Questioning Christianity (146)
LuvHurts51: I have found that many people have a desire to question/criticize Christianity and/or the Judeo-Christian God. I am creating this thread as a totally open forum where ideas, opinions, criticisms, and other comments can be expressed. Since this is a topic which can be passionate and explosive, I will remind everyone to please be respectful of others no matter how different your beliefs. You CAN disagree without being disagreeable.
To sort of let you know where I personally come from, I guess the easy answer would be Karaite Messianic. I believe the bible (the whole thing, not just the New Testament), but I reject the traditions of men that have made the teachings of the bible burdensome and/or paganistic. I do not claim to be a nominal Christian or a Jew, and in fact, have major differences of opinion with both groups.
Shalom!
Fair enough. I believe that one of the MAIN problems is that there seems to be no room for freedom of thought. (One member identified this as "no room for criticism"). A sense of one's own spirituality is a very personal and individual experience; fundamental Christianity does not allow for this, or anything "outside the box". I believe in a God who believes in me, the individual, not me, the follower of someone else's experience. Try to understand that.To sort of let you know where I personally come from, I guess the easy answer would be Karaite Messianic. I believe the bible (the whole thing, not just the New Testament), but I reject the traditions of men that have made the teachings of the bible burdensome and/or paganistic. I do not claim to be a nominal Christian or a Jew, and in fact, have major differences of opinion with both groups.
Shalom!
------ This thread is Archived ------
bodleing: And who better to question Christianity than Pat!!!...
That video made my day. Thanks a lot.
------ This thread is Archived ------
My Apologies, posted twice for some reason
Again my Apologies
Again my Apologies
------ This thread is Archived ------
Iseek: My Apologies, posted twice for some reason
Again my Apologies
Again my Apologies
I hid the second one for you.
------ This thread is Archived ------
rohaan: Fair enough. I believe that one of the MAIN problems is that there seems to be no room for freedom of thought. (One member identified this as "no room for criticism"). A sense of one's own spirituality is a very personal and individual experience; fundamental Christianity does not allow for this, or anything "outside the box". I believe in a God who believes in me, the individual, not me, the follower of someone else's experience. Try to understand that.
Oh, I totally understand this. It's why I started this "no holds barred" thread... so that everyone can express their opinions freely. I personally love hearing other points of view. How else can I learn and evolve spiritually? If no one were ever to question my beliefs, I would perhaps not be as strong in my faith as I am. I also agree that most religions don't allow freedom of thought. If the followers were allowed to think for themselves, they might not continue to follow.
------ This thread is Archived ------
LuvHurts51: I hid the second one for you.
Thank You
------ This thread is Archived ------
Zebaztian: There are a spectrum of christian beliefs. From the more intellectual catholics who admit that philosophical thinking can be the first step to have a faith (a catholic one). Then on the other side of the spectrum you have those who believes that the Bible (from the first page to the last), is God's holy word. You shouldn't question it, and if you did study theology at the university, you need to, as fast as possible, forget those things. Because they only made you question the Bible. And in between you have liberal theologians who interpret the Bible as you do, in a much more methaphoric way.
The main claim for christians to be a "good" religion, is that many drug addicts and alcoholics, criminals and bad people are turned around, being saved and now lives a better life. And I have nothing against that, but i also happens in other religions as well. Or even to atheists, when they come in the position where they can see that other people get hurt by what they were doing. That's called emphaty and buddhist teachings are full of it.
So it's all about the variable of TRUTH. The big Truth, that leads you on to the destination of eternal life with God.
And a christian who says that my truth, that I have discovered, with all my friends, in this big church or movement, is the only truth, will keep on convincing others that they are wrong if they don't turn around. I have rarely met christians that say: "This is my truth, and my way in life, and if you have found another one, that's good for you." No, tolerance isn't a part of the teachings. Of course you can find those are occupied with religious dialogue, but the mainstream aren't interested in it, because it becomes to complicated.
An easy way is to say that every religion has the same core, and that we all believe in the same God. But that's just another perspective and will not convince a faithful worshipper in his/her own religion.
You will find the same diversity in islam, judaism, buddhism etc. as it is in christianity.
And again, you can make it easy for you to say that the core is common. But you will also find many people that just say that, because they haven't read about another direction in their own faith, or because they don't want to trouble your mind so that you will become a sceptic.
We will have to live our lifes with the diversity that exists and even our children will have to do that, and their children.
