What does it take to be considered a Christian?
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What is a Christian?
I have a question I don't think any one person can answer.
What is a Christian.
WIKIPEDIA defines a Christian...as a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who Christians believe is the Messiah (the Christ in Greek-derived terminology) prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, and the son of God. Most Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity ("tri-unity"), a description of God as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit, but a minority are Nontrinitarians.
The term "Christian" is also used adjectivally to describe anything associated with Christianity, or in a proverbial sense "all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian
This would indicate that True Christians would exemplify the teaching of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
There are a number of different sects of christianity and each adheres to a specific interpretation of the scriptures. These include: 1 Catholicism
1.1 Roman Catholic Church
1.1.1 Latin Rite1.1.2 Eastern Catholic Churches
1.2 Eastern Orthodox Church
1.3 Oriental Orthodox Church
1.4 Assyrian Church of the East
1.5 Anglican Communion
1.6 Other churches self-identified as Catholic
1.6.1 Independent1.6.2 Orthodox 1.6.2.1 Byzantine1.6.2.2 Oriental1.6.2.3 Western-Rite1.6.3 Assyrian1.6.4 Anglican
2 Protestantism
2.1 Pre-Lutheran Protestants
2.2 Lutheranism
2.3 Anglican Churches
2.4 Reformed Churches
2.5 Presbyterianism
2.6 Congregationalist Churches
2.7 Anabaptists
2.8 Brethren
2.9 Methodists
2.10 Pietists and Holiness Churches
2.11 Baptists
2.11.1 Spiritual Baptists
2.12 Apostolic Churches - Irvingites
2.13 Pentecostalism
2.14 Charismatics
2.14.1 Neo-Charismatic Churches
2.15 African Initiated Churches
2.16 United and uniting churches
2.17 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
2.18 Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement
2.19 Southcottites
2.20 Millerites and comparable groups
2.20.1 Sabbath Keeping Churches, Adventist2.20.2 Sabbath-Keeping Churches, Non-Adventist2.20.3 Sunday Adventists2.20.4 Sacred Name Groups
2.21 British-Israelism
2.22 Miscellaneous/Other
3 Latter Day Saints
3.1 "Prairie Saint" denominations
3.2 Rocky Mountains denominations
3.3 Other denominations
4 Nontrinitarian groups
4.1 Oneness Pentecostalism
4.2 Unitarianism and Universalism
4.3 Bible Student groups
4.4 Swedenborgianism
4.5 Other non-Trinitarians
5 Messianic Judaism
6 New Thought
7 Syncretistic religions incorporating elements of Christianity
8 Esoteric Christianity
With this many different interpetations and beliefs, it may be difficult to come up with an answer to What is a Christian that will satisfy everyone.
Does being a Christian require a working knowledge of your religion and scriptures.
Is following the teaching of God and Jesus neccesary to be considered a Christian?
Is being a Christian the same thing as being Christ like?
It doesn't seem like following the ten commandments is a requirement for being a Christian as evidenced by all the church crime.
Some have hinted that all one needs to do is desire to live ones life for God. I would dispute the validity of this claim based on the number of homosexuals who would love to belong to and be accepted at a church. Instead they get persecuted by the very Christians they wish to join in worship of the same God. It's Christians who stand united in keeping Gays from the word of the lord. That doesn't sound like anything I have ever heard your Jesus teach.
Lately it seems that Christianity is beginning to resemble a uniform you put on every Sunday for the big game and then leave hanging in the closet the rest of the week.
I don't understand how so many people can spend six days a week being as hateful as humanly possible towards other groups of American citizens and fellow human beings, walk into church on Sunday, drop a few coins and sing a couple of songs, and feel this makes them a Christian worthy of the name.
One of the problems I personally have with religion is the types of behavior a fellow believer is willing to overlook. A Christian will forgive a fellow Christian for the very same acts they condemn everyone else for.
I can't accept the double standard that seems to be such an intergal part of Christianity and most religions for that matter. There is one set of rules for everyone else and a multitude of differing sets of rules for Christians.
The fact that no two churches can even agree on an exact interpretation of the Bible makes me wonder why Christians insist on claiming to base so much of their lives and thoughts on it.
Most Christians in my experience have no idea what is actually in the bible nor any interest in finding out. Even those Christians who religiously study the Bible get a different take on a lot of what they read. Most are quite content to let someone else do the thinking and studying for them as long as they let them know when to holler amen!!!.
Bottom line for me is I have no idea what it means to be a Christian anymore and I wonder if any Christians do.
( On a side note I have to ask, with this many interpetations how could anyone expect America to base her laws on the bible. It is bad enough what the Supreme Court is doing to the constitution. Every law would be applied diferently to every person. I can't see that working and when you throw into the mix how easy it seems to be to just ignore God's law when the mood strikes, this country would be involved in a civil war with in 5 years.)
Peace everyone and thanks for your time and your contributions. I hope I don't offend anyone as this is not my intent.
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Hello,
I am not sure if this is an honest inquiry or you really needed to vent frustration.
Right off the bat I can tell you there is only one true Christendom and than there are denominations within the church.
Much of what you have listed there are not Christians (LDS, 7th day Adventist, core Roman Catholicism, JW) But some of the others are just denominations of Christianity, which mean we hold the core beliefs of Christianity but differ on things like how often to do take communion and non-essential stuff like that. This is the question you must ask is “Who do they say Jesus Christ is?” If there say anything other than Creator and Lord of my Salvation Alpha Omega, Second member in the Triune God. Anything other than that is not true Christianity.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Christianity-vs-Twistianit
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Thing-About-Mormonism
I hope that helps, goodnight.
Hey Lisarae, I understand this is a part of what make makes a Christian a Christian but there has to be more to it than this. Having this one belief shared would not be in my opinion ample justification for claiming that America is a Christian Nation. I am trying to discover what actions are generally acceptable actions of a Christian and those they must avoid to retain the label of Christian.
spiderpam, welcome. This is an honest inquiry that came about from venting to excess. I have been witnessing an increase in what I would not consider to be the appropriate actions of a Christian, by large numbers of Christians. I am trying to see if the rules have changed or if the people have.
