Question for Christians
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netsirc — 10 years ago(April 06, 2015 02:31 AM)
But does the average Christian have access to people who have never heard of Christianity? If we don't, why must we still take it upon ourselves to preach to those who choose not to believe? Only the grace of God can unharden a heart.
As for that prophecy, It may have already come to pass. The word has spread to all "nations". With recent events, some people believe the times spoken of in Revelations is already upon us. -
Laura-eubanks — 10 years ago(April 06, 2015 08:34 AM)
I'm a Christian, & I like to talk about my Savior because He lived me so much He took this for my sin! I want everyone to come to know His love & peace. I know not everyone will. That saddens me. I cannot force anyone to believe, & neither did He. He did not have to do this, but He did it for me & you. True, nearly everyone has access to this Bible & the facts, but a head-knowledge is not the same as a personal, soul-changing relationship. We tell because we can't help but share
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wildpeace10 — 10 years ago(April 08, 2015 05:25 AM)
The end won't come until everyone in the world has a chance to hear the truth,at least once in his or her lifetime.
They may hear the truth but millions won't believe it's
the truth.
What's the use of preaching the truth if people don't
believe it?
Remember when almost nobody believed the earth was round?
The fact is that religions who say they have the truth often
change their minds about their own interpretation of the Bible.
What was the truth a hundred years ago might not be
their truth today.
So in a way,they were preaching a lie for a hundred years until
they discovered it wasn't the truth.
And if they were wrong about a thing for a hundred years
(apparently God was too busy to correct them on day one)
how can you trust anything they're saying today? -
Sansas_LemonCake — 10 years ago(April 09, 2015 12:20 AM)
"The end won't come until everyone in the world has a chance to hear the truth,at least once in his or her lifetime."
Well people have died without ever having heard of your religion, Aboriginals for example, and Eskimos.
So I take it the end won't come then?
"They may hear the truth but millions won't believe it's the truth. "
How would you expect people to believe in something like a leprechaun with good pot on a candy covered planet that you can only visit when you travel through a rainbow?
One would need evidence for such claims, right?
Same goes for any religion.
"
What's the use of preaching the truth if people don't believe it? "
Exactly. Pretty ineffective when people need scientifically demonstrable evidence to accept anything as a fact.
"Remember when almost nobody believed the earth was round?"
No one in our age remembers that because no one has witnessed scientists to change that mindset.
If I recall correctly it's the Bible that implies the earth to be flat, found in Daniel 4:10-11, where it speaks of a tree that can be seen from the farthest places on earth.
Again in Matthew 4:8 which is paralleled with Luke 4:5, speaking of 'the devil' bringing 'Jesus' atop of a mountain from which he could see all the kingdoms of the world.
The book of Isaiah mentions this interesting and flat out wrong metaphor:
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
First of all the atmosphere isn't at all in a triangular shape, it's all around the planet at the same height and in the same shape, spherical.
Circle isn't spherical either. When you look at an egg for example one doesn't immediately think "circle". One tends to think of the shape as a sphere, or even a ball, but not as a two dimensional platform.
The book mentions the earth to have four corners as well. Which firstly contradicts the circular shape the bible mentioned earlier, and secondly implies yet another false shape, a square or a rectangle.
Yet when we stand on the beach, the sun does not get swallowed by the seas just to resurrect the next morning, this is bronze age logic, hence the references in the bronze age books.
"The fact is that religions who say they have the truth often
change their minds about their own interpretation of the Bible. "
That's because the Bible has a couple hundred contradictions found within and sometimes even within the same page.
That's why it's such a popular book, anyone with ambition can manipulate others around them by quote mining and cherry picking the verses needed for whatever purpose.
"What was the truth a hundred years ago might not be their truth today.
"
Truth isn't a philosophical debate, truth is what exists, truth is fact. And fact cannot be changed by words, it can merely be studied.
"So in a way,they were preaching a lie for a hundred years until they discovered it wasn't the truth.
"
You might be off with a couple centuries. We're past the 2000 year mark. Eratosthenes, a Greek Egyptian found out the true shape of the world in the third century BCE by using simple mathematical calculations.
"And if they were wrong about a thing for a hundred years
(apparently God was too busy to correct them on day one)
how can you trust anything they're saying today?"
