It’s rampant in traditional Protestant churches mostly. And these churches are loosing congregants by the bucket load . The Catholic Church is the only Christian church that still maintains its positions & boundaries & morality and that’s why it has been so appealing to a younger generation in search of stability & Truth. Believing in God, believing in salvation history is the hardest most demanding engagement we can have as humans and the price is our soul & being on the right side of eternity. It’s not the Shangri-la -it asks of a real & active relationship with God.
Confession is the most underrated Sacrament in the ancient Church. Penance/Reconciliation is soul cleansing.
A good book to read for anyone exploring Christianity is Tom Holland’s ‘Dominion’ (2019). Tom is a British historian of antiquity, raised Anglican, went atheist, and through study of the ancients returned to Christianity, writing this treasure of a book, recounting how revolutionary Christianity has been on our human race:
These days I actually attend 2 services. Roman Catholic Mass 1st, by myself, it’s my origin faith. And then later in AM an Evangelical service with my wife, where we read direct from scripture. I enjoy the liturgy of the Mass the most, with its emphasis and hyper focus on the Memorial of our spotless victim.
We are not evangelicals in the way folks think with rock n roll bands and laptop computers. The centerpiece of our worship is the exposition of the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. We share the same ecumenical creeds and councils as the Roman church through the Council of Chalcedon. We both part with the Eastern church over the Nicene Creed’s Filioque , four words. I have experienced the Divine Liturgy at a Syrian orthodox worship service. It is beautiful. I prefer the simplicity of Calvinist worship.
I would point you to the Roman Catholic Church. It’s perfectly imperfect. Just as Jesus encounters us. Becoming a Catholic as an adult involves 29 weeks of classes/study, 1.5 hours every week called OCIA:
Everyone is welcome to a Catholic Mass. Just do not receive the Eucharist until fully initiated. Prior to this time walk to altar w/ other parishioners and cross arms, receive blessing instead.
You're on the road. Don't be afraid. Did you read the book I sent you a few years back, A Case For Christ? Also read C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity........
As C.S. Lewis put it, Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
Yes, and Mr. Lewis also said that Jesus can only be one of three things: either a liar, a lunatic, or The Lord. And if you read his words in the bible, you will come to know The Truth.
Pretty much sums it up. I would a lot better face death knowing there is a God that loves me and I am saved through Jesus. Better than wishing I had killed more Infidels.
C.S. Lewis: "Christianity, if false, is of no importance"
I don't see how that claim is accurate. True or not, Christianity had a profound influence on the West, which had a profound influence on the world. Or is he saying that the world by itself is of no importance?
(I'm assuming that by "is false", Lewis means "Christ does not exist".)
Our situation in the world today is less a political battle, more a spiritual battle. The sooner we understand this, the sooner we will be able to right the ship of civilization.
Commendations galore! I am a pretty religious guy - 10 commandments(with the details behind them) - and still don't believe in organized religion and their monetizing ways. Catholic Charities are the leading org - with YOUR taxpayer money - fueling illegal immigration. Obama brought on that 'funding'(billions of your money) in 2014....
I am an engineer so I was brought up on replicating tests to prove theory and I couldn't square something I couldn't see. Faith. That is what brought me around. I have faith that my wife will not cheat on me based on 33 years of togetherness. I have faith that there is God and Jesus went through a lot on our behalf.
Our oldest daughter is about to give birth to her third at the age of 25 with a wonderful husband and is coming around on the word faith.
Nobody expects you to 'convert', Sasha, just be yourself and see what happens as you have good instincts.
So glad that you are increasing your interest in Christianity. I've been praying for you since I discovered your Substack. Christianity is very unfashionable with our woke betters, of course, but it's true.
Sasha, I can't wait to listen to this podcast. I'm a Christian. As you may know, many Christians love Judaism and the vital part it plays in Christian belief. I am one of them. Judeo-Christian morality is a pillar of Western Civilization (along with the Law, politics, and art of Greco-Roman tradition being the other pillars). Woke thought has infiltrated both Judaism and Christianity, but there are so many left who will fight for the values set forth first by the 10 Commandments. Thank you for your willingness to look at the only values that can save Western Civilization. PS, I am a HS History teacher who has fought, and been attacked, for teaching what used to be normal but is now reviled.