I think that the LDS, 7th Day Adventists, Roman Catholics and JWs might argue the point that they aren't Christians.
I am attempting to discover how Christians feel a Christian is supposed to act in relation to his fellow humans. What is acceptable behavior and what isn't. I would also like an explanation of any controversial rules that might be left.
I have heard that you should be able to spot a Christian from his or her actions and I am trying to discover what to look for.
our collective actions as a nation are not Christian for the most part, if one uses the golden rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) as a yardstick. I do not practice a belief system, but I do think many "Christians" get a bad rap due to the loud actions of some, such as Falwell etc. But many others quietly help people every day as well as protest things like the "school of the Americas" and other humanitarians issues.
God never changes.
Rules? Umm, do you mean the Ten Commandments? The Ten Commandments are to use like a mirror to show all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCSUKIhjevo
Once you see you are a sinner, (btw everyone is including Christians) you become open to the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Saving Grace.
In other words, NO ONE IS PERFECT! Not even us Christians. The only difference between Christians and atheist and other non-believers is that Christians have admitted they are sinners and only by doing that can they see the need for a Saviour. Only then, can we see your sins and realize you too need Jesus Christ. The only question you must ask yourself is "Are you bad enough to be a Christian?"
“I think that the LDS, 7th Day Adventists, Roman Catholics and JWs might argue the point that they aren't Christians.”
Please refer to the hubs listed above, I’ve debated them on their beliefs and they usually twist words to sound Christians, but you really have to force the truth of them especially Mormons(Glenn Beck being a great example btw). They place a yoke or burden of their members and believe they can and MUST work their way to heaven. This goes directly against the bible and true Christianity.
A Christian does not revel in sin, meaning we hate sin especially our own so we are constantly relying on Christ to fight against our sin nature.
Nowadays you see that people only say they are Christian to endorse sin.
For example “I’m a Christian and I believe all ways lead to God” When Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life.”
Or “I’m a Christian and I’m a practicing homosexual and believing homosexuality is okay” This is idolatry and goes against what the bible says.
Or I’m a Christian and I believe Jesus was just a really nice guy or a non judgmental hippie who only spoke of love and tolerance” This is the most popular heresy of today world, but Jesus Christ spoke more about hell than about heaven and said that the majority of people are heading there. In Matthew 7.13-14, He said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it." Not only do unrepentant sinners go to hell those who approve of their sin go to hell too. Jesus called people wicked, serpents, and he even called Peter Satan. Jesus told the truth and never backed down and died for the truth that is a true Christian.
Someone said "Love God and do what you want." If you truly love God you wouldn't want to do anything against His Word.
The good works we do are in reaction to the Grace of God. Only a cardinal mind would see grace as a license to sin. After all that Jesus has done for us how could we think that?
Catholicism, Orthodox, Lutheran, and the Amish value and follow the teachings of their leaders/fathers/founders, etc. over the teachings of Christ. Catholics are even told not to read the Bible by their priests.
spider, I suppose the ten commandments would be part of it. I'm looking for a code of conduct that most Christians feel they need to follow. Which parts of our countries laws do Christians feel are over ruled by God's law?
God's Ten Commandments are still the standard by which we should strive to live our lives. They are not some outdated laws that were only to be used by Moses. God meant the Ten Commandments to be permanent guidelines that we are still to follow in order to have a more meaningful relationship with God and each other.
http://www.allabouttruth.org/gods-ten-commandments
"And God spoke all these words, saying: 'I am the LORD your God…
ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'
FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'
SIX: 'You shall not murder.'
SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'
EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'
NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'
TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'
http://www.allabouttruth.org/10-commandments.htm
The 10 Commandments - Christ's Summation in the New Testament
About 1,400 years later, the 10 Commandments were summed up in the New Testament at Matthew 22, when Jesus was confronted by the religious "experts" of the day:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:36-40).
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_10c2.htm
What are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments is an ancient set of instructions for living. They are also called the "Decalogue" or "Decalog." There are three versions of the Decalog in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), in Exodus 20:2-17, Exodus 34:12-26, and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Exodus 20 is the most commonly used grouping. They are accepted by Judaism, and Christianity as a summary of some of the important rules of behavior that God expects of humanity.
This is what the Mormon site has to say about them.
Obey the Ten Commandments
God’s most familiar standards, the Ten Commandments are as relevant today as when they were delivered to Moses.
After Moses led the children of Israel out of captivity, he went to the top of Mount Sinai and spoke with God. When Moses came back down the mountain, he had Ten Commandments the Lord had revealed to him engraved on stone tablets. We follow those commandments today, thousands of years later.
http://www.mormon.org/commandments?gclid=CMPG5pGOs
This is more in line with my understanding of what the Ten Commandments are. Rules for humanity and not simply a measuring device to guage your progress. These rules are meant to be obeyed and too many Christians ignore them as they promote them.
The Mormons believe in the same God, the same Jesus and simply added Moe to the the cast. I haven't read the hubs yet and I am basing my comments on personal experiences. I'm not sure what the problem with having to work to get to heaven would be. Of course considering the rapidly expanding pool of obese Americans, I can understand not wanting to have to work for something worthwhile.
//Nowadays you see that people only say they are Christian to endorse sin.//
I don't buy that one, I see too many Southern Baptists on a daily basis to believe they are claiming to be a christian simply to cover up and promote sinning. Most of these people are proud to be a christian and do attempt to live a decent lifestyle. Of course when you are raised to believe that all blacks are second class people it puts a little different spin on it. When you are raised to believe all homosexuals are second class people, it's time for some more spinning. By the time a Christian get done spinning from all the second class people around them, there is little left of the original commandments.
//“I’m a Christian and I’m a practicing homosexual and believing homosexuality is okay” This is idolatry and goes against what the bible says.//
'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
These words are credited to your Jesus as seen above in his summation of the Commandments. It does not say love thy neighbor only if he is straight, only if he is American, Only if he is Christian. If you obey this commandment it is impossible for you to deny your neighbor a right that you have.
