Originally posted by buckky
Are all religions about transformation ? I know that is the attraction for me. That's the magical hope of being transformed somehow into something better, and happier through a religious or spiritual path. The sense that all is not right with the world, and yourself leads one into the domain of reaching out for help from beyond the physical world. Then the p b]
any questions, you are most welcome, perhaps others too may be able to help - regards robbie.
Hi, yes, this is indeed what Christianity is about, i cannot vouch for other 'faiths', but you do not need a magic wand, just the scriptures and a willingness to apply the advice.
consider these small passage which reiterates what it is you are saying, from the words of Paul,
'Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of those things the wrath of God is coming. In those very things you, too, once walked when you used to live in them. But now really put them all away from you, wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. Do not be lying to one another.
Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all things and in all.
Accordingly, as Gods chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things,
clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.
you will notice that Paul's advice is to try to desist from practices which God does not approve of, and this is possible. how? by putting on what the bible terms ' the new personality'.
this carries the idea of a complete transformation, a metamorphosis from one state to another. so complete should this transformation be is that it may be likened to a caterpillar, which becomes a chrysalis and eventually a butterfly, a total and complete transformation so that which was formerly is now unrecognizable!
how is this done? by considering the personage of the Christ and trying to cultivate these other qualities, its far from easy, but it can be done!
for a biblical definition of love, see 1 Corinthians13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a sounding piece of brass or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophesying and am acquainted with all the sacred secrets and all knowledge, and
if I have all the faith so as to transplant mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my belongings to feed others, and if I hand over my body, that I may boast, but do not have love, I am not profited at all.
Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
any queries please do not hesitate to ask, perhaps others too would be glad to help, jaywill for example is good at expounding on scripture, regards robbie.