God could have chosen any race of people to reveal Himself. Could have been the Chinese or Ethiopians. But he chose the Jews/tribes of Israel. This reveal is called the era of Revelation, which came after the era of Creation. We are now in the era of Salvation and His invitation is available to both Jews and non Jews (Gentiles).
"God could have chosen any race of people to reveal Himself."
I never understood why God, having inspired the bible, didn't inspire other Israel-oriented bibles around the world, each written in a local native tongue, to identify who the chosen people are. It seems that God's having the tribe that is chosen be the only tribe to start distributing the book that *says* they are chosen doesn't seem like the best strategy... but then, that's why I'm asking. I can't understand it. It could be one of the main reasons Christianity, after 2000 years, has still not taken over the entire world, but still less than 30%.
Anyway, I'll just say there's a *lot* of things I don't understand about Christianity, and I was raised Christian... and kicked out for asking questions.
Us mere humans don’t understand all the ways of our Creator. Nor do I think, are we designed to. One could reasonably ask why it took so long for God to send the world His only begotten Son. I don’t pretend to know or understand the answer to that. I’m only thankful that I was chosen to live in the era of Salvation, and given free will.
The idea of fundamental human rights (based on the fact that we are all humans and therefore all equal which we assume almost without thinking) - are based on Christian ideals and utterly alien to pre-Christian cultures like the Persians, Greeks and Romans.
I recently re-read the Odyssey and then went to watch Nolan’s movie of the same title. I was struck by Homer’s poem having very few Christian values in it (the genocide of both suitors and slaves at end as an example - this occurred in poem but not on screen). Nolan, obviously impacted by Christianity, brought to the film morality that came from Christianity, because he knows his culture/audience. And therefore Nolan’s Odysseus character had regret about the sacking Troy, and even handed over his kingship to his son, Telemachus. Both of which don’t occur in the ancient Greek epic.
This is evidence of just how deep Christianity morality has penetrated Western culture, for even those not actively practicing Christianity, are (beneficiaries) of its revolution upon the world.
"Us mere humans don’t understand all the ways of our Creator."
That may be so, but it seems impossible to know the ways that are actually *true*, unless you are willing to trust hallucinations. In other words, I'm stuck at understanding the people who are *telling* us what are "the ways of our Creator". As far as I can tell, the only things that actually exist are, well... godmongers.
So I do wish some God would open up the heavens to everyone and just yell out something -- anything -- like: "I'm here! And, for the record, you're to read & believe KJB, and check in with Dr. Graham for details! Over and out!" All it would take is 10 seconds, and boy, you *know* you would have 99% conversion practically on the spot! Why does he continue to allow 70% of the world to be condemned to being excluded from heaven?
Love it, Sasha, you are closer than you think. I have been reading your articles since your interview with Glenn Beck and I have noticed a lot of grow in your faith. The Lord will continue to draw you to himself. He did it for me. Praying!
I think a healthy pursuit and goal in life is the heart and mind posture of a lifelong learner.
One of the main draws to listening to and reading your posts, Sasha, was and is still so, your dogged pursuit of true truth (to quote Francis Schaeffer.) Just keep truckin' on...
I was raised a Baptist and married a Catholic. It took me 36 years to formally join the Catholic church whjich happened last year, and now I am Faith Director of our Knights of Columbus Council. Faith does not man certainty. If it was certain, there could not be faith. Catholics pray for '"those asleep in the HOPE of resurrection."
There is ambiguity between that and praying for deliverance into Heaven "at the hour of our death." The interesting thing is that if you live according to religious principles, your fear of death goes away. The real fear of death is by those who have lived in defiance of their conscience and are afraid the Devil is going to get them when they die.
Purgatory is a human invention. I know the verse in 1 Corinthians which someone may tell you to point to, but that verse doesn't imply purgation. It does show us the graciousness of God, who is faithful to save Christians whose lives after conversion may not have been impressive spiritually.
