Exploring the Powers in the Universe Today
In our latest discussion, Stephen, Ethan, and Sean come together for another episode of Christian AnarchySomeone who follows Christ as their only authority—rejecting institutional control over their spiritual life. Today (CAT). Our topic revolves around the intriguing question pulled from our "jar of doom" last week: What are the powers in the universe today? This question may sound broad and strange, but we are not referring to electricity or atomic power. Instead, we delve into the spiritual powers present in our universe.
The Nature of Spiritual Powers
Despite not spending much time researching this topic during the week, our conversation aims to unravel thoughts authentically. When we talk about powers, are we referring to demonic and angelic forces? Can these powers be attributed to a more fundamental essence like light and dark? It’s an interesting notion.
There is a suggestion that there exists a spectrum of powers: light and dark. These could represent the powers of God and the absence of God. I avoid calling this absence the devil, though evangelical teachings often frame it in those terms.
Our simple conclusion is that it boils down to God's spirit and power, and the absence of it, which manifests as evil.
The Evangelical Perspective
Would you agree that God's power and the absence of it are the dominant forces, or do you believe in the existence of a malevolent being like Satan, who governs all dark powers in the universe? This question ties back to whether one is a preterist or a futurist.
For those unsure where they stand, it’s difficult to decide. If Christ has already returned, then Satan would be in the lake of fire. Yet, if Christ hasn't returned, one might consider that the devil still operates.
The Role of Satan
When reflecting on whether Satan is the author or merely a proprietor of evil, it raises other questions. Can we sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. without Satan? Think of Eve, who was tempted by Satan but sinned herself. Eve’s heart desired the forbidden fruit even before she fell.
Moreover, where did Satan come from? As a former angel, was something else drawing him towards his fall? This thought can be unsettling, prompting lively discussion about the role of temptation and free will.
Conclusion: God vs. Absence of God
When contemplating the powers in the universe, it seems to come down to God and possibly an eternal evil or merely the absence of God. This absence may be synonymous with evil itself. Our conversation lingers on these thought-provoking topics as we conclude another session of Christian Anarchy Today.
The Concept of Evil: Understanding Its Origins
The Absence of God
The conversation about evil often brings up intriguing perspectives. A perspective shared by many scientists is that there's no such thing as cold, only the absence of heat. By analogy, one could argue there's no such thing as evil, only the absence of God. This idea suggests that perhaps Satan was tempted by this absence, hollowing God out of himself, becoming proud, and haughty. While it's unclear if Satan is the author of evil, many agree he was a key perpetrator within our world.
The Role of Satan
Satan's role as the main perpetrator of evil is debated, particularly when considering the story of Adam and Eve. Although it was Adam and Eve's decision, Satan tempted them, marking the original temptation. In this context, Satan can be seen as a primary instigator in terms of his actions. However, it is ultimately human actions that result in actual evil.
The Human Need for Blame
A musician in the discussion points out that people often assign blame to something or someone to externalize the concept of evil. It's easier to accept the image of a horned Satan causing chaos rather than recognizing shared human ideas that perpetuate evil. This darker aspect is often viewed as the absence of God, a more abstract and obscure concept but closer to the truth.
Historical Perspectives and Human Nature
Exploring a preterist view, one might ask if the world is more or less evil without Satan. If Satan has indeed been cast into the lake of fire long ago, as Revelation suggests, then is humanity more evil now than in the past? History has shown that humans have always been capable of great evil, as evidenced by events like the Holocaust. Regardless of the era, human nature remains inherently flawed, perpetuating evil across time.
Modern Evil and Its Perception
As technology advances, humans have more tools to carry out their actions, both good and evil. With the constant flow of information, we're more aware of these actions than ever before. The discussion naturally extends to topics like the moral perspective of homosexuality. While some may view it as evil from a certain religious standpoint, others argue it's more visible today rather than more prevalent, as historical societies like the Greeks and Romans also practiced it.
Overall, while some might argue that the world has become more evil, it's worth considering whether we are actually worse off or if, in some ways, society has improved.
Have We Improved? Reflections on Culture and Belief Systems
Progress and Tradition
In some ways, we've indeed made progress. Historically, most cultures had practices like slavery, which modern society has eliminated. It's a significant step forward regardless of the past viewpoints.
The Intersection of Prayer and School Safety
A recurring theme, especially in my experience with the African-American church, is the belief that school shootings are more prevalent now because prayer was removed from schools. I struggle to see the connection since praying doesn't directly prevent harm. However, the argument presents itself as a formula: engage in specific religious practices to invite divine protection and avoid wrath.
This mindset can dangerously influence individuals' lives, affecting how they perceive religion and approach life's challenges. Imagine if your child were in one of those schools and a tragedy occurred. Would it be due to the absence of prayer that morning? Such thinking ties religion to politics, suggesting that prayer in schools could prevent mass shootings, prompting advocacy at a political level. However, this infringes on others' rights, particularly when prayer is depicted as exclusively Christian, excluding other faiths. It's a complex issue with significant implications.
The Role of Faith
Is this what faith truly embodies? It's crucial to consider the broader perspective, recognizing faith's genuine essence and purpose.
