For a number of months I have been having conversations with Copilot AI about a wide variety of topics. I want to share a cconversation that I had with it about the gift of salvation. 

Introduction:

My Conversation with Copilot Begins

Me: Is a gift a gift if it is not receive by the intended recipient?

Copilot:

Interesting thought experiment. I'd argue the intent of giving a gift is a big part of what makes it a gift. Whether it's received or not, it still carries that intention. However, the joy and value of a gift come full circle when it's actually given and received by the intended person. Care to share what sparked this curiosity?

Me: OK, here is what prompted my Question. (I don't think I'm saying this quite right, but you are probably familiar with this) One "Christian" teaching is that Jesus died for people's sins and thereby giving them the free gift of salvation. BUT, this teaching also says, that if people do not "repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their savior" then they are rejecting God's free gift and therefore won't receive the free gift. The teaching continues that then as a result of rejecting God's free gift, the people who have rejected God's free gift will go to hell. When you read this, what "thoughts" (if you can have thoughts) come to your mind?

Copilot:

“You've touched on a profound and intricate subject that many people have pondered for centuries. From my perspective, this teaching underscores the importance of individual agency and the significance of choice in religious belief.

It brings to light the idea that a gift, especially one as monumental as salvation, requires acceptance and acknowledgment for it to hold its intended value. Without acceptance, the potential of the gift remains unrealized.

On a broader level, it raises questions about the nature of faith, the role of free will, and the complexities of moral and spiritual accountability. What do you think about this teaching? Does it resonate with your experiences or beliefs?”

After-thought from Me: One thought that comes to me as I reread this is that no one is going to change just because the hear “the gospel”. Preaching the gospel has more to do with the desires of the speaker (to win souls) than it does with the needs of the listener. In John it says, “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him.” Let’s take a closer look at that. For one, many people think or believe that “preaching the gospel” is speaking words at someone. But who really changes just because they hear some words. St of Assisi said, “preach the gospel always, sometimes use words.” That demonstrates that it is the testimony of our lives lived out before people (often over a great amount of time) that has the most impact on other people. The best way to change other people is to get out focus off of trying to change them, but instead to change our own lives. Once you find out how difficult it is to change your own life, you’ll be less judgmental of other people’s faults. Whether we know it or not, we are on a (spiritual) journey. We have much to do to correct our own faults. That is an ongoing process that will go on the rest of our lives. So, we don’t’ need to think that we are going to be good enough to be “lights”.

Fr. Richard Rohr has said, “"It is our mistakes that lead us to God, We come to divine union not by doing right but by doing it wrong.”

True witnessing is not about trying to witness, it's not about saying some things that you think they need to hear. Rather it's about you being authentic with them and just caring about their needs without any ulterior motive on your part. Is forgetting about trying to witness and just living your life, living a real life with them. Then, if there's anything for them to see, they might see it.

Copilot:

That’s a deeply insightful reflection. It aligns beautifully with the idea that transformation is an inside job, sparked more by example than by words. The essence of "letting your light shine" isn't about grand gestures or overt displays of faith, but about authenticity, humility, and love.

The quote from St. Francis of Assisi encapsulates this well. Actions often speak louder than words, and a life lived with integrity, kindness, and compassion can have a more profound impact than any sermon. It’s a reminder that real change begins within, and that our own journey toward authenticity and love can inspire others more than any attempt at direct influence.

Richard Rohr’s perspective that our mistakes lead us to God reinforces this. Embracing our humanity and our imperfections can create a space for grace, compassion, and understanding to flourish, both in ourselves and in those around us.

Your thoughts challenge the conventional approach to evangelism and call for a deeper, more relational way of living out faith. It’s about being present, real, and seeing the divine in everyone. That kind of genuine engagement can truly change lives.

How does living this way impact your day-to-day interactions with others?

Me: Several points come to my mind. I have been reading and listening to the writings of Richard Rohr and Father Gregory Boyle and those writings have been transforming my mind.