"...where they can practice doing better before they advance."
That shows me that while you may believe the indispensable thing, that Jesus Christ is The Second Person of the Triune Godhead made Incarnate, you haven't understood that salvation is a gift. It CAN'T be earned. Ephesians 2:8,9.
You can't "grow" into it. You can't make yourself "worthy" of it, although Christians are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This means that as a Christian matures spiritually, he wears his faith more becomingly as he is transformed subtly to be more and more like Jesus Christ. This glorifies God and tends to draw to us people whom God is on the hunt for, and to whom we can witness with inarguable credibility.
Please read The Gospel of John and The Epistle to the Romans, chapter one through five.
From what I can tell, *everything* (i.e. every human perception) is a human "invention". I suspect you will agree that every human is, necessarily and irreversibly, limited and fallible, right? Unfortunately, that limitation must then apply to every human concept, such as the concept of God, no matter how powerful the illusions otherwise. Protagoras was onto this, and Socrates, in his own way, confirmed it.
That’s the glorious beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Alan and Cristina: Christ’s perfect (sinless) sacrifice provides the perfection God’s righteousness and justice demands…there is nothing we can do or add to achieve perfection, the Father credits the Son’s perfection to us through the covering of our sins by His very blood. It is our faith in His Son and acceptance of the Gift of Salvation that provides our access to Almighty God and Eternal Life with Him and all fellow believers. It is a choice. We do not have license to sin, however; graciously God has provided us a “Paraclete,” an advocate, through the Holy Spirit to enable us to live righteously (sanctification) though we will still make choices to sin—requiring repentance—until we receive our new eternal bodies. Stay in and study the Word, and though we recognize there are many false religions and theologies, find a church family that teaches the complete Word of God, the Bible, from cover to cover. Maranatha!✝️
It’s not like summer school-😂 It’s a place where most of us will go to in order to purify our souls so we can enter Paradise in total purity & love. None of us are holy & pure enough to enter Heaven immediately-maybe Mother Theresa and some select few.
Cristina, I come close to despair when I read comments like yours. I am as ready to enter Heaven at this moment as I ever will be because God sees me in Jesus Christ. He doesn't see Bobby Lime, sinner.
Do you understand that if left to ourselves, "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags?"
I couldn’t agree more. It’s possible for one to make a decision to believe, even in the face of much doubt. There is a reason people refer to a “leap of faith”. And on one side of the chasm is hope and on the other is side despair and nihilism.
About a year ago, Sasha, I mailed you two books about Christianity that had a big impact on me! I hope you received them and might one day read them (by Henri Nouwen and Max Lucado). I have been praying for you since they were mailed!
So glad you are giving Christianity a look, Sasha. The Greatest Story Ever Told and you, me and everyone on earth is part of it!
God’s creation, humanity’s fall, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, culminating in the promise of eternal life.
The war on religion is real!
The woke disease is rampant in houses of worship across the board.
Lots of us wish we had somewhere to worship with traditional values , but not so orthodox. Lots of currently “homeless” Christians & Jews. Help!
It’s rampant in traditional Protestant churches mostly. And these churches are loosing congregants by the bucket load . The Catholic Church is the only Christian church that still maintains its positions & boundaries & morality and that’s why it has been so appealing to a younger generation in search of stability & Truth. Believing in God, believing in salvation history is the hardest most demanding engagement we can have as humans and the price is our soul & being on the right side of eternity. It’s not the Shangri-la -it asks of a real & active relationship with God.
And then some rediscover the Reformed Confessions from the 16th Century. Our church uses them every week.
Confession is the most underrated Sacrament in the ancient Church. Penance/Reconciliation is soul cleansing.
A good book to read for anyone exploring Christianity is Tom Holland’s ‘Dominion’ (2019). Tom is a British historian of antiquity, raised Anglican, went atheist, and through study of the ancients returned to Christianity, writing this treasure of a book, recounting how revolutionary Christianity has been on our human race:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43885149-dominion
Seems you are Roman. I am Reformed. Old school not modern. Then we also have Eastern Orthodoxy. Let’s try not to confuse Sasha.
