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Originally posted by Ellie Sagan
I have a strong Christian background and used to wholeheartedly believe in everything they commonly teach. Lately, I've been searching more and learning more and questioning more. I actually used to question a lot, but never to my pastor or church friends. I am out of that part of my life now. One thing came to me recently, this was not anytime I was thinking about religion or anything that I had been taught. It was this: the verse most quoted by Christians to unbelievers is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." That sounds like if you don't believe, then you just die, and IF you believe THEN you live forever. We are taught you live forever either way, but it's either in everlasting torment in Hell or everlasting paradise in Heaven. It doesn't fit. Just a thought. This is an interesting thread, thanks to OP for posting it.
Originally posted by NoahTheSumerian
reply to post by Neo Christian Mystic
This is beyond ridiculous - I'm just not going to waste my precious time; it's not running away...!
See you when you've matured a bit.
Originally posted by okbmdI'm glad you don't have time for this., because you are wearing me out with your redundant non-explanations. Most christians I know are like that though., they can't argue the point so they just say the same thing over and over and never back up what they say with anything other than the Bible or their own delusional 'jesus is gonna save me and you're going to hell if you don't believe it' fantasies.
Originally posted by okbmdAnd can you say that my non-religion is a religion in itself, and still hope to retain any form of credibility ? Please explain to me how you and all the other christians who say this ever hope to appear halfway intelligent to the rest of mankind ?
Originally posted by okbmdFor starters, I haven't told you anything that would even remotely give you an indication as to what my 'religion' might be . But your beliefs in fairy tales and archaic mythology cause you to presuppose that I am 'without' religion simply because I don't believe in yours.
Originally posted by okbmdOne definition of religion : a set of beliefs concerning the cause , nature , and purpose of the universe ... (3) something one believes in or follows devotedly .
Originally posted by okbmdSo, you see here mr. wiseman , that I am not required to believe in or worhip your jesus or your bunny-rabbit or your satan clause ( oh, that was supposed to be santa ? ), in order to fall into the broad-and-vague category of religion .
Originally posted by okbmdAccording to this definition, pretty much everyone on planet earth would fall into the religious category , so don't come at me again with this same ol' tired and lame statement that apparently feels good as it slides off the tongues of you christians .
Originally posted by okbmdIt is those of your type that caused me to post this thread.
Originally posted by okbmdYou do nothing but talk in circles , never answer my questions with even the slightest hint of intelligence and you argue my thread into the ground with no arguement at all.
Originally posted by okbmdSeveral years ago, I wrote on essay on this topic. I used the Bible to substantiate it then also. It was circulated amongst several churches,pastors,deacons,congre-
gations,etc.
Not one single person was able to refute it . It was, conveniently, said to be a 'gray' area., although it is a central teaching within the church.
Originally posted by okbmdI made myself very clear in the OP. If you can't understand it , then you must be one of 'Jerry's kids' .
Originally posted by okbmdMaybe someone out their will pray for you to receive the gift of an intelligent mind .
Originally posted by okbmdShouldn't you be in church today ?
Originally posted by okbmdThese people will continue to set back every sunday and let the clergy program them into the mindless slaves that they desire., and oh,don't forget to give us 10% of what you earned this week., after all, it takes money to finance our mind-control agenda .
Originally posted by okbmdAnd I am sick of being told that good works won't get me into heaven . I am sick of being told that I am going to hell simply because I choose to hold different beliefs .