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How Christians can Make the World a Better Place
By Artemicion 2012-01-18 12:16:06
Caitsith.Heimdall said: »simply put people get lost in the politics of religion and lose sight or just never simply see it in first place. Most religions actually share the same core message that of treating each other good and with kindness and fairness and compassion. Unfortunately for most that message has been covered with the politics people have added ontop in search of own personal power and desires and hate.
Fundamentally yes, religion is a benevolent force and cause for many.
Unfortunately scriptures therein, misinterpretation and the dark ambitions of others tend to screw things up for the rest of the world, and have for centuries. While many atheists and reasonable human beings alike have great distaste for the direction religion has gone lately, and many of their outlashes have been misguided, I can't help but wonder if Christianity's own words and dogma would ultimately contradict itself or become it's own undoing based on scripture therein.
 Caitsith.Sai
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By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 12:16:40
I agree with you, everyone should love themselves, and not be ashamed of themselves. I wasn't trying to say that at all. Merely, we should never be complacent with where we stand, and always look for ways to improve what is already a wonderful person.
Hmm. I dont really understand what you mean here. How is one complacent in who they are? How do I become more me tomorrow than I am today?
If you mean that through experience I understand myself better, then wont that happen regardless? As long as you are alive you will have experiences that cause self discovery but that doesnt really fit with anti-complacency.
Are you speaking strictly religiously? That you need to be more Christian everyday? But if thats the case, how can you not be ashamed of the parts of you that arent all the way Christian yet?
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By Lakshmi.Sparthosx 2012-01-18 12:23:59
Sylph.Systematicchaos said: »If Atheists weren't throwing words back and forth with Christians both would probably be more accepted. Both groups seem intolerant, and one not more than the other.
Hm, time to use that Pat Condell quote again.
"Offensive atheism is really defensive atheism."
Make no mistake, Christians are in the majority no matter the lies some try to spin to energize their base into action. When part of the majority actively attempts to stamp out the other side, you've no choice but to either dig in your heels or accept inevitable destruction. History is all the evidence one needs to confirm this and any honest theist should be able to recognize why atheists often are so vocal.
Atheism isn't going to destroy Christianity and theism (of all shapes and sizes) is here to stay for the long haul but what will not be tolerated by any reasonable atheist is the push by some theists to return us to the days of the inquisitions and witch hunts. Irrational actions that excuse a lack of thinking by putting everything in Gods hands or what he tells you behind closed doors.
Trying to impose one method of educating students in school (creationism) is an attack on free inquiry and the reason many atheists coalesce on the creationism/evolution battle. No one is saying theists can't pray, believe in their creation myths or whatever sounds good from the text but leave theology for philosophy courses and let's stick to evidence in science classrooms.
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Caitsith.Sai
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By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 12:24:50
Bismarck.Josiahkf said: »it's the concept of always striving for betterment of oneself and once again religion is not required to come to that conclusion
Yes, but how exactly does one better themselves? Who decides what is better? How do you know your not worsening yourself?
To better oneself, sounds like it should be good, but I dont think it actually means anything.
Caitsith.Heimdall
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By Caitsith.Heimdall 2012-01-18 12:30:07
Caitsith.Heimdall said: »simply put people get lost in the politics of religion and lose sight or just never simply see it in first place. Most religions actually share the same core message that of treating each other good and with kindness and fairness and compassion. Unfortunately for most that message has been covered with the politics people have added ontop in search of own personal power and desires and hate.
Fundamentally yes, religion is a benevolent force and cause for many.
Unfortunately scriptures therein, misinterpretation and the dark ambitions of others tend to screw things up for the rest of the world, and have for centuries. While many atheists and reasonable human beings alike have great distaste for the direction religion has gone lately, and many of their outlashes have been misguided, I can't help but wonder if Christianity's own words and dogma would ultimately contradict itself or become it's own undoing based on scripture therein.