Don't forget Coptic, & Maronite Christians, & Russian Orthodox, many flavors! And many more....
I know. I think we shouldn’t confuse Sasha right now.
We are all tuned into the same message, just different channels of expression. It’s all about the Passion 😀
These days I actually attend 2 services. Roman Catholic Mass 1st, by myself, it’s my origin faith. And then later in AM an Evangelical service with my wife, where we read direct from scripture. I enjoy the liturgy of the Mass the most, with its emphasis and hyper focus on the Memorial of our spotless victim.
We are not evangelicals in the way folks think with rock n roll bands and laptop computers. The centerpiece of our worship is the exposition of the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. We share the same ecumenical creeds and councils as the Roman church through the Council of Chalcedon. We both part with the Eastern church over the Nicene Creed’s Filioque , four words. I have experienced the Divine Liturgy at a Syrian orthodox worship service. It is beautiful. I prefer the simplicity of Calvinist worship.
I read Dominion-excellent
I would point you to the Roman Catholic Church. It’s perfectly imperfect. Just as Jesus encounters us. Becoming a Catholic as an adult involves 29 weeks of classes/study, 1.5 hours every week called OCIA:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Christian_Initiation_of_Adults
Everyone is welcome to a Catholic Mass. Just do not receive the Eucharist until fully initiated. Prior to this time walk to altar w/ other parishioners and cross arms, receive blessing instead.
You're on the road. Don't be afraid. Did you read the book I sent you a few years back, A Case For Christ? Also read C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity........
Mere Christianity will answer questions you didn't even know you had, Sasha. ❤️
CS Lewis’s Screwtape Letters is a humorous version of the same message, if you like Brittish humor--somewhat farsical. But good.
I have read them both. Both are invaluable for anyone exploring Christianity.
Well, and the Prologue of John, which sums it all up
Thank you! This should be interesting.
Meanwhile, do you have an update on Jasper?
You think you are seeking God.
The real story is God is seeking you.
As C.S. Lewis put it, Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
Yes, and Mr. Lewis also said that Jesus can only be one of three things: either a liar, a lunatic, or The Lord. And if you read his words in the bible, you will come to know The Truth.
Pretty much sums it up. I would a lot better face death knowing there is a God that loves me and I am saved through Jesus. Better than wishing I had killed more Infidels.
C.S. Lewis: "Christianity, if false, is of no importance"
I don't see how that claim is accurate. True or not, Christianity had a profound influence on the West, which had a profound influence on the world. Or is he saying that the world by itself is of no importance?
(I'm assuming that by "is false", Lewis means "Christ does not exist".)
Well quoted!
Our situation in the world today is less a political battle, more a spiritual battle. The sooner we understand this, the sooner we will be able to right the ship of civilization.
Commendations galore! I am a pretty religious guy - 10 commandments(with the details behind them) - and still don't believe in organized religion and their monetizing ways. Catholic Charities are the leading org - with YOUR taxpayer money - fueling illegal immigration. Obama brought on that 'funding'(billions of your money) in 2014....
I am an engineer so I was brought up on replicating tests to prove theory and I couldn't square something I couldn't see. Faith. That is what brought me around. I have faith that my wife will not cheat on me based on 33 years of togetherness. I have faith that there is God and Jesus went through a lot on our behalf.
Our oldest daughter is about to give birth to her third at the age of 25 with a wonderful husband and is coming around on the word faith.
Nobody expects you to 'convert', Sasha, just be yourself and see what happens as you have good instincts.
So glad that you are increasing your interest in Christianity. I've been praying for you since I discovered your Substack. Christianity is very unfashionable with our woke betters, of course, but it's true.
C.S. Lewis “Mere Christianity” is a game changer. He talks about the true Christ and what that means for each of us.
He does not talk of the niceties and social issues that keep modern Sunday offering plate full of money.
