By: John

John — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 23:22:07 +0000

Between Tibetan monks and English Benedictines, there have been noticed less differences than between Anglican and Catholic mainstream denominations. Since then much Ecumenism has followed.
Tibetan Monks and Benedictines could communicate easily.
Faith with its two defining aspects, poses a question: Is it one which is experiental faith or if it is simply doctrinal?
Again, faith in a small child appears distinctive in its trust, as little children often do not need the vast knowledge of their adult peers to discern falsehood, quite is noticeable in their discernment. By foisting on children attitudes and values these little children can grow up with a certain prejudice, and this stays with them.
Mysticism cannot be taught (‘faith is caught not taught’), and it provides the individual with a certain knowledge that cannot be obtained from intermediaries.
Sadly, movements within the west have eroded this ‘listening’, and while overtly liturgical practices have filled in a time slot, much of this does not sink further than the eye or the ear.
It poses a question for those in ministry about encouragement of prayer, the latter always immediately invites the presence of the supernatural, when so many other devices in the world act to the contrary.
It may be of interest for Marian followers at least, to recall that a SUFI mystic predicted a whole year in advance the events of Medjugorje which has now grown to 40,000,000 million pilgrims. Again, in Zeitoun, Egypt, over the church of the nativity both Moslems and Coptics saw the blessed Virgin, in 1964, where she was also both photographed and televised. As an experiential event, this impression survives long after simple reading of doctrinal statements. Most importantly it was MARY who was seen, as the main heavenly visitor. It was an event about a woman, an “Input” by a woman. Many times Mary has appeared throughout history, so is it fair to say that ALL faiths deserve to reflect on 1) when these occurred, 2) Why they happened, 3), what was asked of those seers who were present. Much can be shared, about miracles, which are about faith.
Perhaps also questions can be asked of REPRESENTATIVES of different denominations as to what EXACTLY does their faith mean 1) to the equality of the sexes 2)does it support abiding by the laws of the land 3) Is this faith is regarded as a matter of free will and choice 4) Is this faith supportive of individuals integrating into the NZ society5),has this faith effect on the civil law and sentiment that follows it- is Sharia for example compatible with the NZ flag and its three saints 6)Is there any discrimination between members of different faiths 7) Is separation of state and faith impossible?
Irish mass rocks meant a great deal to the Irish, once upon a time. It was said, all about faith, and the hymn “Faith of our fathers living still, in spite of dungeon fire and sword”, was well known in a generation of Catholics. To them, faith meant large families, the beatitude, and giving to the community.

Comments on: New body for religious studies teachers

By: John