Ya basically people should be able to do the right thing and treat each other decent cus well its the right thing to do not just cus someone told them to. Though i do understand the need for religion cus face it life generally sucks and people need to have that belief at times that there something better to come to get through it. But at same time if people only do the right thing cus they think they will get a reward at the end (the perverbal gold star) for doing good doesn't that basically negate doing good in the first place since it was only for personal gain and not to actually help others.
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 Siren.Mosin
By Siren.Mosin 2012-01-18 12:33:38
Lakshmi.Sparthosx said: » you can be an atheist without shitting on organized religion, FYI The question is: For how long? We live in a unique point in history where non-belief is able to propagate and grow alongside organized religion but that was most certainly not the case if/when the religious loons get a hold of history's wheel. To call yourself atheist even in this age of 'acceptance' is still a battle and a tough one at that. You won't be burning at the stake while some emissary of God reads scripture but there are forces out there who'd enjoy the notion of grinding the non-belief crowd back into a voiceless mass hiding to get by. That's why when people say "well, just keep your atheism to yourself" I can't help but look at them and see the historical ignorance oozing from their pores. If theists want to prevent a repeat of the past they'll need to beat back their radical forces and truly put 'love thy neighbor' to the test.
you make a good point spath.
the point I was getting at however has nothing to do with a heathly back & forth, & more to do with blantantly saying Religion is a scourge on the earth that needs to be cleansed. regardless of one's personal feelings on the subject, it hits far too close to the heart to say another's opinion (on a matter that has no definate answer) holds no water.
basically, we're all just scared shitless of death, & our ways of coping with said fear vary greatly.
Bismarck.Ihina
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By Bismarck.Ihina 2012-01-18 12:35:30
I have a suggestion.
How about you guys stop electing people who name-drop god and jesus every chance they get, then turn around and judge, attack and condemn every possible way of life outside of their own, and steal from the poor to funnel money to the rich.
See, that would actually make a different since it affects policy on a national scale.
Ragnarok.Evandis
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By Ragnarok.Evandis 2012-01-18 12:36:36
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
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Caitsith.Sai
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By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 12:37:35
Bismarck.Josiahkf said: »Bismarck.Josiahkf said: »it's the concept of always striving for betterment of oneself and once again religion is not required to come to that conclusion Yes, but how exactly does one better themselves? Who decides what is better? How do you know your not worsening yourself?
To better oneself, sounds like it should be good, but I dont think it actually means anything. it means recognizing things one sees as ones flaws and limits, then overcoming them
Again, nonsensical talk. What if like my flaws b/c I believe they are part of makes me different from everyone else? What if my limits are things that are best left alone? At that point am I a maximum level human?
Like I said, it sounds like a good motivational thing to tell oneself, but in reality it doesn't mean anything. A statement that literally means a different thing to each different person, doesn't mean anything at all.
By Artemicion 2012-01-18 12:43:07
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Let's be honest here, including with ourselves.
How many Christians out of the whole would you say even so much as aspire to follow in Jesus Christ's footsteps and follow his cause?
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サーバ: Siren
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By Siren.Inuyushi 2012-01-18 12:43:54
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Caitsith.Sai
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By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 12:44:00
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Lul. Preach love > attack others.
Christian fail!
You think you strive to be Christ like? How do you feel about communism and socialism? Jesus preached and lived (allegedly) those principles, but it seems to every Christian I know think those concepts are of the devil.
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Ragnarok.Evandis
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By Ragnarok.Evandis 2012-01-18 12:46:09
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Let's be honest here, including with ourselves.
How many Christians out of the whole would you say even so much as aspire to follow in Jesus Christ's footsteps and follow his cause?
If you want me to be honest? Then all of them.
...
Now before you respond with some negative post calling me an idiot. here is what I mean, to claim you are a Christian does not make you a Christian. I will stand on the front lines with any atheist and denounce someone who claims to be a Christian but does not try to live in Jesus' footsteps. If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
My answer is that I wouldn't give them the dignity of calling them Christian for the way they act.
