Ask A Christian

[{LAW} Gamer_2k4]

O my ****- holy crap you just proved my point. You would be scared if there was no afterlife...

Even then, no, but that's probably because I'm a big-picture guy.  If evolution is true and there is no God, then our lives are completely meaningless.  The only reason I'd have a problem with dying would be the emotional impact it would have on my family.

[Graham]

Guys please stay on topic here... this is an "Ask a christian" topic not an atheist convention... im not usually this concerned but i really dont want this locked... But you did help me think of a question that i'd like to ask gram...

Gram, Do you think we are alone in the universe?  And in the bible does it say ANYWHERE that earth is the only planet god tends to?  And if we find an intelligent species elsewhere in the universe what does that do to your religions reputation?

Quoted so's i get an answer.

I always ask religious people about life elsewhere... i dont know why... but i just do.

I believe God watches over all the planets and stars, after he made them... And while I don't think we will find intelligent life on other planets I do think we will find more single celled organisms(I think thats what they found on some probe) Who know those little buggers could help mankind out a great deal.

†, what christian demonitation are you, and how, pardon the term i cant think of a better way to say it, religous are you tword it? (I.E going to church every sunday vs actually participating, ETC)

I am nondenominational, basically we don't add any rules to the Bible. I do my best to life as a good example to Christianity, while I admit I am far from the ideal person to model their life after. I go to church to hear  a good sermon, which will help me be a better christian hopefully. I don't go to church just to go, I want to go.

[Dascoo]

O my ****- holy crap you just proved my point. You would be scared if there was no afterlife...

Even then, no, but that's probably because I'm a big-picture guy.  If evolution is true and there is no God, then our lives are completely meaningless.  

What? So how does God not existing change anything? Why have I not commited suicide due to my pointlessness?

Your small part in the big picture is just to be alive, reproduce, expand ZE GLORIOUS HUMAN EMPIRE

[{LAW} Gamer_2k4]

Gram, Do you think we are alone in the universe?  And in the bible does it say ANYWHERE that earth is the only planet god tends to?  And if we find an intelligent species elsewhere in the universe what does that do to your religions reputation?

I'm not sure what † thinks about this, but as far as I know, the Bible makes no mention of extraterrestrials (other than angels, of course).  It makes no mention of other planets either.

I have trouble believing that there is intelligent life out there, since, after all, Jesus came to Earth, and how would the alien races be saved?  The Bible implies that God has a close relationship with humans, and that we are created in His image.  It seems strange that God would be so close to us and only us, if he had made aliens.

Some people have theorized, however, that many of the "angel" sitings in the Bible are actually alien encounters...I'll have to look into that a little.

Date Posted: July 18, 2007, 11:37:45 AM

Your small part in the big picture is just to be alive, reproduce, expand ZE GLORIOUS HUMAN EMPIRE

So humans only exist to make more humans? That seems like a nonsensical way to live.

[Dascoo]

There's no real reason to why we exist, since we're most likely just an accident. But like any other life, we just all want to survive. By reproducing we have a higher chance of survival....

[SirJamesaford]

There's no real reason to why we exist, since we're most likely just an accident. But like any other life, we just all want to survive. By reproducing we have a higher chance of survival....

True... Oh so very VERY true.  We are no different than any other animal... because humans are animals... just more advanced.

[Psycho]

and t being a christian means you take the full package. Picking out the good stuff that you would like to follow would not be right would it?
No lustful looking at women, no denying people anything, no hitting back and all that stuff.

I had a huge list of what christians must do to follow the christian path, and many of them were downright stupid. I wish I could relocate it though.

So my question is, do you fully understand what the hell you are following?

[Graham]

and t being a christian means you take the full package. Picking out the good stuff that you would like to follow would not be right would it?
No lustful looking at women, no denying people anything, no hitting back and all that stuff.

I had a huge list of what christians must do to follow the christian path, and many of them were downright stupid. I wish I could relocate it though.

So my question is, do you fully understand what the hell you are following?

No... someone just told me to stand in a line at a church and here I am 10 years later....

