Fugelsang's wisdom and incisive understanding of Scripture and real life are a great treasure, and each time I watch his material I feel very affirmed in my own faith as a leftist Orthodox Christian.
I agree with Mr Fugelsang. If there is anything I can’t stand it what I call pseudo Christians. You know the type. The ones who spend all day Sunday in church and go to bible study yet are totally clueless when it comes to the teachings of Jesus. The ones that have no kindness and compassion in their hearts. My younger sister is one of those people I just described. I really like and agree with what he has to say. ✌️❤️
Same here Lee -- I really appreciate you listening. I continually working to be the kind of Christian that I believe Jesus wants me to be. There are a lot of us out there!!! Take care!
I was lucky enough to have a "progressive" teacher who was a nun. She actually took us as a class to a service at a synogogue, mosque, baptist, methodist, even Pentecostal (which actually scared the hootchimamas out of us) houses of worship. As an impressionable 12-year-old I was fascinated! She told us "It is only when you experience all that there is to offer that you can choose the right religion for you. The only wrong way to worship God is when you make your way the only way and force it on someone else. If Catholicism is right for you, you will return to it and value it more."
A disciple was hesitant to give man help, Christ said when someone asks for your coat give him your shirt also. My thoughts on all of this are simple. My grandfather told me when I was young, Simplicity is elegance. It is beautiful and in LOVE. No judgment you can't see their life or problems. You can't judge whether someone is worthy of money, or handouts. You give what you can and if you believe then God takes it from there.
"Hating yourself is an insult to God." is perfect for me. I was suicidal, yet believed that being suicidal is spitting in God's face. Thus guilt and shame pulled me down further. Thank God that many people helped me climb out of the pit. This was a beautiful conversation. Thank you both.
Hi! I grew up a Southern Baptist AND I’m a registered Democrat! If I had a dollar for every person (conservative) who tells me I can only be a Christian OR a Democrat-not both! 🤣 The thing is, I haven’t been involved with church in many years. Jesus Is my Lord & Savior & follow His teachings. Someone said to me last week they didn’t think I was religious because I vote as Democrat. I just look at them & smile. Who am I to judge? Vengeance belongs to the Lord. 😍
Hang in there Mark Smeby. Communicating the actual "Good News" of Christ can't be messed up, and you'd never know that what you say here deeply moved someone, or opened someone's mind to truth. Helping people relate to Christ and see His spirit within themselves is beautiful, whether they run to be baptized or not.
Love the Fugelsang. I spent some time in China with Taoist monks and nuns and that is a good religion for women, you have the yin and yang balance. Everyone is equal.
I was fortunate to know John Shelby Spong in the 90s when he was my bishop. I'm pleased but not surprised to hear you mention him, John. I love you on Steph. Stay well and keep doing what you do.
I love this! I just came upon this gem. Thank you. ❤Your views about Jesus are how I view Jesus when I read the Bible. He was a progressive who taught about love and helping others. I don’t understand how many Fundamentalist Christians don’t see this and have created their own white Jesus who hates progressive views, women, people of color, LGBQT+, immigrants, etc. This is nothing like how he was portrayed in the Bible.
Good afternoon from the glorious SF Bay Area. Love, love, love, we're on the same team and it feels good to find others who grew up with Christianity and have moved on without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I follow Jesus and his teachings, Jesus was not a Christian.
Thank you for this, Mark. In a dark place & I’m surprised how this helped me. Things you said helped me as much as things John said. You seem like a lovely person. ♥️🙋♀️
Just listening to the end part of this interview, John talks so much sense…and as the songwriter Larry Norman penned…What a mess the World is in , I wonder who began it, don’t ask me, I’m only visiting this Planet,. Cracking interview .
"The miracles in your scriptures are superstitious fairy tales,but the miracles in my scriptures are all literal truth". The majority of people have no more control over the faith they were brought up in than they do over what language they speak. I was a fundamentalist in my teens,had a painful crisis of faith at 21,then spent decades studying Comparative Religion. There's always a silly side to all religion, along side the deepest cravings of the human heart. I'm grateful for many religious people. Fanatics are who to beware of. John is one of the funniest AND smartest people on Earth,and I thoroughly enjoy how he defends Jesus' teaching while skewering fanatics. Too often it seems the quickest way to become everything Jesus preached against is to first become a Christian.
Wow!! Thanks Mark! I’ve also read the books you’ve named today and they all helped me to make sense of my relationship with Jesus!! It’s such a comfort to know I’m not alone!🙏🏻😍
ok, I'm almost 20 minutes into this. 2 things, 1. I really appreciate the fact that the host responded to some of the comments. I doubt that that will happen with my comments. {An aside, does youtube foster discussion or simply channel it?} 2. JF, I think, had the same epiphany that I have had and have on daily basis, the universe does not really care much about any of us or any one of us. It's just there/here doing its thing.
