Our sages teach that the judgment of Rosh Hashana classifies everyone into one of three groups.
Those whose merits outweigh their demerits are deemed righteous and are written for the book of life.
Those whose demerits outweigh their merits are deemed wicked and are written for the book of death.
The judgments of those in the middle are held in suspense until Yom Kippur. If they repent then they are written for the book of life. If they do not repent then they are written for the book of death.
Commentaries write that the judgments refer to life and death in the after-life.
They note that most of us fall into the middle group.
They also note that adding more merits to overweigh the demerits has no effect on the judgment of Yom Kippur.
Rather, assessment is done once, on Rosh Hashana.
The only thing that helps a person on Yom Kippur is change and restoration.
=========================
Courtesy of JewishAmerica
http://www.JewishAmerica.com
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Saturday, September 18, 2010
My Hero, My Dad
I miss my Daddy.
God took him on September 4, 2010.
I understand that he is asleep waiting on Jesus and God right now.
My heart hurts so terrible and I feel alone and ungrounded in sea of pain.
God does love me and he will heal my heart over time.
God took him on September 4, 2010.
I understand that he is asleep waiting on Jesus and God right now.
My heart hurts so terrible and I feel alone and ungrounded in sea of pain.
God does love me and he will heal my heart over time.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Lament of a Believer in Exile
"Ah Jesus!
Where have you gone?
When did we lose you?
Was it when we became so certain that we possessed you
that we persecuted Jews,
excommunicated doubters,
burned heretics,
and used violence and war to achieve conversion?
Was it when our first-century images
collided with expanding knowledge?
Or when biblical scholars informed us that the Bible does
not really support what we once believed?
Was it when we watched your followers distorting people
with guilt,
fear,
bigotry,
intolerance
and anger?
Was it when we noticed that many who called you Lord
And who read their Bibles regularly
Also practiced slavery,
defended segregation
Approved lynching,
Abused children,
diminished women,
And hated homosexuals?
Was it when we finally realized
that Jesus who promised abundant life
Could not be the source of self-hatred..."
"We still yearn for you, Jesus, but we no longer know where
to seek your presence.
Do we look for you in those churches that practice certainty?
Or are you hiding in those churches
that fear controversy that they make "unity" a god,
and stand for so little that they die of boredom?
Can you be found in those churches that have
rejected the powerless and marginalized..."
"Or must we now look for you outside ecclesiastical settings
where Love and Kindness expect No Reward,
where questions are viewed as the deepest
expression of trust?
Is it possible, Jesus that we christians are the villains
Who killed you?
Smothering you beneath literal bibles,
dated creeds,
irrelevant doctrines,
and dying structures?"
"I still seek to possess what I believe you are, Jesus:
Access to and embodiment of
The Source of Life,
The Source of Love."
JS Spong2007
Where have you gone?
When did we lose you?
Was it when we became so certain that we possessed you
that we persecuted Jews,
excommunicated doubters,
burned heretics,
and used violence and war to achieve conversion?
Was it when our first-century images
collided with expanding knowledge?
Or when biblical scholars informed us that the Bible does
not really support what we once believed?
Was it when we watched your followers distorting people
with guilt,
fear,
bigotry,
intolerance
and anger?
Was it when we noticed that many who called you Lord
And who read their Bibles regularly
Also practiced slavery,
defended segregation
Approved lynching,
Abused children,
diminished women,
And hated homosexuals?
Was it when we finally realized
that Jesus who promised abundant life
Could not be the source of self-hatred..."
"We still yearn for you, Jesus, but we no longer know where
to seek your presence.
Do we look for you in those churches that practice certainty?
Or are you hiding in those churches
that fear controversy that they make "unity" a god,
and stand for so little that they die of boredom?
Can you be found in those churches that have
rejected the powerless and marginalized..."
"Or must we now look for you outside ecclesiastical settings
where Love and Kindness expect No Reward,
where questions are viewed as the deepest
expression of trust?
Is it possible, Jesus that we christians are the villains
Who killed you?
Smothering you beneath literal bibles,
dated creeds,
irrelevant doctrines,
and dying structures?"
"I still seek to possess what I believe you are, Jesus:
Access to and embodiment of
The Source of Life,
The Source of Love."
JS Spong2007
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Have you ever noticed.....?
When we are hurt by someone who we hold close to our hearts - our knee-jerk reaction is to strike out in a negative way. To hurt the one who hurt us. It's so hard to take a deep breath; take a step back and count to 10; to walk away and cool off and then address how we feel.
I need a hug.
