The Law of Love

Tag: faith

  • The Nature of Sin and Condemnation in Christianity and Near Death Experiences

    The Nature of Sin and Condemnation in Christianity and NDEs

    🕊️ Sin

    To sin is to intentionally do what you know is wrong. It requires all three components:

    • Intention
    • Knowledge
    • Action

    This basic moral insight holds true not only in Christian theology but also in many NDE (Near-Death Experience) and New Age interpretations of morality. While they may not explicitly use the word sin, even those in these circles acknowledge a kind of moral failing—missing the mark, being ignorant of, or repelled by the divine nature or loving intention that God has for us.

    NDE accounts frequently describe a life review in which the experiencer sees how their actions either aligned or misaligned with love, truth, or light. Harm done knowingly or selfishly is deeply felt—even if forgiven. Sin, in this broader sense, is a falling short of our intended design as loving, relational beings.

    🔥 Condemnation

    The idea of condemnation in Scripture is often misunderstood. In another post, we examined what Jesus might have meant by hellfire and what hellish afterlife experiences in NDEs seem to suggest. Here, we focus solely on what the Bible says about condemnation.

    📖 What Does the Bible Actually Say?

    The Bible isn’t very clear that mere ignorance of Jesus’ salvation causes condemnation. However, it is clear that knowingly rejecting it can lead to it.

    The most definitive passage may be found in the context of the famous verse John 3:16:

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

    But this is immediately followed by a deeper explanation of condemnation:

    “This is the verdict (condemnation): Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

    Condemnation, then, is not about arbitrary rejection or ignorance—it’s about willfully turning away from the light when it is offered.

    🕯️ What About the Unreached or the Ignorant?

    In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, there is discussion about whether those who have never heard the Gospel might still be saved. The argument is that people can respond to the light of natural reason, inborn conscience, and the law written on the heart (Romans 2).

    “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law… they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them”
    (Romans 2:14–15)

    So what about those who reject Jesus, but have little knowledge of who He truly is or what He teaches?

    Are they significantly different from those who have simply never heard of Him?

    Many traditional churches would answer yes: rejection of Christ, like sin, implies knowledge and deliberate rejection. “They knew better” is often the rationale. However, that judgment—whether they truly knew or not—belongs to God alone.

    🤔 What If Someone Sincerely Seeks and Still Rejects?

    This raises a deeper question:
    What if someone sincerely explores Christianity, but after research and reflection, rejects it?

    Does their sincerity count for them—or against them?

    We must be honest: Only God can judge such a heart. But we can observe that the Bible does not explicitly state that anyone who simply doesn’t know about Jesus will be automatically condemned.

    🔍 Other Relevant Verses:

    • Jesus in John 8:24:

    “Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
    —This implies unbelief leads to sin remaining—but again, in the context of rejection.

    • Jesus in Mark 16:16:

    “Go into all the world and preach the gospel. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
    —Here too, condemnation seems tied to active rejection, not mere ignorance.

    • Revelation 21:8 mentions that the faithless and unbelieving have their part in the lake of fire—but again, the passage does not clearly define who these “unbelievers” are in terms of knowledge or culpability.

    🌍 A Broader Picture: Judgment, Mercy, and Light

    It is possible to conclude, from a non-lenient reading, that all unbelievers will be condemned. But the lack of explicit clarity on this point, combined with themes of God’s mercy, justice, and light, in the bible and holy tradition, opens the door to possible exceptions—especially for the sincere, the ignorant, or the morally upright who have not encountered Christ clearly.

    Ultimately:

    • Condemnation in Scripture is often tied to a person’s response to the light they’ve been given.
    • Judgment belongs to God, who sees the heart, the level of knowledge, and the intentions behind belief or rejection.

    📚 NDEs and Condemnation

    Many NDE accounts reinforce this theme: condemnation isn’t about religion or doctrine alone—it’s about alignment with love, truth, and light. In hellish NDEs, people often report states of isolation, fear, or darkness—not imposed from outside, but flowing from their own rejection of love, humility, or truth.

    (For more on this, see the section on “Hellish Afterlife Experiences in NDEs.”)

    ✅ Conclusion

    Sin, whether in Christian theology or in the insights drawn from near-death accounts, is not simply about violating rules—it’s about knowingly rejecting what is good, true, and loving.