I am under the impression that your God is the one ultimately responsible for judging all mankind. This world would be a lot more peaceful place if Christians would just let their God do his job himself. It seems that every other Christian I meet feels qualified to do God's work for him. If you plan on doing his work, why did man need to invent God?
//Someone said "Love God and do what you want." If you truly love God you wouldn't want to do anything against His Word.//
Is a member of the Army of God doing work for God's word or against it when he murders a doctor preforming a legal operation? Is a Westboro Baptist member doing work for or against God's word when they picket and make a mockery of a soldiers funeral because they don't agree with his lifestyle? Is a Evangelical parent doing work for or against God's word when they drap their kids in God Hates Queers clothing and teach them to despise their fellow man that they are told to love like themselves?
Enforcing the Ten Commandments:
The Society for the Practical establishment and Perpetuation of the Ten Commandments is a somewhat radical group which promotes the replacements of the world's national constitutions and United Nation's documents with the Ten Commandments. Some passages from their web site are:
http://www.tencommandments.org/
Every human, Jew, Christian, or other, is responsible to perfectly obey the Ten Commandments. They are the only laws that are perfectly suited for all nations.
A son or daughter who either curses or strikes his parent shall be executed. Adulterers shall be executed. Persons engaging in homosexual behavior shall be executed. A woman who has an abortion, and her physician, shall be executed.
Documents like the U.S. Constitution and United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights are "moral evils in the sight of God" and need to be replaced by the Ten Commandments.
"Atheism is deliberate effort to never admit the truth about God."
"Atheism is the ultimate [form] of satanism"
"...in many, if not all cases, atheists are demon-possessed."
It is the Atheists who are perpetuating physician assisted suicide, evolution, abortion access, equal rights for homosexuals, pornography, pedophilia, etc.
"God requires death for homosexuality...homosexuality...can be and is often more heinous than murder."
"Any homosexual who thinks he or she is accepted by God and His true holy Church has to be cursed with the deepest depths of blindness and satanic depravity."
The U.S. Constitution has a "poisonous effects upon the society." It gives men rights and freedoms "to think speak and act in ways opposite to their God-given and thus rightful role as males." It also distorts the rightful role of women.
This is also the work of Christians and a excellent example of why the separation of Church and State not only needs to be maintained but widened every chance we get. The fact that you may not agree with these peoples ideas is beside the point. Every effort you make to increase the influence of your brand of christianity gets these people that much closer to acco
You are all over the place. Did you even read my response or are you unloading all you pent up hostility; towards a small group of southern Baptist that you say did wrong? Okay first you need to read the hubs I posted, it would have answered most of your previous post.
No one can live up to every commandment. That why Jesus came died and rose again. If we could earn our way to heaven, Jesus died in vain. Ephesians 8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
It seems the concept of grace is misunderstood and corrupted by the religions of man. You will be hard press to find any religion that that does not add works to salvation. In the Old Testament, Jews would offer a lamb to sacrifice to God to atone for the sins of its people. Jesus is routinely called the Lamb of God who was a perfect sacrifice for the sins of man. Those who repent and trust will be saved.
Jesus came and fulfilled the old covenant because we could not, but he still mentions sin is the way to death. We are no longer bound to animal sacrifice we put our faith in Jesus who sacrificed all so we could be saved not by works but by grace. We are ALL sinners, but through the grace of God through Jesus Christ we are forgiven, homosexual, adulterers, liars, thieves, Mormons, JW ALL must repent (i.e. change your mind and behavior(changing behaviors does take help) and turn away from your sins) and Trust in the Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.
You made the mistake of assuming a God of love cannot be a God of Justice. If you love someone and see him or her ruining themselves (stealing, drugs, adultery, homosexuality, and promiscuity) do not you get concerned, worried maybe even angry, of course you do, not despite of your love, but because of your love for them. Anger is not the opposite of love, hate is and the final form of hate is indifference (false compassion). So the most loving thing real Christians can do is warn homosexuals, thieves adulterers, liars, and ALL others sinners. Show them that they are sinners and are in need of a Saviour.
Satan has been successful to push the church further and further into a corner, while everyone else comes out of the closet with his or her sins. Most often, those who tell you "not to judge" them do so because they are either hiding something or want to continue doing it without reaping negative effects for it. In the campuses where we have been, students say that we should not judge (form an opinion of) fornicators, drunkards, liars, homosexuals, or the like. However, they fail to realize that sin harms them and their neighbors. A caring, loving Christian will judge all situations according to the Word of God and call sinners to repentance.
The church has become intimidated by the opinions of the world as they scream, "You religious bigots, hate mongers, and intolerant people (which are judgments in themselves), do not judge me!" However, God clearly commands us to judge so we will not be deceived. Why would the command to judge be so vehemently attacked in society? Obviously, if the church stops judging and using our common sense, we will no longer be able to distinguish good from evil, we will buy into the politically correct idea of moral relativism (what’s good for you may not be good for me), and we will bow down to the devil’s wishes to deceive us, our family, and our friends.
“We’ve forgotten as a society what love is, because supporting and justifying homosexuality is not real love any more than glorifying drinking helps the alcoholic or celebrating smoking helps wipe out lung cancer . . . The most loving stance for others to take is not to serve as enablers of self-destructive and immoral compulsions, but to stand in patient but firm opposition.”
Why don’t we stand in patient but firm opposition? Because it’s much easier to uncritically accept the half-truths put out by homosexual activists, and then have what seems to be compassion for them by giving them what they want. However, that’s not real compassion. Jay Budziszewski observes that real “compassion ought to make us visit the prisoner, dry out the alcoholic, help the pregnant girl prepare for the baby, and encourage the young homosexual to live chastely. But how much easier it is to forget the prisoner; give the drunk a drink, send the girl to the abortionist, and tell the kid to just give in. False compassion is a great deal less work than true.”
I repeat please read the hubs listed above Mormons are NOT Christian
Why do you put blacks and homosexual behavior in the same category?