Hi Christopher! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and reply. It means a lot. To your 2nd point, that's a topic of great discussion among great minds for centuries, if not, millennia. For me, I find this "God" force to somehow be intimately involved in my life..example after example...and at other times, completely silent. There's no way to predict...which I guess leads to a lessening of control, and more a leaning into faith...for me.
Mr. Fugelsang's joke about the Transitioning of Eve is great and I found another. The word spirit in Aramaic is female in gender, neutral in Greek, and masculine in Latin. The female spirit Christ blesses us with as a comforter becomes the part of God that got left behind to watch over and punish. Instead of the mother in whose arms we can feel safe, we get the carnival barkers mocking her by faking her gifts. I believe the one unpardonable sin is the mocking of the Holy Spirit. Oops.
"we'll never know how many rapes, murders ..were prevented by the fear of hell" ! ! ! Quite the weakest argument for religion I've heard (lately). How many murdering raping humanists are there in the record?
It wasn't an argument for religion, you missed the point. Just that those of us who did grow up with a moral compass - and conscience try not to commit bad stuff - we are all too aware of the consequences - not legal, but I guess you wouldn't understand that
Fugelsang's wisdom and incisive understanding of Scripture and real life are a great treasure, and each time I watch his material I feel very affirmed in my own faith as a leftist Orthodox Christian.
I love this Rebecca- thank you for watching!
I agree with Mr Fugelsang. If there is anything I can’t stand it what I call pseudo Christians. You know the type. The ones who spend all day Sunday in church and go to bible study yet are totally clueless when it comes to the teachings of Jesus. The ones that have no kindness and compassion in their hearts. My younger sister is one of those people I just described. I really like and agree with what he has to say. ✌️❤️
Agreed❤
Same here Lee -- I really appreciate you listening. I continually working to be the kind of Christian that I believe Jesus wants me to be. There are a lot of us out there!!! Take care!
Hypochristian
There's too much to relate for this forum, Look at what happened to The Story Book Jesus, They didn't follow him For 600 Years.
I was lucky enough to have a "progressive" teacher who was a nun. She actually took us as a class to a service at a synogogue, mosque, baptist, methodist, even Pentecostal (which actually scared the hootchimamas out of us) houses of worship. As an impressionable 12-year-old I was fascinated! She told us "It is only when you experience all that there is to offer that you can choose the right religion for you. The only wrong way to worship God is when you make your way the only way and force it on someone else. If Catholicism is right for you, you will return to it and value it more."
I love this! Thank you Susanne!! Thanks for listening - Mark
A disciple was hesitant to give man help, Christ said when someone asks for your coat give him your shirt also. My thoughts on all of this are simple. My grandfather told me when I was young, Simplicity is elegance. It is beautiful and in LOVE. No judgment you can't see their life or problems. You can't judge whether someone is worthy of money, or handouts. You give what you can and if you believe then God takes it from there.
This is beautiful! Thank you Judy! I appreciate you watching our conversation! Mark
I'm loving and resognating with the message that John is giving.
Yes me too! Thank you for listening Jan!! Mark
"Hating yourself is an insult to God." is perfect for me. I was suicidal, yet believed that being suicidal is spitting in God's face. Thus guilt and shame pulled me down further. Thank God that many people helped me climb out of the pit. This was a beautiful conversation. Thank you both.
I really appreciate you sharing this Ellen -- I completely understand. Thank you for taking the time to watch our conversation. God bless you!
I listened and appreciated this conversation
Thank you so much for listening & writing Ruff!! I appreciate it!!
Hi! I grew up a Southern Baptist AND I’m a registered Democrat! If I had a dollar for every person (conservative) who tells me I can only be a Christian OR a Democrat-not both! 🤣 The thing is, I haven’t been involved with church in many years. Jesus Is my Lord & Savior & follow His teachings. Someone said to me last week they didn’t think I was religious because I vote as Democrat. I just look at them & smile. Who am I to judge? Vengeance belongs to the Lord. 😍
Hi Sonia!! Thanks for watching! And for sharing some of your story!!! You rock.
Great conversation. I love the thoughtfulness and compassion you guys have.
Thank you so much for watching Edward!! I really appreciate it!! Mark
Hang in there Mark Smeby. Communicating the actual "Good News" of Christ can't be messed up, and you'd never know that what you say here deeply moved someone, or opened someone's mind to truth. Helping people relate to Christ and see His spirit within themselves is beautiful, whether they run to be baptized or not.
Thank you Jeff! I appreciate you watching and dropping this encouragement! God bless you!
@@mroycemusic I'd say it back, but it's apparent in the light flowing through your enthusiasm and joy that He does.
@@jeffcampbell1555 Thank you!
Love to all!!! Life is love❤️😍💖
Thank you Angel!
@@mroycemusic my pleasure love❤️😍💖❣️
Love the Fugelsang. I spent some time in China with Taoist monks and nuns and that is a good religion for women, you have the yin and yang balance. Everyone is equal.
Thank you so much for listening Michael!! Yeah he's definitely one in a million!
I was fortunate to know John Shelby Spong in the 90s when he was my bishop. I'm pleased but not surprised to hear you mention him, John.
