Q&A about whether a person who does not meet with other believers is a “good Christian”.

You cannot possibly be a good Christian.

There never has been such a thing. Only bad, failed people who were forgiven by God without having deserved any such thing, just purely out of the love and suffering of Jesus. They believed in Him and what He did, they asked for His redeeming death to be accounted to them, it was thus applied to their hearts according to the promise and their names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, in the space already reserved for them before the first second counted on any clock, including the physical and biological “clocks” beloved of scientists.

If that’s you, and you are saved, then you are a Christian in the truest sense of the word, the Biblical one. If not, then you are also a Christian, but by a different definition of the word, a cultural Christian.  So is Richard Dawkins, by his own statement, and yet he doesn’t believe in God (which even Satan does) and has written many profitable books turning millions away from God and from salvation.

Now Dawkins himself might end up believing and being saved the way he is going, but he will always have such a shame to endure that he turned over to hell’s dominion, with a wave of his pen, so many millions of people. Maybe that’s the only thing stopping him from coming at this point, seeing how many of his prominent atheist friends are already on the Lord’s side. One example is Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a big disappointment to the prominent atheist club who causes much rejoicing in heaven.

It’s down to what you believe, and this is something God alone knows, apart from you yourself. You can have doubts, but take your doubts to God and let Him resolve them.

On to your later and perhaps most telling point about “going to church”. I don’t know what “going to church” is. You are the Church, if you are believer, and I trust that you are not disembodied, so that you need to “go” to yourself at certain times. You do need in fact to go to a special place – but only for using the lavatory or if you have a boss or college that doesn’t want you working from home all the time. For things other than the lavatory or for working at your job or course, if you have one, no particular built structures are necessary. Even the lavatorial process can be performed in the woods, but do try to avoid the tracks where people are walking, and ensure you have tissues in your pocket.

As far as gathering with other believers is concerned, doing this, rather than being a hermit, is God’s model. Even John the Baptist, having practised hermitage for a long time, was surrounded by his own disciples by the time Jesus’ ministry began. Jesus Himself took time apart, various Old Testament prophets did also, but it is clearly not the long-term model and at some point we need to return to gathering and not forsake it. This is actually commanded, and so meeting other Christian is a matter of simple obedience. Blessings are usually withheld to Christians who practice disobedience.

There are various reasons why this is harder for some than for others. Some have logistical difficulties and cannot make it. Maybe they are sick or disabled or there is no Church free of doctrinal error and they have tried in vain to correct them and are not welcome there. They should ask the others who believe from the nearest sound gathering to help and maybe come to them. If those others ignore the call, the disobedience is on them.

Another reason why some of us avoid gatherings is that we are not very outgoing. We are what Jung would describe as introverted. But Jung also came to the conclusion that the two sorts of people are necessary for each other, as they charge each other’s batteries. An introvert charges when alone, and gives out when surrounded by other people, and for extroverts the situation is reversed. None of the extroverts go around thanking introverts for performing this service for them, they probably just dismiss them as shy folk who need to be coaxed out of their shells so they can have a good time. Nevertheless, for an introvert to go to a gathering is a service to the extroverts there and we should indeed be willing to serve each other. We wash an extrovert’s feet just by having a chat with them. This is why, quite apart form structured worship and the sacraments, and listening to God’s Word preached (this can be done over the intranet but being in the room is better for sure, you can’t be distracted and you encourage the pastor) the social time after and maybe before worship is also part and parcel of the gathering together which we are told not to forsake.

I don’t think someone can in fact be obedient to the command not to forsake gathering if they scurry away after the close of the service and don’t try to meet people. We should attempt to have some kind of interaction with every single person we see there. We should take an interest in them, know some things about them, starting with their names, and be sure to pray for them and have them pray for us.  This whole fellowship aspect is symbolised by the “sign of peace” in some services, but very often, if there is no real interaction and we don’t even know people’s names after weeks of seeing them, this peace sign is just a travesty and people should seek to examine themselves and see if something can be done by them about it.

Beyond this any congregation being worth its being called salt, and light, should be evangelising together.

So what are you doing with the time you save by not being with the others? More sole evangelism? More solitary study?

Or do you use the time to meet up with the enemies of God and go along with them for a good laugh? Or just watch TV shows full of prurience and vanity?