Homosexuality is NOT an identity or class; it’s a behavior. Homosexuals are not a class of people any more than heterosexuals are a class of people. We are males and females, not gays and straights. In other words, we are males and females by anatomy, but gays and straights by behavior."
According to the Webster’s Dictionary, to judge means "to discern, to distinguish, to form an opinion, to compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood." Therefore, when you say that your neighbor is a "good person," you are passing a judgment (forming an opinion) just as much as when you say that the thief is a "bad person."
You stated this was an honest inquiry, so at least read what I post and please can we stay on topic.
It's like this:To be a Christian you must be"BORN AGAIN".To be "Born Again is to regain that which was lost in the garden of eden.You must be beyond common presentation,"How to know when you are Saved" iS ONE OF MY HUBS that leave you without a doubt as to Christian Identity.
spider, I was simply responding to your comments. I would be happy to stay on topic and that topic is what behaviors are required by Christians, for a person to be welcomed as a good practicing Christian. If you would be willing to offer a few, we could discuss them. In the mean time I will respond to you comments and try to keep this on the topic of acceptable behavior for Christians and acceptable behavior for all others, based on the Christian point of view.
I have long ago gotten rid of the pent up hostility I had towards Christians in general. Any comments I offer towards religion will be over shadowed with my reactions to Southern Baptists that I meet on a daily basis. Most people are partially influenced by their surrounding in my opinion. In regards to your posts, you are right in that I didn't read them as I judged from the titles they weren't going to answer my questions.I am not debating whether you feel that Mormons are Christian or not. The fact is that they are listed as a christian religion and any of their efforts to change the laws, benefit all Christians at the expense of others. I am simply looking for rules that christians feel they need to obey and the rules they feel other people need to obey. I appreciate the history lesson in religious beliefs and I am some what familiar with the reasons Christians feel as they do about their God.
//You made the mistake of assuming a God of love cannot be a God of Justice. If you love someone and see him or her ruining themselves (stealing, drugs, adultery, homosexuality, and promiscuity) do not you get concerned, worried maybe even angry, of course you do,//
You make presumptions with that statement. Based on your beliefs that differ from the laws of our country that homosexuality belongs in a list of crimes, is not something I can agree with. You make human nature a crime. Stealing is a crime, drugs can be a crime if they are abused. Alcohol is the best example of this in the history of mankind, adultery is a crime based on our marriage laws, promiscuity does not belong on this list at all. Do I get concerned with people engaging in these types of behaviors? Sometimes, and sometimes it's none of my business. Do I get angry about it? Sometimes, if it affects me personally. These people are only sinners to those who think like you. That doesn't make them guilty of a crime in this country. That doesb't mean they are forced to give up any of the rights you enjoy. You have the right to marry, period. They have the right to marry, period. The laws do not specify any restrictions to placed on a group of people to be determined at a later date.
//God clearly commands us to judge so we will not be deceived.//
Jesus also commanded you to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Not love your straight neighbor, not love your christian neighbor, not even love your American neighbor. "Love Your Neighbor. Christians aren't satisfied with simply following God's law, they have to twist it to fit their beliefs. What gives you the right to interfere in anothers life? What gives you the right to deny rights to your neighbors while retaining those rights for yourself? Your belief in God?
//The most loving stance for others to take is not to serve as enablers of self-destructive and immoral compulsions, but to stand in patient but firm opposition.”//
Where in the Bible do you find justification for judging people and then working to deny them the same rights you enjoy. The laws of this country have nothing to do with the bible and that should put a stop to this never ending persecution of homosexuals by the christian right. It doesn't and the reason it doesn't is that too many Christians feel that God's law superceeds the laws of our country. They claim to answer to a higher law and believe they are justified in ignoring the laws that the rest of this country must obey. I dont care how much the church judges people when it comes to membership. I don't agree with it's stance that homosexuals can't join, but I don't feel I have the right to interfere with this decision as I am not a member and have no interest in being a member. When the church attempts to move it's feelings of hatred and bigotry into the political areana of this country I do have the right to interfere as I am a member of this country. You do not have the right to deny any group of people any right, once you set foot outside your church or private organizations. The only way you could deny a homosexual couple the right to marry is if everyone was denied that right. In this country we are supposed to be equal under the law. You and your church seek to place yourself in a position of judgement over people who think differently. That is a bunch of crap that will never happen.
//Why do you put blacks and homosexual behavior in the same category?//
I routinely list these two groups together based on the same level of hatred being expressed towards both groups here in the Bible Belt by most Christians. The rights of the LGBT community are being denied in the same way the rights of the blacks were. Not suprisingly this is effort is being lead by the same group of caring Christian organizations.
On topic, Do you feel that you as a christian have the right to deny another American a legal right based on your religious beliefs?
Hey GC, If you make it over here, let me know how my snarkyness is coming?
Peace spider, look forward to continuing this discussion.
Welcome Jack, I understand how to become a Christian. I am trying to learn what actions are allowed, what are expected, and what are forbidden. I am also trying to discover when and how it became acceptable to ignore parts of the bibles teaching and instructions. We keep going back to homosexuality and I suppose that part of the reason is the decision about Prop. 8 by the supreme court. It is on everyone's mind. I don't mind because I am a vocal supporter of gay rights. I have simply accepted that if I have the right to do something, everyone else has that right, no ifs ands or buts.
If you will post a link to your blog or hub, I will check it out and others may want to do the same. I would attempt this but I am new here and still learning my way around. peace my friend.
Okay you want to talk about homosexuality.
Are you a homosexual?
If you wanted to talk about homosexuality why didn‘t you just say that?
“We’ve forgotten as a society what love is, because supporting and justifying homosexuality is not real love any more than glorifying drinking helps the alcoholic or celebrating smoking helps wipe out lung cancer . . .
It is much easier to uncritically accept the half-truths put out by homosexual activists, and then have what seems to be compassion for them by giving them what they want. However, that is not real compassion. Jay Budziszewski observes that real “compassion ought to make us visit the prisoner, dry out the alcoholic, help the pregnant girl prepare for the baby, and encourage the young homosexual to live chastely. But how much easier it is to forget the prisoner; give the drunk a drink, send the girl to the abortionist, and tell the kid to just give in. False compassion is a great deal less work than true.”