We have come full circle to the start of the post, indeed one would need sufficient scientific evidence to prove their theory, through trial and error, before anyone will accept it as truth, let alone gain a universal consensus on their observations. -
DabacTSP — 10 years ago(February 12, 2016 09:27 AM)
You speak sincere and well put. However, I used to reason with similar arguments years before until I found out that all those controversies can be cleared slowly and by examining the bigger picture, the writing style, the customs etc.
As for earth "flatness", Bible was never meant to be scientific book, those parts that you mention are poetry.
As for scientific fact, go and examine the case for Jesus' resurrection, the pros and contras, the historicity of the accounts Dig deep, you might be surprised by the evidence.
Cool music
http://audiosparx.com/MartinaSver -
jhn-55751 — 10 years ago(April 06, 2015 02:00 PM)
After the recent abominations of Exodus and Noah do we really need another biblical movie? At least this one hasn't been done before. But bear in mind that the Jesus story is just that, a story. The history is wrong, the geography is wrong, the genealogy is wrong and the books are contradictory. Miss translations abound. So whatever Hollywood does its no worse than what the First Council of Nicaea did in 325CE.
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KatharineFanatic — 10 years ago(April 11, 2015 06:32 AM)
The books being contradictory is more likely evidence of actual events than if they'd sat down, cooked up a story, gotten all their details straight, and written up a fictional account from different perspectives. IE eye witnesses' stories in court are never identical unless tampered with.
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DabacTSP — 10 years ago(February 13, 2016 07:46 AM)
I completely agree.
Furthermore, "The history is wrong, the geography is wrong, the genealogy is wrong"? Look up Luke's account (Luke and Acts) and compare all the details - up to the government function titles in several provinces - with the official history, it all matches and even reveal more.
Don't forget how the Apostles were portrayed in most situations: like cowards, like traitors (Peter), like confused incompetents (Jesus asks "how long do I have to bear you"), imagine conspirators writing about themselves that way. It's written objectively, with all the minuses (Jewish kings! Imagine nation's history almanac portraying its own kings as evil, losers or cowards) and all the pluses.
No even remotely similar book as this one, written by over 40 men of all classes on 3 continents in a time span of over 1500 years.
Cool music
http://audiosparx.com/MartinaSver -
rickathedj — 10 years ago(April 11, 2015 05:00 PM)
To answer your question in the most direct way, no, we don't NEED another Biblical movie. We don't NEED any more movies. But that being said, there does seem to be a market for the movies and as long as that remains the case, there will be more movies. Fortunately there is no law requiring people to watch movies of the current hot genre. I'm really glad of that or I would have truly hated the Twilight craze.
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bonniebonniebanks — 10 years ago(April 10, 2015 11:37 PM)
I agree. And I also get a kick out of people feeling religion is 'shoved down their throat'.
Why are people so weak? If someone gets obnoxious about their religion, walk away. I had a discussion with someone who likes to rip up the JW's literature in front of their face. What good does that do? Why is it necessary?
I liken it to if someone offered me a beer. I hate beerthe smellthe taste and in spite of my age people are still insistent that I never gave it enough of a chance. Hate it. Sosay I'm at someone's house and they offer me a beer. I can say 'no thank you' or I can take the bottle out of their hand and smash it on the pavement and tell them to get the hell away from me and take their nasty smelling stuff out of my face. -
aventuracsm6981 — 10 years ago(April 14, 2015 12:01 PM)
The church I go to has main core values and one of them states:
"Excellent Environments-We aren't in the business of changing people. Rather, we embrace our role as creating a space where people can work out their stuff with Jesus."
There are many bible verses that talk about "spreading the word". I believe America has become immune to Christianity based off never really being introduced to it or scared off from Christianity and God in general due to issues in their life. I know (and once was) more atheists/agnostic people than I do Christians. I believe it's because many Christians don't put their arm around their friends and let them see, life is better with the Lord at my side and first in life.
It's a difficult road to hoe, shoving it in faces won't work but going from atheist/agnostic type beliefs for 20+ years and finally opening my mind and heart, I am glad family put an arm around my shoulder for many years rather than a door in my face or a kick in my back.
Having a bible and church down the corner isn't the same as having friends/family that help you re-connect without the in your face tactics both over the board Christians and over the top atheists use. -
strtrkn — 10 years ago(April 19, 2015 06:35 PM)
If someone has already mentioned what I'm going to write, I do apologize. And not in any particular order
The Atheists. Their minds are pretty much made up, and they like nothing more than to irritate Christians, especially newer converts who haven't read and studied as much as a "mature" believer would have already done. It irritates me too, but the best thing that you can do is ignore it. It's not your fault, don't waste your time.
