begining but not even close to the end

Redemption is the begining but not even close to the end. To try to continue into any uniquely Christian enterprise without it is foolish, like trying to run without feet. It would be simplistic to reduce it to the old "these things are spiritually discerned" so you cant understand them line (though I think that does have merit in the proper context). It is a question of starting from the right place. If one, for example, wanted to talk about the divinity of Christ the answer would not make sense. Christ is both man and God this is something that can be understood but not explained. Some would say that that does not make sense, and in the modern world it would not. There have been many explanations and attempts to try to fit the nature of Jesus Christ into a box we can explain, but he doesnt fit cleanly into any of them. there is always an arm hanging out or a left leg.

I have a friend who likes to claim to be Bhuddist and also likes to make derogatory comments about Christianity and Christians. He likes to argue the classic disputed points of Christianity; eternal disposition of the "heathen," divinity of Christ, necessity of Christianity to get to "heaven," etc. The problem of evil has not come up yet but im sure its not far off. The discussions are always held over food and drink and are generally very lively. I get the impression more and more that he is interested in these conversations because it is a fun diversion. It is a good arguement and those of us who are involved are all relatively intelligent people, able to but a sentance together. The things that he wants to talk about are too valuable to be treated that way. I am tempted more and more to call him on it and relate to him the above. I know that he will not understand our perspective, not because he cant but because he doesnt want to. He has already decided against it that we are wrong. There is no understanding that will be able to grasp the Way without first accepting it. That is not easy and takes a lot of trust but I believe that is exactly what He is asking us for. It is not a matter of being convinced but of making a choice. That choice is the pivot on which everything turns.