Sasha, I can't wait to listen to this podcast. I'm a Christian. As you may know, many Christians love Judaism and the vital part it plays in Christian belief. I am one of them. Judeo-Christian morality is a pillar of Western Civilization (along with the Law, politics, and art of Greco-Roman tradition being the other pillars). Woke thought has infiltrated both Judaism and Christianity, but there are so many left who will fight for the values set forth first by the 10 Commandments. Thank you for your willingness to look at the only values that can save Western Civilization. PS, I am a HS History teacher who has fought, and been attacked, for teaching what used to be normal but is now reviled.
God could have chosen any race of people to reveal Himself. Could have been the Chinese or Ethiopians. But he chose the Jews/tribes of Israel. This reveal is called the era of Revelation, which came after the era of Creation. We are now in the era of Salvation and His invitation is available to both Jews and non Jews (Gentiles).
"God could have chosen any race of people to reveal Himself."
I never understood why God, having inspired the bible, didn't inspire other Israel-oriented bibles around the world, each written in a local native tongue, to identify who the chosen people are. It seems that God's having the tribe that is chosen be the only tribe to start distributing the book that *says* they are chosen doesn't seem like the best strategy... but then, that's why I'm asking. I can't understand it. It could be one of the main reasons Christianity, after 2000 years, has still not taken over the entire world, but still less than 30%.
Anyway, I'll just say there's a *lot* of things I don't understand about Christianity, and I was raised Christian... and kicked out for asking questions.
Us mere humans don’t understand all the ways of our Creator. Nor do I think, are we designed to. One could reasonably ask why it took so long for God to send the world His only begotten Son. I don’t pretend to know or understand the answer to that. I’m only thankful that I was chosen to live in the era of Salvation, and given free will.
The idea of fundamental human rights (based on the fact that we are all humans and therefore all equal which we assume almost without thinking) - are based on Christian ideals and utterly alien to pre-Christian cultures like the Persians, Greeks and Romans.
I recently re-read the Odyssey and then went to watch Nolan’s movie of the same title. I was struck by Homer’s poem having very few Christian values in it (the genocide of both suitors and slaves at end as an example - this occurred in poem but not on screen). Nolan, obviously impacted by Christianity, brought to the film morality that came from Christianity, because he knows his culture/audience. And therefore Nolan’s Odysseus character had regret about the sacking Troy, and even handed over his kingship to his son, Telemachus. Both of which don’t occur in the ancient Greek epic.
This is evidence of just how deep Christianity morality has penetrated Western culture, for even those not actively practicing Christianity, are (beneficiaries) of its revolution upon the world.
"Us mere humans don’t understand all the ways of our Creator."
That may be so, but it seems impossible to know the ways that are actually *true*, unless you are willing to trust hallucinations. In other words, I'm stuck at understanding the people who are *telling* us what are "the ways of our Creator". As far as I can tell, the only things that actually exist are, well... godmongers.
So I do wish some God would open up the heavens to everyone and just yell out something -- anything -- like: "I'm here! And, for the record, you're to read & believe KJB, and check in with Dr. Graham for details! Over and out!" All it would take is 10 seconds, and boy, you *know* you would have 99% conversion practically on the spot! Why does he continue to allow 70% of the world to be condemned to being excluded from heaven?
The Biblical text is rich and nuanced. It’s our guidepost for living a good life 👍🏼
Way too much of it doesn't make sense to me. As in, I don't even know what it's telling me, never mind who it was that wrote it.
So interesting, Sasha. I think there is a lot to be said for wanting to understand where we came from and what that might mean.
Love it, Sasha, you are closer than you think. I have been reading your articles since your interview with Glenn Beck and I have noticed a lot of grow in your faith. The Lord will continue to draw you to himself. He did it for me. Praying!
I think a healthy pursuit and goal in life is the heart and mind posture of a lifelong learner.
One of the main draws to listening to and reading your posts, Sasha, was and is still so, your dogged pursuit of true truth (to quote Francis Schaeffer.) Just keep truckin' on...
"Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me
Other times I can barely see
Lately it occurs to me
What a long, strange trip it's been."
