Originally posted by Konstantinos
reply to post by Duskangels
I can assure you that Matthew did not write his gospel in Greek, so there's your first mistake.
I've read some of the articles from various people making this claim, but I've also read articles giving equally convincing arguments to the contrary. I don't have time to get into the details on this, but the point is that this is hardly as cut-and-dried as some say. At the very least, since the oldest ms. we have are in Greek and they are not far extant from the originals, and since there is no irrefutable evidence that the originals were in another language, I think it's best to simply hold this as an opinion and not a fact.
Your second is your arrogance in thinking you have figured out God's plan.
Agree that many people are arrogant about their convictions, but that can apply to both sides of any debate. Just an observation. ;-)
Tell me, who would the Lord favour? He who preaches the dread of judgement and fear of going to hell? Or he who preaches tolerance, love, and acceptance of all life WITHOUT JUDGING OTHERS?
I agree that many have turned the "good news" into "bad news" and sold it like fire insurance. But at the same time, I disagree that it is mean or hateful to warn people about a danger up ahead. The difference, IMHO, is attitude: do they hate the people they are preaching to and hope they go to hell, or do they love the people and because of that they warn them? We're not all diplomats and we do our best, regardless of what it is we're preaching (religious or otherwise), so I'd be more cautious about declaring who the Lord might accept, as only God can see into the heart.
May I also point out the history of the Rapture comes from a Christian cult and not from biblical writings, or traditions?
This is a very common claim but one I strongly object to. I've only had time to take a brief look at the link you provided, and already in the first few paragraphs I see several cases of "poisoning the well" and other ad hominem argumentation, along with this common charge of "cult" roots for the Rapture. But in the end, the important thing is whether this teaching comes from scripture, not church history, so such articles are really irrelevant.
I DO NOT support Mr. Camping's views; his calculations and interpretations of scripture are contrived and nonsensical. Many Christians have already pointed out in various threads that we cannot know the exact day or hour, but that we must be alert at all times and recognize the general "season" or "signs of the times". So though by sheer blind luck he may be like the proverbial broken clock that's right twice a day, I'm treating this Sat. like any other day. My philosophy is to live each day like Jesus is coming back today, but plan for living out my normal lifespan; heart in heaven, feet on the ground.
(I have issues with Orthodox theology anyway, and of course the linked article is filtered through their views just as everyone else does. They are entitled to believe whatever makes sense to them, but not to belittle those who disagree. Mr. Camping may be a cult leader, but it is the fallacy of "guilt by association" to lump all who believe the pre-trib. rapture in with his ilk.)