But we need to be honest, and use our minds and hearts to create a safe life and a hopeful future. Christianity is just a faith, just as a islam and buddhism in what I believe in.
I want my life to be as simple as possible, and that it corresponds to my experiences. I don't like religious language, when I'm supposed to orientate my life from it. I don't like the psychological or philosophical language either, to understand my life from.
This is only my observations and experiences, mixed with opinions. And I don't expect anyone to agree.
The main claim for christians to be a "good" religion, is that many drug addicts and alcoholics, criminals and bad people are turned around, being saved and now lives a better life. And I have nothing against that, but i also happens in other religions as well. Or even to atheists, when they come in the position where they can see that other people get hurt by what they were doing. That's called emphaty and buddhist teachings are full of it.
So it's all about the variable of TRUTH. The big Truth, that leads you on to the destination of eternal life with God.
And a christian who says that my truth, that I have discovered, with all my friends, in this big church or movement, is the only truth, will keep on convincing others that they are wrong if they don't turn around. I have rarely met christians that say: "This is my truth, and my way in life, and if you have found another one, that's good for you." No, tolerance isn't a part of the teachings. Of course you can find those are occupied with religious dialogue, but the mainstream aren't interested in it, because it becomes to complicated.
An easy way is to say that every religion has the same core, and that we all believe in the same God. But that's just another perspective and will not convince a faithful worshipper in his/her own religion.
You will find the same diversity in islam, judaism, buddhism etc. as it is in christianity.
And again, you can make it easy for you to say that the core is common. But you will also find many people that just say that, because they haven't read about another direction in their own faith, or because they don't want to trouble your mind so that you will become a sceptic.
We will have to live our lifes with the diversity that exists and even our children will have to do that, and their children.
But we need to be honest, and use our minds and hearts to create a safe life and a hopeful future. Christianity is just a faith, just as a islam and buddhism in what I believe in.
I want my life to be as simple as possible, and that it corresponds to my experiences. I don't like religious language, when I'm supposed to orientate my life from it. I don't like the psychological or philosophical language either, to understand my life from.
This is only my observations and experiences, mixed with opinions. And I don't expect anyone to agree.
I don't for a moment claim to have studied theology at all, I am simply wondering why the psychology of man was never applied to the book to understand the Hell / Heaven thing.
However, I am NOT in any way judging or for that matter putting down Christianity Not at all.
Just wondering as one who studied psychology among others at Uni, if the subjects of Satan/ God and Heaven / Hell may have been misunderstood that's all.
And asking if God /Jesus might have actually been talking about the good and bad in MAN..
------ This thread is Archived ------
"Many people",which in other words are secular,cultural/marxist Christians,right!
The very same one´s that embraces everything that´s not "western"...,and finds everything,-except their own heritage,-exciting and progressive....
The very same one´s that embraces everything that´s not "western"...,and finds everything,-except their own heritage,-exciting and progressive....
------ This thread is Archived ------
LuvHurts51: Yes, absolutely! That is one of the things that is so great about the bible. There are many levels of depth and understanding in scripture. The interpretation you are putting forth here is neither right nor wrong, it is just one of MANY legitimate interpretations of that section of scripture. Each person will see in scripture what applies to their present situation or station in life. If the same person goes back and reads the same scripture a year later they may easily see other things that they didn't perceive in previous readings. It's incredible how much your perceptions of the same section of scripture can change over 20 years or so. For someone to state that there is only one way to see scripture, is to reveal his personal rigidity and ignorance.
Oh, what a controversial question this is. It is the question of free will versus pre-destiny. In my opinion, we are given free will. We can discuss it more in depth if you would like, but not all Christians believe that we have free will. Some think that everything is pre-destined, and we actually have no real choice whether to do right or wrong.
I like your questions. They make me think.
Oh, what a controversial question this is. It is the question of free will versus pre-destiny. In my opinion, we are given free will. We can discuss it more in depth if you would like, but not all Christians believe that we have free will. Some think that everything is pre-destined, and we actually have no real choice whether to do right or wrong.
I like your questions. They make me think.
Thank you, and please understand that I do not mean to offend, just genuinely interested..
------ This thread is Archived ------
And who better to question Christianity than Pat!!!...[/quoteHere you are,posting another Condell clip,-which you seem to know so well,-since you know exactly what they´re all about.In other words,-you watch ´em often,and like ´em..right?
And we all know what Condell´s about,don´t we`?
