GodIsMyJudge wrote:Seamus wrote:heya, Daniel...
I feel led to engage something I perceive as a patriarchal left-brained will-o-the-wisp.... don't take any of the following personally. There is a smell in the air, Timothy.
All beautiful songs add their beauty to the whole of all that is and thereby honor Ø with their existence. One need not set out to "praise" God, as it is not such activity that honors him. He is honored in spirit and truth by those whom he acknowledges as free men and women having the choice to do so. The intention of the heart is everything. Expression is easily corrupted by Ego when very skillful or awe-inspiring. The flesh profits nothing.
Then you can further conclude that writing songs about God or the joy that you receive from you Creator is the same thing as praising, for you choose to use your own free will to write about Him in the first place. I believe next time you should ask questions before coming to a conclusion to get to know the situation.
I think I understand the situation pretty well. I specifically asked you not to take any of what I said personally, but you were unable to do that. That makes the situation quite clear.
It appears you have continued to look at the world through the lens of religion (which is all about free will and self-effort), and that is preventing you from relating in the most generic and therefore the most pertinent way. Your posts all have strong Christian overtones, while it is abundantly clear to those who have placed their trust in Ø, that Christianity is one of the most criminal systems of control that people use to avoid personal responsibility. (a.k.a. slavery) Whence the Christian bent? I think it's from the flesh, in which you seem to have a bit too much confidence. Just because you trust abundantly, does not automatically mean that your trust is placed in the Supreme Authority.
Yes it's true, you can write songs that end up praising Ø. But that's not the invitation I sense in your 'encouragement' to Ryan. I sense, rather, a directive to "praise God". Or at the least, an encouragement as from a superior to an inferior. I have been through several major religions, Born-again Christianity, and was even in a very zealous quasi-Christian cult. They ALL have this same mode of communication in common. Why is that? It's because they all have EGO in common. Ego trying to "please God" is very odious. Not only is it impossible for one living by the flesh to please Ø, the very attempt is an insult to Ø's intelligence and power.
All our righteousness is as filthy rags.
If I am wrong about what I have said here, I invite a loving correction, as is proper from one who is empowered by the Holy Spirit. I have been wrong enough times that it doesn't hurt too much to admit it when it's shown to me.
I have searched my mind for anything and zilch....may try a little meditation and quiet time later. 