I love you on Steph. Stay well and keep doing what you do.
Thank you so much for listening to our conversation, N Z. I appreciate it!
I love this! I just came upon this gem. Thank you. ❤Your views about Jesus are how I view Jesus when I read the Bible. He was a progressive who taught about love and helping others. I don’t understand how many Fundamentalist Christians don’t see this and have created their own white Jesus who hates progressive views, women, people of color, LGBQT+, immigrants, etc. This is nothing like how he was portrayed in the Bible.
I'm so happy you did Donna!! Thank you so much! Mark
💕 I love him 💕
Yes!! me too! thanks for watching! Mark
I think this is the best video I have watched in the last 6 yrs. thank you. You both have a new fan.
Thank you so much Peggy - I really appreciate you watching & sending your kind words!! Mark
Good afternoon from the glorious SF Bay Area. Love, love, love, we're on the same team and it feels good to find others who grew up with Christianity and have moved on without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I follow Jesus and his teachings, Jesus was not a Christian.
Awesome! Great to hear from you & thanks for listening!!! Mark
Thank you for this, Mark. In a dark place & I’m surprised how this helped me. Things you said helped me as much as things John said. You seem like a lovely person. ♥️🙋♀️
Rock -- thank you so much for this encouragement. I'm sorry you're in a rough spot. I pray for relief soon for you. Much love: Mark
Just listening to the end part of this interview, John talks so much sense…and as the songwriter Larry Norman penned…What a mess the World is in , I wonder who began it, don’t ask me, I’m only visiting this Planet,. Cracking interview .
David! Thank you so much for listening and for this great comment!! Cheers! Mark
Great interview
Thank you Cyndi! I appreciate you watching our conversation! Mark
Very, very good interview!
Thank you so much for watching!! Mark
Freaking AWESOME interview. Thank you 😊 💓 ☺ 💗
Thank you so much for watching Grrace!!
@@mroycemusic 👍
"The miracles in your scriptures are superstitious fairy tales,but the miracles in my scriptures are all literal truth". The majority of people have no more control over the faith they were brought up in than they do over what language they speak. I was a fundamentalist in my teens,had a painful crisis of faith at 21,then spent decades studying Comparative Religion. There's always a silly side to all religion, along side the deepest cravings of the human heart. I'm grateful for many religious people. Fanatics are who to beware of. John is one of the funniest AND smartest people on Earth,and I thoroughly enjoy how he defends Jesus' teaching while skewering fanatics. Too often it seems the quickest way to become everything Jesus preached against is to first become a Christian.
Thank you for sharing this Frentes -- this is really great. I admire your journey. Thank you for watching our conversation! Mark
It's never crossed my mind to embrace authoritarianism (church)when life got difficult, but I pray to keep family and friends safe
Wow!! Thanks Mark! I’ve also read the books you’ve named today and they all helped me to make sense of my relationship with Jesus!! It’s such a comfort to know I’m not alone!🙏🏻😍
You're definitely not alone. :)
Thank You for the help in giving John a platform to reach a larger audience. You also seam to be on a well adjusted path as well. Peace/JT
Thanks for the kind words, John! I appreciate it! Mark
ok, I'm almost 20 minutes into this. 2 things, 1. I really appreciate the fact that the host responded to some of the comments. I doubt that that will happen with my comments. {An aside, does youtube foster discussion or simply channel it?} 2. JF, I think, had the same epiphany that I have had and have on daily basis, the universe does not really care much about any of us or any one of us. It's just there/here doing its thing.
Hi Christopher! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and reply. It means a lot. To your 2nd point, that's a topic of great discussion among great minds for centuries, if not, millennia. For me, I find this "God" force to somehow be intimately involved in my life..example after example...and at other times, completely silent. There's no way to predict...which I guess leads to a lessening of control, and more a leaning into faith...for me.
@@mroycemusic thanks for responding. I totally empathize.
@@christopherdaly1399 Thank you!
great interview - thanks
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching! Mark
Mr. Fugelsang's joke about the Transitioning of Eve is great and I found another. The word spirit in Aramaic is female in gender, neutral in Greek, and masculine in Latin. The female spirit Christ blesses us with as a comforter becomes the part of God that got left behind to watch over and punish. Instead of the mother in whose arms we can feel safe, we get the carnival barkers mocking her by faking her gifts. I believe the one unpardonable sin is the mocking of the Holy Spirit. Oops.
Thank you so much for watching!!! Mark
Leviticus sheesh 😂 you know how hard it is to stone all my neighbors mowing their lawns on the sabbath?!!
"we'll never know how many rapes, murders ..were prevented by the fear of hell" ! ! ! Quite the weakest argument for religion I've heard (lately). How many murdering raping humanists are there in the record?
Thank you for watching tms!
It wasn't an argument for religion, you missed the point. Just that those of us who did grow up with a moral compass - and conscience try not to commit bad stuff - we are all too aware of the consequences - not legal, but I guess you wouldn't understand that