|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:12 am
I'll close my eyes...
So something very interesting has recently come to my attention (sorta recently).
I go to a Christian college and thus when I took Foundations of Inquiry and Christian Foundations the professors tested us with a little interaction. The professors both took the role as the atheist and proceeded to ask questions (mind you that both of these professors were/had been a pastor so that made it even harder). A lot of us realized how little we really knew about the bible and that we could not support our own religion. There was a more interesting development.
I've noticed that when you get a large group of Christians together (that have different denominations) and they are having a religious discussion, like the one above, that no one can agree. We Christians end up arguing with each other -- and I wonder if that happens at other places. How good does it look to the unbelievers and atheists when we Christians are arguing and can't even agree on a simple point within the bible?
It is possible to have a religious discussion with someone of a different denomination without a huge argument - I know because I had one recently with one of my friends (then again - neither of us really have a denomination but still). Why are we Christians arguing?
And I know that if we were to have a denominational discussion here in this guild that there would probably be a huge clash and argument. Just like what one person said one of the other threads, about 'born again morons'.
We as Christians have no right to judge - even other Christians. That is God's place. Why must we judge other Christians??
I have this view that all Protistants and Catholics (and all Christians inbetween) that believe that 1. God is the one true God, 2. He sent his son Jesus Christ down to save us, 3. Jesus died on the cross to cleanse our sins, 4. in the true virgin birth of Jesus ... and all those key Christian BASICS...would come together some day. Why must we be separated by things like baptism, spiritual gifts (like tongues), and all that other stuff? If everyone believes the same basic key principles then we should unite as one!
Maybe I'm crazy, but it only make sense. Looking from a different perspective if someone were to look really deep into our faith a set off could be all the denominations. They could think this: "Wow, they are all different? And a lot of them don't like each other because they can't agree on a tiny little thing...They are separate." and they could see this as that we are torn and weak. That's not a very good picture to be showing the world...
...let the whole thing pass me by.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:01 pm
 true. iIknow exactly what you mean. we can't hope to save others of the world if we can't cooperate together without arguing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:39 pm
Although I see not problem with debate and expressing opinions, I have seen way to many people resort to name calling, belittleing and even profanity trying to prove that their denomination/world view is right. I remember when I was seven my pastor and my youth leader got into it over doctrin, and for a very young Christin that I was, this was extreamly unnerving and dissheartening for me. It made me question my faith.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 9:07 am
I understand what you mean. Like my friend, who's an evangelist, got so angry because mormons came to her house. The same friend also insists that our other friend, a jehova's witness, isn't a Christian.
But there have been times where I have had religious talks with other Christians of different denominations and no one has gotten into a fight. In fact, a bunch of the girls and I at a camp a few years back really surprised the counsilor because when we were going to Mesa Verde in Colorado, we got into a religious discussion and no one got angry and everyone respected one another's beliefs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:28 pm
morsusmihi I understand what you mean. Like my friend, who's an evangelist, got so angry because mormons came to her house. The same friend also insists that our other friend, a jehova's witness, isn't a Christian. But there have been times where I have had religious talks with other Christians of different denominations and no one has gotten into a fight. In fact, a bunch of the girls and I at a camp a few years back really surprised the counsilor because when we were going to Mesa Verde in Colorado, we got into a religious discussion and no one got angry and everyone respected one another's beliefs. You see, I sincerly wish that more disscussions could be like that. Even on here I see people being judgmental and immature. Ok, so you don't like that band, or you don't agree with that view.. you are entitled to have your belifes and opinoions, and to freely expess them. But it dose not mean that you have to do it in a overly mean or hurtful way. Don't direct your anger at someone else just because they do not see it the way you do, that is showing very poor self control and immaturity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 8:42 pm
Alaundria morsusmihi I understand what you mean. Like my friend, who's an evangelist, got so angry because mormons came to her house. The same friend also insists that our other friend, a jehova's witness, isn't a Christian. But there have been times where I have had religious talks with other Christians of different denominations and no one has gotten into a fight. In fact, a bunch of the girls and I at a camp a few years back really surprised the counsilor because when we were going to Mesa Verde in Colorado, we got into a religious discussion and no one got angry and everyone respected one another's beliefs. You see, I sincerly wish that more disscussions could be like that. Even on here I see people being judgmental and immature. Ok, so you don't like that band, or you don't agree with that view.. you are entitled to have your belifes and opinoions, and to freely expess them. But it dose not mean that you have to do it in a overly mean or hurtful way. Don't direct your anger at someone else just because they do not see it the way you do, that is showing very poor self control and immaturity.
I totally agree with you on this one.
Another thing that bothers me (and it's not just Christians that do this but some do...) is when people try to push their beliefs on other people. it's not our way to do that. We may talk, and plant a seed but we can only do what God wishes us to do. Don't force Christianity on other people - talk about it but don't start ranting about how they are going to hell. It's not our place to say that at all.
