The Paradox of Repentance

[_Moniker]

Oh! My! Godness!

This is just insane sounding. How much time would one waste on such a thing?

On repentance?

Um hum.

[_The Nehor]

As I've said, I see sin as more of a condition and state of mind than an act. This is one reason, I believe, that Christ talked about hating someone being like murder. It's the attitude and action. Actions lead to attitudes, and vie versa.

With this in mind, the former sins "returning" is not much more than the former sins being manifest yet again, as they apparently were never completely forsaken.

If that is the case, then you can never repent for something that you will continue to do, right?

How about lust? That's a biological function you cannot turn off willfully. By your standard, you could never repent from that.

Sure you can. Change the mental diaglogue, "I wish I could rip her clothes off and throw her up against that wall and....." to "She's beautiful/cute/hot/fugly."

[_The Nehor]

Oh! My! Godness!

This is just insane sounding. How much time would one waste on such a thing?

On repentance?

Um hum.

I can only speak for myself but I'm guessing 5 to 10 minutes a day is my norm.

[_LifeOnaPlate]

Oh! My! Godness!

This is just insane sounding. How much time would one waste on such a thing?

On repentance?

Um hum.

Regardless of what can be said about religion I am a big fan of the repentance idea. It can be taken to extremes (on many levels; too much, not enough, etc.) But I see repentance as a great way to try to become a better person. People repent without calling it repentance whenever they seek reconciliation with someone, apologize, forsake a bad habit, etc. I don't see trying to be a better person as a waste of time at all, regardless of the religious implications.

[_Moniker]

Oh! My! Godness!

This is just insane sounding. How much time would one waste on such a thing?

On repentance?

Um hum.

Regardless of what can be said about religion I am a big fan of the repentance idea. It can be taken to extremes (on many levels; too much, not enough, etc.) But I see repentance as a great way to try to become a better person. People repent without calling it repentance whenever they seek reconciliation with someone, apologize, forsake a bad habit, etc. I don't see trying to be a better person as a waste of time at all, regardless of the religious implications.

I agree with the general idea of repentance. Acknowledging conduct and how it effects us and others and striving to change ones life for the better is something I consider quite noble and courageous. Yet, the way John described it in the OP appears rather pointless, imho.

[_The Nehor]

I agree with the general idea of repentance. Acknowledging conduct and how it effects us and others and striving to change ones life for the better is something I consider quite noble and courageous. Yet, the way John described it in the OP appears rather pointless, imho.

I've never known anyone who does it the way he implied it happens. I have to repent every day....sometimes more so when I come here, just had a BDSM session, or sacrificed a goat to Cthulu. Those tend to take a little bit long. I don't try to mentally go over EVERY single time I've done a specific thing wrong when I repent. For some reason God still does forgive me....go figure. Nice guy, that God.

[_Moniker]

I agree with the general idea of repentance. Acknowledging conduct and how it effects us and others and striving to change ones life for the better is something I consider quite noble and courageous. Yet, the way John described it in the OP appears rather pointless, imho.

I've never known anyone who does it the way he implied it happens. I have to repent every day....sometimes more so when I come here, just had a BDSM session, or sacrificed a goat to Cthulu. Those tend to take a little bit long. I don't try to mentally go over EVERY single time I've done a specific thing wrong when I repent. For some reason God still does forgive me....go figure. Nice guy, that God.

Well, see now, we must have different definitions of repentance. I don't see God or forgiveness as a necessary factor in the process whatsoever. Just the ability to view actions and gauge their impact and change future behavior is enough, for me.

[_The Nehor]

Well, see now, we must have different definitions of repentance. I don't see God or forgiveness as a necessary factor in the process whatsoever. Just the ability to view actions and gauge their impact and change future behavior is enough, for me.

Perhaps, but my way has perks. Free guilt washing away, complimentary spiritual massage, and I get to touch the divine which is always a good thing....though not necessarily always a fun thing.