Posted by Phil on September 08, 1999 at 09:03:00:
In Reply to: Dark Night Trippers posted by johnboy on September 01, 1999 at 17:27:36:
I have often wondered the same, John. But while I know there are people out there who live by implicit faith and who model unconditional love, I must say that I don't know many of them. I know that they must be there, at least as a statistical possibility, but I wonder?
Is it really possible for people to be so committed to morality and love and have no inclinations toward explicit faith, or to reject the transcendental implications of their own spirituality?
It seems more likely that journey-ers in explicit faith would "regress" to such a stance--especially during times when God seems absent. I've known such times--sort of, "Oh well, God seems to be on vacation, but morality and love still are the way to go anyway, regardless of heaven or hell." In time, my sense of God returns, for morality and love seem to move naturally toward their transcendent Source.
But, for sure, Jesus is with all people of good-will, regardless of their religious professions. And let us always be slow to judge the hearts of those who don't show up in the pews on Sunday mornings.
Peace,
Phil