So please be obedient. The consequences of disobedience is not “not being a good Christian” but significant loss of reward. God has blessings reserved for you, both here and in eternity. You will not have them released to you though without showing obedience and bearing fruit.

Start today. Those who came last to the vineyard got the same reward. Stop with your hermitage and start building your everlasting heritage.

Discussion with AI about Netanyahu not going to Auschwitz today for the Holocaust Memorial Day (85 years since liberation of that death camp)

Did Netanyahu go to Auschwitz today?

No, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations at Auschwitz today. Due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, Netanyahu has not traveled to Europe since the warrant was issued. Instead, Israel was represented by its Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch.

Poland said he could come safely without fear of arrest?

Yes, the Polish government did indeed assure Prime Minister Netanyahu that he would be safe from arrest if he attended the Auschwitz memorial event. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that allowing Netanyahu to attend was a way to pay tribute to the Jewish nation and the victims of the Holocaust. However, this decision has been controversial and has faced criticism from various international figures and organizations.

What are your thoughts on this situation?

So Netanyahu himself declined to come?

Yes, Prime Minister Netanyahu himself decided not to attend the Auschwitz memorial event. Despite assurances from the Polish government that he would be safe from arrest, Netanyahu chose to stay in Israel due to the ongoing legal matters and the threat of arrest by the International Criminal Court.

What are your thoughts on this situation?

Perhaps he wanted to avoid this sacred moment being all about him.

 

That’s a thoughtful perspective. It’s possible that Netanyahu wanted to ensure the focus remained on the solemnity of the event and the memory of the Holocaust victims, rather than on his legal issues. It’s a delicate balance between personal circumstances and the significance of such a historic and emotional commemoration.

 

But Yoav Kisch has no warrant?

 

Correct, Yoav Kisch does not have an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. However, there have been complaints filed against him by Palestinians with Polish citizenship, alleging war crimes during his time as an IDF fighter pilot. Despite these complaints, Kisch attended the Auschwitz memorial event to represent Israel.

It’s a complex situation, isn’t it?

 

 

Does Yoav have family from Auschwitz?

 

There is no information indicating that Yoav Kisch has family members who were imprisoned at Auschwitz. His attendance at the memorial event was in his capacity as Israel’s Minister of Education, representing the country at this significant commemoration.

It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of the Holocaust.

 

Did anyone from Arab countries attend?

 

There isn’t specific information indicating that representatives from Arab countries attended the Auschwitz memorial event this year. The event primarily saw attendance from European leaders, Holocaust survivors, and representatives from countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

It’s always significant when diverse groups come together to remember and honor the victims of such atrocities. Do you think it would have made a difference if there were more diverse international representation?

 

Who went from UK?

 

From the UK, King Charles III and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, attended the Auschwitz memorial event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Their presence underscored the UK’s commitment to remembering and honoring the victims of the Holocaust.

It’s always powerful to see such high-profile figures participating in these important commemorations. What do you think about their involvement?

 

 

No politicians?

 

Actually, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer did attend the Auschwitz memorial event. Their presence, along with that of King Charles III and Prince William, highlighted the UK’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.

It’s heartening to see such high-level participation. What do you think about the involvement of these politicians?

 

 

Well, I hope Lammy and Starmer didn’t say anything to show us up?

 

David Lammy and Keir Starmer both delivered thoughtful and respectful speeches at the Holocaust Memorial Day event. Lammy emphasized the importance of Holocaust remembrance, education, and action against antisemitism. Starmer, who had visited Auschwitz earlier this month, spoke about the harrowing experience and the need to fight antisemitism and hatred in all its forms.

It seems they were both very mindful of the significance of the event and the solemnity it required.

 

 

Who went for Germany?

 

From Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the Auschwitz memorial event. His presence, along with other world leaders, underscored Germany’s commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust and ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten.

It’s always significant to see leaders from countries directly involved in history taking part in these commemorations. What are your thoughts on Scholz’s participation?

 

 

Did Scholz at least say sorry?

Yes, Chancellor Olaf Scholz did offer an apology during his speech at the Auschwitz memorial event. He emphasized Germany’s ongoing responsibility to remember the Holocaust and condemned all forms of antisemitism. Scholz also stressed the importance of vigilance against hate and discrimination, and the need to protect human dignity.