    Condemnation, likewise, is not arbitrary—it is deeply tied to how a person responds to the light and truth they’ve encountered.

    And in the end, the mercy and justice of God are our greatest hope.
    Only He knows the heart.

    And instead of getting hung up on sin and condemnation, maybe we should focus on the good news. As was mentioned, even the bible says Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it. He taught that there’s life after death, and that the kingdom of God is based on love and goodwill… all we need is genuine faith in Jesus and we will never die stuck in our sins. That’s great news!

  • 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.

  • The Sacred Burden: Learning to Love Through Pain

    The Sacred Burden: Learning to Love Through Pain

    In a world filled with addiction, mental illness, broken families, death, disease, and hardship, the church is not meant to be a museum of saints—it is a hospital for sinners. Jesus didn’t avoid the broken; He moved toward them. He healed the blind, comforted the possessed, stood up for the adulterous woman, and walked alongside the hurting. As His followers, we’re called to do the same.

    We Are Comforted to Comfort Others

    The comfort we receive from God isn’t meant to stop with us—it’s meant to overflow. As Paul writes, “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Our suffering, and the comfort we receive through it, can become someone else’s hope.

    Pain is a teacher. It refines, shapes, and prepares us to walk beside others. Only those who have known deep sorrow can truly relate to others in their grief. God doesn’t waste our pain or our broken past—He redeems it.

    Burdens vs. Loads

    Scripture tells us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). But just two verses later, Paul says, “each one should carry their own load.” What’s the difference?

    A burden is something heavy, overwhelming—grief, mental illness, deep trauma. A load is more like a backpack—daily responsibilities, personal work, decisions. We are called to help with burdens, but not to remove someone’s load entirely. To carry someone’s load for them can do more harm than good, robbing them of the growth God intends.

    Care requires discernment. It’s a privilege to walk with others, not to “fix” them, but to love them. As one friend might say, “I can’t fix you, but I can point you to someone who can.”

    It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

    Church should be a safe place to bring brokenness. But too often, the wounded feel unwelcome. The truth is, divorce happens in the church just as outside it. So does depression, trauma, and dysfunction. Let’s break the silence: It’s okay to not be okay.

    Everyone has coping strategies: some avoid pain, others beg for relief, some cry, some manipulate, some people-please their way into toxic relationships. These behaviors are often attempts to earn love or protect from further hurt. But love isn’t earned—it’s given.

    We must treat emotions with respect. Crying releases stress. Tears can heal. Grief is not a flaw—it’s a human response to loss. There is no single way to grieve. It takes courage, time, and companions.

    Gifts of the Spirit and the Art of Caring

    Some are gifted in mercy, discernment, compassion, evangelism, or exhortation. These spiritual gifts are essential in a community of healing. But all of us are called to be teachable, to be lifelong learners, and to walk humbly as fellow travelers.

    Caring for others isn’t a checklist—it’s a calling. People are not tasks to be solved, but souls to be loved. That means protecting confidentiality, rejecting gossip, and refusing to use someone else’s pain to resolve our own. True maturity shows up in our willingness to be present without control.

    Practical Love in a Broken World

    Look around: the homeless, the mentally ill, the elderly, foster children, prisoners, single moms, the disabled. These are not charity projects—they are beloved. Jesus’ mission was to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed (Luke 4:18).

    We are partners with God, not saviors. He does the healing—we simply show up with love. Help people process their emotions and point them to Jesus. That’s enough.

    Final Thoughts: Love Like Christ

    To love like Christ is to walk alongside others—not above them. It is to bear burdens, not rescue; to serve, not fix; to be available, not invasive. And always, always, to trust that all things work together for good—not because pain is good, but because God is.

    So take heart. You are loved. You are adopted by God. And the grace that found you is the same grace you now carry to others.

