Conversations with the Monk

Fanning, Jonathan

/ ISBN 13: 9798323008889

Edité par Independently published, 2024

Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. N° de réf. du vendeur 55724502-6

Synopsis :

What would You Ask? Imagine being stranded for several days in a cabin, deep in the woods, with no electricity, no books, no games, no internet connection, no phones, no electronics whatsoever. You have plenty of food, a warm fire, a seemingly endless supply of seasoned firewood, and an old-fashioned – but fully functional – wood stove. You are alone with your thoughts and the monk. Yes, the monk. The two of you will wait out an incredible winter storm together. The monk is a gifted chef. In fact, he seems to be very gifted at just about everything. He is well-read in every topic you bring up. His memory is sharp and his gift for story-telling unsurpassed. It seems that the monk understands and has thought deeply on all of life’s questions: philosophy, money, parenting, religion, faith, purpose, relationships, work, culture. Any question you offer is handled masterfully, from multiple angles and perspectives. The monk welcomes dialogue with a deep and heartfelt kindness that perfectly complements the fire’s warm glow. What questions would you ask the monk? What’s up with all the Rules? How many rules does religion impose? It’s been said that history repeats itself and it seems that one of those repetitions includes manufacturing rules to impose on your neighbor. Is religion really any different here? Pain, Suffering, Evil… and a Loving God? Murder, famine, cancer, car accidents, depression, suicide, war, hurricanes… It’s incongruent. A loving and all-powerful God allows these things? Couldn’t Jesus cure blindness instead of curing one blind man? What's the Real World Practical Application? I’m a parent and a spouse. If I try to follow Jesus’ example, don’t I always end up being stepped on, “dying”? To be more specific, if I just forgive my kids and my spouse and my co-workers over and over and over… if I pay the price for their mistakes, won’t I become a doormat? Religious People & The Church as Role Models… The Church is so far from perfect. The Inquisition. Child Abuse. The Crusades. Corruption. How do you rectify that? I’m Spiritual, not Religious What’s wrong with being spiritual? I’ve heard religion described as just a crutch, the “opiate of the masses”. My Prayers are NOT always Answered! My cousin was unable to have children but was finally able to adopt. Answered prayer! My neighbor was in the same situation but was never able to adopt. Are these examples of times God chooses to – or chooses not to – answer prayers? God, What’s My Purpose How do I know my purpose? Where do I go to find meaning in life? Why am I here? What path should I follow? How can I know I’m making the right decisions? All Paths Lead up the Mountain Don’t all religions lead to God? You’ve found the way… the only true way to God! Can anyone really make this claim? Isn’t it intolerant, even arrogant? I have a lot of questions about my faith. Is that okay? It seems that every person I meet disagrees with the Church on at least one issue. Is it okay to disagree with the Church? If I disagree with the Church, am I disagreeing with God? On the other hand, can we really call ourselves Christians if we make up our own beliefs, almost “cafeteria” style? What should we do about our questions/disagreements? For example: A lot of my friends “church-shop” – in search of the church that feels right. Is this okay? I don’t always feel like I get anything out of mass. Am I missing something? Does God Speak to People? Me, too? How? The Bible seems to be full of people who dialogue with God. The Lord tells them this or that. How does this work? If I heard voices in my head, I would assume that it was my voice. If I said it was God speaking to me, couldn’t that lead to trouble? What would you ask the Monk?

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : Conversations with the Monk
Éditeur : Independently published
Date d'édition : 2024
Reliure : Couverture souple
Etat : Very Good