Caitsith.Sai
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By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 12:46:44
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Jesus loved and forgave the people that killed him as they were doing it.
Umad just from mean internet peoples.
Your doing it wrong. At least OP is trying lol.
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Caitsith.Heimdall
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By Caitsith.Heimdall 2012-01-18 12:48:20
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
umm wasnt jesus jewish?
also think prob most atheist have with religion is the politics of it and people useing religion to attack and try to control others specialy by people who dont honestly understand the religion themself. Not the religion itself or the beleif they follow its just they trying force those beliefs on others instead letting them come to what they think is right naturally without hurting others.
Ragnarok.Evandis
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By Ragnarok.Evandis 2012-01-18 12:48:46
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Lul. Preach love > attack others.
Christian fail!
You think you strive to be Christ like? How do you feel about communism and socialism? Jesus preached and lived (allegedly) those principles, but it seems to every Christian I know think those concepts are of the devil.
Communism, or more importantly Marxist Communism is an amazing and wonderful idea on paper. Unfortunately men corrupted this political organization with greed and lust for money and power.
I actually support many socialistic ideas, including a national healthcare system.
So stop thinking Republican = Christian or Christian = Republican. I usually vote Democrat and still support Obama and many of his "socialist" ideas.
Quetzalcoatl.Xueye
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By Quetzalcoatl.Xueye 2012-01-18 12:48:46
I though the only classification to be a Christian was to believe that Christ was the Son of God--literally, or as an actual extension of God?
By Artemicion 2012-01-18 12:49:16
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Let's be honest here, including with ourselves.
How many Christians out of the whole would you say even so much as aspire to follow in Jesus Christ's footsteps and follow his cause?
If you want me to be honest? Then all of them.
...
Now before you respond with some negative post calling me an idiot. here is what I mean, to claim you are a Christian does not make you a Christian. I will stand on the front lines with any atheist and denounce someone who claims to be a Christian but does not try to live in Jesus' footsteps. If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
My answer is that I wouldn't give them the dignity of calling them Christian for the way they act.
I commend your outlook; I simply wish more shared it with you.
If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
But I believe you have your work cut out for you, and will have a chance to see first hand at what drives atheists up a wall.
Odin.Liela
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By Odin.Liela 2012-01-18 12:52:36
These (the OP, I mean) are simple guidelines that can be followed regardless of religious belief. I think the point that Daemun is trying to make is that not all Christians do these things, but all Christians should do them. It seems like a plea for Christians to act like their Jesus.
As for those of us who don't believe, we can still be perfectly good people without it. No one is disputing that, I think.
I'm always adding to my little 'morals melting-pot.' When I see something I like, I toss it into the pot. Here's my pot:
Harm None (Wicca)
Do what is right, regardless of what you are told (some girl on Facebook)
Treat others how you'd like to be treated (Bible)
Before speaking, consider three things: Is it kind, is it true, and is it necessary. If it satisfies all three, say it. (My dad) (I kinda fudge this one and say stuff that isn't necessary all the time. Sorry, Daddy!)
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. (Thumper's mother from Bambi) (This is not always realistic, of course. Sometimes you have to say things that might hurt someone's feelings. But try not to.)
Be nice (Me)
Live and Let live (uh... some hippy or someone)
If two people have the exact same opinion on every single issue, one of them is lying. We are made to have differing opinions and no opinion is superior to another. (My high school biology teacher)
Of my pot, the ones I think of most are probably "Harm None" and "Live and Let Live." I'm happy with myself if I follow those two.
Ragnarok.Evandis
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By Ragnarok.Evandis 2012-01-18 12:55:11
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Let's be honest here, including with ourselves.
How many Christians out of the whole would you say even so much as aspire to follow in Jesus Christ's footsteps and follow his cause?
If you want me to be honest? Then all of them.
...
Now before you respond with some negative post calling me an idiot. here is what I mean, to claim you are a Christian does not make you a Christian. I will stand on the front lines with any atheist and denounce someone who claims to be a Christian but does not try to live in Jesus' footsteps. If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
My answer is that I wouldn't give them the dignity of calling them Christian for the way they act.
I commend your outlook; I simply wish more shared it with you.
If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
But I believe you have your work cut out for you, and will have a chance to see first hand at what drives atheists up a wall.
When Westboro was up my way condemning a soldiers funeral, I showed up to protest against them. I have to live with the outcome of their BS, cause when they are done, they just go back to their cult HQ, while all the Christians in the area bare the scorn they created for us.
I do what I can.
In fact, a former classmate of mine just posted a comment about the Jessica Ahlquist situation that Xueye mentioned in the other thread about telling Cranston to appeal. In which I told them it would be foolish, since no matter what the prayer is illegal, no matter the atheist's intentions, the law is the law.
Caitsith.Sai
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Posts: 702
By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 12:55:39
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Lul. Preach love > attack others.
Christian fail!
You think you strive to be Christ like? How do you feel about communism and socialism? Jesus preached and lived (allegedly) those principles, but it seems to every Christian I know think those concepts are of the devil.
Communism, or more importantly Marxist Communism is an amazing and wonderful idea on paper. Unfortunately men corrupted this political organization with greed and lust for money and power.
I actually support many socialistic ideas, including a national healthcare system.
So stop thinking Republican = Christian or Christian = Republican. I usually vote Democrat and still support Obama and many of his "socialist" ideas.
Just re-read my post to be sure. I didn't call anyone a Republican.
 Leviathan.Chaosx
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By Leviathan.Chaosx 2012-01-18 12:57:28
Jesus is the problem with Christianity. Not because of what he did, but because of who he was.
Ragnarok.Evandis
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Posts: 463
By Ragnarok.Evandis 2012-01-18 12:58:37
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Lul. Preach love > attack others.
Christian fail!
You think you strive to be Christ like? How do you feel about communism and socialism? Jesus preached and lived (allegedly) those principles, but it seems to every Christian I know think those concepts are of the devil.
Communism, or more importantly Marxist Communism is an amazing and wonderful idea on paper. Unfortunately men corrupted this political organization with greed and lust for money and power.
I actually support many socialistic ideas, including a national healthcare system.
So stop thinking Republican = Christian or Christian = Republican. I usually vote Democrat and still support Obama and many of his "socialist" ideas.
Just re-read my post to be sure. I didn't call anyone a Republican.
You all but implied it. A lot of the hatred for these things comes from the Republican party, and a lot of Republicans claim Christianity.
Odin.Liela
サーバ: Odin
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Posts: 10191
By Odin.Liela 2012-01-18 13:02:56
Jesus is the problem with Christianity. Not because of what he did, but because of who he was.
:o I don't understand. Can you help me Chaos? Can pm if you don't want to derail too much.
Caitsith.Sai
サーバ: Caitsith
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Posts: 702
By Caitsith.Sai 2012-01-18 13:04:40
Always back to the OT *rolls eyes.*
It's like atheists actually think they know what they are talking about.
Let's put it in simpler terms for them to understand. Christianity is about living in Jesus' footsteps. He lived the perfect Christian life in which he neither sacrificed animals or stoned people to death, but rather preached love and forgiveness. We follow his example, so if you need any more proof that quoting the OT is just your fallback plan in face of the facts, look at how the Bible describes Jesus' life, it automatically invalidates your argument for using the OT to condemn Christians.
Most of you aren't atheist, you are anti-theist and that makes you no better than the Westboro Baptist Church members.
Let's be honest here, including with ourselves.
How many Christians out of the whole would you say even so much as aspire to follow in Jesus Christ's footsteps and follow his cause?
If you want me to be honest? Then all of them.
...