  • Sacred Stillness: A Framework for Flourishing through Presence, Boundaries, and Renewal

    **Sacred Stillness: A Framework for Flourishing through Presence, Boundaries, and Renewal**

    Here’s a synthesis that weaves together **Matthew Kelly’s “carefree timelessness,” the philosophy of “just being,” healthy boundaries, and the example of Jesus withdrawing for solitude**, into one cohesive spiritual-psychological framework:—### 🌿

    At the heart of the good life—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally—is **presence**. Matthew Kelly’s idea of *carefree timelessness* points to those moments where we are fully alive, untethered from the clock, and immersed in **love, rest, or joy**. These moments are often:

    * Unscheduled but meaningful

    * Rooted in deep connection (to others, God, or self)

    * Undisturbed by performance pressure or productivity metrics

    #### 🧘 “Just Being” and the Depth of Meaning

    This overlaps beautifully with the spiritual insight that **meaning can be found in “just being.”** Not everything needs to be fixed, earned, or accomplished. Simply **being present**—to yourself, to another, to the beauty around you—is enough. This echoes:

    * **Mystical Christianity**: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

    * **Existentialism**: Finding meaning not just in action but in *existence*

    * **Positive psychology**: Flow states and mindful presence increase well-being

    But for presence to be sustainable and healing, it must be protected.

    ### 🚪 Boundaries: The Gatekeepers of Inner Peace

    Without boundaries, we are pulled into other people’s chaos, expectations, and demands. We become **chronically reactive**, not present. Boundaries are not about selfishness; they are about **preserving the sacred space where love, connection, and being can flourish.*** Emotionally, boundaries allow us to remain *whole*.* Spiritually, they give us space to hear God and rest in grace.* Relationally, they create healthy dynamics where mutual respect can grow.**Even Jesus—infinitely compassionate—had boundaries:

    *** He withdrew to pray alone, often early or in hidden places.

    * He didn’t heal everyone who asked.

    * He let the rich young ruler walk away.

    * He challenged the codependency of those who only sought miracles.In doing so, he modeled that **divine love does not mean infinite availability**.—

    ### 🔄 The Integration: A Life of Rhythmic Presence

    To integrate these ideas, think in terms of **rhythm**—an intentional alternation between engagement and withdrawal:

    | Mode | What It Cultivates || ————————— | ————————————————- || **Carefree Timelessness** | Intimacy, joy, play, emotional presence ||

    **Just Being** | Meaning, peace, self-acceptance, awareness of God ||

    **Healthy Boundaries** | Sustainability, clarity, freedom from resentment ||

    **Withdrawing to Recharge** | Renewal, discernment, spiritual depth |Together, they form a life that is:

    * **Spiritually grounded**

    * **Emotionally intelligent***

    **Mentally clear***

    **Relationally healthy**—

    ### ✨ In Practice:* Schedule time for **unstructured presence**—with a loved one or with God.* Honor your limits without guilt. Say no to preserve space for *being*.* View rest and solitude not as laziness, but as *sacred preparation* for love and service.* Notice when your spirit feels *crowded*, and reclaim your inner stillness.—

    ### Final ThoughtYou were made not just to *do*, but to *be*. And being—when honored with boundaries, practiced with presence, and nourished in love—is where your deepest meaning is found.

  • Love, Service, and the science of meaning: from great acts of saints to small acts of service

    **The Christian Path: Love, Service, and the Science of Meaning**

    Many people today wrestle with questions of meaning and purpose. Studies suggest that up to 85% of people report struggling to find a deeper sense of direction in life. Yet for Christians, the answer is surprisingly clear: the *meaning* of life is to **love**, and the *purpose* is to **serve**.

    This call to love and serve is not abstract—it is deeply practical and endlessly needed. The world is full of opportunities to help, from addressing poverty to offering a listening ear. The science of happiness echoes this: true satisfaction doesn’t come from chasing ego-driven pleasures, but from facing real challenges and contributing to something greater than oneself. In this light, helping others becomes not just a moral duty, but the very path to joy and fulfillment.

    Yet, this task is never-ending. As Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you.” This is not resignation, but realism. The needs around us—material, relational, and emotional—are constant. Christians must set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout, but they must also accept the nature of the mission: to love and serve in a broken world, knowing it will never be fully “fixed” in this life.

    Near-death experience (NDE) philosophy adds another layer of insight. It suggests that the illusion of separation is what causes so much suffering, that we are separate from god and each other —and that being fully present, engaged, and compassionate is how we heal it. Whether the need is financial, emotional, or communal, the world calls for healing, and we are called to respond.

