Again, Chat GPT is using Protestant assumptions found online in outlines of the sermon on the mount, to arrive at the conclusion that Jesus does not emphasize ritualistic observance.Bootstrap wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:11 pm Still responding to Ernie's response ...
Often, you have to keep asking questions to lead GPT in the right direction ... it's a bit like "you are getting warmer ..."
User
Does Jesus also teach ritual, in addition to transformation?Ernie, how accurate do you think this is? What would you want to change?No, in the Sermon on the Mount and throughout His teachings in the New Testament, Jesus does not primarily emphasize ritualistic observance. Instead, His focus is primarily on transformation, inner righteousness, and the state of the heart. While Jesus did not reject all religious rituals or practices, His teachings place a greater emphasis on the following:
1. Transformation of the Heart: Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the importance of inner transformation and purity of heart. He teaches that true righteousness goes beyond external actions and rituals and requires a genuine change of heart (Matthew 5:8, 23-24).
2. Relationship with God: Jesus encourages a personal and authentic relationship with God rather than a mere performance of rituals. He teaches about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving but emphasizes doing these acts with sincerity and humility rather than for public recognition (Matthew 6:1-18).
3. Love and Compassion: Love for God and love for others are central themes in Jesus' teachings. He instructs His followers to love their neighbors, even their enemies, and to show mercy and forgiveness (Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 6:14-15).
4. Ethical Living: Jesus provides ethical principles that guide behavior and relationships, such as the commandments against murder, adultery, false oaths, and retaliation. He emphasizes the spirit of these commandments over legalistic interpretations (Matthew 5:21-48).
5. Dependence on God: Jesus encourages trust in God's provision and care, rather than excessive worry about material needs or possessions (Matthew 6:25-34).
While Jesus did not reject all Jewish rituals or religious practices, His teachings were revolutionary in their emphasis on matters of the heart, authenticity in one's relationship with God, and the importance of love, compassion, and ethical living. He challenged legalistic interpretations of the Law and external religiosity when they overshadowed the deeper spiritual and moral aspects of faith.
Cambridge Dictionary gives this as the first definition for ritual.
I think that always telling the truth, praying in the manner of the Lord's prayer, always trusting God to supply our needs rather than worrying like most people on the earth, not looking on women to lust after them, etc. etc. are rituals that Jesus is instructing us to make habits in our life and not do what the world is likely to do instead of these things. So this is an example to me of how wrong and harmful Chat GPT can be for Christians. It appears that you agree with Chat GPT above and that is concerning to me if I am understanding correctly.a way of doing something in which the same actions are done in the same way every time: