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Originally posted by jude11
Originally posted by OldCorp
reply to post by jude11
Damn dude, I don't know what to say except "Who pissed in your cornflakes?" I hope that you don't feel that way about me, because as far as I know you and I are totally cool.
I'm sorry that you feel intruded upon, but let me tell you something: We ALL feel a change coming, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Druids, New Agers, and Atheists alike. I can't speak for other religions, but Christians are only looking to save as many people as possible before it is too late. In order to do that, we have to witness about what we know to be true.
I would certainly never try to force my beliefs down anyone's throat, but I will defend them. Also, there is a religious forum for a reason. If you don't want to hear about the beliefs of other people, then maybe you shouldn't frequent it. Even in secular threads you will run across religious posts from time to time, which is to be expected. Even if you don't believe in God, most of the trouble in the world is caused by those who do, in His name, something I'm sure He's gonna be pissed about when He gets back.
There is no escaping it my friend. Atheists are a minority; most of the world's population believes in a Supreme Being in one form or another. Expecting the subject to be ignored is an exercise in futility.
Jesus loves you, and so do I.
Bobby
OldCorp,
You and I have shared many conversations, opinions, viewpoints...some agreed upon, some not. And we still have that easy relationship of mutual respect and understanding with one another. At least that's how I see it.
And that's my point.
You never try to push an agenda or belief on me. You express your side, I express mine and we agree to disagree...but with respect. I don't try to convince you of my views on religion and you don't bash into threads with a force that leaves people angry at religion either. I am not angry at religion, just those that would elevate themselves above all others not sharing the same beliefs.
As in the OP, I have absolutely no problems with Christians. If they are happy, I am glad they can be. After all, not many can lay claim to being happy. My problem is with those that "Preach" Hell-Fire and Damnation to all who don't believe in their God.
There are Christians, Seekers of Faith, Live and let Live Folks (Me)...and there are Religious Nuts. These are what the OP is about.
Peace Old Corp...and I truly mean that.
Originally posted by Lionhearte
reply to post by jude11
First, I would like to say that yes, I am a Christian. A hardcore, radical, believes-everything-the-Bible-says-even-the-OT, kind of Christian. Non-denominational.
I do not believe in forcing religion down people's throats. Many of my friends, even the Atheist ones, agree that I am not a Bible Thumper - something they define their other "Christian" friends who try to shove the Bible down their throat. I do not believe this based off my own opinion alone (because honestly, it's common courtesy), but the Bible ITSELF says not to do that. The ones who do that, are wrong.
Second, you have to understand WHY they are doing this - from the Christian perspective, anyone who isn't 'born-anew' appears as a victim stuck in a burning house, and they are simply trying to save your life - what they (Christians) don't realize, is that it's IMPOSSIBLE to save or "convert" anyone. The Bible says this also, and clearly states never to force it upon people - in fact, it says if they want nothing to do with it, walk away. Matthew 10:14 - "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town." Some Christians (I'm no exception) are just stubborn.
Besides, one of the MAIN reasons why they are so eager to get you to believe, is because it's as EASY as BELIEVING IN JESUS.
That's it. No tricks. Bible doesn't say to be baptized with "holy water" (no such thing), or to do 20 hail-marys, or to tithe 50% of your paycheck, or to go to Church EVERY DAY, or to do this, or to do that, or to DO ANYTHING.
Because it's not about what WE do, it's about what JESUS did. For further discussion on this, see the thread in my signature.
Anyways.. I'll stop before it seems like I'm trying to shove it down your throat - I'm not, I just want you to realize how easy it is to get to Heaven (remember the Thief on the Cross!), and why so many Christians are eager for you to hear the Good News.
Originally posted by AwakeinNM
You just called the beliefs of religious people "fairy tales" and you have the audacity to complain about their threads?
Sounds like you are on the extreme opposite end of that spectrum.
I know one thing, whether it's a "fairy tale" or not, we'll all find out one day, including YOU.
I'd rather believe there is a heaven than believe it all fades to black. So friggin sue me.
I can usually just accept these religious threads popping up on ATS with a "Live and let live" approach, skim and move on.
I have said many times on these boards that I have no problem with Christians and hope that whatever makes you happy will continue to do so. I practice that stance by NOT trolling your threads and NOT being rude about what I believe compared to your beliefs.
I would also like to say that if you can discuss your beliefs intelligently with patience, understanding and an insight into the fact that we are not all going to cross the field to your side because you say it's the only way...I'll welcome your input and won't damn you for your beliefs if you will kindly treat me equally.
I'd rather believe there is a heaven than believe it all fades to black. So friggin sue me.
Originally posted by jude11
Originally posted by AwakeinNM
You just called the beliefs of religious people "fairy tales" and you have the audacity to complain about their threads?
Sounds like you are on the extreme opposite end of that spectrum.
I know one thing, whether it's a "fairy tale" or not, we'll all find out one day, including YOU.
I'd rather believe there is a heaven than believe it all fades to black. So friggin sue me.
Ok, Here we go explaining my OP yet again.
As I mentioned, I can accept differences in beliefs. And many times I do read them out of interest but in the last little while, the "Religious Nuts" (Not the same as true Christians IMO) are getting angry, forceful and superior attitudes are abundant.
I can usually just accept these religious threads popping up on ATS with a "Live and let live" approach, skim and move on.
I have said many times on these boards that I have no problem with Christians and hope that whatever makes you happy will continue to do so. I practice that stance by NOT trolling your threads and NOT being rude about what I believe compared to your beliefs.
I usually hold my belief that the bible is a fairy tale out of respect for those that find comfort in the teachings. Actually, my mother being one of those that find solace.
I would also like to say that if you can discuss your beliefs intelligently with patience, understanding and an insight into the fact that we are not all going to cross the field to your side because you say it's the only way...I'll welcome your input and won't damn you for your beliefs if you will kindly treat me equally.
Do I believe? No. But I don't force my beliefs on anyone and I certainly don't want to be rude about it. But seeing that the same approach is not taken by so many lately, why should I hold my tongue?
My OP is meant to show how it looks from the other side because there really is more than one belief system out there. Christianity is not the only one.
I'd rather believe there is a heaven than believe it all fades to black. So friggin sue me.
And again I have stated that if you believe and it brings you peace, how is that wrong? I can't fault that which brings you joy and I would expect the same in return.
But why would I sue you? JK.
Anyways, Peace...Really
Originally posted by AwakeinNM
Originally posted by jude11
Originally posted by AwakeinNM
You just called the beliefs of religious people "fairy tales" and you have the audacity to complain about their threads?
Sounds like you are on the extreme opposite end of that spectrum.
I know one thing, whether it's a "fairy tale" or not, we'll all find out one day, including YOU.
I'd rather believe there is a heaven than believe it all fades to black. So friggin sue me.
Ok, Here we go explaining my OP yet again.
As I mentioned, I can accept differences in beliefs. And many times I do read them out of interest but in the last little while, the "Religious Nuts" (Not the same as true Christians IMO) are getting angry, forceful and superior attitudes are abundant.
I can usually just accept these religious threads popping up on ATS with a "Live and let live" approach, skim and move on.
I have said many times on these boards that I have no problem with Christians and hope that whatever makes you happy will continue to do so. I practice that stance by NOT trolling your threads and NOT being rude about what I believe compared to your beliefs.
I usually hold my belief that the bible is a fairy tale out of respect for those that find comfort in the teachings. Actually, my mother being one of those that find solace.
I would also like to say that if you can discuss your beliefs intelligently with patience, understanding and an insight into the fact that we are not all going to cross the field to your side because you say it's the only way...I'll welcome your input and won't damn you for your beliefs if you will kindly treat me equally.
Do I believe? No. But I don't force my beliefs on anyone and I certainly don't want to be rude about it. But seeing that the same approach is not taken by so many lately, why should I hold my tongue?
My OP is meant to show how it looks from the other side because there really is more than one belief system out there. Christianity is not the only one.
I'd rather believe there is a heaven than believe it all fades to black. So friggin sue me.
And again I have stated that if you believe and it brings you peace, how is that wrong? I can't fault that which brings you joy and I would expect the same in return.
But why would I sue you? JK.
Anyways, Peace...Really
You clearly do NOT accept different beliefs when you call Bible stories "fairy tales". Unless your definition of "acceptance" is different form mine.
Originally posted by jude11
I would also like to say that if you can discuss your beliefs intelligently with patience, understanding and an insight...
edit on 18-3-2012 by jude11 because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by jude11
I'm ok with your convictions...but are you ok with mine?
Peace