interesting how in ancient roman religion "excessive devotion" was an abuse of religion that could cause divine anger and was seen as harmful to the state.whereas now in christianity there is basically no limit to how devoted one could (or should) be in aspiring to be like Jesus Christ.to the romans, religion was practical and rational.whereas in the context of the modern day, christianity is impractical and irrational.what are the implications of this?
>>18463480Because it’s a different system. A lot of people don’t understand this. Paganism was about interacting with various spirits, forces and gods for good outcomes. You could have personal devotion to one or more gods if you wanted, but it was more a civic/tribal thing to make sure the gods were appeased. Life was very precarious and people genuinely did fear the wrath of the gods would cause starvation, disease, war, defeat. Thus you had to appease them with sacrifices, offerings and devotions but not call on them too much or else you could invite their anger. Monotheism is a different system entirely. God is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. He’s always with you and everything comes from his hand, he doesn’t need to be appeased like a civic god of a pagan city. Thus devotion and union to him is sought to deepen your faith and elevate your soul in divine communion. This is especially true in Christianity and Islam, Second Temple Judaism had symbolic sacrifice of an animal to God.
God told you to not use his name in vain thoughbeit.
>>18463512>everything comes from his handmidwit take
>>18463529Monotheist believers believe that everything comes from God, all gifts and graces come from him, not separate conflicting deities that need seperate sacrifices and offerings.
>>18463597Tell me more about what I believe, reddit gaytheist.
>>18463483>>18463485The tl;dr for the brain rot generation is that gunning for a Parasocial relation with the gods was considered impious and offensive.Trying to augur what makes the gods tick was offensive also.
>>18463480The implications are obviously that Christ is the true nature of man
>>18463480>>18463635Didn't most households have small idols dedicated to certain deities? I don't think the clergy would care as long as they kept getting their due
>>18463614Well, you do pray to God for grace and protection, for mercy and all other things. We don’t pray to any other deity. We don’t sacrifice a bull to Mars for protection in battle.
>>18463648I never prayed for myself even once in my whole life and lately I wasn't praying at all because it's an useless waste of time. God sees all and I do not need to LARP prayers when I can bless others.
>>18463649You can't bless anyone you delusional schizo, blessings are an exclusive power of God's chosen
>>18463528that just means you cant say you are an agent of god and then fail
>>18463689You fail the moment you claim to be an agent of his.>>18463686I bless everyone who sneezes but I suppose a reddit gaytheist wouldn't get it.
>>18463649Most sincere Christian, everyone.
>>18463738I'm not a christian.
