Quote Originally Posted by walterick
Hey Shrack,

I agree with you that the physical realm is indeed very fun to play in It's like I read once: why would "god" have given us the toys if he did not mean for us to play with them? But I disagree that the physical realm is not spiritual. To loosely reference your Bible, did not God create all of the heavens and the earth? Would not any of God's creations be pretty danged spiritual? I think the challenge is not in separating the physical from the spiritual, but seeing them as one. I feel that's the moment that the veil of illusion has been lifted and we see everything as "God," or "one." I think that's the way "God" would want it.
Hi Rick,

Yes, the Bible does say that God created the heavens and earth, and everything therein. But you have to understand that the Bible also separates the spiritual from the physical, and in fact condemns those who would worship the natural realm as if it is divine itself (see Romans 1 for example). This is because God demands worship of himself, as the Creator, and not the things he created, which to him would amount to idolatry.

It's interesting that throughout the entire Bible not once does it mention that God loves the plants, trees, mountains, etc., for all these things will pass away with time, but it does state that mankind is the special object of his love on account of the fact that he is the only creature created in the image of God himself, having a soul that is eternal. It is of no coincidence, therefore, that the Bible emphasizes the need for man's redemption through Jesus Christ, in order that the image of God in man might be renewed so that man would live in accordance with the Creator's purpose for life, which is to reflect God's own nature and character through living in accordance to his ways.

While nature is a beautiful thing, and obviously designed for us to enjoy, the Bible's view is that it is not to be elevated above it's purpose, which purpose is to serve the physical needs of man who is bound to live his life on earth in a physical body. For me, a Christian, this not only seems the most reasonable, but also the most practical, view about life simply because it puts emphasis on what is truly important: loving God with all your heart, soul and mind, and then loving your neighbor as yourself. What a wonderful world this would be if everyone followed this truly divine axiom.

Ray, it saddens me to hear you say "I really don't believe there is anything spiritual per se about a rock, tree, mountain or stream..." I think you have rattled off a list of my favorite spiritual places
lol...sorry to disappoint you! You can still enjoy those places, though, I don't think God would mind. In fact, my favorite spot since I was a kid has been up in the Sierra Mountains in California in a little, almost forgotten late 1800's gold town with a population of 35 called La Porte. I still go there at least once a year for a few days to "unwind" from L.A. If I had my way, I'd be living up there for sure.

Talk to ya later,

Ray