I think part of it has to do with an issue that no one wants to talk about...and I'm jumping out by saying this...but it needs to be said. I think that people live their lives...and they say "I'm a Christian" but that's it. yeah they might listen to Christian music and go to church, but that's not all of it. We need to live our lives for Christ, and I think that very few people are doing that. A lot of people accept Christ...and they try hard at first, but over time the glow starts to wear off (or they think it does) and they just go back to living life. But we can't do that. We need to remember the teachings of Jesus and what God says in the old testament and emanate the presence of God and Jesus in our lives.
It's not easy. Even being surrounded by Christians and Christianity 24/7 - I can personally say that it's not easy. And that's why we need to try harder. To be like Christ and be a good example to other people.
...let the whole thing pass me by.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 8:30 pm
How can anyone argue about anything if the answers are in the bible? Why pretend to know it all? Get some humbleness, and spend some time reading the bible. That's all God has given us to help us in this life, and it's all we'll ever need.
Argueing about things that aren't relevant to the bible: Get over it. So someone has a different mindset. God made us different. We're supposed to be. Don't get in a hissy fit about it.
Thats just my 2 cents though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:31 pm
SaiBlackNight Alaundria morsusmihi I understand what you mean. Like my friend, who's an evangelist, got so angry because mormons came to her house. The same friend also insists that our other friend, a jehova's witness, isn't a Christian. But there have been times where I have had religious talks with other Christians of different denominations and no one has gotten into a fight. In fact, a bunch of the girls and I at a camp a few years back really surprised the counsilor because when we were going to Mesa Verde in Colorado, we got into a religious discussion and no one got angry and everyone respected one another's beliefs. You see, I sincerly wish that more disscussions could be like that. Even on here I see people being judgmental and immature. Ok, so you don't like that band, or you don't agree with that view.. you are entitled to have your belifes and opinoions, and to freely expess them. But it dose not mean that you have to do it in a overly mean or hurtful way. Don't direct your anger at someone else just because they do not see it the way you do, that is showing very poor self control and immaturity.
I totally agree with you on this one.
Another thing that bothers me (and it's not just Christians that do this but some do...) is when people try to push their beliefs on other people. it's not our way to do that. We may talk, and plant a seed but we can only do what God wishes us to do. Don't force Christianity on other people - talk about it but don't start ranting about how they are going to hell. It's not our place to say that at all.
I think part of it has to do with an issue that no one wants to talk about...and I'm jumping out by saying this...but it needs to be said. I think that people live their lives...and they say "I'm a Christian" but that's it. yeah they might listen to Christian music and go to church, but that's not all of it. We need to live our lives for Christ, and I think that very few people are doing that. A lot of people accept Christ...and they try hard at first, but over time the glow starts to wear off (or they think it does) and they just go back to living life. But we can't do that. We need to remember the teachings of Jesus and what God says in the old testament and emanate the presence of God and Jesus in our lives.
It's not easy. Even being surrounded by Christians and Christianity 24/7 - I can personally say that it's not easy. And that's why we need to try harder. To be like Christ and be a good example to other people.
...let the whole thing pass me by. Very well put Sai ^_^. And here is a though, SaiBlackNight Even being surrounded by Christians and Christianity 24/7 - I can personally say that it's not easy. And that's why we need to try harder. To be like Christ and be a good example to other people. If we were to encourage and uplift each other, instead of shoot each other down, maby the trying woulden't be so hard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:04 am
I haven't noticed other Christians in my school argue so much among themselves, they all seem to be the same denom.
However, it seems like I'm the only Christian that doesn't fit in.
Theres a few major differences between us though;
1} I'm a total celt at heart; the place I'm most comfortable is out in the middle of no-where where there's no real sign of civilisation. I'm more comfortable with animals and nature than I am with people. I also hate it when people plan on destroying a beauty spot for an eye-sore of a building when there's plenty of buildings that could be renovated, old warehouses that could be converted (like their doing near me at the moment) etc
Their all for development and very much a westernised culture. They really don't seem to have any respect for anything other than buildings and cities.
2} We dress completely differently. Whilst I'm in one of the alternative groups, their all very mainstream.
3} We have completely different attitudes to people; their completely against even the remotest thought of homosexuality. I'm not opposed to it, just the practice. I'm more than willing to hang out with non-christians coz their actually interested in Christianity, the christians at my school aren't.
4} I find that I get on with people quicker and easier when I make an effort, they just seem to shut themselves away. Like my group of friends are very open and loving; if they like you then you'll soon know because they will be asking after you when your not around and will hug you when they see you.
There's a few other little bits that aren't really worth going in to. But basically, they make me feel very unwelcome and sort of shut out, so much so I stopped going to the Christian Union group that's run in my school.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