It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and committing to a better future. What do you think about his apology?

 

Not much, since they have not done enough to help Israel now.

 

I understand your perspective. Germany has indeed been a strong supporter of Israel, especially in the wake of the Holocaust. However, the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have raised questions about the extent and nature of this support. Chancellor Scholz and other German leaders have emphasized the importance of Israel’s security, but there are ongoing debates about how to balance this with the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.

It’s a complex and sensitive issue, and it’s clear that many people have strong opinions on both sides. What do you think would be the best way for Germany to support both Israel and the humanitarian needs in Gaza?

They should give a grant to Jordan to move the people there, after all, that is where most of the land of Palestine, historically, ended up. But they are always keeping very quiet.

Your suggestion about providing grants to Jordan to facilitate resettlement is indeed a significant and complex proposal. Historically, the question of Palestinian land and the displacement of people has been a deeply contentious issue. There are many factors at play, including international politics, historical grievances, and humanitarian concerns. It’s crucial for any solution to respect the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.

Germany and other countries could certainly play a more active role in fostering dialogue and finding sustainable solutions. Addressing such issues requires nuanced diplomacy, significant international cooperation, and a commitment to human rights and peace.

What are some other steps you think could contribute to a lasting peace in the region?

 

So you please tell me, is it not true that Jordan is historically also Palestine land?

Yes, historically, the territory that is now Jordan was once part of the region known as Palestine. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and during the British Mandate period, the area was referred to as Transjordan. In 1946, Transjordan became an independent kingdom, and in 1948, it annexed the West Bank, which was also historically part of Palestine. However, Jordan renounced its claim to the West Bank in 1988, and since then, the West Bank has been considered part of the Palestinian territories.

It’s a complex and deeply rooted history with many layers. Do you think this historical context is important for understanding current events in the region?

 

 

So, if they admitted that their land is the larger part of the Palestinian birthright, why won’t they take the remaining Palestinians so that Israel can return peacefully to its own homeland going back to times when little Arabic was spoken on its territory?

 

The situation is incredibly complex and deeply rooted in history, politics, and human rights. While Jordan does have a significant Palestinian population and historical ties to the region, the idea of relocating Palestinians en masse is fraught with challenges. It involves considerations of national identity, sovereignty, and the rights of individuals to remain in their homeland. Additionally, many Palestinians view their connection to the land as integral to their identity and heritage.

Efforts towards peace and resolution often focus on finding a two-state solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. It’s a delicate balance that requires cooperation, dialogue, and a commitment to justice and human dignity from all parties involved.

 

From when has a Jordanian people existed, called as much?

 

The concept of a distinct Jordanian identity began to take shape in the early 20th century. The Emirate of Transjordan was established in 1921, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the Balfour Declaration. It wasn’t until 1946 that Transjordan became a fully sovereign state, and in 1950, it merged with part of Palestine to form the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Before this period, the region was home to various ancient kingdoms and tribes, such as the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites. The modern Jordanian identity has evolved over time, influenced by historical events, migrations, and political changes.

Does this help clarify the historical context for you?

 

 

So please tell me if the Arabic dialects in Jordan and Palestine are similar?

 

Yes, the Arabic dialects in Jordan and Palestine are quite similar. Both regions fall within the broader Levantine Arabic dialect group, which also includes the dialects spoken in Syria and Lebanon. These dialects share many linguistic features, vocabulary, and pronunciation patterns, making them mutually intelligible to speakers from these areas.

However, there are still some regional differences and variations in accent, intonation, and specific expressions. These differences can be influenced by factors such as local culture, history, and interactions with neighboring regions.

It’s fascinating how language evolves and adapts within different communities! If you’re interested in learning more about Arabic dialects or the cultural aspects of the Levantine region, feel free to ask.

 

So is a Gaza accent closer to what you hear in Amman or to Beirut?

 

The Gaza accent is closer to the Amman accent than to the Beirut accent. Both Gaza and Amman are part of the Southern Levantine Arabic dialect group, which shares many similarities in pronunciation, vocabulary, and intonation. On the other hand, the Beirut accent falls within the Northern Levantine Arabic dialect group, which has distinct features and variations.

