Purpose of Christianity

[Godsdrummer]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

I've been reading some about gnostic christianity and the attainment of spiritual levels and self realization in Christ. It got me to thinking about what is the purpose of christianity. Is the purpose self realization or producing a Godly character with good works? Is that all there is to religion or is there something more? What is your opinion?

Now that is a good question, and put it that way made me stop and think, out side the box!!! You see 2000 years after the on set of Christianity we have to get out of the box, that is the only way to see what has become traditions and what is true relationship with God.

First one must realize that christianity was and out growth of the kingdom of God. Futher we speak of christianity as if it is a living being self propelled enity. Christianity is nothing, it has no purpose, can not do anything of itself, christianity is nothing more than another religion in a world that needs relationhip with God in the kingdom of God.

You make two statements which show forth the base thinking of religious thought.
Is the purpose self relization.
or the production of Godly character with Good works.

First religion/christianity may cause us to realize our faults, but that is where it must stop we cannot produce a Godly character on our own by good works. We can only become like God as we become closer to him in relationship with him.

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by Godsdrummer

Now that is a good question, and put it that way made me stop and think, out side the box!!! You see 2000 years after the on set of Christianity we have to get out of the box, that is the only way to see what has become traditions and what is true relationship with God.

First one must realize that christianity was and out growth of the kingdom of God. Futher we speak of christianity as if it is a living being self propelled enity. Christianity is nothing, it has no purpose, can not do anything of itself, christianity is nothing more than another religion in a world that needs relationhip with God in the kingdom of God.

You make two statements which show forth the base thinking of religious thought.
Is the purpose self relization.
or the production of Godly character with Good works.

First religion/christianity may cause us to realize our faults, but that is where it must stop we cannot produce a Godly character on our own by good works. We can only become like God as we become closer to him in relationship with him.

GD, you make some profound points. What I would like to know is, assuming we have an acts 2:38 relationship with God, what next? Amanah is correct in her definition of self realization, that is similar to all new age religions, that it is becoming like God. So you think realizing our faults is the height of spiritual growth and anything after that is through relationship? If that is true, how far can relationship take us? Is the ultimate purpose to grow by loving God or good works by loving our neighbor or both? I know I'm repeating myself but I would like to know what does relationship produce in us?