The Law of Love

Tag: christianity

  • Near-Death Experiences and the Christian Framework — Validation or Cultural Lens?

    Chapter X: Near-Death Experiences and the Christian Framework — Validation or Cultural Lens?

    Introduction

    Christian themes appear as a central component in the majority of reported Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). While other religious traditions are sometimes represented, their presence is far less frequent, and in fact rare, and often more ambiguous. This raises an important question: Are NDEs inherently Christian in nature, or are they simply interpreted through a Christian lens due to cultural familiarity?

    One notable contribution to this discussion is Smith, J. (2020). Is Christianity Compatible with Near-Death Experiences? This book presents original research that quantitatively compares NDE accounts from Christians with those from individuals of other or no religious affiliations. I will add specific findings, data tables, and methodology from this study at a later stage. The findings were that Christian NDEs and themes happened at a higher rate than non-Christian themes, not just happening more, but at a higher rate. And, the themes representing Christianity were so common, that they could be considered a core component of NDE themes.

    Christian NDEs as a Core Expectation

    Smith’s study revealed a striking pattern: Christian-themed NDEs were not just common—they were overwhelmingly normative within the population of Christian experiencers. Common features included:

    • Encounters with Jesus Christ or angelic beings resembling biblical accounts
    • A sense of divine, unconditional love
    • A peaceful or heavenly environment consistent with Christian eschatological promises

    As Smith (2020) writes:

    “Among Christian NDErs, encounters with the person of Christ or Christian symbolism were so prevalent that they can be regarded as normative within this group, suggesting an experiential confirmation of Christian eschatology.”

    These findings have been interpreted by some scholars and theologians as experiential validation of Christianity’s teachings about the afterlife. If Christian symbols and figures appear with consistency and clarity in NDEs, some argue, it supports the idea that Christianity offers a unique alignment with spiritual reality.

    A Critical Reappraisal: Cultural Interpretation and Universal Mysticism

    However, these conclusions must be examined critically. Scholars like Kellehear (2014) and Timmerman (2022) emphasize that NDEs are deeply shaped by an individual’s religious and cultural background. A Christian experiencing an NDE is likely to interpret the experience using the imagery and language most familiar to them.

    This leads to a key counterpoint: the prevalence of Christian symbols may not confirm their objective truth, but rather reflect subjective interpretation. As Timmerman (2022) suggests, the experience may be “real,” but the interpretation is inevitably filtered through prior belief systems.

    Additionally, the relative rarity of non-Christian NDEs does not automatically discredit them. There may be significant underreporting, selection bias, or cultural barriers that affect how these experiences are shared and interpreted. Furthermore, many non-Christian traditions describe spiritual phenomena—such as transcendence, enlightenment, or post-mortem judgment—that parallel elements found in NDE accounts.

    Universal Features Across Traditions

    Despite doctrinal differences, many NDEs from all backgrounds contain strikingly similar core elements:

    • Encountering a bright or luminous presence
    • Experiencing overwhelming love and acceptance
    • Reviewing one’s life from a moral or relational perspective
    • Feeling unity with all existence or a return to a spiritual source

    These features, documented in foundational works by Moody (1975), Ring (1980), Greyson (2014), and van Lommel (2010), suggest that NDEs may reflect a universal mystical core, experienced through diverse religious and cultural filters.

    Thus, while Christian NDEs may provide powerful affirmation for believers, they do not by themselves validate Christian theology to the exclusion of all others.

    Conclusion

    The study of NDEs across religious lines reveals a dynamic interplay between spiritual reality and human interpretation. The frequency and coherence of Christian-themed NDEs support their experiential resonance within that tradition, yet the broader context of cross-cultural NDEs points to a more universal spiritual dimension.

    Rather than using NDEs to prove one tradition true over another, it may be more fruitful to view them as glimpses into transcendent realities—ones that invite continued humility, dialogue, and interdisciplinary exploration.

    References

    • Greyson, B. (2014). Near-Death Experiences and Religious Belief: A Critical Review. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 32(1), 3–19.
    • Kellehear, A. (2014). Experiencing Death and Dying. Routledge.
    • Moody, R. A. (1975). Life After Life. HarperCollins.
    • Ring, K. (1980). Life at Death: A Scientific Investigation of the Near-Death Experience. Harper & Row.
    • Smith, J. (2020). Is Christianity Compatible with Near-Death Experiences? [Publisher].
    • Timmerman, M. (2022). Cultural Contexts of Near-Death Experiences. Spirituality and Health Review, 9(2), 45–61.
    • van Lommel, P. (2010). Consciousness Beyond Life. HarperOne.

  • Some reflections on the illusion of separation of humans from God and creation: from Christian mystics, eastern Christianity, and those who have visited the afterlife

    🕊️ The Hidden Union: Christian Mysticism

    One of the most profound insights of Christian mysticism is this: union with God was never truly lost — only hidden.

    Mystics such as St. John of the Cross, Meister Eckhart, and St. Teresa of Avila describe the spiritual journey not as a quest to acquire something new, but as an unveiling of what has always been present: God’s indwelling presence in the soul. They teach that the sense of separation from God is an illusion born of ego, sin, distraction, or forgetfulness — not an ontological fact.

    Let’s explore how this insight unfolds through the voices of the mystics, then trace its reflection in Eastern Orthodoxy and near-death experience (NDE) accounts.

    🌑 St. John of the Cross (1542–1591)

    Theme: Hidden Union — The Dark Night Reveals the Light

    St. John of the Cross’s mystical theology reveals that God is already present in the soul, though often veiled. His well-known concept of the dark night of the soul is not about abandonment, but purification — a stripping away that allows the soul to perceive the hidden union more clearly.

