments for and against Christmas, veganism, feminism, animal rights, reason and intellect, use of religious art, pre-written prayers.  WE can find any bible verse that falls in line with our conscience.  However the people who get too dogmatic about their behaviors claim moral superiority to the rest.  Not something Jesus would approve. 

[shawn]

I read Eric Stetsons book "Christian Universalism-Gods good news for all people".  In the book, an interesting statement was written that Jesus gives us freedom of conscience unlike the laws of Moses.  If Im correct, I believe he is referring to Jesus commands to love God and your Neighbor.  Its pretty well stated in the ten commandments, based on our natural reasoning abilities.  People in all cultures, civilizations, businesses and religions have pretty much followed these commands.  The major issues at hand are there are many beliefs amongst Christians varying on different bible interpretations.  People could make arguments for and against Christmas, veganism, feminism, animal rights, reason and intellect, use of religious art, pre-written prayers.  WE can find any bible verse that falls in line with our conscience.  However the people who get too dogmatic about their behaviors claim moral superiority to the rest.  Not something Jesus would approve.  

I have to ask myself does my belief on a particular area better my walk.  Am I closer to Christ because of my belief.  I believe the law is much like a parent having the same parenting style and rules for two very different children.  It's not the best way to parent imo.  Freedom in Christ allows room for God to make adjustments in our walk based on our individual personalities.  I don't support moral ambiguity but I do think there are belief systems that could be good for one person and bad for another.

[tutmoses]

Galatians is great for this - it talks about the law in the past tense. 'Legal' thinking just can't work. But true 'good fruit', which is a new heart, only comes by promise, as Isaac came by promise. If one uses 'human effort' to achieve righteousness, then we get Ishmael only i.e. trouble. God's command to banish Ishmael I take as a command to banish legal, calculating thinking and to follow my heart, trusting God's promise of a new one.

[anti_nietzsche]

Very good point, Tutmoses.

Love fulfills the law ... but not by meticulously fulfilling every detail but rather by growing in love as in holiness - loving everyone, and loving always. Including yourself. The law identifies some very important details such as the commandment to stay away from adultery. But even that needs clarification so that the one who fell into adultery can find his way out in love. This was present in the Old Covenant too, people could repent and go to the priest for a sacrifice, but people couldn't trust it like we can trust in the New Covenant because the Christ has been revealed in it whereas in the Old Covenant He was hidden. The sacrifices didn't speak ... whereas Christ's sacrifice still speaks, and speaks very well according to Hebrews.

I think the OT law was meant to make Israel a fearsome force in the world, to protect it from the harmful Gentile influence. But now in the age of grace it is the believer's influence on the Gentiles which is needed.