For your info, the camel passing through the eye of the needle is not impossible. You see, I learned that "camel" in the statement is just another word for rope (since it's made of camel's hair), and thus, the statement is not an impossibility. Any rope can pass through the eye of a needle, although with some difficulty.

We use "hemp" to mean rope, the Jews used "camel" to mean rope. I'm sure there are other such examples.

This should show how we should really understand the real meaning of statements and just not assume.

Gerr

Gerry, thanks so much for your insight! Coupled with other explanations I have received you have done much to alleviate my misunderstanding of this particular passage.

If you are interested in joining our Mastermind Group for similar discussions, please let me know.

Hello Donna may I please join the group? I don't think I am currently in it??

Thanks so much.

Hi all,
I really have enjoyed all the posts about reconicling the Christian view with SOGR. That was my first concern, because my faith is very important to me. I describe myself as a strong committed Christian, and as spiritual, but definitely NOT religious!

In my study of SOGR, I have found absolutely NOTHING that contradicts the teachings of Christ, or Gospel teachings. What many of us have been subject to in our religious upbringing, I think, are the interpretations of men (meaning people of authority in our churches, not just males) rather than the true Gospel meanings. There is ample evidence in the scriptures that God richly blessed the faithful.

Indeed, I believe that God created Heaven and Earth out of the formless stuff in the same way that we are being taught to create our own riches. He had a vision of it, he said it, he had faith that it would happen, and it did. And he saw that it was good.

I'd love to be part of further discussions about Christian principles and SOGR.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Donna:
My original intention with this post was to offer an invitation to form a Mastermind Group and to offer up a potential topic to begin.


I am now in the process of contacting those of you who seem to be like-minded and have indicated an interest in joining this mastermind group. If, within 24 hours of this post, you have not received anything from me, and wish to be included in this group, please place another post. I will continue to check this discussion forum for other people who would like to be included.

Rebecca I hope you will make regular contributions to our little group if you see us veering off track on anything. Your comments thus far have been most helpful and insightful and are much appreciated.

Gratefully,
Donna

---

Hi Donna, yes great!whatever background we have, it would be in Mr Waddle's spirit to realise that it brought us to the point of now ( with the attitude of gratitude), and it is only NOW that we can do something about whatever the prediciment it is we are in.
I am fed up with my predicament, and I intend to do something about it.
Pleae count me in your Master Mind group.
Cheers to all.
Ben Andriessen

Never forget, abundance is our birthright.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gerry:
For your info, the camel passing through the eye of the needle is not impossible. You see, I learned that "camel" in the statement is just another word for rope (since it's made of camel's hair), and thus, the statement is not an impossibility. Any rope can pass through the eye of a needle, although with some difficulty.

We use "hemp" to mean rope, the Jews used "camel" to mean rope. I'm sure there are other such examples.

This should show how we should really understand the real meaning of statements and just not assume.

Gerr

---

I have heard another explaination that, quite frankly, makes more sense to me. I was told by someone who grew up in Palestine that there is (or at least WAS) a gate in the wall around the old city of Jerusalem that is called "The Eye of the Needle". It is not the usual size for a gate - you have to duck down to get through. Therefore, in order to get a camel through this gate, you have to take all the freight off his back and make him sit down. The you have to push him through the gate! You can imagine how hard this could be if the camel was not "in the mood"! Then you have to reload your freight before continuing. So when our Lord said it was easier to do this (which could take the better part of an afternoon, depending on how the camel felt about it), than for a rich man to enter Heaven, the disciples had a real-life comparison to think about.

Donna

This is a great topic. Please contact me about joining the group.

Thank you,
Roy

Thank you all for your comments, suggestions, teachings, advice and support.

But as Rebecca points out in her New Topic regarding this particular discussion, we have grown into a discussion group here in Let's Connect Forum which is not what it was originally intended for.

I would be happy to continue to have your input on this issue and other Christian issues either through our mastermind group or through direct contact with you individually.

My personal email address is in my profile, so if you have been reading these posts and would like to continue discussing SOGR from this angle, please feel free to contact me privately.

If you wish to be included in the Mastermind group which grew out of this topic, I will work towards including you in future discussions.

If you simply wish to make an observation or contribution, I would appreciate that as well. But it is time to let this particular topic move down the board so that others may take its place.

Thank you so much for your understanding.

Gratefully
Donna