    “The soul… is never without God, but God is not always with the soul through grace.”
    — Spiritual Canticle, Stanza 12

    “God is like the air we breathe: always present, but we only feel it when everything else is removed.”
    — Ascent of Mount Carmel

    “The soul… though He is within her, does not possess Him fully… The soul must go forth from itself, inwardly and outwardly, in order to enter into this divine union.”
    — The Living Flame of Love

    🌌 Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328)

    Theme: The Ground of the Soul is God

    Meister Eckhart boldly proclaimed that the core of the soul is already one with God — a depth he called the Seelengrund, or “ground of the soul.” His vision of spirituality focuses on stripping away illusion and ego to perceive the divine already within.

    “The eye with which I see God is the same eye with which God sees me.”
    — Sermon 16

    “God is at home, it is we who have gone out for a walk.”
    — Sermon on Luke 10:38-42

    “You need not seek Him here or there, for He is no further than the door of your heart.”
    — German Sermons

    “There is nothing so much like God as silence.”
    — In the stillness beyond ego and intellect, the eternal union is revealed.

    🏰 St. Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

    Theme: The Interior Castle — God Dwells Within

    St. Teresa’s Interior Castle maps the soul’s inner world as a mansion with many rooms. At its center lies God. Her mysticism calls not for reaching outward, but journeying inward to discover the divine already present.

    “All the harm comes from not truly understanding that God is near, but rather imagining Him far away.”
    — Interior Castle, First Mansions

    “The soul… need not go far to find God. Nor need she raise her voice. For God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.”
    — Interior Castle, Fourth Mansions

    “It is foolish to think that we will enter heaven without entering into ourselves.”
    — Way of Perfection

    ✨ Summary: The Illusion of Separation

    Across centuries and cultures, Christian mystics declare the same truth:

    • God is not absent; the soul is distracted or veiled.
    • Union with God is our original state.
    • Spiritual growth is about removing what blocks our awareness of this truth.

    This view is echoed in the writings of modern contemplatives like Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, and Cynthia Bourgeault, who remind us that the spiritual path is not toward union, but toward the realization that union is already present.

    🕊️ Eastern Orthodoxy: Union Hidden, Not Lost

    Eastern Orthodox theology revolves around theosis — the gradual transformation of the human person into the likeness of God. It teaches that God dwells in the soul from the beginning, and that sin and ego only obscure this presence. Like the mystics, Orthodoxy sees the spiritual journey as awakening to what is already within.

    🔹 St. Gregory of Nyssa (4th c.)

    “The divine is in everything by essence and power… The soul, purified, returns to its natural beauty, and in that beauty, God is seen.”
    — On the Soul and Resurrection

    🔹 St. Maximus the Confessor (7th c.)

    “The Logos became man so that man might become God… God and the soul are not distant — only the passions make us feel far.”
    — Ambigua

    🔹 St. Seraphim of Sarov (18th c.)

    “Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and a thousand around you will be saved… The true aim of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit.”

    In his famous conversation with Motovilov in the snowy forest, Seraphim said:

    “We are in God, and God is in us… Do you not feel the peace and joy? That is the Holy Spirit within you.”

    🔹 The Philokalia (Orthodox mystical writings)

    The Philokalia teaches repeatedly that God is already present — we must simply purify the heart:

    “The kingdom of heaven is within you. Cleanse yourself, and you will see the throne of grace in your heart.”
    — St. Isaac the Syrian

    ☀️ Near-Death Experiences: The Veil is Lifted

    In near-death experiences (NDEs), many describe not discovering God, but remembering God — as if waking from amnesia. These accounts often sound remarkably similar to mystical theology, reinforcing the idea that we are never truly separate from God.

    🔸 Return to Divine Presence

    “I didn’t go somewhere else — I remembered who I was. I realized I’d never really left God. I had just forgotten.”
    — Anita Moorjani (NDE survivor)

    “It felt like going home, not to a place, but to a being — to love itself. I realized we are never separated from God, only unaware.”
    — Dr. Eben Alexander (Proof of Heaven)

    🔸 Loss of Ego Reveals Union

    “When my ego fell away, all that was left was light — and that light was love. It was not outside me. It was me, and more.”
    — NDERF account

    “The veil of forgetfulness is what separates us from the Divine. But it’s so thin — one breath and it’s gone.”
    — Howard Storm (atheist professor turned Christian after NDE)

    🔗 Conclusion: Orthodoxy + Mysticism + NDEs = Remembering Our True Union

    Whether in the ancient teachings of Orthodox saints, the ecstatic insights of Christian mystics, or the soul-stirring accounts of near-death experiencers, the message is the same:

    • The soul is already united with God.
    • Separation is an illusion caused by forgetfulness or ego.
    • Spiritual awakening is about remembering who we are — and who God has always been to us.

    “You were never truly separated from God. You just forgot who you are.”

  • is it compatible with Christianity to think it’s only an illusion that we are separate from God, other people, and creation? The illusion of separation and illusion of duality

    The “illusion of separation” is an idea that can be made compatible with Christianity, though it requires interpreting some Christian concepts in a more mystical or contemplative way.

    What the “Illusion of Separation” Means

    In the afterlife/NDE (near-death experience) or spiritual awakening community, the illusion of separation typically refers to the mistaken belief that:

    • We are separate from God
    • We are separate from each other
    • We are separate from the whole of creation

    This idea comes from the sense that, at a soul level, all is one — that we are always united with divine love, but we forget or are unaware of this unity while in the physical, ego-centered world.