Comment Section and Future Discussions
We won't delve into comments today, but next week's show will focus entirely on them. Now, Steve has something to say about the forces at work according to evangelical or other churches. Let's discuss this for our audience.
Forces in the World: Exploring Beliefs
Steve brings up a vital topic. Talking about Satan, demons, haunted houses, witches, and even the concept of demon possession affecting mental illness and diseases suggests overly simplistic interpretations. It's an attempt to rationalize the complex and troubling state of humanity, which may not align with what biblical texts intended for today's context. Many factors influence these beliefs, including upbringing that limits thinking beyond a specific framework.
Ghosts and Spirits: Experiences and Beliefs
When it comes to ghosts, some dismiss them entirely. Personally, I absolutely believe in spirits due to firsthand experiences. Although I aim to approach my faith logically and reasonably, I once saw a spirit as a child. I was embarrassed to admit it, as it seemed irrational, but the experience was vivid. Lying in bed with sunlight streaming from the bathroom, I saw a woman with curly hair and a nightgown. Her face was broad and flat, and she gazed at me, an unforgettable encounter.
A Childhood Vision and the Haunting Story
Growing up in a religious family, I experienced something that I did not share for many years. One morning, my oldest sister got up to get ready for early morning Mormon seminary, leaving me in a state of contemplation after a vision I had. I kept this vision to myself, telling no one about it for 25 years. In my early 30s, during a family gathering at my parents' house, we began discussing ghosts. It was then that I decided to share my story.
The Ghostly Revelation
My parents were shocked by my story. It turned out they had purchased our house from an LA County sheriff who had tragically killed his wife in the bathtub. He had beaten her before fatally shooting her. Although I did not know this at the time—or had possibly heard it as a child and repressed it—I stood by what I saw. The vision felt as real to me as my own hand, and I sincerely believe in the existence of spirits.
Spirits Versus Ghosts
Despite my belief in what I saw, I understand that it was a subjective experience. I respect differing opinions, especially theologically. Personally, I am uncomfortable with the term "ghost." It suggests a cliché image of a sheet-covered figure meant to scare people. Instead, I prefer to use the term "spirits," acknowledging it as a possibility, though not definitive in my mind.
The Mystery of Spiritual Experiences
Each week, differences in interpretations arise, and while some might jump to conclusions about ghosts and spirits, I aim to explain my perspective clearly. I have not encountered concrete evidence of spirits, but that does not mean others haven't. The notion of spirits or any ethereal presence is, in many ways, a type of power—one that remains a subject of curiosity for many, including myself.
The Skeptic's Take on Spirits
Personally, I have neither seen evidence nor experienced spirits. I find it challenging to hold onto a belief without tangible proof. However, I acknowledge the lack of evidence does not always equate to non-existence. From my perspective, I cannot place faith in something I have not experienced first-hand. For me, honesty in belief is crucial.
A Humorous Turn on Spiritual Beliefs
An interesting cultural element within spirituality involves how different beliefs intersect with societal norms. For instance, some evangelicals might say prayers are needed to cast out spirits that they believe are undesirable. I remember a humorous incident where my cousin and I stumbled upon a gay pride parade in St. Louis and shared this with my grandmother. Her reaction was to warn us jokingly about the "gay spirit." It serves as a lighthearted reflection of how personal beliefs can sometimes clash with contemporary cultural experiences.
Reflections on Generational Perspectives and Faith
Understanding Generational Views
My grandmother lives in Georgia. You haven't met her, but she watches this show. Hi, Grandma! I think it's predominantly the older generation that holds certain misconceptions. When it comes to topics like being gay or transgender, these weren't discussed openly back when they were young. It's like they're trying to reconcile what they perceive with what they were taught about the nature of good and evil.
A Theological Anecdote
Let me share one of the funniest stories from my theological life. This is a true story. Back when I was Mormon, my father-in-law, a towering man who served as an Army Colonel, was a home teacher to a couple, and we received a call because the wife was having some severe issues. He asked me, his son-in-law, to accompany him to their house.
We found the woman in the living room, clearly in distress, claiming she had multiple spirits within her. She would shift personalities and even ask politely for something to eat. Her husband requested a priesthood blessing for her. Mormons, for those who may not know, perform blessings by laying hands on the head and exercising their priesthood authority to cast out spirits or heal the sick. My father-in-law attempted to do so.
However, instead of placing his hands directly on her head, he held them above her. When I asked him why, he confessed, "I'm afraid the goddamn thing's going to jump at me." That was a direct quote, and it was quite a moment! It briefly took us off-topic.
Conclusion on Spiritual Powers
There seemed to be at least seven spirits present, and from this, we concluded there are at least seven powers. But what about angelic powers or anything beyond just the power of God? It's interesting to think whether guardian angels exist or if it's solely God's power at work. In my opinion, I believe everything is part of God's plan.
These are the questions our audience wants to hear about, and I'm glad we're discussing them. We might need an organ for the show for when Sean gets into preaching mode!
We can ultimately conclude that God's power is the solitary power at work in this world. It's a thought that will resonate until next week's show when we tackle, "Does God know everything?"
So stay tuned for more on Cat-Out next week!
