problems with christainity, page 1

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Topic started on 9-1-2009 @ 08:40 AM by etheralcereal89

btw im the guy that made the topic about demons coming after me.\

I cant imagine that god truly loves us. Why would he let hell exist? WHo desrerves to be punushed to that extent? WHy can a rapist that asks for forgiveness go to heaven, but a mother who lost her children and kills herself cant? I worry im going to hell because i have trouble with the idea of loving god with all ur heart. Cause like, at least the bible way of putting it, you have to love or u will be in eternal torment. THats a lot of pressure. SOme people cant help the way they are. Im praying i am, but i always turn against god because of hell. Bill weise's account sent me over the edge. Please dont tell me things like christianity is just bs, becaus a year ago i would have agreed, but now i believe. thank you

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 09:13 AM by guliver

It would seem that you created your own hell.

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 10:03 AM by KOGDOG

reply to post by etheralcereal89

Hell is the perfect playing field for those who chose to live by a "different" set of rules. Yes "chose"... we are predestined for either Hell or Heaven. Those who are destined for Hell are the "Demons that were coming after you". Demons chose their fate. The Children of God are here to be tested and refined. Demons do all they can to make the COG stumble. They really have no other purpose. Demons deserve to live their lives for eternity in a place designed specifically for their needs. Sounds reasonable to me.

Now about forgiveness to even a "rapist"..... You will be surprised when the truth is made known about how a true Child of God might be so accused and even convicted of such a despicable crime. Not all is what it seems.

To "love" God is to love God's "Way". The creation is perfect...... holy....... logical. Love = Logic

You will know what you or someone else is by what they will do to achieve their goals. Demons will do whatever it takes to "win". Are you like that? Do you have what it takes to be a "winner" in this world. We will be judged by the means that we use to achieve our goals. Our goals define the means. There are no excuses. The end/goal does not justify the means.

No Child of God/COG can ever "lose" their salvation. You can... lose rewards.

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 10:35 AM by Solarskye

reply to post by etheralcereal89

All I can say is live your life with good positive energy and help others along the way. I feel it's what you do here that makes a difference. There's a saying in the bible that goes something like this and I'm paraphrasing. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." If he can love the world then he can love you right? Evidently you believe in him so that should count. Just do what's right and you'll have no problems in my opinion.

Nobody knows for sure what happens after this life but to leave it with a positive attitude can only help. I'm not a religious person but I hope this helps you out some. Quit worrying and live your life and have a good time doing it.

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 10:37 AM by saint4God

Originally posted by etheralcereal89
I cant imagine that god truly loves us.

It's probably best to image God, that truly loves us first. Then after taking that into account, ask the next set of questions:

Originally posted by etheralcereal89
Why would he let hell exist?

Hell didn't always exist. The Bible does not start with, "In the Beginning, God created Heaven, Earth and Hell." One of these three were not around.

Originally posted by etheralcereal89
WHo desrerves to be punushed to that extent?

Hell was a solution to a problem. That problem was the possibility of sin entering heaven and the possibility of sin remaining on earth from people living forever. Hell is for sin.

Originally posted by etheralcereal89
WHy can a rapist that asks for forgiveness go to heaven, but a mother who lost her children and kills herself cant?

Part of the problem is we tend to assume our sense of justice is "good" and "right". Fact of the matter is, we can often make pretty good decisions based on what we know, but we can never know what's in a person's heart to make a perfect, righteous judgement. God can.

Originally posted by etheralcereal89
I worry im going to hell because i have trouble with the idea of loving god with all ur heart. Cause like, at least the bible way of putting it, you have to love or u will be in eternal torment. THats a lot of pressure. SOme people cant help the way they are. Im praying i am, but i always turn against god because of hell. Bill weise's account sent me over the edge. Please dont tell me things like christianity is just bs, becaus a year ago i would have agreed, but now i believe. thank you

I'm gathering that the reason why you don't like hell (and personally I don't like the idea of hell either yet it exists) is because we're afraid that someone who is 'good' might end up there. Do you believe God would destroy what is good? If God is good, why would he do this?

Continue praying, no one is born a Christian. I think what will help as well is exploring more about who God is and why things are the way they are. I'd be glad to help if you'd like to U2U me, the gift of eternal life is free and would be glad to share how I received mine.

[edit on 9-1-2009 by saint4God]

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 11:20 AM by Daniem

Dont worry, the christians have perfected the ways to persuade anyone into joining them, no matter what your doubts are. if you fear hell they'll tell that god will see your soul or heart, and if you truly lived by his word you have nothing to fear etc..

They'll tell you all kinds of things about Yahweh, as if they had met him himself and knew everything about him. (they seem to have forgotten that its all based on faith, not truth)

But the fact remains, no gods show themselves or speak to humanity, that may be a clue that maybe, just maybe there arent any gods.