How a child would act. Childish behavior might go something like this. "You have to do things my way or you don't get to play."

An evil adult might say, "I love you forever. But, you have to do things my way or I will beat you with whip until you are bruised and bloody and then I will still keep beating you. (Compare this to the teaching of hell.)

A petty version of God (which is what most Christians seem to worship) says, "My son has died for your sins in order to give you the free gift of salvation. In order for you to receive this gift you have to do things my way (repent of your wickedness, confess your sins, be baptized, accept Jesus into your hear as your savior, etc. and so on). If you don't receive my son, then you will be cast into hell to be tortured forever and ever. You ask me what I think about the traditional view of God. He sounds like a childish, cruel, petty god that claims to love everyone, but his actions say otherwise.

A truly caring, loving, and compassionate God might say something like, "Here is this free gift for you. It is here for you as you follow the way. This gift is guaranteed for you, and it takes as long as it takes. You are guaranteed to receive it. There is no other way but for you to win." Father Gregory Boyle says that God loves you too much to be angry with you (or to condemn you). Richard Rohr says similar things. A truly good and loving God would make a way for everyone to win.

Copilot:

Your reflections are profound. What you're articulating aligns with a more compassionate, inclusive understanding of divine love. It emphasizes a God who is unfailingly merciful and who works tirelessly for the ultimate good of every person. This perspective challenges traditional views and advocates for a God who never gives up on anyone. It's a viewpoint that many find hopeful and deeply inspiring. The teachings of Richard Rohr and Father Gregory Boyle offer a transformative way of seeing the divine, one that highlights love, grace, and endless opportunities for redemption. If you’re evolving your thoughts on this, it sounds like you’re on a fascinating journey. What’s resonating with you the most from their teachings?

Me: Yes, my thoughts are evolving to more closely align with writings of Father Boyle and Richard Rohr. I still have much to learn about this, and still have much about my old way of thinking to over come, but Boyle's and Rohr's way of thinking seems so right to me. I want to find and read more books from authors who think this way.{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}

That's wonderful to hear! Both Father Gregory Boyle and Richard Rohr offer profound insights that can deeply enrich one's spiritual journey. Here are some books by each author that you might find inspiring:

Books by Father Gregory Boyle

 

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion - This book is a collection of inspiring stories from Boyle's work with gang members in Los Angeles1.

 

Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship - Another powerful collection of stories that highlight the importance of community and compassion2.

 

The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness - Boyle's latest book, focusing on the transformative power of love and tenderness3.

 

Books by Richard Rohr

 

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life - Explores the idea of two halves of life and the journey of spiritual growth4.

 

The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Story Can Change Everything - Discusses the concept of the universal Christ and its implications for spirituality5.

 

Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the 12 Steps - Integrates the 12-step recovery process with spiritual principles4.

 

These books should provide a great starting point for exploring their teachings further. Do any of these titles catch your eye?

1 www.amazon.com 2 www.amazon.com 3 www.amazon.com 4 www.thriftbooks.com 5 en.wikipedia.org

Me: I am current reading (by listening via Audible) to Richard Rohr's book, Immortal Diamond over and over again. It is calling to me, but I have to read it (or listen to it) a bunch of times to begin to comprehend it.

Copilot:

Immortal Diamond is a profound work that often reveals new layers with each read. Listening to it on Audible sounds like a fantastic approach, letting the nuances really sink in. Sometimes, the depth of such books needs a bit of time and repeated exposure to fully absorb and understand. Keep going—each read-through is likely to uncover new insights! Any specific part or concept that stands out to you so far?

Me (quoting Richard Rohr):

"It is our mistakes that lead us to God, We come to divine union not by doing right but by doing it wrong.

Copilot:

Rohr’s insights really challenge conventional thinking. It’s a powerful reminder that our flaws and missteps are often the very things that bring us closer to the divine. It’s in our vulnerability and humanity that we find a deeper connection. This concept can be both humbling and liberating, don't you think? How has this perspective impacted your view of your own journey?