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Having an emotional connection to Jesus is a modern Protestant invention. The Eastern Christian tradition does not place the same value on logic (Aquinas) or emotions (pietism) as the West. In the Orthodox tradition, you can directly perceive and relate to Christ through the "nous" (the spiritual organ of perception). In order for the nous to function properly, it needs to be purified through prayer, fasting, works of mercy, regular consumption of the Body and Blood, and confession to a priest. The nous is like a dirty mirror than cannot reflect God's glory until it is cleaned.

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Roman Catholicism takes a similar approach, only they call the nous the "soul". Christ is unclear on this IMO, but Paul makes the claim that that salvation is only through a truthful declaration (faith) that you believe Christ is your Lord. What "salvation is through" means is less clear, it's stated as a guarantee (at least in KJV) but it could also mean it's only the first step to unity with the Father. I do not believe salvation is obtained through the sacraments and good deeds, as this is works-only, but am of the belief (I Peter 2:9) that works and deeds are evidence of salvation and are not the means. Purification and an outpouring of holy spirit is obtained by quietly being present and one with the Father
What a cool topic. This is my first time on NOSTR, first post. Lol, I was picturing this space to look like an AppleIIfor some reason, like, green and black and drab. You know. I learned of nostr from BTC University maybe three years ago, annnnnd it's taken me this finally sign up because I knew it'd stress me out lol. I loath "signing up". Anyway... Just some context, My uncle lived in and around Thimpu around 20 years. I went to a middle school run by a zen buhhist head master. Grew up with Taekwondo. I lived in Thailand for ten years. And 'Check Yo Head" by the BBoys is dope. I've never considered myself Buddhist. I wouldn't be agreeable to say that I am, in fact. The influence and knowledge may be evident if one knew what to decipher, I guess. I dunno. You make a point about strong emotional conviction towards God. I haven't experienced that type of 'genre'of devotion from the east side, towards their deity. Though, for example, I don't think it'd surprise me if Somchai had his jugular snipped for slandering the king, well the previous one anyway. What I mean is there's intense and expected dedication for the king. I just had a thought that Christians have a strong emotional tie for, Jesus. I thought for a sec the two analogous, but worshiping the king is not like Jesus, I think now for two reasons: the Tao is not a creator, and it's seems Siddhartha would be more fitting when considering Jesus' relationship to God. Eeh, I'm rambling, sorry. So, this topic is fitting because the very.... very best people I interact with, and respect, are all Christians these days. live in Santa Barbara, my hometown, where Christians are what you hear about on the corporate media doing something somewhere else. I work two store wrenching on bikes. Both owners have known me for, well one for more than 30 years and the other twenty or so. 80-90 Christian-employeed. They accept me, fully. They're what I've got left. I'm probably way off topic. Bye