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 11:23 AM by saint4God

Originally posted by Daniem
Dont worry, the christians have perfected the ways to persuade anyone into joining them, no matter what your doubts are.

It works like this:

"Look into my eyes!" @_@

"One of us! One of us!"

Are you Christian yet Daniem?

Originally posted by Daniem
But the fact remains, no gods show themselves or speak to humanity, that may be a clue that maybe, just maybe there arent any gods.

You're right and saying there aren't gods, because there is only one God. And, he does speak to humanity both directly and indirectly.

[edit on 9-1-2009 by saint4God]

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 11:34 AM by Daniem

reply to post by saint4God

Thats what im saying, you have forgotten that one needs faith, or you wouldnt have said things like HE speaks to us directly and indirectly... if he did, than you wouldnt NEED faith no more.

I suppose youll tell me that my inner voice is a god speaking? Besides that, i dont hear anything... i knew a dude who could hear voices in his head.. it told him to crash his car in the oncoming trailer. (and he did)

So whoopty doo

(replace M with G)

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 11:48 AM by saint4God

Originally posted by Daniem
Thats what im saying, you have forgotten that one needs faith, or you wouldnt have said things like HE speaks to us directly and indirectly... if he did, than you wouldnt NEED faith no more.

It's true I have a lot less faith because of it, but it doesn't make me faithless. I know what He said to me, but I don't know what He looks like, what He has told others, and often how exactly to do what it is He told me to do. I have to make that walk in faith being I have only the most basic of instructions.

Originally posted by Daniem
I suppose youll tell me that my inner voice is a god speaking?

Nah, one's inner voice and God sound a lot different.

Originally posted by Daniem
Besides that, i dont hear anything... i knew a dude who could hear voices in his head.. it told him to crash his car in the oncoming trailer. (and he did)

Who told him to do that?

reply posted on 9-1-2009 @ 06:22 PM by jmdewey60

Originally posted by etheralcereal89
btw im the guy that made the topic about demons coming after me.\

I cant imagine that god truly loves us. Why would he let hell exist? WHo desrerves to be punushed to that extent? WHy can a rapist that asks for forgiveness go to heaven, but a mother who lost her children and kills herself cant? I worry im going to hell because i have trouble with the idea of loving god with all ur heart. Cause like, at least the bible way of putting it, you have to love or u will be in eternal torment. THats a lot of pressure. SOme people cant help the way they are. Im praying i am, but i always turn against god because of hell. Bill weise's account sent me over the edge. Please dont tell me things like christianity is just bs, becaus a year ago i would have agreed, but now i believe. thank you

You may have a problem about God loving you because you have been listening to a distorted view of what the Bible teaches about Hell. God is our judge and it is not up to any earthly authority what happens to a person's soul after death. A so-called teacher of the Bible may find it a convenient tool to use fear of punishment to bring people in line but he is only bringing it upon himself by doing so. What you use as an example may not be true and a lot of what is said about Hell may not be true at all. What Jesus taught about the suffering of Hell was the internal torment of the mind of being cut off from God. Jesus suffered that for us and brought about a union with God that can not be broken. So, believe in Jesus and forget about Hell. That is something for Satan and his followers to worry about.

reply posted on 10-1-2009 @ 10:44 AM by Daniem

reply to post by saint4God

Well that is a good question... who speaks inside one's scull? My guess its just your own thoughts.

reply posted on 10-1-2009 @ 04:03 PM by Grandma

reply to post by Daniem

And it could be a clue that maybe, just maybe, God is real and waiting to let you have enough faith to believe that and then like he did with Thomas, he will show himself to you.

Once you have given your heart over to the Lord there is nothing that can separate you from him but yourself. IF you truly have given your heart, your mind, your body and you soul you are filled with such love and mercy that you are a new person.

But one must stay close in their personal alone time with the Father and come to him with a humbled heart and spirit and the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

She will be alright

Peace.
Grandma

reply posted on 11-1-2009 @ 02:27 AM by Daniem

Originally posted by Grandma
And it could be a clue that maybe, just maybe, God is real and waiting to let you have enough faith to believe that and then like he did with Thomas, he will show himself to you.

Hahahahaha yeah.. maybe. (wow). I could say the same thing about ANY other made up being.

But people be careful... if you believe something hard enough and long enough, it will seem very real.. but i assure you.. you're hallusinating.

I mean, i have seen the hardcore ones, who thinks EVERY simple little experience or random thing is yahweh playing around. Its comical, but sad.

reply posted on 12-1-2009 @ 09:44 AM by Gazrok

My recommendation would be to emphasize the importance of having faith, over the strict doghma of any particular religion or sect...

Such sects are created by man, and as such, are imperfect, which is why the same doghma cannot hold true in every circumstance (such as your analogy about a killer going to heaven after repenting, etc.).

