[[Index for Spirituality]] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/849749.The_Spiritual_Man Reading it [[17-10-2022]] Reflections - According to him, majority of christians are "Soulish", that is, operating out from the soul ("...faculties of the soul are will, mind and emotion."). And to be a Spiritual christian, means the "self have to die", and bear the cross daily. Bearing the cross daily means to deny the natural inclination of the soul, even though it's not wrong, but to be spiritual that means, we have to deny ourselves and follow Christ. - I find it hard to accept. - He said that many christians pray and want God, but it's more than just wanting God, and doing Christian things.. it's the underlying intention of WHY they want God.. is it for them to feel good about themselves? To enrich their experience? To stimulate their mind? That is all part of the Soul. - Then how would we know?! - In Therapy, #therapist - Do they want to help the patient for patient's good or for them to feel good about themselves? (Perhaps, it's similar idea?) - But seriously, how would we know, if "the heart is most deceitful" - I am questioning now... If I desire a more spiritual life, is that desire from ME? SOUL? and that's a bad thing? - Suppose I like to read books, gain knowledge and stimulate my mind... is that a bad thing? because it's not spiritual? - Suppose i enjoy working out, and exercising, is that soulish? Vanity for wanting to look good? - Triggered! Very hard!! - So what? That means, to truly follow Jesus, we have to give up being human? cease emotion, and not do any work? Just read the bible and pray? Since everything is "worldly" and "soulish"? I find that hard to accept. - It seems like in Heaven, there are different tiers of membership, like MLM. - Silver member - Just believed - Gold member - 5 years and still believing - Platinum, Diamond, ...whatever, depending on how spiritual you are..