“Race is irrelevant to marriage—gender is essential to it. Nothing is wrong with interracial marriages because men and women are designed for one another, regardless of their racial backgrounds.
Furthermore, interracial marriage was opposed without any valid grounds. Opponents hid their prejudice with false speculation about birth defects and the like. Since all racial groups interbreed, such problems do not exist. In other words, there really is no such thing as interracial marriage because there is only one race—the human race. Interethnic marriage poses no physical problems. However, same-sex couples do not breed at all, and their unions are often unhealthy.
Ironically, not conservatives, but same-sex marriage proponents are reasoning like racists. Instead of asking the state to recognize the preexisting institution of marriage, homosexuals are asking the state to define marriage. Well, that is exactly the line of reasoning racists used in their effort to prevent interracial marriage. Racists wanted the state to define marriage as only between same-race couples, instead of having the state recognize what marriage already was—the procreative union of a man and a woman regardless of their racial/ethnic background.
While racists and homosexuals may want to alter the legal definition of marriage, they cannot alter the laws of nature that helped produce the recognition of legal marriage in the first place. The comparison of homosexuality to race is invalid. Skin color is benign, but sexual behavior is not. Having a certain skin color does not hurt anyone, but homosexual behavior can and does hurt others. Furthermore, sexual behavior is always a choice; race never is. You will find many former homosexuals, but you will never find a former African-American.
Wait before you bring up animals
Why do homosexual always bring up animals in order to justify their behavior? That alone should tell you something. When people need define themselves by their behaviors it’s negative behavior (Hello I’m an alcoholic, addicted, homosexual etc.)
“There is no "homosexual instinct" in animals,
It is poor science to "read" human motivations and sentiments into animal behavior.
Irrational animal behavior is not a yardstick to determine what is morally acceptable behavior for rational man. Anyone engaged in the most elementary animal observation is forced to conclude that animal "homosexuality," "filicide" and "cannibalism" are exceptions to normal animal behavior. Consequently, they cannot be called animal instincts. These observable exceptions to normal animal behavior result from factors beyond their instincts.
For some people, what animals do is a yardstick of what is and is not natural. They make a leap from saying if it is natural; it is morally and ethically desirable. Infanticide is widespread in the animal kingdom. To jump from that to say it is desirable makes no sense. We should not be using animals to construct moral and social policies for the kinds of human societies we want to live in. Animals do not take care of the elderly. I do not particularly think that should be a platform for closing down nursing homes. The animal kingdom is no place for man to seek a blueprint for human morality. That blueprint, as bioethicist Bruto Maria Bruti notes, must be sought in man himself: It is a frequent error for people to contrast human and animal behaviors, as if the two were homogenous. .... The laws ruling human behavior are of a different nature and they should be sought where God inscribed them, namely, in human nature. The fact that man has a body and sensitive life in common with animals does not mean he is strictly an animal. Nor does it mean that he is a half-animal. Man's rationality pervades the wholeness of his nature so that his sensations, instincts and impulses are not purely animal but have that seal of rationality, which characterizes them as human. In summary, the homosexual movement's attempt to establish that homosexuality is in accordance with human nature, by proving its animal homosexuality theory, is based more on mythological beliefs and erroneous philosophical tenets than on science.”
Homosexual persons, whose primary identifying characteristic is their sexual behavior, have repeatedly been found by the courts not to be deserving of special legal protections, because of the moral, health and social issues involved.
People who engage in homosexual behavior have the same rights as other citizens, but should not be given additional rights based on their willingness to perform peculiar–and medically dangerous–sex acts.
I find it offensive that you would equate being black with practicing sodomy. Look up Ota Benga, James Byrd, or the his history of slavery. You forget that Christians were the ones who helped abolish slavery.
Homosexuals have NOT been forced into servitude as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been denied medical treatment at a heterosexual only hospital as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been segregated in school bathrooms, water fountains as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been bought and sold a property of a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been hunted, captured decapitated or placed in zoos as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been denied housing as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been denied service at a restaurant as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been forced to sit at the back of a bus as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been denied education as a matter of law.
Homosexuals have NOT been denied employment as a matter of law.
In addition, when black people marched in parades they kept their clothes on.
In fact, the average yearly income of a homosexual is $55,430.00 (most of which is disposable because no children to take care of!). The average of the general population is $32,144.00. The average of blacks is $12,166.00
49.0% of homosexuals hold professional/managerial positions. 15.9% of the general population hold such positions 49.0% of homosexuals hold professional/managerial positions. 15.9% of the general population hold such positions
Let us break it down. Homosexual behavior is NOT the same as being black or being a woman, why?
You have three babies, you are asked to point out the black one, the girl, and the homosexual. Oops, you cannot do that because no child is born practicing homosexuality, and there is no conclusive evidence that say homosexuality is inborn.
Furthermore,
Blacks were banned from buses, schools, diners, etc. For being just black
Woman were not allowed to vote for simply being a woman
Homosexuals were PERMANENTLY BANNED from giving blood NOT for having desires or "orientation" but for their behaviors.
When you go to give blood there is a box that says "Have you have homosexual BEHAVIOR (MSM) even ONCE since 1977?" If you check yes, you cannot give blood. The survey taker may also ask before you are even admitted. Notice they never ask are your desires homosexual, or what you feel that you are but they ask about the behavior.
Finally, being a woman or being black was NEVER once considered a menta
Homosexuality is only 1 part of the comments I have posted.
