A good day: Part 2

Mood: really tired now
Stage notes: internet cafe on Neumarkt, eerie neon signs flashing in the windows

After class a Buddist friend from CDC joined me for lunch. We ate in funky Italien place at Christopher platz. There were only plush couches in coordinating neon colors, ultra modern tables, and no chairs. Every table had a flat screen TV perched on the wall next to it. The food was good, and cost under EUR 5 per plate. Although we easily converse about everything under the Sun, it has been difficult to find any openings to really get him to think about his world view and the difficulties inherent in it. I would appreciate your prayers that some doors open here.

On the train ride to another appointment, I ran into some Mormon missionaries. They have an English conversation group and invited me along. I passed on the invitation, but it will be interesting to see if we run into one another again. Although sometimes it feels like beating my head against a brick wall, I have on occasion enjoyed talking through my understanding of grace with the Mormons. The Bible makes it clear that the choice of humans to go their own way rather than obey God brings the death penalty. The only escape from this problem comes through God's choice to pay this penalty for anyone who asks. Jesus died so that we might live in freedom. Mormans believe that humans need not only to repent and trust in Jesus, but also to live a life full of good works. While it is true that we are able to live better lives in response to the love God has for us, these better lives are never a condition for forgiveness. In fact, until we really understand that God has fully forgiven all of our sins; past, present, and future, I think that we live in too much fear to really live lives characterized by love.

I'm out of time again, Tschüss!