Christian Chat

Tbh, imho, Augustine and his development of the concept of original sin, has been overly influential. Instead of damning those who followed him, he could have been more honest about his particular social violations and sexual proclivities, and not white wash it with flowery language in his confessions. Oh God, can you tell my mother rammed original sin down my throw t as a child, but a little too comfortable with me, and other family members being abused. Hmmmm. Was at smelly Pell’s bishop party ( being good and inclusive to mum) and…, weirdly, coincidentally, saw him at the Magistrates court…I noticed the cameras flashing and there he was…..regarding…. You know what

too much CSA…. I don’t care exactly what he did or didn’t do…I know what I know…. Too much idolising…. And cocky types getting away with stuff.

no tagging… don’t want to depress people

@Appleblossom Dunno about Pell. Muscular Christian was one description... he seemed to ooze machismo and arrogance but his sins remain between him and God. I associate him with Peta Credlin (also from Ballarat) and Tony Abbott re continuin world view rightly or wrongly.

Haven't read Augustine himself but have long been intrigued by his threefold view of the soul that resonates with my reading of some theology and semiotics.

That I don't often respond to your recollections and history doesn't mean I'm not listening, so I want to acknowledge you, but words don't come easily for some deep and complex matters. It's entirely possible Dad experienced Christian Brothers SA.

Thank you very much for your thoughtful response @Dimity @it matters and helps. Best it is as you feel moved, rather than forced. The issues we have both faced are too deep. There aren’t easy answers.That gives the organic flowing nature of our friendship substance.

My son chose Augustine for confirmation. I have looked at Confessions over the years. Some were excerpts in a huge Philosophy textbook from my first year at uni, Yes I find .. the trinity… worth pondering…

just dove down rabbit hole re Mani…. Persia… and my heart is sad for a globe at war.

Going to a rehearsal in a church with a beautiful pipe organ and indigenous art.

gentybently

apple

Hi everyone, the last time I posted on here I was in a dark place and feeling unloved by God, which, when I am not in a dark place know that it is the Deceiver telling me lies about myself.

Thanks to everyone here on this particular thread who responded to me, I know God loves me and I know that the closer to God you get (well, for me at least) the harder the enemy fights.

Like anyone with MH issues, I struggle often daily and the place where I am at the moment scares me as I have been unemployed for almost a year and having a mortgage and other debts places unwanted stress on me.
God has shown me I am where HE wants me to be for now. I don't know why and I have to stop asking why.

I hope everyone is having a good week, may you be blessed, and remember we are all loved by God.

Not really feeling His love right now. Not sure how or why He set this path for me. Not sure where He thought it was ok for me to feel so belittled from my own doing.

Hello @ENKELI and @Captain24, sitting with you both and really appreciate you being so open and vulnerable about your journey with God.

@ENKELI, if you have the space, it sounds like you have come so far and may be able to help @Captain24 with some of the things they are feeling tonight?

Please let me know if you need anything though, I am here to listen and support in any way I can.💛

@Captain24 @AuntGlow

Captain, I totally understand how you feel. I grew up knowing God existed, have attended church most of my life and was baptised in the Holy Spirit in 2005.

And after being baptised life often was harder. It certainly has been the last 2 or so years and I won't bore you with my story but no matter what anyone said I still felt unloved by God at times. Even really recently you will see I posted on this thread how I felt unloved.

The enemy will try anything to take us from God. The nearer we are the harder Satan tries.

I can't promise you will feel better soon but I do promise to pray for you, and sit with you if you need me to.

Have you got any Christian music?

I love 4 King & Country, Tobymac, MercyMe, Zach Williams, Matt Redman and Lauren Daigle to name a few.

Here are 2 songs that come to mind for you if you want to listen to some music.

God bless my friend 🧡

https://youtu.be/7C2o0jHNRuU?si=xODu41kUC9VVDuMN

https://youtu.be/xu5HGgrskQg?si=ueFQ8JlqoDzYB7c_

@ENKELI @AuntGlow @Captain24 @avant-garde

Hugo van der Goes - Portinari Altarpiece

or some devotional art

@Dimity was talking of Visio divina…on another thread…..a contemplative approach with art…

Extraordinary picture @Appleblossom . Thanks. Literally changes one's perspective. And the Child so exposed and vulnerable.

Thanks @AuntGlow

Thank you for responding and sharing your story. @ENKELI.

I was raised catholic and went to church every weekend as a child and teenager. I didn’t really understand it, it was just something I was made to do.

As I’ve gotten a lot older I understand a lot more. He has guided me through difficult paths.

Im feel either He has lost his way with me or given up or I have lost my way. I just don't feel Him at all right now.

With the thoughts I’m having at the moment, I know He will leave my side. I’ll be walking alone. My pop always said it was against gods way.

I do have music. I’m old school I really like Amy Grant and Fr Rob Galea.

That ‘Beautiful’ song made my heart hurt. It really hit home.