I need a hug.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Ancient Hebrew Sanctuary Brought To Life In Atlanta By Seventh-day Adventists
Outside of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta GA you can take a step back in time and visit a replica of the Ancient Hebrew Tabernacle.
Starting Today and ending on July 4, visitors can tour the life-sized replica of the wilderness sanctuary that God directed Moses to build. These tours let guests see the meanings of the symbols and their relevance today.
Messiah’s Mansion is making this available. Clayton Leinneweber, Messiah’s Mansion President, has taken this exhibit to many places and now brings it to Atlanta Ga to coincide with the 59th Annual General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists.
According to a Press Release by George Johnson of the Adventist Church Communication’s Department, The Messiah’s Mansion is a non-profit ministry sponsored by the Atlanta North Seventh-day Adventist Church and Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries.
Starting Today and ending on July 4, visitors can tour the life-sized replica of the wilderness sanctuary that God directed Moses to build. These tours let guests see the meanings of the symbols and their relevance today.
Messiah’s Mansion is making this available. Clayton Leinneweber, Messiah’s Mansion President, has taken this exhibit to many places and now brings it to Atlanta Ga to coincide with the 59th Annual General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists.
According to a Press Release by George Johnson of the Adventist Church Communication’s Department, The Messiah’s Mansion is a non-profit ministry sponsored by the Atlanta North Seventh-day Adventist Church and Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Life of King David – The Philosopher
Many remember David as the fair-haired shepherd boy who defeated a giant named Goliath. Others recall David as the wise Jewish ruler who brought the tribes of Israel together as a united nation. The ancient texts also present David as a powerful warrior, cunning diplomat, and talented musician. However, with all these tremendous accolades, the foundation of David’s fame and faith can be traced to a period of severe trial and doubting in his life. Indeed, David was a true philosopher.
Early in his journey, David was chosen to succeed Saul as the king of Judah. Although Saul was initially impressed by David’s skills as a soldier, politician, and musician, Saul became wary of his successor, so he put out a contract on David’s life. David was forced to live on the run, often spending weeks hiding in the network of caves surrounding the Dead Sea.
It is here that David really began asking the tough questions of life. Alone in the dark or on the run through enemy territory, David opened-up and honestly shared his thoughts, struggles, and fears. David was frustrated with God’s plan for his life, and he wrote about it in his prayer journals. Although Saul stopped at nothing to kill David, David never followed through on his opportunities to kill Saul. David’s years alone with God forged his exemplary character and unflinching faith. Through loneliness and struggle, David learned to be fully dependent on God.
When Saul finally died in an unrelated battle, David returned to Judah and claimed his position as king over Judah in 1009 BC. Seven years later, the northern tribes of Israel accepted him as king and he became ruler of a united Jewish nation until his death in 969 BC. David wasn’t a perfect leader or a perfect man, but his years alone with God, humbled and crumbled in the dark, developed the soul of a legendary philosopher-king, and forged a legacy that endures to this day.
Life of King David – His Theme
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:3-7).
Have you noticed one of the major themes running through David’s writings? He paints a picture of utter trial and turmoil in his life, yet maintains an internal compass that always points to “true north.” Whereas most of us look for happiness based on external circumstances in our lives, David has discovered a deeper joy grounded in his inner self. Most of us strive for happiness that’s external and temporary. David teaches us to drive towards a place of deeper well-being, where we develop trust and hope in God that extends beyond our external realities.
Life of King David – His Conclusion
Yes, deep stuff! David has learned that happiness and joy are different things. Happiness is that fleeting state of emotion that’s dependent on doing. However, Joy is a long-term process of the mind that’s dependent on being. For David, it’s the seasons of trial and suffering -- chaos and confusion -- that ultimately develop deeper and more profound joy. The key is to know God as your internal compass.
Early in his journey, David was chosen to succeed Saul as the king of Judah. Although Saul was initially impressed by David’s skills as a soldier, politician, and musician, Saul became wary of his successor, so he put out a contract on David’s life. David was forced to live on the run, often spending weeks hiding in the network of caves surrounding the Dead Sea.
It is here that David really began asking the tough questions of life. Alone in the dark or on the run through enemy territory, David opened-up and honestly shared his thoughts, struggles, and fears. David was frustrated with God’s plan for his life, and he wrote about it in his prayer journals. Although Saul stopped at nothing to kill David, David never followed through on his opportunities to kill Saul. David’s years alone with God forged his exemplary character and unflinching faith. Through loneliness and struggle, David learned to be fully dependent on God.