If you're really looking for an answer on why hell though....look no further than one of the best religious movies ever made....Oh God! Yep, seriously... The little girl asks god (played by George Burns), why God allows bad things to happen. His very simple answer..."I never learned how to make things with just one side....can't have light without darkness, good without evil...(etc.)" I always loved this explanation....then of course, there's the issue of free will to consider...

Personally, I just try to live my life and leave the world a better place than I found it. I try to help others when I'm able, and I follow the golden rule of doing unto others as I would have done unto me... If some old man sitting on a cloud wants to cast me into hell for that...well...then that's his perogative...but I'm not going to worry about it while I'm here...

But people be careful... if you believe something hard enough and long enough, it will seem very real.. but i assure you.. you're hallusinating.

Ahh...but many philosophers would argue that thought begets reality. After all, if a collective group of people believe something, than that belief is just as real to them as anything else is, and certainly exists on one level...

[edit on 12-1-2009 by Gazrok]

reply posted on 12-1-2009 @ 09:56 AM by saint4God

Originally posted by Daniem

But people be careful... if you believe something hard enough and long enough, it will seem very real.. but i assure you.. you're hallusinating.

At the time of my aggressive agnosticism, I was rooting for Zeus (I was totally into Greek gods) but he didn't show up to the party. Ah well, guess I can't make myself hallucinate.

[edit on 12-1-2009 by saint4God]

reply posted on 12-1-2009 @ 11:51 AM by jmdewey60

reply to post by Gazrok

If you're really looking for an answer on why hell though....look no further than one of the best religious movies ever made....Oh God! Yep, seriously... The little girl asks god (played by George Burns), why God allows bad things to happen. His very simple answer..."I never learned how to make things with just one side....can't have light without darkness, good without evil...(etc.)" I always loved this explanation....then of course, there's the issue of free will to consider...

Oh, free will. May be it would be better said, if one was to speak for God, that He never intended to create a universe without free will and so there was in His creation the possibility of its inhabitants to choose evil when it was included among the options available.
Because our earliest ancestors did choose the knowledge of evil the world has become a less good of a place to live. The sentiments you expressed about working to do good for others is correct and the world awaits us gaining a more perfect ability to do such good in order to be free of the curse upon the universe that was placed there on account of the evil doings of man and will only be lifted when we learn to be better persons.
There is one man who did only good and he has been raised to heaven as our representative and power has been given for us to become like him by believing in him and the God he serves.
When we become like Christ the world will be transformed and become like it was before the introduction of evil. It is up to us to change the world from a Hell-like place to a heaven-like place by first transforming ourselves by allowing the Spirit of God to dwell in us by the method provided to us of having our representative changed from the one who chose wrongly to the one who chose rightly, and that was choosing good over evil even if for a time it seems as if evil will gain the upper hand.

reply posted on 12-1-2009 @ 12:17 PM by Gazrok

There is one man who did only good and he has been raised to heaven as our representative and power has been given for us to become like him by believing in him and the God he serves.

Thing is, there's a pretty large chunk of his life missing from the biography... In addition, as we don't have numerous sources to judge his life by, and only the biased reports of his followers, that's a tough statement to make on anything other than blind faith.

Doesn't discount the good works attributed to him, but it's impossible to state he never sinned or made poor decisions... Even if you accept his divine origin, you must also accept the portion of him that is man...and with it, man's shortcomings as well.

reply posted on 12-1-2009 @ 12:17 PM by MatrixProphet

reply to post by etheralcereal89

What are your senses telling you? In spite of what anyone says. Where does God or Jesus fit into this religious philosophy? And it is a philosophy, not a proven fact!

Many things with religion are being questioned. Follow those questions and listen to the answers that "ring" true to you. If you follow something that does not "feel" right, but do it anyway, because someone talked you into believing that it is truth, then you are setting yourself up to great disillusionment.

Keep questioning! Ask God for the answers! For most humans will lead you astray.

reply posted on 12-1-2009 @ 12:38 PM by jmdewey60

reply to post by Gazrok

Jesus once said, "Why do you call me good? Only one is good and that is God."
We do not have the luxury of examining the entire life of Jesus from an un-biased perspective. We have to examine his teachings and his acts that are recorded. He seems to have taught the concept of doing good and becoming good ourselves. We can analyze his stature as a teacher, if nothing else. If his words were not of God, he would have suffered the fate of dying an ignominious death and his words would have been forgotten. The validity of his teaching was vouchsafed by God intervening on his behalf by razing him from the dead.
Now this could be where the faith part comes in, to believe that we have a living Christ and that is exactly what his believers had faith in and why their numbers increased instead of dwindling.

[edit on 12-1-2009 by jmdewey60]

reply posted on 13-1-2009 @ 09:50 AM by Gazrok