re: Christians

Quoting Upper Echelon:" That didn't answer my question at all. Christians HAVE to acknowledge that some people are incapable ... [snip!] ... young to take to heart the teachings of the bible. Are those people damned? This is why the catholic church invented purgatory."

i also don't need to be saved.

and don't understand - and never have, the concept of it.

as far as my mind can observe, every time i choose to hurt someone (including myself), i'm part of the pain of the world. every time i do my best to do right, i build something better ... it's very simple.

i'm not drowning or lost... i never was. i don't understand why anyone who's happy and healthy needs saving of any sort, which sort of explains why religion is popular among the poor, sick and aging.

Quoting Mara:" i also don't need to be saved. and don't understand - and never have, the concept of it. as far ... [snip!] ... happy and healthy needs saving of any sort, which sort of explains why religion is popular among the poor, sick and aging. "

Well everyone is aging dear ;)

Quoting Mara:" i also don't need to be saved. and don't understand - and never have, the concept of it. as far ... [snip!] ... happy and healthy needs saving of any sort, which sort of explains why religion is popular among the poor, sick and aging. "

I believe many people want to understand what cannot be seen with the physical eye. Personally I think it is good if people's faith help them.

Quoting Lucid Dreamer:" I believe many people want to understand what cannot be seen with the physical eye. Personally I think it is good if people's faith help them."

i'm inclined to disagree.
in my lifetime i've seen faith cripple people literally, financially and emotionally - b/c they waited and prayed for god to do something rather than taking direct accountability for their situation and working to make it better - this includes my brain-damaged brother and my mother's everlasting faith that a miracle would occur if she only prayed enough.

I went to Christian bible camp as a kid and I thought that Jesus died for our sins which therefore means no one goes to hell and there is no eternal punishment.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Mara:</b>" i'm inclined to disagree. in my lifetime i've seen faith cripple people literally, financially and ... [snip!] ... this includes my brain-damaged brother and my mother's everlasting faith that a miracle would occur if she only prayed enough. "</blockquote>




That is quite sad. You see, faith with out action is dead faith. You can pray for a job all you want. Chances are if you don't go looking for one, you'll remain unemployed.

Quoting The Blissful Six:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Mara:</b>" i'm inclined to disagree. in my lifetime i've ... [snip!] ... is dead faith. You can pray for a job all you want. Chances are if you don't go looking for one, you'll remain unemployed."

Absolutely right.

Quoting Minion:" No offense to anyone, but I heard this question today on a website and I decided to ask it. Christians, ... [snip!] ... no eternal punishment for anything. Would you still be Christian? Or would you decide to leave the religion? Why or why not?"

I consider myself an "eclectic" Christian. Mostly becuase my family is christian and I enjoy going to church with them.

However to answer your question, yes I would still be a Christian. But I also have a very different view on religion and God than I think most people do.

Quoting Mara:" i'm inclined to disagree. in my lifetime i've seen faith cripple people literally, financially and ... [snip!] ... this includes my brain-damaged brother and my mother's everlasting faith that a miracle would occur if she only prayed enough. "

I disagree with youre disagreement. Lol.

I grew up with two alcoholic parents. My Dad was also a pretty heavy drug user. I NEVER thought they'd get better.

It was because of my father's faith and dedication to God that he was able to finally get clean. He has now been clean for 5, almost 6, years. Obviously he had to work hard to get clean but I honestly don't think he could have done it without his faith keeping him strong.

Quoting Drop Dead Fred:" I disagree with youre disagreement. Lol. I grew up with two alcoholic parents. My Dad was also a ... [snip!] ... he had to work hard to get clean but I honestly don't think he could have done it without his faith keeping him strong."

 

Quoting Minion:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Colton's Butterfly:</b>" You're totally right! He doesn't. ... [snip!] ... other people and non believers a lot. I had to pretend I was Christian while working there.   And   civility rocks.  "

I have heard something like that before, about only certain people getting into heaven. I cannot recall which denomination I heard it from, but I have heard that some people believe that only a certain number of people will get into heaven, and once it's full, you're screwed. I have also met many Christians like the ones you're describing. They act like the popular group in high school. It's no wonder why some people are completely turned off.

I think my beliefs are a little weird, I guess. I have some old school beliefs, such as paying tithe, but I pay it to Christian-based charities, like Stella's House, instead of a church. We have mostly mega-churches around here and I am just not ok with paying my tithe to a church where the pastor has a helicopter and 19 campuses when there are feet on the ground that could use my support. Then, I have "new school" beliefs regarding gay marriage and a few other things.