As far as studying In this day and age, you have access to Scriptures in any format you wish. I have 3 different translations on my Nook Color, and instead of carrying my Bible to church, I slip my Nook in my purse and go. Please understand I've always been a geek/nerd, so bringing this bad boy Nook out gets a raised eyebrow or two, but it's my Bible for the time I need it to be.
You made a point for me! How about that A true Christian who hasn't consumed "the Kool-Aid"
will
be reading and studying God's Word. There's no excuse for us not to. There are so many translations out thereget one that you think you'll be comfortable with. I don't know of ANYONE on this planet who still speaks in King James English. Seriously. Get a New King James translation, or something like I said that you will be comfortable with. CDs, DVDs can be played with Scripture. Read it as a book. Read it off your tablet or off your laptop. A wonderful site for downloading translations, maps, and all kinds of neat stuff is
www.e-sword.net
. You'll find all kinds of help there. Take what's free. Awesome, awesome things to download!
Now, as far what our responsibilities are Jesus did say go into all the world and preach the good news. Well, trust me. We are not all called to stand behind a pulpit. Not all of us are called for missionary work in the Congo. Most evangelism is speaking to people one on one. Tell what God has done for you, how He has changed you and ask if they want to have what you do. We are even ministers for God when we're doing our grocery shopping. If people don't want to listen, don't waste your breath. You did all you can possibly do, and they are now no longer your responsibility. It's between them and God. On the other end of this spectrum, your religion should never, ever be used to say "If you don't do what I do, you're going to hell!" That will scare people off for good!
If you're a true Christian, you will not rely on your "religion". You rely on your relationship with God. There's a big, big difference.
So anyway I truly hope I didn't muddy any waters with my opinions! I wish you well, and if you want to send me a message, I'd be more than happy to keep the conversation going! May you be blessed!
"Star Trekkin' across the universe, boldly going forward 'cause we can't find reverse!" -
nolatecharges — 10 years ago(April 23, 2015 01:21 PM)
Netsric
Why do I think this question is important? Because I am tired of seeing tactless attempts of converting. Please leave that to members of the church,
So really, what is the point of trying to spread something others already have access to?
Its our job
Mark 16:15
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
That means forever . not until people get irritated by it as people were irritated by the message while Christ was alive.
Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. -
Sansas_LemonCake — 10 years ago(April 24, 2015 03:44 PM)
Why not be a messenger to the Amazonian tribes, to Aboriginals, to Eskimos? To the Mongolians and those still residing in mountain villages?
I take it that they have never heard of that bible, or most of them (although I might be outdated with the Eskimo lifestyle), go spread the word to new ears?
Look let's be frank here.
If i had a sausage that I seasoned with the best herbs and cooked specially for chosen ones (in fact it's such a special sausage I dare call it holy), would I keep bothering the same people over and over and over and over with this oh so special sausage if they couldn't give a rat's behind for it cause of, oh let's say, FREE WILL?
I'd see people seasoning their sausage with different herbs and some fanatics, to preserve the taste of the juices that our pig sacrificed for us even forget to bring a cut down the middle or pig forbid, drown it in lemon juice and burn it to black after.
I'd see others from far away regions such as Arabia to make fun of our holy sausage and use GOAT AND SHEEP sausage because the pig is forbidden there
I'd look at my sausage, my specially seasoned herbtastic holy sausage and I'd go "wait a minute, maybe my sausage isnt so special after all?" -
aaahmemories — 10 years ago(May 25, 2015 08:26 AM)
On the other end of this spectrum, your religion should never, ever be used to say "If you don't do what I do, you're going to hell!" That will scare people off for good!
Only if they also believe in the Big Bad Wolf. The only thing "scary" about such comments is the psychological problems they imply in the person saying them.
What makes Christianity so nonsensical is that it's based on a completely flawed premise: a perfect being that makes imperfect things. From that one starting point, the theology spreads out into a host of unbelievable and obviously false premises. True, it also contains many bits of wise and useful tips for behavior, although these are mostly common sense things that one shouldn't need a religion to tell them.
But as an overall world view, it's hopeless, which is true of the Abrahamic religions in general. And, as the recent ISIS massacres show never mind radical Islam in general, it can be hideously dangerous.
Religion is like a rocking chair a lot of work to get nowhere.