Wednesday, December 23, 2009

From a Heathen and a Pagan

A recent post on another blog labeled me as an idolater. It was said that that I am an anti-Christian, a part of the Christian counter culture and that I have a devil's worldview. Even the Christianity of those that examined me as a Deacon candidate was called into question.

I said that so that you would know why this is a fitting song to wish you a Merry Christmas. I happen to be a Jackson Browne fan and had the opportunity (many years ago) to see him in concert. It sounds as if he's also worn the labels of anti-Christian, idolater, heathen and pagan.

Merry Christmas from a "heathen and a pagan on the side of the rebel Jesus."



John <><

7 comments:

Kevin Gilmore said...

Nice song...I'd not heard that one.

So...where's the blog that's trashing you? I understand if you'd rather not say.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, John.

Bandit said...

I see a red flag here. When someone is trashing you, they are judging your Christian heart and very soul. The Bible says, "judge not lest ye be judged by others." I want you to know that I have been personally uplifted many times by reading your posts. In every one of your posts, you have evangalized in some way.

Merry Christmas to you and your's John

John A Hill said...

Thank you, Bandit.

I look forward to meeting you at Ted Drewe's someday. We'll have to get Mike to buy!

Merry Christmas and many thanks for continuing to stop by and read my blog.

John <><

Mike said...

Merry Christmas back at you, you rebel you!

I think the working guys should buy the retired guy a Ted Drews.

Paul Cox said...

FWIW, John, I think you've got one of the most Christ-like attitudes of trying to see the world and others that I know.

To me, that makes you more "Christian" than most people. So let the criticism roll off like water from a duck's back and press onward.

There is a writing from the guy who established my form of Buddhism that actually fits in here, if you'll forgive me... ;)

"Since hatred and jealousy [toward this sutra] abound even during the lifetime of the Buddha, how much worse will it be in the world after his passing!"

Nichiren was talking about how the Buddha mentioned, in some of the sutras, how people slandered and abused him. This happened even while the Buddha was still alive, and he called it- "how much worse will it be in the world after his passing!"

Same thing seemed to happen to Jesus, as I recall from my Sunday School lessons long ago. ;) Jesus was attacked by the priests and leaders of the time, eventually even being crucified for his teachings.

It's natural that in the time after his death, those attacks and arguments between people who are trying to pass along his teachings are going to occur.

It's a sign that you're striking a nerve. All anyone can do, I think, is to study, listen to the little voice in their heart, and try to keep doing the right thing.

Keep trying to do the right thing, amigo!

Sicilian said...

The ugliness never ends. You handle it much better than I do.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Ciao

Bilbo said...

Such labels and hatreds are at the root of my problem with all religions. Don't worry about the labels - if you are of good heart and follow the golden rule, everything else is window dressing. Merry Christmas, and God bless you and your family.

vw: prolerfe - in favor of lerfe.