    Christianity and the Illusion of Separation

    Traditional Christianity doesn’t use the phrase “illusion of separation,” but many of its deeper teachings align with it, especially in mystical and contemplative traditions. Here’s how:

    1. Imago Dei (Image of God)

    Genesis 1:27 says humans are made in the image of God. This implies an inherent connection, not distance. The Eastern Orthodox tradition especially emphasizes the divine spark within. Jesus even made reference to this spark within humans when he said “ye are gods’, in response to naysayers saying that he shouldn’t reference himself as the Son of God.

    2. God’s Immanence and Omnipresence

    Christianity teaches that God is everywhere and that we “live and move and have our being” in Him (Acts 17:28). This means separation is not ultimate, even if it feels real.

    3. Mystical Union with God

    Christian mystics like St. John of the Cross, Meister Eckhart, and St. Teresa of Avila describe the soul’s journey as one of reuniting with God — but often say this union was never truly lost, only hidden.

    • For example, Julian of Norwich wrote:
      “We are not just made by God, we are made of God.”

    4. The Fall as a Loss of Awareness

    The story of Adam and Eve is often interpreted as a fall into duality — a state of being where we believe we’re separate from God. Jesus, then, is seen as the one who reveals the truth of our ongoing union with the Father.

    • Luke 17:21: “The kingdom of God is within you.”

    5. Jesus as the Bridge — or Reminder

    Christians see Jesus as the one who restores the broken relationship between humanity and God. In mystical terms, He can also be seen as one who reveals that the separation was never absolute — it was our sin, fear, and ignorance that made it seem so.

    Possible Points of Tension

    Some Christians may object to the idea that separation is an “illusion,” especially if it seems to downplay:

    • The reality of sin
    • The need for redemption
    • The distinction between Creator and creation

    But mystical Christianity doesn’t deny these — it reframes them. Sin becomes not just rule-breaking, but forgetfulness of who we are in God. Salvation becomes a waking up to divine love.

    Summary

    ConceptNDE/Spiritual ViewCompatible Christian View
    Illusion of SeparationWe’re never truly apart from God or each otherGod is always present; union is our true state (Acts 17:28, mystics)
    SinForgetting our divine natureMissing the mark, living unaware of God’s love
    SalvationRemembering who we really areReconciliation, restoration, waking up to grace
    Ego vs. SoulEgo believes in separation“Die to self” (Luke 9:23), “Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20)

    If you’re leaning toward a synthesis of Christian spirituality with unitive or mystical experience, this concept could deepen your understanding of grace, love, and the human journey. You’re not abandoning Christianity — you’re plumbing its mystical depths.

  • Some themes taught to us by near-death experiences and how they reconcile with Christian teachings

    -Near Death Experiences (NDEs), individuals report a strong sense of having a mission or purpose—something they need to accomplish upon returning to life. This mission often becomes a pivotal reason why they are “sent back” or choose to return. Here are some recurring themes regarding this “mission” across NDE accounts:

    ⸻

    1. Service to Others

    Many experiencers are told or intuitively sense that their purpose involves helping others—whether through love, healing, teaching, or simply being a presence of compassion in the world. • Example: “You must return and help others awaken.” • Common roles: caregiver, teacher, counselor, peacemaker.

    ⸻

    2. Spiritual Growth or Learning

    Some are told their soul hasn’t completed its lessons. Their mission is to continue learning through human experiences like love, loss, patience, or forgiveness. • Example: “You haven’t yet learned what you came to learn.” • This ties to the idea of Earth as a school for the soul.

    ⸻

    3. Sharing the Experience

    A significant number of NDErs feel compelled to share what they saw—often about the reality of the afterlife, the existence of unconditional love, and the illusion of separation. • They might write books, speak publicly, or simply become more open about spirituality in everyday life.

    ⸻

    4. Being a Light in Darkness

    Even without a concrete task, some are told to “just be”—radiate love, live authentically, and influence others through presence rather than action. • Example: “Your light is needed.”

    ⸻

    5. Specific Tasks or Visions

    Occasionally, experiencers receive detailed instructions or visions about future events, inventions, social movements, or even warnings of global challenges. • This happens more often in prophetic NDEs (e.g., Dannion Brinkley’s experience).

    ⸻

    6. A Mission Without Words

    Some say they weren’t given a verbal message, but returned with a deep knowing—a soul-level compass pointing toward their life’s purpose

    Christian tie in

    This rich pattern of *mission-oriented near-death experiences (NDEs)* finds strong resonance with Christian theology and biblical teachings. While the Bible doesn’t directly describe NDEs in modern terms, many of the **themes NDErs report—mission, love, learning, light, and purpose—are deeply woven into Scripture** and Christian understanding of life, death, and the soul’s journey.

    Here’s how each of these NDE mission themes connects to the Bible and Christian theology:

    —

    NDE Connection to Christianity:

    ### **1. Service to Others**

    > *“You must return and help others awaken.”*

    **Biblical tie-in:**

    * Jesus models and commands service:

      > “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — *Matthew 20:28*

      > “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — *John 13:34*

    * Paul teaches the use of spiritual gifts for building up others:

      > “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” — *1 Peter 4:10*

    **Theological insight:**

    In Christianity, love is not just an emotion—it’s mission. NDE accounts of being sent back to serve align with the *agape* love central to Christian ethics. Returning NDErs often embody the *diakonia* (Greek for “service”) at the heart of Christian discipleship.

    —

    ### **2. Spiritual Growth or Learning**

    > *“You haven’t yet learned what you came to learn.”*

    **Biblical tie-in:**

    * Earthly life is a refining journey:

      > “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — *James 1:2–4*

    * Growth in virtues like patience, forgiveness, humility is part of sanctification:

      > “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — *2 Peter 3:18*

    **Theological insight:**

    Christian theology speaks of *theosis* (in the Eastern tradition)—the lifelong process of becoming like God. NDE accounts that frame life as a “school for the soul” echo this understanding of *spiritual maturation* through earthly experience. Earth becomes a sacred space for the soul’s transformation.