    Importantly, it’s not only the grand gestures of saints that change the world. Jesus himself emphasized the power of **small acts of love**—washing the feet of his disciples, blessing children, feeding the hungry. Great power brings great responsibility, yes—but everyone, regardless of their status or strength, can answer the call to love.

    Whether you’re tackling systemic issues or simply comforting a friend, **you are living your purpose**. Every moment of genuine love and service participates in something eternal.—

  • Did the Apostles Really Die as Martyrs for their Faith?

    Did the Apostles Really Die as Martyrs for their Faith?

    Sean McDowell — November 04, 2013

    “Even though they were crucified, stoned, stabbed, dragged, skinned and burned, every last apostle of Jesus proclaimed his resurrection until his dying breath, refusing to recant under pressure from the authorities. Therefore, their testimony is trustworthy and the resurrection is true.”

    If you have followed popular–level arguments for the resurrection (or ever heard a sermon on the apostles), you’ve likely heard this argument. Growing up I heard it regularly and found it quite convincing. After all, why would the apostles of Jesus have died for their faith if it weren’t true?

    Yet the question was always in the back of my mind — how do we really know they died as martyrs? For the past couple years I have been researching this question as part of my doctoral dissertation. And what I have found is fascinating!

    While we can have more confidence in the martyrdoms of apostles such as Peter, Paul and James the brother of John (and probably Thomas and Andrew), there is much less evidence for many of the others (such as Matthias and James, son of Alphaeus). This evidence is late and filled with legendary accretion. This may come as a disappointment to some, but for the sake of the resurrection argument, it is not critical that we demonstrate that all of them died as martyrs. What is critical is their willingness to suffer for their faith and the lack of a contrary story that any of them recanted.

    Historian Michael Licona captures the key point in his book The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach: “After Jesus’ death, the disciples endured persecution, and a number of them experienced martyrdom. The strength of their conviction indicates that they were not just claiming Jesus had appeared to them after rising from the dead. They really believed it. They willingly endangered themselves by publicly proclaiming the risen Christ.”

    Here are the key facts:First, the apostles were eyewitnesses of the risen Jesus. When a replacement was chosen for Judas, one necessary criterion was that the person had seen the risen Lord (Acts 1:21–22). Paul and James the brother of Jesus were also eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:3–8). Their convictions were not based on secondhand testimony, but from the belief that they had seen the resurrected Christ with their own eyes. This makes the disciples’ willingness to die different from Muslim martyrs, who certainly sincerely believe in Islam, but base their belief on secondhand testimony.Second, early Christians were persecuted for their faith. John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded (Matt. 14:1–11). Jesus was crucified. Stephen was stoned to death after his witness before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6–8). And Herod Agrippa killed James the brother of John (Acts 12:12), which led to the departure of the rest of the Twelve from Jerusalem. The first statewide persecution of Christians was under Nero (AD 64), as reported by Tacitus (Annals 15.44:2–5) and Suetonius (Nero 16.2). Although persecution was sporadic and local, from this point forward Christians could be arrested and killed for proclaiming the name of Jesus. And many of them were.Third, the apostles were willing to suffer for their faith. This is certainly true of Paul, who recounts the suffering he endured, which included being whipped, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, near starvation and in danger from various people and places (2 Cor. 6:4–9). Speaking for the apostles, after being threatened by the religious leaders, Peter and John say, “For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). The apostles are then thrown in prison, beaten for their faith, but they continued to preach and teach the gospel (Acts 5:17–42).

    While the evidence of martyrdom is far better for some of the apostles than others, the evidence for Peter is particularly strong. The earliest evidence is found in John 21:18–19, which was written about 30 years after Peter’s death. Bart Ehrman, in his book Peter, Paul, & Mary Magdalene: The Followers of Jesus in History and Legend, agrees that Peter is being told he will die as a martyr. Other evidence for Peter’s martyrdom can be found in early church fathers such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Dionysius of Corinth, Irenaeus, Tertullian and more. The early, consistent and unanimous testimony is that Peter died as a martyr.

    This does not prove that the resurrection is true. But it shows the depth of the apostles’ convictions. They were not liars. They truly believed Jesus rose from the grave and they were willing to give their lives for it.

    Sean McDowell (’98, M.A. ’03) is a popular author and speaker, and the newest faculty member in Biola’s M.A. program in Christian apologetics

  • unteachable lessons: christian spirituality and the wisdom of the afterlife cannot always be taught with words – often it must be experienced through living.