Lusting after women and admiring beauty are two different things. Basically you walk by a hot girl and think "DANG!" nothing wrong with that, but if you dwell on her to the point it effects how you think, thats lust. And I don't do that, because its dumb to let a woman you don't even know to effect you any other way then catching your eye for a few seconds. Honestly I believe God wants christians to fight to defend themselves, I think the turn the other cheek is a catholic thing anyway.. haven't researched it much. Don't go looking for a fight but don't let four guys beat you to death for no reason... I know what I should and should not do, honestly if you don't want to follow my beliefs that ok, but stop writing it off as dumb or ignorant. Because that simply implies you cannot handle people thinking a different way then you.

[{LAW} Gamer_2k4]

and t being a christian means you take the full package. Picking out the good stuff that you would like to follow would not be right would it?
No lustful looking at women, no denying people anything, no hitting back and all that stuff.

Sorry, †, I'm answering for you again. >_>

I understand all that comes with Christianity, and I am sorry to say that I don't live like I should.  It's hard being a good Christian.  Think of Soldat.  You can know all there is to play the game, and still not be able to apply that knowledge as well as you like.  That's why new players miss a lot.  They know HOW to play, but the act itself is more complicated.

Christianity is like that.  We know the rules, but through laziness, apathy, or coercion, we don't live up to our full potential.  We don't represent Christ and we don't bring God glory.

I'm definitely not as strong as I'd like to be in my faith.  I rarely pray, and I've only begun to start studying the Bible.  I'm not in any Bible studies, pray groups, or any other sort of fellowship with other believers.  In the end, I basically explain to people what religion I am, and let my actions take care of the rest.

It's not a good way to live, but I'm still learning and still growing.  And if I can help others on my way, I'll definitely try.

[Psycho]

stop writing it off as dumb or ignorant. Because that simply implies you cannot handle people thinking a different way then you.

it is simply the same as if you see a kid trying to open a bottle of soda and he is twisting the cap the wrong way. you do not hate him for believing he is twisting it the right way.

The only example I could think of so please dont feel like I am 100% sure of what I believe is the right and you are "twisting it the wrong way" though ;P

[Graham]

Its not as simple as a cap because people don't all think one way. What works for one does not work for ten other people.

[Red_Dawn]

hes "pushing the pull door" so to speak. I kind of see what you mean. We don't believe you are wrong because no1 is right. until proof is given that proves an ideal no1 here is right.


the best i can describe it is like that wendys commercial where every1 but that one guys is kicking trees.

[Graham]

Dascoo I read up on The God Delusion. Just sounds like a really bias guy wanting everyone to think the same way he does... which is exactly what people get pissy at religions for...

[Psycho]

Dascoo I read up on The God Delusion. Just sounds like a really bias guy wanting everyone to think the same way he does... which is exactly what people get pissy at religions for how religions started.

fixed

[Graham]

Dascoo I read up on The God Delusion. Just sounds like a really bias guy wanting everyone to think the same way he does... which is exactly what people get pissy at religions for how religions started.

fixed

Alright if you want to just spam... I'll just give you a warning. Debate if you wish but thats spam.

[Psycho]

no, it is my point of view on what you are saying. I just formulated it differently. I did not think you would jump to using mod powers over it. (unless we are talking about a verbal warning, if so I can agree)
what my post means is this.

what you are saying there can also be said about religion. It was man who made the bible and it was man who convinced other people to go out and get supporters for the religion.

[Graham]

no, it is my point of view on what you are saying. I just formulated it differently. I did not think you would jump to using mod powers over it. (unless we are talking about a verbal warning, if so I can agree)
what my post means is this.

what you are saying there can also be said about religion. It was man who made the bible and it was man who convinced other people to go out and get supporters for the religion.

Let me just clear the air.

Dascoo I read up on The God Delusion. Just sounds like a really bias guy wanting everyone to think the same way he does... which is exactly what people get pissy at religions for how religions started.

fixed

A post with absolutely no point. It flies in other topics but not in a debate topic.

no, it is my point of view on what you are saying. I just formulated it differently. I did not think you would jump to using mod powers over it. (unless we are talking about a verbal warning, if so I can agree)
what my post means is this.

what you are saying there can also be said about religion. It was man who made the bible and it was man who convinced other people to go out and get supporters for the religion.