    —

    ### **3. Sharing the Experience**

    > *“They feel compelled to share what they saw.”*

    **Biblical tie-in:**

    * The apostles’ encounters with the risen Christ compelled testimony:

      > “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” — *Acts 4:20*

    * Paul’s own “caught up to the third heaven” experience (possibly an NDE-like vision):

      > “Whether in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.” — *2 Corinthians 12:2–4*

    **Theological insight:**

    The pattern of divine encounter leading to testimony mirrors the prophetic tradition. Many NDErs echo biblical prophets and apostles who felt divinely called to share what was revealed to them—not to prove a doctrine, but to awaken others to God’s reality, love, and nearness.

    —

    ### **4. Being a Light in Darkness**

    > *“Just be—your light is needed.”*

    **Biblical tie-in:**

    * Jesus:

      > “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” — *Matthew 5:14–16*

    * Paul:

      > “Live as children of light.” — *Ephesians 5:8*

    **Theological insight:**

    This reflects the contemplative stream of Christianity—*being* as mission. Saints and mystics (e.g., St. Seraphim of Sarov) taught that radiating God’s presence transforms the world quietly but powerfully. In this view, the soul itself becomes a *sacrament*—a visible sign of divine grace.

    —

    ### **5. Specific Tasks or Visions**

    > *“Some are shown future events or inventions.”*

    **Biblical tie-in:**

    * Prophets were given visions of future social, personal, or global events:

      > “In the last days… your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” — *Acts 2:17*, quoting *Joel 2:28*

    * Joseph and Daniel received detailed visions from God about future events.

    **Theological insight:**

    Prophetic NDEs resemble *charismatic gifts* described in the New Testament. Though not normative for all Christians, these are biblically affirmed as authentic means through which God communicates purpose, warning, and direction.

    —

    ### **6. A Mission Without Words**

    > *“Returned with a deep knowing—a soul-level compass.”*

    **Biblical tie-in:**

    * The Holy Spirit guides from within:

      > “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit…” — *Romans 8:16*

      > “You will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” — *Isaiah 30:21*

    **Theological insight:**

    Christian mysticism emphasizes this *inner knowing*—not always through external messages but through what theologians like Augustine and Aquinas called the *interior teacher* (magister interior). Many NDErs describe returning with this Spirit-infused compass, resonating with this theology.

    —

    ### 🔄 Summary:

    The missions revealed in NDEs—service, spiritual growth, testimony, presence, prophecy, and intuitive guidance—*strongly echo the Christian calling*. Whether through word, action, or inner transformation, they reflect the heart of Scripture’s teaching: that life is sacred, purposeful, and aimed toward union with divine love.

  • How the church fathers and modern theologians handle extra-marital sex – especially considering the Bible doesn’t necessarily explicitly prohibit it

    7. What Did the Early Church Teach?

    The early Church fathers generally taught that sex belonged within the covenant of marriage. For example, St. Augustine (4th century) held a very strict view, believing that even within marriage, sex was tainted by lust unless it was solely for procreation. He considered celibacy superior to marriage and taught that premarital sex, being outside the sacramental bounds, was sinful. His ideas heavily shaped Western Christian sexual ethics.

    St. John Chrysostom, while affirming marriage and family life, also emphasized self-control and spiritual purity, warning against fornication (porneia). Yet even he recognized that marriage was not primarily for procreation or legal formality, but for love, mutual service, and spiritual partnership (see Homily 12 on Colossians).

    The Didache (late 1st or early 2nd century), an early Christian manual, condemns “fornication” along with idolatry and murder, but does not clearly define what “fornication” entails. Again, the term was understood broadly—covering adultery, incest, cultic prostitution, and sexual exploitation—but it likely included all non-marital sex by assumption, even if not by specific definition.

    So yes, early Christians leaned strongly toward reserving sex for marriage—but their rationale was largely based on the need for moral order, community integrity, and spiritual discipline in a pagan culture saturated with abuse, exploitation, and moral chaos.

    8. What Are Modern Christians Saying?

    Today, Christians across traditions continue to wrestle with this issue. Many still hold the traditional view—that sex is only appropriate in a committed, covenanted marriage between one man and one woman. But others are asking deeper questions, especially in light of:

    • The absence of explicit prohibitions against premarital sex in the Bible.
    • The complexity of modern relationships, where people date for years, often with deep emotional, spiritual, and physical connection.
    • The harm caused by shame-based purity culture, which often taught that a person’s worth was tied to sexual “purity,” especially for women.

    Some progressive theologians argue that if a sexual relationship is marked by mutual consent, emotional commitment, honesty, and spiritual integrity, it may not violate biblical ethics—even if it takes place before formal marriage. They point to texts like Romans 13:10: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” If love is present, the law is not transgressed.

    Others, while maintaining a traditional ethic, admit the conversation is not as clear-cut as once thought. Tim Keller, a well-known Reformed pastor, upheld sex within marriage but acknowledged in his sermons that many Christians don’t understand why the Bible seems to limit sex to marriage—often reducing the teaching to rule-following rather than spiritual reflection on covenant, trust, and vulnerability.

    9. A Balanced Conclusion

    The biblical narrative places sex within the broader context of covenant, mutual giving, and sacred union. It warns against lust, exploitation, and impurity—not because sex is bad, but because sex is powerful, formative, and deeply connected to our spiritual lives.

    Still, it’s true: the Bible does not say “premarital sex is a sin” in so many words. Nor does it treat all non-marital sex as equally sinful or categorize it with the same moral weight. It leaves us with principles more than precise rules.