    Often words get in the way.

    This captures something essential about the paradox of spiritual formation—how the most transformative lessons aren’t taught in a classroom or written in a manual but are lived into, often through tension, mystery, and what feels like failure or unknowing.

    Unteachable Lessons

    Some lessons cannot be taught—they can only be lived. This is the paradox at the heart of Christian spirituality, the journey of faith, and the wisdom echoed in near-death experiences (NDEs). Words can point to truth, but they are only fingers pointing at the moon. They are not the moon.

    Like an artist who cannot explain their work except through the work itself, spiritual truth often eludes explanation. You cannot know what it feels like to ride a bike until you’ve ridden it. In the same way, you cannot know the depths of compassion, surrender, or divine presence simply by reading about them.

    Near-death experiences affirm this: this life is a school, not of information, but of transformation. In the most general sense, this life is about ‘experience’ – we are the universe experiencing and discovering itself, and we are co-creators in the canvass of the universe. It’s also a crash course in learning through the illusion of separation, where the very fabric of life’s complication and chaos becomes the context for spiritual growth. In this world, we face what cannot be planned. We are given the opportunity not just to hear about love or trust, but to be broken open by them. We cant just be taught this stuff in the afterlife, we learn by experiencing… that’s why the opportunity to live this life is so important, and it’s why reports of souls being keen to live this life is so important to them, it’s a crash course in spiritual development.

    When we possess knowledge or wisdom in a more spiritually developed sense, all we can do as Christians is plant a seed in others. As is often mentioned in christian spirituality. Such as spreading the gospel, but also even extending to all aspects of spiritual life.

    As was taught in the book “unteachable lessons”, the author explains, ”i wish i could explain it. I wish i could analyze the process and chart the step by step journey from narcissism to compassion. But it isn’t anything that neat and tidy, and there’s no making it tidy, either” “{…} there’s no building this down to ‘seven steps to learn compassion’ or ‘action plans for a post selfish life’. Some lessons are simply unteachable lessons. “I’ve come to see that unteachable lessons are available to just about all of us- and i suspect that the more we need these unteachable lessons, the more likely they are to show up in our lives. Maybe they don’t always entail suffering and loss, but I suspect they always involve some sort of deep interior transformation that is messy and just can’t be put into words.

    These are the lessons taught to  us in silence, and the curriculum is life, the syllabus is nothing more than our willingness to be present.”

    These are truths learned not by the mind alone, but by the soul—truths carved in silence, written in the ink of lived experience.

  • the orthodox define righteousness before God in the best theological terms – but Protestant and Catholic versions are reasonable too

    Catholic Justification doesn’t get a fair critique. All they essentially say is that to the extent that a person cooperates with God’s unmerited grace, they are justified and good. I think a better standard is that nothing we can do makes us right with God other than unmerited grace and a faith that naturally results in good works. As luther said, we are saved by faith alone but faith is never alone. A completely free will relationship based on faith, no coersion, like the love between a parent and child or husband and wife. But catholics just are taking the stance that they are just calling a spade a spade, and thats not unreasonable. I like the orthodox view of theosis, cause it doesnt involve legal technicalities like legal atonement, which the bible says all legal requirements were nailed to the cross and its more like we have a prodigal parent child relationship with God. Theosis is like the protestant view that faith naturally results in good works without defining how it functions in salvation. Jesus doesnt in fact define the calculous other than to say good works are required and that those who are greater blessed by god are held a higher standard, ‘to whom much is given much is expected’

    Im tying a very thoughtful and balanced critique here—one that respects the nuances in Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox soteriologies without flattening them into caricatures.

    Let’s unpack the core of what you’re saying:

    1. Catholic View of Justification: Cooperation with GraceYou’re right: the Catholic Church teaches that justification begins with God’s unmerited grace. The individual cooperates with that grace—not to earn salvation, but to freely respond to it. This isn’t necessarily a “works-based” system in the Pelagian sense, but it does emphasize that salvation is a process (initial justification → sanctification → final justification).

    Your observation that “they’re just calling a spade a spade” hits the mark. Catholics often argue that their view reflects the lived reality of transformation—they simply name what happens when people grow in grace: their cooperation matters. It’s not what saves them, but it is part of the journey.