You posted.../Why do you put blacks and homosexual behavior in the same category?// and now want to berate me for answering your question. Take a chill pill and stop trying to control my blog. If you want to answer or comment I welcome it and look forward to it. Leave the judgments about my intentions and methods out of the convesations unless it's revalent. You dismissed an entire response to your comment with a sarcastic comment. If you can't come up with a proper response why bother posting anything at all? No disrespect here, yet. If I continue to get it from you I don't have a problem returning it. That accomplishes nothing so I will ask you to refrain from it in the future. Peace my friend
No it was not, it is all you talked about, that and gay 'marriage'. I asked if this was an honest inquiry in order to avoid this type of fallout. You made an over generalizing judgment and did not read what I posted which answered all your questions biblically. Instead you focused on the brief quote on homosexuality and built a shantytown of opinion. I don‘t believe in relative truth, our exchange is at its end. I do not intend to hi jack your blog, feel free to read my hubs on homosexuality if you want. Have a great day!
Have a great day spider and peace. Sorry I didn't live up to your high standards. Well not really, I'm just trying to be polite.
If we can't live up to the laws set before us why should we be punish. That's like someone telling me I got to move at the speed of light and if i can't in the time giving to me I will be punished. Man can't explain God only God can do it and I'll talk to him when I die i guess.
You asked a Question And I'll give you the Bible's View Point. I won't come back to argue. If you have further questions, by all means, I invite you to leave e-mail. As a Christian, I talk to people all the time from house to house, at work, Doctors office, anywhere where I can find interested ones who want to know the Truth as to what the Bible really Teach. True christians live their lives according to Bible principles. Over 7 million Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, worldwide came out of False Religion, whether that was Baptist, Apostolic, Penecostal, Black Muslim, as I used to be in all four, Islam, Protestant, Catholic, or any other religion in the world. In the most cilvilized part of cilvilization to the remotest part of the jungle. To the lowest elevation on earth, to high mountain tops. That is where all true christians are coming from. As Jesus said, 'This good news of the Kingdom will be preach to all of the inhabited earth as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.' Matt. 24: 14.
And how it this working being accomplished? By Jehovah's Holy Spirit is how we are able to carry out this work as Jesus is the head of the Christian Congregation. Matt.28: 19,20 'Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
You said that you didn't think that any one person could answer this question. However, just the opposite, one person can answer this question. Through God's word, The Bible. John 17:17
The Bible’s Viewpoint
What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
A man name Kingsley, from one African country, once said that “IN MY country to be a Christian means to go to church once a week,”
“IN MY country to be a Christian means to go to church once a week,” says Kingsley, from one African country.
Another man, from the Middle East, explained: “In our community Christians are viewed as a group who follow Western customs and traditions in their dress, celebrations, and treatment of women.”
But does being a Christian simply mean that one attends a church service once a week and follows certain social customs and traditions? Logically, should not the word “Christian” refer to a way of life that reflects the attitudes, values, and conduct that Christ preached and exemplified? How was Christianity practiced at its inception?
Early Christianity was a way of life.
Jesus said to his followers: “You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.” (John 15:14) Since Jesus’ teachings affected all aspects of their lives, Christ’s disciples initially referred to their religion as “The Way.” (Acts 9:2) Soon thereafter, “[they] were by divine providence called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) This new name they bore meant that they believed that Jesus was the Son of God, who had transmitted to mankind the will of his heavenly Father. This belief led them to follow a way of life that differed from that of the world around them.
Christ’s teachings moved his followers to follow Bible teachings, which meant avoiding “fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, . . . drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.” (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:17-24) The apostle Paul reminded Corinthian Christians that some of them had once practiced these very things. Then he added: “But you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
E. W. Barnes relates in his book The Rise of Christianity: “In its early authoritative documents the Christian movement is represented as essentially moral and law-abiding. Its members desired to be good citizens and loyal subjects. They shunned the failings and vices of paganism. In private life they sought to be peaceful neighbours and trustworthy friends. They were taught to be sober, industrious and clean-living. Amid prevailing corruption and licentiousness they were, if loyal to their principles, honest and truthful. Their sexual standards were high: the marriage tie was respected and family life was pure.” Such were aspects of being a Christian in the early days.
And such is the same for true christians today.
Again, another distinctive sign of early Christianity was its zealous evangelizing work. Christ commanded his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) Jean Bernardi, a professor at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, noted: “[Christians] were to go out and speak everywhere and to everyone. On the highways and in the cities, on the public squares and in the homes. Welcome or unwelcome. To the poor, and to the rich encumbered by their possessions. . . . They had to take to the road, board ships, and go to the ends of the earth.”
True Christians today should stand out for their distinctive way of life, just as they did in the first century. Accordingly, Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to adhere strictly to the precepts established by the first Christians. Their efforts to pattern their lives after the teachings of the Bible are noticed by others.
For instance, the New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that Jehovah’s Witnesses are known as “one of the best-behaved groups in the world.” The Deseret News of Salt Lake City, Utah, observed that Jehovah’s Witnesses “promote strong family ties and develop productive and honest citizens.” The newspaper added: “Members believe in a strong moral code. They believe smoking, overdrinking, drug misuse, gambling, sexual promiscuity and homosexuality are spiritually damaging practices. They teach honesty and good work habits.”
The Witnesses also take to heart their responsibility to be zealous evangelizers. Commenting on this the New Catholic Encyclopedia says: “The fundamental obligation of each member . . . is to give witness to Jehovah by announcing His approaching Kingdom. . . . To be a true Witness one must preach effectively in one way or another.”
Clearly, true Christianity is much more than membership in one of the many religions of Christendom, which true Christians, are no part of. Jesus himself foretold the rise of counterfeit Christians. (Matthew 7:22, 23) Jehovah’s Witnesses invite you to learn what Jesus taught and put it into practice. That is what it means to be a Christian. Jesus said: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” John 13:17.
EK, I am posting your response and my answer as a hub. I think this will generate some interest.
Thank you for the well thought out and presented answer. I will attempt to show you the same respect you showed me with my answer to you. I am answering each question and responding as I read each line here. This is live and I look forward to seeing where we end up.
You stated that true christians live their lives according to the bible's principles and I'm inclined to agree with this statement for the time being.
//As Jesus said, 'This good news of the Kingdom will be preach to all of the inhabited earth as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.' Matt. 24: 14.//
The problem I have with this passage is that every believer I come across, regardless of particular sect or religion, firmly believes his or her version of the truth, is the only absolute truth.