When Saul finally died in an unrelated battle, David returned to Judah and claimed his position as king over Judah in 1009 BC. Seven years later, the northern tribes of Israel accepted him as king and he became ruler of a united Jewish nation until his death in 969 BC. David wasn’t a perfect leader or a perfect man, but his years alone with God, humbled and crumbled in the dark, developed the soul of a legendary philosopher-king, and forged a legacy that endures to this day.
Life of King David – His Theme
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:3-7).
Have you noticed one of the major themes running through David’s writings? He paints a picture of utter trial and turmoil in his life, yet maintains an internal compass that always points to “true north.” Whereas most of us look for happiness based on external circumstances in our lives, David has discovered a deeper joy grounded in his inner self. Most of us strive for happiness that’s external and temporary. David teaches us to drive towards a place of deeper well-being, where we develop trust and hope in God that extends beyond our external realities.
Life of King David – His Conclusion
Yes, deep stuff! David has learned that happiness and joy are different things. Happiness is that fleeting state of emotion that’s dependent on doing. However, Joy is a long-term process of the mind that’s dependent on being. For David, it’s the seasons of trial and suffering -- chaos and confusion -- that ultimately develop deeper and more profound joy. The key is to know God as your internal compass.
Why?
Atheism vs. Agnosticism
What's the Difference? Are they Alternatives to Each Other?
Agnostic Atheism & Agnostic Theism
Once it is understood that atheism is merely the absence of belief in any gods, it becomes evident that agnosticism is not, as many assume, a “third way” between atheism and theism. The presence of a belief in a god and the absence of a belief in a god exhaust all of the possibilities. Agnosticism is not about belief in god but about knowledge — it was coined originally to describe the position of a person who could not claim to know for sure if any gods exist or not.
Thus, it is clear that agnosticism is compatible with both theism and atheism. A person can believe in a god (theism) without claiming to know for sure if that god exists; the result is agnostic theism. On the other hand, a person can disbelieve in gods (atheism) without claiming to know for sure that no gods can or do exist; the result is agnostic atheism.
It is also worth noting that there is a vicious double standard involved when theists claim that agnosticism is “better” than atheism because it is less dogmatic. If atheists are closed-minded because they are not agnostic, then so are theists. On the other hand, if theism can be open-minded then so can atheism.
In the end, the fact of the matter is a person isn’t faced with the necessity of only being either an atheist or an agnostic. Quite the contrary, not only can a person be both, but it is in fact common for people to be both agnostics and atheists. An agnostic atheist won’t claim to know for sure that nothing warranting the label “god” exists or that such cannot exist, but they also don’t actively believe that such an entity does indeed exist.
Suggested Reading
* What is Agnosticism?
* Strong Agnosticism vs. Weak Agnosticism
* Philosophic Origins of Agnosticism
Atheist & Agnostic Resources
* Attacks on Atheism & Agnosticism
* Advice for Atheists & Agnostics
* Books on Atheism & Agnosticism
What's the Difference? Are they Alternatives to Each Other?
Agnostic Atheism & Agnostic Theism
Once it is understood that atheism is merely the absence of belief in any gods, it becomes evident that agnosticism is not, as many assume, a “third way” between atheism and theism. The presence of a belief in a god and the absence of a belief in a god exhaust all of the possibilities. Agnosticism is not about belief in god but about knowledge — it was coined originally to describe the position of a person who could not claim to know for sure if any gods exist or not.
Thus, it is clear that agnosticism is compatible with both theism and atheism. A person can believe in a god (theism) without claiming to know for sure if that god exists; the result is agnostic theism. On the other hand, a person can disbelieve in gods (atheism) without claiming to know for sure that no gods can or do exist; the result is agnostic atheism.
It is also worth noting that there is a vicious double standard involved when theists claim that agnosticism is “better” than atheism because it is less dogmatic. If atheists are closed-minded because they are not agnostic, then so are theists. On the other hand, if theism can be open-minded then so can atheism.
In the end, the fact of the matter is a person isn’t faced with the necessity of only being either an atheist or an agnostic. Quite the contrary, not only can a person be both, but it is in fact common for people to be both agnostics and atheists. An agnostic atheist won’t claim to know for sure that nothing warranting the label “god” exists or that such cannot exist, but they also don’t actively believe that such an entity does indeed exist.
Suggested Reading
* What is Agnosticism?
* Strong Agnosticism vs. Weak Agnosticism
* Philosophic Origins of Agnosticism
Atheist & Agnostic Resources
* Attacks on Atheism & Agnosticism
* Advice for Atheists & Agnostics
* Books on Atheism & Agnosticism
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)