    But you also rightly note that this language can lead to confusion. To Protestants, especially those in the Reformation tradition, it can sound like justification is partly earned—even though Catholic doctrine denies that explicitly.

    2. Protestant Insight: Faith That WorksThe Protestant emphasis—especially Luther’s statement that “faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone”—brings a needed clarity. You point out that:“Nothing we can do makes us right with God other than unmerited grace and a faith that naturally results in good works.”

    This is a deep truth, and Protestantism excels at safeguarding the freedom and intimacy of a relationship with God that isn’t based on merit or fear. That’s the power of your analogy of the parent-child or spousal relationship: it’s love freely given and freely received.This avoids two dangers:

    Legalism (I obey, therefore I’m accepted)

    License (I’m accepted, therefore obedience doesn’t matter)

    Instead, it offers:“I’m accepted by grace, therefore I obey out of love.”

    3. Orthodox Theosis: Relational Transformation

    Your love for the Orthodox model of theosis (becoming one with God through participation in divine life) fits beautifully here. As you say, this view isn’t legal—it’s ontological and relational. Salvation is not a courtroom scene but a hospital or a family. We are not just declared righteous, we become righteous by grace.“God became man so that man might become god” (St. Athanasius)You’re right that Orthodoxy leaves the mechanism somewhat mysterious—focusing more on the process of healing and communion than on defining forensic or causal steps. It resembles Protestant trust in the fruitfulness of real faith, without insisting on an exact metaphysical formula.

    4. Jesus and the Standard: Mercy and Responsibility

    You’re tapping into something vital when you say:“Jesus doesn’t define the calculus, other than to say good works are required…”

    Indeed, in the Gospels, especially in the parables and the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks relationally, not systematically. The judgment scenes (e.g., Matthew 25) focus on love for the least of these. Your mention of “to whom much is given, much is expected” (Luke 12:48) is a prime example: salvation is not a math equation but a heart-relationship in motion, shaped by how we respond to what we’ve received.

    To Summarize Your Perspective:You appreciate the Catholic honesty about the role of human cooperation but find it sometimes too technical. You resonate with the Protestant clarity that faith is the root, and works the fruit—not a formula, but a natural result of love. You value the Orthodox mystery of transformation (theosis) that avoids both legalism and reductionism. And you see Jesus’ own teachings as centered on relationship, mercy, and responsibility—not abstract doctrines of merit

  • Meaning, Purpose, and Happiness in Life: A Christian and NDE Perspective

    Meaning, Purpose, and Happiness in Life: A Christian and NDE Perspective

    As Christians, we believe the meaning of life is to love, and the purpose of life is to serve. These are not just theological concepts, but practical truths that shape how we live each day.

    From the broader lens of Near-Death Experience (NDE) philosophy, the purpose of life is understood as to experience. Many who have had NDEs describe this world as a place where souls grow by engaging with the illusion of separation—from God, from one another, and from the unity of all things. In this framework, we are seen as the universe becoming conscious of itself, each of us participating in a grand unfolding.

    We are invited to be co-creators with God, approaching Him freely through faith. This journey is not one of coercion; God does not force belief. Instead, He gently draws us through the beauty and mystery woven into our lives. Creation itself whispers of the divine, and faith becomes our willing response to that call.

    Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37–39). Traditional Christian theology affirms that we are created to love God in this life and to be united with Him in eternal joy. But Jesus’ teachings also reveal that this isn’t just a future hope—it’s a present way of life. His call to love and serve isn’t only a command; it’s an invitation to participate in the divine pattern of being.

    So we can say with confidence: the meaning of life is to love God, and the purpose of life is to serve others.

    And yet, many people—Christian and non-Christian alike—struggle to find purpose. In fact, studies suggest that about 85% of people report feeling aimless or unclear about their deeper meaning in life. Many fall into a repetitive cycle: work, downtime, repeat—constantly chasing the next high, the next distraction, the next pleasure, while avoiding discomfort and struggle.

    This cycle is often described as the hedonic treadmill—a pattern where temporary pleasures give brief satisfaction, but never lasting fulfillment. Even many secular philosophers agree that our true purpose goes beyond fleeting happiness; it lies in maximizing the well-being of others. Christians echo this insight, though we understand it in terms of love, sacrifice, and spiritual discipline.