A post with a point... now lets debate this point...

The Bible is not targeting one thing and trying to debunk it. The God Delusion is, man didn't tell other people run and get "supporters" we believe God said to spread His message. I said "Supporters" because we don't talk about God to mass numbers, we do it to try and make people happy, if they believe they are happy without God, then we let them go be happy.

[Psycho]

I said "Supporters" because we don't talk about God to mass numbers, we do it to try and make people happy, if they believe they are happy without God, then we let them go be happy.

well, thing is that this is not what the bible is saying. those that does not believe in god will apparently suffer eternal damnation.

[{LAW} Gamer_2k4]

Lusting after women and admiring beauty are two different things. Basically you walk by a hot girl and think "DANG!" nothing wrong with that, but if you dwell on her to the point it effects how you think, thats lust. And I don't do that, because its dumb to let a woman you don't even know to effect you any other way then catching your eye for a few seconds.

I don't know...it seems like an admiration for a female body is a detraction from the woman as a person.  Then again, I don't know if that qualifies as lust, since a guy with a cool car would be noticeable as well, and I'm sure as heck not lusting after him.  It's a tough call, but I will say this: When I'm with a girl, (actually hanging out and having a good time, not simply being near her) it doesn't matter what her body is like, since I'm much more attracted to her personality.  And when I'm interested in a girl, the "DANG!" factor is non-existent.  But maybe that's just me.  I don't know.  And maybe we're not supposed to look at girls (in that context) because admiration leads to lustful thoughts.  After all, we're supposed to "guard ourselves from evil."  That's just my (noncommittal) take on it.

Honestly I believe God wants christians to fight to defend themselves, I think the turn the other cheek is a catholic thing anyway.. haven't researched it much. Don't go looking for a fight but don't let four guys beat you to death for no reason...

Matthew 5:39.  I think the best way to deal with confrontations is to avoid them, but I DO find it hard to believe that God doesn't want us to defend ourselves...

Date Posted: July 18, 2007, 01:14:01 PM

if they believe they are happy without God, then we let them go be happy.

Do we?  You don't feel sad when you see people condemn themselves to eternal torment?

I know I'm sort of debating with you now, † (which is kind of bad in an "Ask a Christian" thread), but I think it's important to sort out where we as Christians stand on various issues.

[Psycho]

I found some snacks from the bible.

If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or daughter, or the spouse whom you embrace, or your most intimate friend, tries to secretly seduce you, saying, "Let us go and serve other gods," unkown to you or your ancestors before you, gods of the peoples surrounding you, whether near your or far away, anywhere throughout the world, you must not consent, you must not listen to him; you must show him pity, you must not spare him or conceal his guilt. No, you must kill him, your hand must strike the first blow in putting him to death and the hands of the rest of the people following. You must stone him to death, since he has tried to divert you from Yahweh your God....

Wanna go serve other gods? *awaits stoning from christian soldats*

Leviticus 20:9: If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death.

20:10: If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.

20:13: If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death.

thou shall not kill?

Ephesians 5:22-24: Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

good luck getting a girlfriend that agrees on those terms t ;P

Exodus 21:20-21: If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.

1 Peter 2:13: Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.

2:18: Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

Leviticus 25:44-45: Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property.

So.. thumbs up on having slaves then.

137:9 How blessed will be the one who grabs your babies and smashes them on a rock!

137:9 Blessed shall he be that taketh thy children and throweth them against the stones.

Please check this up in the bible, is this sh*t for real?

2 Kings 23-25

" From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria."

I wont ever pick on a bald christian again!

"On six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be sacred to you as the sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Anyone who does work on that day shall be put to death."

lets go kill half the world then.

Exodus 21:7"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go free as male slaves do."

eh?


Believe me I have more. tons more, but you get the point.
its not so much of a happy friendly kind religion as you think. and as I have said, by being a christian you cant simply pick away the parts you dont like