the reason why we have democracy instead of kingdoms and kings, is that democracy allows them to launder the negative karma of their actions to the people who choose them of 'free will' (aka brainwashing and fear) instead of having to pay the karmic price for being evil rulers
> yeah brother totally jump off that cliff bro you can do it
> would you help me? what if anything goes wrong
> not much really, but I have faith you can do it
> yeah bro eat this fruit and then keep seeking more truth and knowledge bro, for sure totally promise bro, yeah just ignore anything suspicious and warning signs and keep seeking more knowledge totally safe bro
> but what if i do die?
> whoops well thats on you
That being said a heart turned toward Christ, even by a single thread, cannot be lost.
Because salvation is His work, not yours.
Same said in the pure land tradition - If a single thought of entrusting is formed, Amitabha receives that person at once.
Even the worst of beings who call the Name but once with sincere mind will be received.
"Ask and it will be given to you;ย seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.ย For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;ย and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?ย Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?ย If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good giftsย to those who ask him!"
โEnter through the narrow gate.ย For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.ย But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
"A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." (christ rising from the dead)
"if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, โMove from here to there,โ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (if it aligns with the divine's will)
The buddha said:
"All phenomena are circumstantial
And depend entirely on intention.
Whatever aspirations people make,
The results they will gain accordingly"
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
@meaning_enjoyer imo new age seems like peace without the sword of discernment (the basis being skillful/unskillful actions and the benefit of all beings) that christ or buddhism brings