    So what do we do with that?

    We walk carefully. With humility. With reverence for God, respect for others, and an awareness that not everything lawful is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23). Rather than asking simply, “Is this allowed?”, perhaps we should ask:

    Does this relationship honor the dignity of both people?
    Does it express faithful, sacrificial love?
    Does it reflect God’s desire for wholeness, intimacy, and truth?

    That’s not fancy footwork. That’s spiritual maturity.

  • Rethinking Extramarital Sex Through a Biblical Lens

    Rethinking Extramarital Sex Through a Biblical Lens

    When it comes to the ethics of extramarital sex, many Christians default to the idea that the Bible clearly prohibits all sexual activity outside of marriage. But a closer look at Scripture reveals a more nuanced picture—one that invites reflection rather than rigid assumption.

    1. Lust vs. Desire

    Jesus taught that lust is sinful: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). The Greek word translated “lust” is epithumeō, which often carries the meaning of covetousness or inordinate desire—a grasping attitude that treats others as objects of gratification rather than persons made in God’s image.

    Importantly, the context of Jesus’ teaching is adultery, not just any unlawful or disordered sexual desire. If Jesus had meant all forms of sexual desire outside of marriage, He likely would have said so more broadly. But here, He’s specifically intensifying the commandment against adultery by showing that the desire itself—if indulged—is already spiritually adulterous. In other words, just because someone doesn’t physically commit the act doesn’t mean their heart is clean. The implication is: “You didn’t technically commit adultery with your body, but you would have if you could have.” It’s about disordered intention and inward desire, not merely outward action. Jesus is exposing the deeper heart-level corruption that the law alone couldn’t fully address

    Importantly, not all sexual desire falls under this category. Desire itself is not condemned in Scripture—only desire that disrespects boundaries or lacks love and covenant. This suggests that some forms of premarital sexual attraction or activity may not be inherently sinful, depending on the heart, context, and relational integrity involved.

    2. What Fornication Really Means

    Paul often warns against “fornication,” translated from the Greek porneia (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Yet this term historically referred not simply to “sex before marriage” as we define it today, but more broadly to unlawful or exploitative sexual acts, such as incest (Leviticus 18), temple prostitution, adultery, and abuse.

    The Bible does not explicitly define porneia as all premarital sex. Instead, it condemns sexual relationships that violate divine order, justice, or covenant. So while premarital sex might sometimes fall under this category, it isn’t automatically equated with porneia in the biblical text.

    3. Becoming One Flesh

    Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Paul reaffirms this in Ephesians 5:31, applying it to the sanctity of marital union. Sex is portrayed here as something deeply unifying—both physically and spiritually.

    But does “one flesh” only apply to marriage? Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:16: “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?”—clearly showing that becoming “one flesh” can occur even outside the marriage covenant. Rather than proving such sex is sacred, Paul’s point is that sex has profound consequences, whether marital or not. This supports the idea that sex is never casual or meaningless—but it also shows the Bible acknowledges the spiritual impact of sex beyond marriage.

    4. Marriage as a Remedy, Not a Requirement

    Paul writes: “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife and each woman her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2). Here, Paul is addressing a practical issue in the Corinthian church. His advice seems pastoral more than doctrinal: if you can’t remain celibate, marriage is a good, stabilizing path.

    He adds in verse 9: “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Yet, he doesn’t define what “burning with passion” precisely means—whether it’s lust, general desire, or emotional longing. Nor does he say that those who “burn” and don’t marry are thereby sinning. He simply offers a wise way to live in wholeness, recognizing human weakness and need.

    5. What the Bible Doesn’t Say

    Despite centuries of strong teaching against premarital sex, it’s striking that no verse explicitly states that all sex before marriage is a sin. This silence is significant. While the Bible is clear about the sacredness of sex and the dangers of lust, exploitation, and adultery, it never directly declares consensual, loving premarital sex as morally forbidden.

    The same can be said of masturbation—a topic not directly addressed in any moral or legal prohibition in Scripture. Though often condemned by tradition, the biblical texts don’t weigh in definitively.

    6. Conclusion: Walking Carefully

    To be clear, this isn’t a free pass to treat sex casually. Scripture consistently upholds sex as sacred, relational, and spiritually powerful. It warns against selfishness, exploitation, and anything that dehumanizes. But within that framework, the biblical witness may be less rigid than often assumed.

    Yes, many would argue the implication of Scripture is that sex belongs within marriage—and that’s a reasonable interpretation. But it’s equally fair to note that the lack of explicit condemnation invites thoughtful dialogue and discernment. Especially when love, honesty, and mutual respect are present, we may need to look beyond blanket rules and ask: What kind of relationship honors the image of God in both people?

    For more on how the Bible and Christianity and science treat sexual relations as a spiritual act, check out my other blog post.

    https://thelawoflovebook.com/2025/06/02/the-bible-might-not-explicitly-prohibit-premarital-sex-but-it-does-describe-sex-as-a-spiritual-act/

    For more on how the church fathers and modern theologians handle premarital sex, check out this other blog post

    https://thelawoflovebook.com/2025/06/30/how-the-church-fathers-and-modern-theologians-handle-extra-marital-sex-especially-considering-the-bible-doesnt-necessarily-explicitly-prohibit-it/

  • Scholars largely reject that Jesus taught literal hellfire – what did he probably intend?

    Bart Ehrman has addressed the question of whether Jesus was being literal about hellfire, and his position is nuanced. His view is representstive of scholarly consensus. He’s a skeptical scholar against Christianity, so he has no skin in the game in justifying it.

    1. Ehrman’s General View

    Bart Ehrman is a New Testament scholar and historian who often writes about how Christian doctrines developed over time. He has repeatedly said that Jesus did preach about judgment, but not necessarily in terms of eternal conscious torment in a fiery hell as popularly imagined today.

    2. On Jesus and Hellfire

    In lectures and writings (including “Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife”), Ehrman argues:

    • Jesus believed in a coming kingdom of God and a final judgment, but not in the idea of eternal fiery torment that became common in later Christian theology.
    • Jesus may have used symbolic or metaphorical language (like “Gehenna,” the Valley of Hinnom, which was a real place outside Jerusalem known as a trash heap) to refer to divine judgment or destruction—not necessarily a literal hell with flames and torture.
    • Ehrman often highlights that the concept of hell as eternal fire owes more to later developments, especially from the Book of Revelation, Church Fathers, and eventually Dante and medieval theology, than from the historical Jesus himself.

    3. Direct Quotes or Paraphrases

    Ehrman in Heaven and Hell (2020):

    “Jesus does speak about a place called Gehenna, often translated as ‘hell,’ but he probably meant it as a metaphor for destruction rather than a place of eternal torment.”

    “The idea of eternal torment for sinners is not prominent in the earliest layers of Jesus’ teachings. It was likely a later Christian development.”

    4. Scholarly Consensus

    Ehrman aligns with many critical scholars who believe:

    • Jesus’ teachings about judgment reflected apocalyptic Jewish ideas of his time.
    • These often involved annihilation or exclusion from God’s kingdom, not fiery eternal punishment.
    • When Jesus talks about “weeping and gnashing of teeth,” it likely reflects grief at exclusion from the coming reign of God, not a literal hell.

    Here’s a breakdown of several key **Gospel passages** where Jesus speaks about judgment or “hell,” alongside how **Bart Ehrman** and other critical scholars interpret these passages, particularly regarding whether Jesus meant **literal hellfire**:—

    ## 🔥 1. **Mark 9:43–48 — “Unquenchable fire… where the worm does not die”**> “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into *Gehenna*, where the fire never goes out… where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”

    ### ⚖️ Ehrman’s Interpretation:* Jesus here refers to **Gehenna**, which was a **real place** (Valley of Hinnom) outside Jerusalem, known historically for **child sacrifice** (Jeremiah 7:31) and later as a burning garbage dump.* Ehrman argues Jesus used **Gehenna symbolically**, not to describe Dante’s hell, but to **evoke destruction**, **shame**, or **exclusion from life**.* He suggests that Jesus’ warning is apocalyptic: those unworthy will be **destroyed** or **miss out on the coming Kingdom**, not eternally roasted.—

    ## 🔥 2. **Matthew 10:28 — “Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”**> “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in *Gehenna*.”

    ### ⚖️ Ehrman’s Interpretation:* The key word is **destroy**, not “torture” or “torment forever.” Ehrman emphasizes that this supports the idea of **annihilation**, not **eternal conscious torment**.* Jesus may have believed that the wicked would be **completely wiped out** by God’s judgment — not suffer eternally.* This passage is often cited by **annihilationists**, a position Ehrman finds historically closer to what Jesus may have believed.—

    ## 🔥 3. **Luke 16:19–31 — The Rich Man and Lazarus (parable)**> The rich man dies and ends up in torment in Hades, while Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom.

    ### ⚖️ Ehrman’s Interpretation:* Ehrman stresses that this is a **parable**, not a literal map of the afterlife.* The story likely **borrows from Jewish folklore** and **Hellenistic ideas** of reversal in the afterlife (rich/poor).* It’s more about **economic justice and repentance now** than afterlife geography.* For Ehrman, this does **not mean Jesus taught a literal fiery hell** — just that he used **illustrative stories** to teach moral urgency.—

    ## 🔥 4. **Matthew 25:46 — “Eternal punishment” vs. “eternal life”**> “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

    ### ⚖️ Ehrman’s Interpretation:* Ehrman acknowledges this is one of the strongest verses for eternal punishment, but says the **Greek word “kolasis”** originally meant **pruning** or **corrective punishment**, not torture.* He argues this could refer to **a final judgment with permanent consequences** (like being left out of the kingdom), rather than literal ongoing torment.* The emphasis is on **ethical living now**, not detailed eschatology.—

    ## 🔥 Summary: Was Jesus being *literal* about hellfire?### According to Bart Ehrman:* Jesus **did teach judgment** and **consequences**.* He likely believed in **a final, dramatic intervention by God** (the Kingdom was at hand).* But the popular image of **fiery eternal torment** owes more to **later theology** (especially post-100 AD) than to Jesus himself.* Ehrman sees Jesus as an **apocalyptic prophet**, preaching repentance in light of **God’s soon-coming reign**, where the wicked would be excluded or destroyed — not necessarily tortured forever.—

  • Rethinking Hell: Comparing Christian teachings with modern interpretation and science

    The idea of hell has haunted the Western imagination for centuries—often depicted as fire, torture, and unending torment. But modern scholarship, Eastern Christian traditions, and even near-death research point to a much more nuanced and hopeful picture. What if hell isn’t a dungeon of punishment but a reflection of our state of being in the presence of Divine Love?

    1. Was Jesus Speaking Literally About Hellfire?

    Scholars largely agree that Jesus used metaphor and hyperbole—especially when speaking of hell. Terms like Gehenna (a trash heap outside Jerusalem) were rich with symbolic meaning. Jesus, like many Jewish teachers of his day, spoke in parables and imagery.

    “If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out… it is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.”
    — Matthew 18:9

    Clearly, Jesus was not commanding self-mutilation. The same interpretive care should apply to his teachings on judgment. Hell may not be literal fire—but rather something spiritually profound.