Now before you respond with some negative post calling me an idiot. here is what I mean, to claim you are a Christian does not make you a Christian. I will stand on the front lines with any atheist and denounce someone who claims to be a Christian but does not try to live in Jesus' footsteps. If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
My answer is that I wouldn't give them the dignity of calling them Christian for the way they act.
I commend your outlook; I simply wish more shared it with you.
If you show me a "Christian" spouting hate, I will gladly use their very words to prove they aren't a Christian by quoting the very book they they hold so dear.
But I believe you have your work cut out for you, and will have a chance to see first hand at what drives atheists up a wall.
When Westboro was up my way condemning a soldiers funeral, I showed up to protest against them. I have to live with the outcome of their BS, cause when they are done, they just go back to their cult HQ, while all the Christians in the area bare the scorn they created for us.
I do what I can.
This just proves you don't understand Jesus' teachings at all.
You know the story of Zacchaeus I assume? Jesus didn't protest him for being a jackass tax collector, he went to his house and had lunch with him. I'm willing to bet you didnt offer any of the Westboro people lunch. Did you do anything other than respond to hate with more hate?
And why are you complaining about having to bear the bad name they give you? What do you think Christ meant when he said to pick up your cross and follow me?
Jesus healed the ear of a solider that was arresting him for nothing.
Again, your trying to prove how Christian you are by bragging about your un-Christian like behavior.
Oh the ironing.
By zahrah 2012-01-18 13:08:47
Rewrite the bible from scratch.
I like Ecclesiastes, but during confirmation classes, I was told by the second pastor I had it was the most superfluous book in the Bible. Can we do it to spite him? Can we keep it? It's kind of morose, but from a poetic stand point, it's a better read than Psalms.
You know what? It's probably not good to mention Ecclesiastes in this thread. My mistake.
Cerberus.Kaht
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By Cerberus.Kaht 2012-01-18 13:08:54
These are commandments in the Bible for Christians to act in our world. They were part of a lesson at my church two Sundays ago. I am not a fan of the 'if God weren't real' hypothetical situation myself, but taking that stance, let's look at the following.
Quote: James 1:27-Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Quote: Ephesians 4:32-Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Quote: Matthew 7:1-4-Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Quote: Acts 2:43-44-Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Quote: Galatians 5:22-23-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Now, with those verses stated; I am no supporter of taking things out of context to obscure the truth of a passage, as you all know. I am not taking these things out of context to prove some hair brained, conjured truth. No, I am picking these verses as a challenge to all whom may read this that call themselves Christians. Do these things in your daily walk. If you do nothing else, do these things out of Love. Pure, unbiased, selfless love.
I think it is fairly safe to assume that theists and non theists alike can agree that if all proclaimed Christians did these simple tasks; cared for the orphaned and widowed, sold their possessions to take care of the needy, be kind and forgiving, be non-judgmental, and produce the fruits of the spirit: that each Christian would leave this world a better place than they came into it. Remove entirely the possibility of God's existence, or an eternal life. Simply look at those works, and the innate selflessness built into them. Would this world not be better?
With that said, here is my basis for the love message I have been so adamant about lately. It is also the basis in which I tie every facet of my belief and life unto.
Quote: 1 Corinthians 13-If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
This is the second covenant God created with man. It is no longer about following certain, strict rules for fear of hell. It is about a lifestyle that all thoughts and actions are derived from love. Doing things out of love for others makes those things not a sin. It is no longer the action, but the reason behind the action. 1 Corinthians goes on a few more verses to discuss love further. I think it would be good for theists and non alike to at least read up until 13:13.
I plead to you, community of FFXIAH, to hold me accountable to all things of these verses in what I do and say on here. If I am outside of the realm of these, please let me know and I will apologize and correct accordingly. I challenge all other Christians to stick to these tenants as well, and you can bet that I will (out of love) hold you accountable.
If you tl;dr, I'm sorry it wasn't worth your time. If you did read, I am open to your thoughts and criticisms.
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