Jesus Christ
How do you reconcile Aristotle's Golden Mean with Jesus Christ's teachings?
Aristotle teaches that we must choose the Golden Mean in every situation, that which is not in excess or is deficient. However, Jesus Christ teaches that we must sell all of our possessions, give up everything (even our lives) for our neighbor. How do you reconcile the two teachings?
I think you could probably reconcile the two by shifting the framework of the mean. Christ thought that the way in which most people live is extreme hedonism; it's reasonable to assume that death is extreme deprivation; therefore, a life of sacred poverty and solitary contemplation is the mean between the two.
I say that death is the extreme with regard to deprivation because Christ didn't necessarily require that man die in all situations - indeed, he wanted to teach men how to *live* well. He certainly thought that death is necessary in some cases, but probably not in the majority of them.
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Prayer of Gratitude to Jesus Christ, My Savior and Promise Keeper
Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley
It is altogether fitting that my first original writing of the new year should be a prayer to Jesus Christ, my Savior and promise keeper.
I am a converted Roman Catholic, and believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, is both my Savior and redeemer. I am a Christian. You may be a follower of Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism or Confucianism among others. It does not matter to me.
I am just happy that you recognize a power greater than yourself. Whatever your choice of religious belief, become a better member of your faith.
Despite the current problems of the Roman Catholic faith—in particular its egregious, unconscionable handling of those relatively few pedophile priests who have abandoned Christ's teachings—the life and message of Jesus Christ remains unchanged, and His church on Earth endures after more than 2,000 years.
The Catholic religion, like all religions, has had its good and bad keepers of the faith. There have been popes who have been no better than common criminals, and other popes who have been great examples of keepers of the faith, including Pope John XXIII (Angelo Roncalli), and Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), two of the most popular popes in the history of the papacy.
Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), the current reigning Pope, is the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
I wrote the following prayer in honor of Jesus Christ, and wish to share it with you at this time.
Prayer of Gratitude to Jesus Christ, My Savior and Promise Keeper
All praise and glory to you, Heavenly Father, and to your son Jesus, the living Son of you, my Father in Heaven, a living God who sees all, hears all and knows all.
Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to me so I might see Him and learn His loving ways. I understand that my faith does not literally require me to see Jesus in the flesh to receive and benefit from His message of unconditional love, understanding, acceptance and redemption. Only you, Father God, would have the patience to send your Son among us when faith would have sufficed. Let those who have not seen yet believe share in your promise of redemption.
I thank you Father for reaching out to me with your words of compassion and comfort. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to your message of service to others. Let not my heart be troubled by the cares of the world, so that I can be of service to you with no misgivings.
Guide me and direct me in all that I do and say so that your glory may be manifest in my service to others. Help me to appreciate that my life has little purpose without service to others, and grant to me an understanding heart and wise judgment so that I can better recognize those who are troubled and in need.
Let kindness and genuine concern be my greeting to all of your children. Let a gentle smile be my first words spoken. Without you Lord I am but an empty vessel waiting to be filled. With you, let me bring living water to those thirsty for your Word. Speak through me Lord so that your message remains clear, concise, and convincing.
Let my life be one of gratitude for the opportunity to serve with a willing and cheerful heart. I understand that while service to others will enrich my life, it is only through your grace that I will be saved, and be with you in Heaven.
I ask all of this, Father God, in the name of your son Jesus, my Savior and promise keeper.
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