“Round, round robin run round, got to get back to where you belong,
Little bit harder, just a little bit more,
A little bit further than you gone before.
The wheel is turning and you can't slow down
You can't let go and you can't hold on,
You can't go back and you can't stand still,
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will.
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod,
Big wheel turn by the grace of God,
Every time that wheel turn 'round,
Bound to cover just a little more ground.”
I was raised a Baptist and married a Catholic. It took me 36 years to formally join the Catholic church whjich happened last year, and now I am Faith Director of our Knights of Columbus Council. Faith does not man certainty. If it was certain, there could not be faith. Catholics pray for '"those asleep in the HOPE of resurrection."
There is ambiguity between that and praying for deliverance into Heaven "at the hour of our death." The interesting thing is that if you live according to religious principles, your fear of death goes away. The real fear of death is by those who have lived in defiance of their conscience and are afraid the Devil is going to get them when they die.
Well, if they die separated from God they are not going uptown.
The Catholics have Purgatory where they can practice doing better before they advance. It's kinda like summer school for the soul.
Purgatory is a human invention. I know the verse in 1 Corinthians which someone may tell you to point to, but that verse doesn't imply purgation. It does show us the graciousness of God, who is faithful to save Christians whose lives after conversion may not have been impressive spiritually.
"...where they can practice doing better before they advance."
That shows me that while you may believe the indispensable thing, that Jesus Christ is The Second Person of the Triune Godhead made Incarnate, you haven't understood that salvation is a gift. It CAN'T be earned. Ephesians 2:8,9.
You can't "grow" into it. You can't make yourself "worthy" of it, although Christians are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This means that as a Christian matures spiritually, he wears his faith more becomingly as he is transformed subtly to be more and more like Jesus Christ. This glorifies God and tends to draw to us people whom God is on the hunt for, and to whom we can witness with inarguable credibility.
Please read The Gospel of John and The Epistle to the Romans, chapter one through five.
"Purgatory is a human invention."
From what I can tell, *everything* (i.e. every human perception) is a human "invention". I suspect you will agree that every human is, necessarily and irreversibly, limited and fallible, right? Unfortunately, that limitation must then apply to every human concept, such as the concept of God, no matter how powerful the illusions otherwise. Protagoras was onto this, and Socrates, in his own way, confirmed it.
You are wrong but I’m not engaging further.
That's not an answer anyone can respect.
A five year old can say that.
That’s the glorious beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Alan and Cristina: Christ’s perfect (sinless) sacrifice provides the perfection God’s righteousness and justice demands…there is nothing we can do or add to achieve perfection, the Father credits the Son’s perfection to us through the covering of our sins by His very blood. It is our faith in His Son and acceptance of the Gift of Salvation that provides our access to Almighty God and Eternal Life with Him and all fellow believers. It is a choice. We do not have license to sin, however; graciously God has provided us a “Paraclete,” an advocate, through the Holy Spirit to enable us to live righteously (sanctification) though we will still make choices to sin—requiring repentance—until we receive our new eternal bodies. Stay in and study the Word, and though we recognize there are many false religions and theologies, find a church family that teaches the complete Word of God, the Bible, from cover to cover. Maranatha!✝️
https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-answers/imperfect-people-in-heaven
It’s not like summer school-😂 It’s a place where most of us will go to in order to purify our souls so we can enter Paradise in total purity & love. None of us are holy & pure enough to enter Heaven immediately-maybe Mother Theresa and some select few.
Cristina, I come close to despair when I read comments like yours. I am as ready to enter Heaven at this moment as I ever will be because God sees me in Jesus Christ. He doesn't see Bobby Lime, sinner.
Do you understand that if left to ourselves, "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags?"
Thank God for the Reformation.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s possible for one to make a decision to believe, even in the face of much doubt. There is a reason people refer to a “leap of faith”. And on one side of the chasm is hope and on the other is side despair and nihilism.
About a year ago, Sasha, I mailed you two books about Christianity that had a big impact on me! I hope you received them and might one day read them (by Henri Nouwen and Max Lucado). I have been praying for you since they were mailed!