The differences between Northern and Southern Levantine dialects are subtle but noticeable to native speakers. It’s fascinating how regional accents can reveal so much about cultural and historical connections!

 

Continue reading “Discussion with AI about Netanyahu not going to Auschwitz today for the Holocaust Memorial Day (85 years since liberation of that death camp)”

Someone asked: “How would you judge the intelligence of someone who thinks dinosaurs and man walked together?”

It is generally not a good idea to conflate IQ with knowledge of spiritual truths, but certainly if someone believes thos or doesn’t believe it, how they got to their conclusion is partly determined by their IQ I expect.

I note, and this is not based on any set of experiments or peer reviewed studies that I know of, much though they would be worth doing, that people around about the average IQ tend to flock to mainstream views while being convinced that they put the thought into arriving at their views. They also tend to think that those who disagree are stupid.

Those with non-mainstream views contain an overrepresentation both of those whose IQ is well over the average 100 and those well below. The way they hold their views (how nuanced they are and how truly original) and how they arrived there is the main determinant for whether we are dealing with a potential genius, a textbook imbecile or anything in between, including the occasional person bang on average but who got lucky/unlucky/blessed/cursed in his friendship circles.

Eight top tips for when it’s hard to finish a book.

If someone has difficulty with finishing a novel, or any written work for that matter, could be an epic poem, plays of Shakespeare, etc, then here are eight helpful hints.

1. Try listening to the same on Audible. The voice actor may carry what our attention span cannot. In my experience a good voice actor adds an additional level on top of the work which can help our enjoyment nd understanding of the piece. Conversely a poor voice actor can do the opposite, so do check the reviews which are broken out into story and performance, and pay attention to what peers say about the performance. Also there is the opportunity to listen to a sample before purchasing any Audible title.

2. Take the book on holiday with you or leave it in a place (typically your bathroom) where you will be reminded on a regular (hopefully) basis to dip into it.

3. On that note, if a book is not lending itself to the binge read, see if instead it lends itself to the smaller chunks on a regular basis mode, in which case it is a typical bathroom classic.

4. On line look for groups around that author and compare notes, making it a social read can be an encouragement to finish.

5. There are also physical book clubs that one can find, join or start locally to read socially. Failing that, there’s Graham Norton’s Book Club podcast on Audible, now in its sixth series, with previous series available for download, so you can look through and see if the given book has already been discussed by the team.

6. One can sometimes find at second hand bookstores copies of the book that have been annotated by an earlier reader. This can also add a “social element” albeit one way. one can also consider making one’s own annotations on the text. Pencil ones are best practice. They actually add to the worth of the used book if well done. I am enjoying re-reading War and Peace in Russian and noting my own earlier annotations from when I was young and just learning the language. Nice memories emerge. And that one took a year to read back then and the last section is famously Tolstoy oing off on his own hobby-horse theories, but still I believe one should plod on. This time, I am re-reading with my wife and we are using Audible, which has a great reading in Russian and an even better one by Thandiwe Newton in English.

7. It is also helpful to watch derivatives from books such as “the film” but one should add a note of caution. The joy of one’s own reading is to imagine the character. Even when using Audible we still visualise the character. Once we have seen a film we are led in our visualisation. It’s not hard in the case of some series of books to notice how even the author in later works is influenced by the filmed versions of her (Diane, J.K., etc, yes sorry ladies but it does show, but I am sure Tolstoy would have had the same problem) earlier instalments.

8. Going from the sometimes ridiculous to the occasionally sublime, one can also read the entries in encyclopedias of literature and learned works on the author or even accompanying volumes to the work. In the case of Shakespeare I greatly prefer the New Cambridge series with its focus on performance history. One can look through back-issues of the Spectator to find old book reviews also.

I hope that these hints will help people attempt and finish more challenging literature. Not finishing a book is like not finishing a meal, ie. a bit of an insult to the chef. Sometimes one would like to hurl such an insult at a chef or an author, but I hope that is an exception rather than the general rule in our approach to any art form, food, literature or other.

For those who have read this article of mine to the end, I gratefully accept the mute compliment, although you are also welcome to make a non-mute compliment or insult for that matter in the comments. I mod for spammers and scammers, not for slammers.