I have a question for you, how am I as a non-believer supposed to believe any follower, of any religion, when each and every one of them claims to have the correct multiple choice answer? The problem is compounded by the label of true christian or true believer. Each and every follower out the knows in their heart, they're a true believer. Only a true believers seems to be able to determine what a true believer is.
You stated that the work is being aqccomplished with the help of jehovah. (please excuse any misquote, it's simply a lack of knowledge about Jehovah and/or his witnesses. Each sect of each religion is spreading the word that they know is the only true path to eternal life. Each sect of each religion is convinced that they and only they have the answer mankind needs to survive. No let me back up, I don't believe any religion is actually worried about mankind's survival. They are all waiting for the world to end and paradise to begin. Not much incentive to live peacefully together now is there? (Sorry, new line of reasoning there)
//Logically, should not the word “Christian” refer to a way of life that reflects the attitudes, values, and conduct that Christ preached and exemplified?//
Ok, this is interesting. You are asking me a question I usually ask those I debate. Cool...
You next posted this: //Early Christianity was a way of life.//
I am curious as to which version of the bible you are quoting from. I would also like to point out that alot of the teaching you refer to are taught by a multitude of past and present saviors. The similarities between different religions and, between different sects of each religion, sould make it easy to co-exist peacefully. Not one of these religions have any interest in allowing someone to believe something that disagrees with thier beliefs. They would rather see them hang or at the very least, be refused the right to marry.
You quoted E.W. Barrnes as a source and after googling the author and his book, I can't place a lot of faith in his words.
You stated: //Christ’s teachings moved his followers to follow Bible teachings, which meant avoiding “fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, . . . drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.”//
Now this strikes me as the same claim that present day christians make...if you believe you will recieve forgiveness for these acts. It is quite appearant by the headlines in papers across the country that it still doesn't reduce the number of these infractions. Just makes the perpetrator feel better about themselves and this seems to be the only true advantage to believing. Now are we as non-believers to believe that these christians who claim to be true christians, aren't in fact true christians? Thye only proof we have that they are true christians, is that they claim to be true christians. Now I assume that if you are a christian, you know on your heart that you are a true christian, am I right?
I tried to find the article that is referenced on a couple of google responses to...//Jehovah’s Witnesses are known as “one of the best-behaved groups in the world//. I went to the new catholic encyclopedia and enter multiple variations of search words and couldn't locate the entry. I found a couple of references to the article on other sites but not the entry itself on NCE. This reminds me of the practices of the Wallbuilders site. They have one employee write an article and then have 4 more employees use this a proof of the accuracy of these new articles. I am not saying this is the case but we shall see as we go along with this.
You mentioned that witnesses strive to adhere to precepts established by the first christians. Are you willing to admit that many of these precepts were borrowed from the multitudes of pagan religions, all modern day religions are based on? Can you mention what your religion offers the world that every other religion out there offers the world?
//The newspaper added: “Members believe in a strong moral code.//
Do you think it is possible for a non-believer to have a strong moral code, and if not, why? Let me also ask if you think it is possible for believers and non-believers to work together to help people in this country and/or the world? One more question before I move. Why do the small differences in each religion mean that the other religion must be destroyed before it destroys the world? Why is it always my way instead of our way?
Now in closing you stated that true christians are in fact members of no christian religion, wtf? Every church, every mosque, every temple, attendee, knows in their heart that the only path to eternal life passes thru their local prayer center.
//“If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” John 13:17.//
If this is true there are a lot of un-happy believers. They don't care about what they are supposed to do, they only care about their get out of etenal damnation their religion gives them.
Thank you for the dialogue and I score it, me 66 you 6. Oh hell, thats my birth date, I win.
I am no theologian or a "good anything," thus far but I am working on it. I think being "Christ-like" might be the solution for what ails us. I don't tend to attach much importance to how someone defines themselves religiously. If an atheist, Jew, or Moslem is "Christ-like" in his compassion and empathy for his fellow man, then three quarters of all the future battles have already been won - without a shot being fired. Nice piece by the way...
DT, I might have been able to agree with you 50 years ago. Today it seems like the church is much of what ails us. Once church and god became big business christianity began to disappear from churches and christians. The church has simply evolved into a money making, power grabbing, coporation. They will do what ever it takes to maintain their market share of god's money. Thanks for the comments.
You write, "A Christian will forgive a fellow Christian for the very same acts they condemn everyone else for..."
I think not. Read all the judgment above. There is very little forgiveness in the Christian Church- which does include Catholics, Lutherans, etc, despite what the Righteous claim. Communion is not between man and man but Man and God. It has little to do with what happens the other 6 days of the week, evidently, lol.
I think that what a Christian should be is a Christ follower; someone who is the Good Samariton and will offer the hand of friendship to anyone, including gays, drug addicts, prostitutes and anyone else for that matter. Well that's what Jesus was like.
Good thought provoking hub!
By the way Ghandi was a Christ follower and wanted to be a Christian but he was refused entry to a church because of the colour of his skin. Nevertheless he made a better Christian than many Christians. To be fair some of them are good people though.
asianlight, I am in complete agreement with your idea of what a christian should be. It is simply baffling to me how so many out there consider themselves to be christian. I honestly dont have a problem with most organized religions. It's the followers of these religions that irritate me to no end. The way they live their lives has no resemblence what so ever to their professed religion. Being in the bible belt is one of the primary reasons I feel this way.
I know that there are alot of good people in the christian faith. The problem is that they never, ever speak out against the injustices their fellow believes heap upon everyone who differs in the slightest bit from what they feel is the correct way to live your life. These so called christian are some of the most hateful and vindictive people I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. I have saved several full page ads that local preachers have taken out in my hometown paper condemning homosexuals. Our mayor proclaimed a gay pride day and the entire region when nuts over it. Most have never knowingly met a homosexual and yet they claim to know more about homosexuality than countless scientists and all homosexuals do. The arrogance they have that convinces them that they are better equipped as a high school drop out to explain the universe, American history and biology thsn those who have devoted their life to the study of these subjects are, is rediculous.
Peace my new friend and thanks for paying me a visit.
