Dr. Redick talked about solipsism, defining it as ultimate self-centeredness; thinking that one is the only one and that everything is a projection of one's self. In sects of Christianity, we see traces of solipsism, especially in the New Thought denominations. Now, New Thought is not an official term, but is simply used to describe the sects that are recent and have certain commonalities. One example of a New Thought sect is Christian Science. I think that solipsism is present here because of their central belief of the human mind's power. Granted, they believe that it is via the power of God that the human mind has such power, but ultimately, holding such emphasis on one aspect of an intentionally all-powerful God almost limits his power. As they circum-iterate the healing potential of the mind, they disregard God's external healing powers, aside from the mind and specially trained concentration. However, equally as important is the belief that nothing bodily actually exists. I don't believe that they disregard God's power intentionally, but being subject to a fallen world, filled with sin, every good thing has been twisted and contorted by sin for selfish gain. In believing that the human mind can perform miracles via the power of the Lord does emphasise belief in modern day miracles, but it also takes a certain view of self that is almost divine and begins to interfere with the holy nature that is God. Mind you, for me to say that God cannot use people to perform miracles would clearly contradict scriptures, but what I have gathered from research and interaction is that, typically Christian Science believers perform these miracles on their own terms, calling upon the Spirit with a certain authority that should be divinely ordained. Instead, Christian Science believers are "trained" at will.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Choice 1: Shannon Rose
Dr. Redick talked about solipsism, defining it as ultimate self-centeredness; thinking that one is the only one and that everything is a projection of one's self. In sects of Christianity, we see traces of solipsism, especially in the New Thought denominations. Now, New Thought is not an official term, but is simply used to describe the sects that are recent and have certain commonalities. One example of a New Thought sect is Christian Science. I think that solipsism is present here because of their central belief of the human mind's power. Granted, they believe that it is via the power of God that the human mind has such power, but ultimately, holding such emphasis on one aspect of an intentionally all-powerful God almost limits his power. As they circum-iterate the healing potential of the mind, they disregard God's external healing powers, aside from the mind and specially trained concentration. However, equally as important is the belief that nothing bodily actually exists. I don't believe that they disregard God's power intentionally, but being subject to a fallen world, filled with sin, every good thing has been twisted and contorted by sin for selfish gain. In believing that the human mind can perform miracles via the power of the Lord does emphasise belief in modern day miracles, but it also takes a certain view of self that is almost divine and begins to interfere with the holy nature that is God. Mind you, for me to say that God cannot use people to perform miracles would clearly contradict scriptures, but what I have gathered from research and interaction is that, typically Christian Science believers perform these miracles on their own terms, calling upon the Spirit with a certain authority that should be divinely ordained. Instead, Christian Science believers are "trained" at will.
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