Random post for your next read:

 

Will all those who practise non-Christian religions go to hell?

Everyone who dies without being reconciled to God appears before the Judgment Seat dressed so to speak in their own works and invariably there will be imperfections and sins such as separate the human being from God. In the Bible this metaphor of righteousness being like clothing is expressed in the verse “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Religion per se has little, if anything, to do with it.

The offered way to be reconciled to God is to accept Jesus’ death on our behalf as our only hope. We have our hearts set so as to not plead any deserving of our own but are taught that if we have believed in him and repented of our sin, He stands for us as a perfect sacrifice, and there isn’t any other such perfect sacrifice as He is both God and Man, the only bridge between us and the Father. He takes our filthy rags on Himself and gives us robes that are washed white in the Blood of the Lamb.

If you think that you are good enough to get into heaven without relying on what Jesus did, you are effectively saying to God that what Jesus did is not your plea. Effectively you are pleading innocent but without being innocent. Or, you are maybe pleading that other works you did paid for the bad things. You don’t want to see that even these good things were also done with a sinful mind, with pride and other mixed motives. And they were things you should have been doing anyway, they don’t pay anything back to God for when you failed. Only Jesus’ blood can do that. Your plea that you also did good works is not balanced out against your crimes any more than you can escape a fine for speeding by saying you had driven within the speed limit quite a lot that day. If someone stands in as the driver and takes the punishment themselves, though, then you are in the clear. They won’t offer two fines for the same infraction. In a mortal court that would be seen as perverting the course of justice, but in divine justice this is allowed because Jesus did this in love, because if not for that you had no chance to escape hell.

People in Christian churches, people convinced that they are practicing the Christian religion also need to be convinced in their hearts that they have no deserving even if they have done many good works and avoided many of the egregious behaviours of those around them. The yardstick by which you will be judged is not the pathological family you look down on at the supermarket, but the perfect righteousness of a holy God. You don’t measure up, you need to place all your reliance on Christ’s sacrifice. If you do not, then it is merely academic that you are not a Muslim, Buddhist or outright atheist. We are Christians when we have placed all of our trust in Christ alone, and been justified only by our faith in what He did on Calvary. I am not speaking here only about sacerdotal, ritualist churches, the same mentality can affect people even in the most theologically sound Evangelical churches. Salvation is between you and Jesus, has He stood in for you on Calvary? If not, then sorry, but your destiny is the same lake of fire that applies to the most benighted pagan. Jesus says “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21).

If someone never heard about Jesus or had such a lot of lies told to them that they had no possibility to know the above truth, then God, who knows their hearts and minds better than they know themselves, is perfectly able to assess them based on what they would have done had they known this truth about Jesus. So someone who didn’t actually reject the gospel, never having heard it but who has felt in their heart that they deserve to be rejected by God unless God in love somehow forgives them, along with those who die in infancy, or are mentally unable to conceptualise these truths, most likely these people will be saved by God’s mercy. In such cases Christ’s sacrifice is imputed to them. Were this not the case then few of the Old Testament Jews would be saved either. But they knew “blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity” from Psalm 32:2. Paul also reference this verse applying it to the Gospel in Romans 4:6. Paul says that this righteousness of Christ’s was available even in the times ay before He arrived on earth, much less was crucified and resurrected, for God has known all along what the solution to sin will be, even Adam was told that his seed would bruise the serpent’s head.

We cannot rely on this passive and ignorant salvation, though, whenever we have someone in front of us who doesn’t know the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those on whom God set His seal are thirsting and dearly waiting to know the person and the work of Jesus and to hear His voice in the New Testament. So we preach like eternal life or eternal damnation depend on it, whenever we have someone before us who is seeking the truth. Those who know Jesus and have accepted Him receive a peace and assurance they lacked before. Those who have had the Gospel preached to them fully and have encountered the person of Jesus in the words of others, spoken and heard or written and read, these are without excuse and if they neglect so great a salvation, how shall they escape? Such the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews asks, in chapter 2 verse 3, and it is, of course, a very good question.

Anyone who does not accept the Gospel of Christ, having heard it, even in such a condensed form as I have given in this answer, should ask themselves that question. What other escape do you think you will find, if not the cross on which your very Creator died for you?