On 2008-07-21, 1st Century Apostolic Traditionalist UK.RC <"broadband [remove] 1234"@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
> Not today, Staurt.
> The Holy Spirit is proved to be not given today, by all the contradictory 
> sects, each claim it's guidance, then all do things completely differently, 
> both of each other and especially against what the Apostles taught was the 
> only Truth to be obeyed.
>

How would you recognise this Holy Spirit anyway? (Not just Jeff)

I was involved this weekend in a church run event aimed at younger
children all about such things and it focused on what to me seemed
the much more practical and maybe even useful side of religion. It
described the attributes of "the spirit" or at least someone who had
it - "Fruit of the spirit" from Galations is it? Having heard them put
to music repeatedly I should be able to remember them. It involved
practical exercises covering ideas like sharing, helping others, working
together.

This seemed a world away from the arguing we see elsewhere like here. This
was basic being a Generally Decent Person, loving others, all good stuff.
Yes the theology was very Christian where it came from. I was happy to
understand it as "Christianity is _a_ way" as "Christianity is _the_
way" was not enforced and it wouldn't make sense to be for that audience.

The only thing I queried myself was Joy as I'd tend to try to relate it
to the concept of sharing in others' joy - the opposite of jealousy. It
was presented as joy in your own achievement with love as the antidote
to stop you lording it over others.

> "37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him 
> acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of 
> the Lord." 1 Cor 14:37 (KJV)

Quite a challenge because that seems to say "Ask who you want and they'll
agree with me". What things was he referring to?

 - Richard