    2. Traditionalism and the Legacy of Fire

    It’s true that some traditional Christian sources, like the Catholic Encyclopedia, describe hell in horrifying, literal terms. For centuries, such teachings served both as moral instruction and cultural control.

    But this literalist view isn’t universal in Christianity. In fact, Eastern Orthodoxy has long offered a radically different interpretation.

    3. The Orthodox View: Hell as God’s Love

    Eastern Christians often teach that God’s love is like fire—and it is the same fire whether it warms or burns. To the righteous, it is joy; to the estranged, it is anguish.

    “For our God is a consuming fire.”
    — Hebrews 12:29

    “The same sun that melts wax hardens clay.”
    — (Proverb paraphrased in many Church Fathers)

    This view suggests that God’s presence doesn’t change—but we do. Hell, then, is not God torturing us—it’s our inability to receive perfect love without pain when we are spiritually misaligned.

    4. A New Age Analogy: Vibrational Frequencies

    Imagine the spiritual realm as frequencies. Some souls “resonate” at higher levels—filled with compassion, humility, joy. Others “vibrate lower”—marked by hatred, selfishness, fear.

    “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
    — Galatians 6:7

    This metaphor echoes both Eastern Christian and modern mystical thought: that we each become more or less in tune with God’s divine energy. Hell isn’t imposed—it’s the natural outcome of discord.

    5. Energy, Light, and the Divine Presence

    Even physics points us to a spiritual metaphor. Light—pure energy—does not experience time. Matter (mass) can be converted to light. This is deeply evocative of the Incarnation:

    “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
    — John 1:9

    Christ enters the world like light into matter, offering transformation. Those who resist remain in the heavy density of ego and separation. Those who accept become radiant.

    6. Annihilationism: What If Evil Simply Ceases?

    Some Christians believe in annihilationism—that rather than eternal torment, souls who persist in rejecting God eventually cease to exist.

    “The soul who sins shall die.”
    — Ezekiel 18:20

    This view sees God not as a torturer but as a respecter of freedom—even to the point of non-being. Love will not coerce.

    7. The Gift of Free Will

    Across all these views—Orthodox, metaphorical, annihilationist—one thread remains: God gives us real freedom. We are not puppets. We shape our destiny.

    “Choose this day whom you will serve.”
    — Joshua 24:15

    Hell is not God’s wrath—it’s our choice, our direction, our resonance. We may even prefer separation when clinging to our ego and wounds.

    8. Near-Death Experiences: Glimpses of the Beyond

    Modern science gives us astonishing insights: near-death experiences (NDEs) often involve powerful spiritual moments—overwhelming love, light, life reviews, and sometimes, frightening encounters.

    These are not hallucinations. Many NDEs contain verified perceptions of real-world events while the body was clinically dead.

    “The spirit returns to God who gave it.”
    — Ecclesiastes 12:7

    Such experiences are compatible with the Christian view of a spiritual afterlife and a soul that persists beyond death.

    9. Negative NDEs: Lessons or Warnings?

    About 1–10% of NDEs are negative—dark voids, terrifying isolation, or visions of torment. Yet most who survive say it was a wake-up call—a life-changing lesson.

    “When Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.”
    — Isaiah 26:9

    Rather than evidence of eternal punishment, these experiences may be like dreams teaching the soul its consequences and inviting repentance.

    10. Life Reviews and Self-Judgment

    Many NDE survivors report a life review—not with condemnation, but with pure light and truth. They see their lives from others’ eyes and experience the ripple effects of their actions.

    “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
    — Luke 6:38

    This reflects a form of self-judgment in the presence of divine love. There’s no external damnation—just reality, laid bare.

    Conclusion: Hell, Love, and the Light That Shines Through All

    What if hell isn’t God’s punishment—but the pain of truth? What if it’s not eternal fire, but a call to transformation?

    From metaphor and mysticism to theology and neuroscience, the message converges: God is love (1 John 4:8). And that love never ceases to pursue us—even into death.

    Whether through parable, light, frequency, or fire, the choice remains ours.

    And the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus is all it takes is faith to willingly choose to enter into a relationship with God, based in love, and no matter where you are in your walk with God, you will never be stuck in your sin and can achieve salvation

  • Looking at the heart of sin and spiritual pitfalls: three central themes- control, significance, and comfort

    In another post, we’ll look at the cardinal virtues (justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude) and a list of examples of sub-virtues. These cardinal virtues are the core virtues at the root of all virtues and are well established in traditional christian teaching. Another recent development in the world of christian spirituality are these three core themes at the root of all sins, control, significance, and comfort. In this post, we’ll examine these core themes and in another post we’ll examine the sub-vices (sins).

    The Becoming Man series—like many Christian men’s discipleship frameworks—often returns to the idea that men are tempted by false sources of identity and security: namely control, significance, and comfort. These are not inherently wrong, but when sought over holiness, they become idols that block transformation. While this series was made for christian men, the teachings are central enough to the human condition that they are applicable to all people, regardless of religion or gender.

    Here’s how the series usually frames each one:

    🔻 1. Control – The Pitfall of Playing God

    “When a man seeks control above holiness, he lives in fear, masks vulnerability, and resists surrender.”

    💥 The False Promise:

    Control offers the illusion of safety and certainty. It says: “If I can just manage everything—my job, my wife, my emotions, my image—I’ll be secure.”

    💀 The Spiritual Pitfall:

    • Leads to anxiety, manipulation, and perfectionism.
    • Makes a man rigid, not spirit-led.
    • Blocks trust in God and others.
    • Turns leadership into domination or withdrawal.

    💎 The Call to Holiness:

    • Trust God’s sovereignty over outcomes.
    • Embrace vulnerability as strength.
    • Let go of the need to fix, force, or perform.
    • Yield to the Holy Spirit daily.