Hmmm..if you seem to cherish Condell so much,how come you´ve been calling me all the names you´ve done?
And we all know what Condell´s about,don´t we`?
Hmmm..if you seem to cherish Condell so much,how come you´ve been calling me all the names you´ve done?
------ This thread is Archived ------
Zebaztian: We will have to live our lifes with the diversity that exists and even our children will have to do that, and their children.
But we need to be honest, and use our minds and hearts to create a safe life and a hopeful future. Christianity is just a faith, just as a islam and buddhism in what I believe in.
I want my life to be as simple as possible, and that it corresponds to my experiences. I don't like religious language, when I'm supposed to orientate my life from it. I don't like the psychological or philosophical language either, to understand my life from.
This is only my observations and experiences, mixed with opinions. And I don't expect anyone to agree.
But we need to be honest, and use our minds and hearts to create a safe life and a hopeful future. Christianity is just a faith, just as a islam and buddhism in what I believe in.
I want my life to be as simple as possible, and that it corresponds to my experiences. I don't like religious language, when I'm supposed to orientate my life from it. I don't like the psychological or philosophical language either, to understand my life from.
This is only my observations and experiences, mixed with opinions. And I don't expect anyone to agree.
You appear to me to be a very well grounded person. I think you have given the whole thing a lot of thought, and that you are open to spiritual growth. You have valid objections to religion, and you are trying to find how you can life without the rigid, narrow minded doctrines put forth by myriads of men. You sound like you are just where you are meant to be at this point in your life. I like you, and respect your opinions. This is the type of discourse I thrive on.
------ This thread is Archived ------
AtwoZ: "Many people",which in other words are secular,cultural/marxist Christians,right!
Not at all. We have a diversity of people participating in this discussion. It was created because there was a need for a place for people to express diverse opinions about Christianity and religion in general. In fact, I think those who wear the "Christian" label are in the minority here.
AtwoZ: The very same one´s that embraces everything that´s not "western"...,and finds everything,-except their own heritage,-exciting and progressive....
I'm really not sure what you're saying here. Could you elucidate, please?
------ This thread is Archived ------
LuvHurts51: Not at all. We have a diversity of people participating in this discussion. It was created because there was a need for a place for people to express diverse opinions about Christianity and religion in general. In fact, I think those who wear the "Christian" label are in the minority here.
I'm really not sure what you're saying here. Could you elucidate, please?
I'm really not sure what you're saying here. Could you elucidate, please?
I wondered also?? Interesting ...
------ This thread is Archived ------
Zebaztian: And how exciting is that from a scale from 1 to 10?
We have an intellect and we should use it to understand. But everyone is entitled to an opinion, wether we should use our mind or not in a religious debate.
We have an intellect and we should use it to understand. But everyone is entitled to an opinion, wether we should use our mind or not in a religious debate.
10/10.
Simply because, as I decided to make the works of the great philosophers of our civilization, starting with the 500 BCE Greeks and onward, as well as the books of religion and the great spiritual philosophers my reading list, I've realized how futile opinions are for a peon, and that Socrates was quite right in arriving the conclusion that the only thing he could know, was that he did not know.
The intellect is biased and limited by nature, and as I've mentioned before, the use of it is rather a waste of time except in the minds of a great philosopher.
So when it comes to the Bible - people who study them for years and years, meet others who have done the same - and they disagree?
But by all means. I just stated my opinion, without directing it to anyone other than the thread starter, who ...asked for it?
------ This thread is Archived ------
olaix:
So when it comes to the Bible - people who study them for years and years, meet others who have done the same - and they disagree?
But by all means. I just stated my opinion, without directing it to anyone other than the thread starter, who ...asked for it?
So when it comes to the Bible - people who study them for years and years, meet others who have done the same - and they disagree?
But by all means. I just stated my opinion, without directing it to anyone other than the thread starter, who ...asked for it?
I think theology is just one of many areas where differences of opinion abound. Psychology, philosophy, science, and even physics tend to generate great debates. It is said that if you put 3 Rabbis together, you will get 4 opinions. The bible is a book that is so deep and full of so many layers of understanding that when discussed by rigid, narrow minded people, they will always declare that their own reality is the only reality, because they see it so clearly. What they can't acknowledge is that the reality of the others is just as valid as their own.
Your opinions are welcome here. Feel free to question my opinions as well.