    Modern culture tends to define happiness in egocentric terms—what makes me feel good in the moment. But true happiness, both from a Christian and NDE-informed perspective, is altruistic. It’s found in self-giving love, in meaningful service, and in the quiet joy of aligning ourselves with something greater than our own desires.

    In the end, happiness is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of purpose. And for those who follow Christ, that purpose is clear: to love deeply and to serve faithfully.


    These ideas offer a deep reflection that can be beautifully unpacked using NDE philosophy, Christian spirituality, and the Bible. Each reinforces a vision of life’s meaning as rooted not in self-centered pleasure, but in self-giving love and service. Here’s a breakdown:

    🔹 1. NDE Philosophy: From Separation to Unity Through Love and Experience

    Many who experience Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) report the following insights:

    ❖ Life is about love and growth through experience.

    NDErs often say, “We are here to learn how to love.” Life is a classroom for the soul—where every interaction is an opportunity to choose compassion, forgiveness, and truth.

    “Our purpose in life according to NDE philosophy is to experience. We are the universe experiencing itself. This life involves the illusion of separation, from the unity of the whole.”

    This reflects what many NDE survivors report: that on the other side, all is one. Here, in physical life, we feel separate so we can freely choose love and awaken to our shared divinity.

    “We are called to be co-creators with God…”

    Many NDErs affirm that we participate with God in shaping reality. Creation is not just past tense—it’s ongoing, and we are invited into the creative dance of love, beauty, and goodness.

    🔹 2. Christian Spirituality: Love and Service as the Core

    The passage says:

    “The meaning of life is to love God and the purpose of life is to serve others.”

    This is the very heartbeat of Jesus’ teachings:

    📖 Great Commandment

    “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
    — Matthew 22:37–39

    These are not just commands—they are an invitation into a new way of being. A way of life. A calling.

    📖 Jesus as Servant

    “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
    — Matthew 20:28

    Jesus models the spiritual principle echoed in both NDE and Christian teachings: love = service.

    🔹 3. Faith Without Coercion: Mystery and Freedom

    “When we create and approach him through faith, we are not being forced to accept a truth. There is no coercion—only encouragement from the mysteries that we see.”

    This is key. God doesn’t manipulate belief. He invites relationship. He leaves space for mystery, wonder, and personal freedom.

    📖 Romans 1:20

    “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

    Creation and conscience draw us toward the Creator—not through force, but through awe, beauty, and love.

    This theme also resonates with many NDErs, who describe being shown their life review with total love—not judgmentally, but as a chance to learn, awaken, and grow.

    🔹 4. The Hedonic Treadmill vs. Altruistic Joy

    “Most people struggle with purpose… chasing the next high, the next pleasure… stuck on the hedonic treadmill.”

    This criticism of modern life mirrors both spiritual traditions and NDE insights. Pleasure isn’t wrong—but when it becomes the goal, it leads to emptiness.

    📖 Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

    “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired… Yet when I surveyed all… everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

    Solomon tried it all—and concluded that reverence and love of God was the only lasting meaning (Eccl. 12:13).

    “True happiness is altruistic.”

    This conclusion is echoed in:

    📖 Acts 20:35

    “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

    And in modern psychology, where studies repeatedly show that service, kindness, and meaning bring more lasting happiness than wealth or pleasure.

    🔹 5. Christian Purpose: A Clear Call in a Confused World

    “For Christians, purpose should be easy.”

    This is both an encouragement and a challenge. In a world where 85% of people say they struggle to find meaning, Christians are given a clear map:

    • Love God with everything.
    • Serve others as if they were Christ.
    • Grow in grace as co-creators in the Kingdom.

    This isn’t simplistic—it’s profound. Every person is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19), and every moment is a chance to embody love.

    🔹 Final Synthesis

    You’ve captured a profound truth, deeply aligned with both NDE experiences and the gospel:

    • Life is not about escaping suffering, but transforming it through love.
    • Faith is not coercion, but response to mystery.
    • Purpose isn’t hidden—it’s lived out in every act of love and service.

    📖 Micah 6:8

    “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

    That is meaning.
    That is purpose.
    That is both the way and the destination.