    🕊 “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)

    🔻 2. Significance – The Pitfall of Proving Yourself

    “When a man seeks significance over holiness, he lives to be seen by others instead of known by God.”

    💥 The False Promise:

    Significance says: “If I accomplish enough, lead enough, impress enough, I’ll matter. I’ll finally be enough.”

    💀 The Spiritual Pitfall:

    • Performance-based identity.
    • Jealousy, comparison, and burnout.
    • Using people to build platforms rather than serving.
    • Shame when failure comes, or pride when success does.

    💎 The Call to Holiness:

    • Your worth is received, not achieved.
    • God delights in you as a son, not a performer.
    • Live for an audience of One.
    • Learn contentment and obscurity as a spiritual discipline.

    🕊 “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

    🔻 3. Comfort – The Pitfall of Numbing the Soul

    “When a man seeks comfort over holiness, he trades eternal strength for temporary escape.”

    💥 The False Promise:

    Comfort says: “You deserve to check out. Take the path of least resistance. Avoid pain, challenge, and risk.”

    💀 The Spiritual Pitfall:

    • Laziness in spiritual disciplines.
    • Addictions and escapism (porn, food, media, fantasy).
    • Avoidance of hard conversations, calling, or sacrifice.
    • Shallow roots—can’t withstand storms.

    💎 The Call to Holiness:

    • Jesus didn’t promise comfort, but a cross (Luke 9:23).
    • Endurance produces character; character brings hope (Romans 5:3–5).
    • Growth often comes through struggle, not ease.
    • Real joy is found on the other side of obedience.

    🕊 “Woe to you who are comfortable in Zion…” (Amos 6:1)
    🕊 “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his sons.” (Hebrews 12:7)

    ⚔️ Summary: Three False Kings

    IdolFalse PromiseReal CostPath to Holiness
    Control“If I manage everything, I’ll be safe.”Anxiety, isolation, prideSurrender to God’s leadership
    Significance“If I succeed, I’ll be enough.”Insecurity, burnout, comparisonReceive your identity as God’s beloved
    Comfort“If I avoid pain, I’ll be happy.”Stagnation, addiction, emptinessEmbrace the cross and discipline

    ✝️ Final Thought:

    “These three temptations—control, significance, and comfort—mirror the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness (Luke 4). He chose obedience over comfort, sonship over significance, and trust over control. Becoming a man of God means doing the same.”

  • Healing, Hope, and Growth: A Christ-Centered Path Forward

    Healing, Hope, and Growth: A Christ-Centered Path Forward

    Life comes with trials—some external, others internal. Yet the Bible reminds us: “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4)

    Suffering isn’t wasted in God’s economy. It builds character. It draws us into the peace and hope that only Christ can offer. But this transformation requires intentional healing and discipleship through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the social support of the Church.

    Authentic Discipleship Begins With Us

    Before we can minister to others effectively, we must first be shaped by the very truths we proclaim. If we don’t apply Scripture deeply in our own lives, we lose authenticity—and our witness suffers. Practicing what we preach is not legalism—it’s integrity.

    We should challenge ourselves and others to begin memorizing important verses, especially if we don’t yet have a “memory bank” of Scripture to draw from. God’s Word transforms our minds and heals our hearts.

    Spot the Signs: Sin, Suffering, and the Root

    Helping others means learning to discern. Many people carry emotional wounds masked by vices or outward symptoms of sin. Depression, anger, or addiction can signal deeper issues. Rather than just treating the symptoms, we must seek the root.

    Part of this process means challenging perceptions shaped by the world or by internalized lies. Many believers live with condemnation, shame, and self-defeating thoughts. But Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

    Yes, victims and survivors need to set boundaries. And yes, feelings of pain are normal. It’s okay to admit hurt—but we shouldn’t dwell forever in despair. The enemy wants to steal our joy, but Christ offers renewal.

    Encourage Spiritual Disciplines

    One way to build resilience and hope is through spiritual disciplines. These include:

    • Daily prayer
    • Bible reading and meditation
    • Journaling
    • Worship and fasting
    • Silence and solitude
    • Serving others

    Encourage others to engage in these practices regularly. For those who struggle to express emotions in person, suggest writing a letter—sometimes clarity and healing come through written words.

    Listen Before You Speak

    Most of our communication is non-verbal—tone and body language often matter more than words. That’s why listening well is a deeply spiritual act. It involves:

    • Making eye contact
    • Asking thoughtful questions
    • Avoiding distractions (especially phones)
    • Clarifying what someone says before offering solutions
    • Letting them know you care without rushing them

    Social media often erodes intimacy. Real connection requires presence.

    And after listening? Then respond—with grace, truth, and compassion.

    Respect confidentiality unless there’s an emergency or danger involved. People need to know they’re safe.

    Grow Together, Love Deeply

    None of us have it all figured out. We all need to grow—whether in patience, relational maturity, emotional regulation, or spiritual depth. Let’s give each other grace in the process.

    No one is always right—but everyone can be loved. The Church is a place for healing, not perfection.

    Share Truth Gently

    Some people may be angry at God. Others resist Scripture. That’s okay. You don’t have to argue. Often, people are open to prayer, even if they aren’t ready to hear a sermon. Let them know you’re praying for them. Share Scripture gently, in love.

    Help people be honest—with themselves, with others, and most importantly, with God. There’s no healing without truth.

    Identity: The Anchor in Every Storm

    In a world obsessed with self-identification, the most life-giving identity is being a follower of Jesus. Through Him, we are adopted into God’s family, chosen and loved. That truth changes everything.

    Let’s show the world the hope of redemption—not just through words, but through our presence, listening, truth, and love.