------ This thread is Archived ------
LuvHurts51: I have found that many people have a desire to question/criticize Christianity and/or the Judeo-Christian God. I am creating this thread as a totally open forum where ideas, opinions, criticisms, and other comments can be expressed. Since this is a topic which can be passionate and explosive, I will remind everyone to please be respectful of others no matter how different your beliefs. You CAN disagree without being disagreeable.
To sort of let you know where I personally come from, I guess the easy answer would be Karaite Messianic. I believe the bible (the whole thing, not just the New Testament), but I reject the traditions of men that have made the teachings of the bible burdensome and/or paganistic. I do not claim to be a nominal Christian or a Jew, and in fact, have major differences of opinion with both groups.
Shalom!
To sort of let you know where I personally come from, I guess the easy answer would be Karaite Messianic. I believe the bible (the whole thing, not just the New Testament), but I reject the traditions of men that have made the teachings of the bible burdensome and/or paganistic. I do not claim to be a nominal Christian or a Jew, and in fact, have major differences of opinion with both groups.
Shalom!
don't worry, christianty is leading the world in the right direction as the one true religion.
------ This thread is Archived ------
pedro27: don't worry, christianty is leading the world in the right direction as the one true religion.
Don't worry Pedro. The Day of Judgement will be soon upon those wretched heathens and they will burn for eternity.
------ This thread is Archived ------
LuvHurts51: I think theology is just one of many areas where differences of opinion abound. Psychology, philosophy, science, and even physics tend to generate great debates. It is said that if you put 3 Rabbis together, you will get 4 opinions. The bible is a book that is so deep and full of so many layers of understanding that when discussed by rigid, narrow minded people, they will always declare that their own reality is the only reality, because they see it so clearly. What they can't acknowledge is that the reality of the others is just as valid as their own.
Your opinions are welcome here. Feel free to question my opinions as well.
Your opinions are welcome here. Feel free to question my opinions as well.
Exactly
You discover something new in the Bible as your understanding grow. However, the Bible is sadly not the same as it used to be, not only because of the numerous "new translations", but it was cut, as the authority at the time had the opinion that people should make effort to understand it rather than getting the delight on a silver platter.But I like the book. I like the Qu'ran too, and I'm currently reading a book on Zen Buddhism. It is a wonderful way of getting a extensive comprehension of the human specie intellectual development, in their world view as well as the view of themselves.
------ This thread is Archived ------
[quote
.
Oh, what a controversial question this is. It is the question of free will versus pre-destiny. In my opinion, we are given free will. We can discuss it more in depth if you would like, but not all Christians believe that we have free will. Some think that everything is pre-destined, and we actually have no real choice whether to do right or wrong.
I like your questions. They make me think.
Yes we have free will. If we did not, all would be just a puppet show and we might as well do anything we please without compunction.
Free will implies that God will not interfere with that or else how free would our will be?
I think that on some psychological level those who don't believe in free will are not able to, or don't want to, take personal responsibility for their lives.
It's all God's and the devil's fault.
.
Oh, what a controversial question this is. It is the question of free will versus pre-destiny. In my opinion, we are given free will. We can discuss it more in depth if you would like, but not all Christians believe that we have free will. Some think that everything is pre-destined, and we actually have no real choice whether to do right or wrong.
I like your questions. They make me think.
Yes we have free will. If we did not, all would be just a puppet show and we might as well do anything we please without compunction.
Free will implies that God will not interfere with that or else how free would our will be?
I think that on some psychological level those who don't believe in free will are not able to, or don't want to, take personal responsibility for their lives.
It's all God's and the devil's fault.
------ This thread is Archived ------
This Thread is Archived
This Thread is archived, so you will no longer be able to post to it. Threads get archived automatically when they are older than 3 months.
« Go back to All Threads
« Go back to All Threads
More Threads
The GOP Representatives owned by Vladimir Putin
Ladies
men's perspective towards women
Kultur-multur
Unions support Democrats!
Karen McDougal - Playmate Model will testify in Hush Money Trial
Would you hire this guy - for any job?
s*xual skills
wanting beyond need
your favorite topic?
More Threads
Report threads that break rules, are offensive, or contain fighting. Staff may not be aware of the forum abuse, and cannot do anything about it unless you tell us about it. click to report forum abuse »
If one of the comments is offensive, please report the comment instead (there is a link in each comment to report it).
If one of the comments is offensive, please report the comment instead (there is a link in each comment to report it).
By the Way so very nice to see an English Bull Terrier ... oooh NICE!