Peace to you too! Some of my best friends have been gay, and they've been some of the kindest, funniest people I've known. I'm fortunate enough to have a Christian mentor friend who's also one of the kindest, funniest people I know. Maybe you should move over here! Lol
Stump, I am going to be straight up with you. The only reason you wrote this hub was to be mischievous. Your only objective is to stir the pot and to upset those Christians who do not have enough street smarts to be wise to your game.
The criticisms of Christianity that you express in this hub are light-weight and very shallow.
And who are you trying to convince that Christianity is a bad thing, eveyone else or yourself?
feenix, I disagree with you. I am seriously trying to determine what it takes for one to be considered a christian. following the teachings of christ definately isn't the answer. It seems that everyone has a different idea of what the correct answer is.
One of my points is that if even the christians can't agree about what christianity is all about. Why do so many of these confused people feel that christianity is the answer for what ails America? There are numerous examples of abomintations being ignored, rules being ignored and specific commands from their god being ignored. Why would anyone seek to base the laws of a country on rules that are meant to be ignored by the faithful followers? The criticisms I expressed may be shallow but they sure didn't warrant many answers did they? They should have been relatively easy to address and most seek to simply ignore that which makes them feel uncomfortable. Thanks for your intelligent if off the mark comments. I am not trying to say a thing about christianity, I am addressing my questions to christians and you know as I do one has very little to do with the other. They share a name and that's about it. Very simple question feenix, why is it required to enforce certian abominations and perfectly acceptable to ignore others. If it is determined by what the follower believes, what makes it any different to ignore the ones that deal with homosexuality. The fact that most christians like BBQ and Lobster but dont understand homosexuality is the obvious answer. It doesn't aplly to gods word but it makes the christian feel better about themselves, doesn't it?
Just be a Christian - don't talk about it. Later!
Kosmo, Why would I as an atheist want to consider being a christian? Nothing that most christians show me has anything to do with the teachings of the guy the religion is named after. People here in the bible belt will go out of their way to show you just how christ-like they can be. It seems that the only thing required to be a christian is to apply the sticker that says "HI, I'm a christian". I always thought there was more to it than that.
Little late in the conversation but what the heck, Stump seems to be good with discussion.
I agree - Christianity has become a mismash of all sorts of ideas. The last part of this will be the Nicene Creed which defines the belief from the 4th century.
But you have to put up with some blather from me before we get to that.
In a recent discussion I was part of with four people all considering themselves Christian (me, too) I want to agree with you Stump that many don't seem to understand their faith and don't seem to be reading their bible.
It went something like this:
#1 - I just bought a house. It has a bar in the celler.
#2 - That is evil. We will all go to your new house and tear that bar out.
#1 - No you don't. I am going to use it to serve wine to friends.
#2 - You are breaking the rules of Jesus and God.
#3 - What are you talking about. Jesus drank wine.
#2 - He never drank wine.
#1&3 - Yes, he did. Don't you read the bible?
#2 - Yes, I do. And he never drank wine.
#1&3 - Yes he did. He changed water into wine at the wedding. He drank wine and offered to his friends at the Last Supper. He told his disciples he was called a drunk because he drank.
#2 - No he didn't do any of those things.
#4 - You are crazy.
#2 - No, you are all crazy. You are all from the devil.
Then add to the obvious ignorance of some, the fact that they don't DO what they say they believe. Good grief, it is a miracle that any Christian churches still stand. Who in their right mind would want to be a Christian?
Well, I am. Not because of the people that are connected to the church but because I have come to be connected to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I have had talks with Jesus (get the net out) that if I get to heaven, can he find a spot for me away from the people who drive me crazy? I'd like a spot with a pond and all my pets where I can just find peace. A couple of people I know can show up and we'll have a glass of wine but then they have to leave and go back to their spot in heaven. And by the way, heaven ain't heaven unless we have lively discussion and what better way than to have a few atheists in the crowd.
Any way back to the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, light from light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
You gotta read the bible to get the particulars on how that faith plays out and even then we seem to get it wrong.
I guess I'll go put my pillow over my head and wait for the pain to go away.
Peace
I've heard part of that before somewhere. I dont have a clue as to where or when. To be honest with you I don't have a problem with people's beliefs until they start trying to control the lives of other people based on them. As Jefferson said, a belief in no god or 20 gods does your neighbor no harm. I know that a lot of my writing seems to be directed at all christians.
Here's a great example of how far religious bigots will go to prove their point.
Salt Lake City Board of Education:"...Hispanic Club,...Native American Club, Human Rights Club, ...Young Democrats,...UFO (Ultimate Frisbee Organization), Advancement of Hispanic Students, ...Chinese Checkers Club...HIS Club (a Bible study club),...Latino Pride Club,...Students Against Drunk Driving, Students of the Orient, Young Republicans." This is a partial list of high-school clubs banned in 1996 after the board determined that the only method of legally eradicating a single student gay/lesbian support club was to ban all student clubs in the system.
They are willing to remove everything that students enjoy to stop one thing they dislike. How does actions like these benefit society? Student clubs are a vital part of helping students explore the options that may be of interest to them as they move onto college or into the real world. Membership in student clubs is a considering factor when scholorships are awarded and entrance applications to colleges are considered. These bigots are willing to hinder the education of all students to maintain their personal level of hatred. It still suprises me when people seemed shocked that I want nothing to with christianity or the despicable people who have taken control of it.
Rainy In closing I think you might enjoy this video of a song by Ray Wylie Hubbard called A Conversation With the Devil
I started to select one that had him playing it live but found this one with the lyrics. He's a wooley lookin' booger from the heart of Texas. This song is a nice addition to my belief about who will be shocked to find out they're right there in hell with me if I'm wrong about the whole God thing.
Then again, like you said maybe a couple of us atheists that tried to live a decent life will be part of the hired staff, lol. Someones gotta do the cooking and such, right?
Lisarae 21 months ago
I was taught growing up (Methodist)that to be a Christian simply means that you except Jesus as your lord and savior and believe that he died on the cross for your sins.