Christianity and You!

[Vondrakenhof]

I'm an atheist. Have been for about six years now. And the main problem I have with Christianity, indeed the reason I gave up on it in the first place, is the idea that an all powerful God that loves us all would allow all the natural disasters that occur in our world to actually occur. Eg, the tsunami back in 2006 and hurricane Katrina. As such I've come up with a few theories to share with you.

1. All this, all everything is a cosmic coincidence. No God, no afterlife just what we have here. (What I personally believe).

2. God created the entire universe just to see what would happen. (Unlikely, I think a God like this wouldn't bother inventing all the intricate laws of physics that make up the world).

3. God is benign but not all powerful, the Devil is just as powerful. They cancel eachother out. (Newtons third law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction so why not God?)

These are just my theories make of them what you will.

The reason there are natural disasters on earth is because of man's initial sin of eating the forbidden fruit. that was when all that was evil on this planet enter in. and the reason there are so many these days is because we are reaching the end of times. there has already been 3 world wars (though only 2 have been called world wars) and the end of times grow nearer and nearer, I would advise that you read revelations before you give up on God.

by the way, if god exists at all, he is not subject to Newton's "laws"

For the record, I have read revelations. I found it quite interesting seeing as I was expecting four horseman and found seven angels with trumpets. Could've used a better writing style but still a good read.

I gave up on God when I was 13. Since then I have cemented my position as an atheist with countless philosophical and theological discussions with my friends. One of the conclusions we reached was that the stupidity of the human race as a whole throws doubt on God. Those wars you mentioned are caused by humans. If God created us he gave us free will but would have also given us the brain power to have learned by this point that war is a bad idea!

 

[The_Shinigamer]

Baby Tea, "But you're right about CONDEMNING HOMOSEXUALITY. However, that, in NO WAY, MEANS mistreating, or abusing, or CONDEMNING HOMOSEXUALS." I don't condemn a murderer, just the fact that he slaughters people. Did this make sense coming out of your brain?

Also: "Oh I know why: because you already made up your mind and have no interest in an actual discussion. You just want the chance to try and put some Christian in their place because you think you know better. Well parroting other peoples work or ridiculous ideas and notions about a faith doesn't make you educated about it. I've had much deeper discussions with people far smarter, and much more respectful, then you. People who actually did their own work, and didn't just throw web link at me because they can't articulate themselves."

Pot called kettle black here. Take the words "Christian" and "Faith" and replace them with "Atheist" and "Facts" in that order and it fits your description pretty damn well.

By the by, very proud Atheist. I wish we were more organized as a "religion" but that would defeat the purpose of Atheism. I'm just sick of all the fundies out there who are like Yahtzee's Shit description. He stated people are shit and if you're on your computer thinking, "Yes everyone is shit but me." Then you are a shit-face double bacon shit with fries.

 

[Flying-Emu]

The reason that Christianity was founded was for the governments to exert control over the people. The same goes for Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, etc. The reason that those religions are still around is, surprise, the exact same reason they were founded. Do you really think militia groups in the Middle-East could get suicide-bombers without the promise of a great reward after death? Or that those TV Evangelists could keep getting people to donate without the threat of eternal damnation?

What a deliciously bigoted statement.

Do you really believe that? How is a religion that endorses love and peace among mankind a tool for governmental control? Half of the Old Testament is talking about the Israelites being oppressed by an evil regime; not exactly "control" material.

Oh no, you have seen through my delicately woven disguise and unveiled me for who I really am! *Le gasp*

But I do partly believe that Christianity, especially catholicism, was used as a tool by the church and in part by the government to help control the masses. It's evolved past that now as we have the media for our subliminal messaging (much more effective, if I do say so myself)

Well of COURSE it's been used to control people. Everything pretty much ever has been at one point or another.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

Zombie_fish "Science is the study of facts and is mainly based in facts, however, a lot of it, especially the stuff that contradicts the ideas of religion, is also based on theory and not 100% reliable."

What do you mean, science contradicts religion?

Theories like the creation of the universe and how fossils were put there. Both sides disagree with eachother, whether or not they, as I said, contradict each other is questionable.

Also, off topic, can people please do quotes when they quote each other instead of just using speech bubbles, as that way people can actually tell when they've been quoted and can respond accordingly.

 

[Flying-Emu]

My opinion on Christianity? Well, you asked for it.

I view modern Christianity as a near abomination. A bastardization of the true message and ideals of Christianity. You have racist idiots calling themselves Christians, people using the Bible as justification for horrendous deeds. And then that spawns people who say that Christianity is the source of all evil in the world.

I'm what is called a Deist; that is, I believe that the Lord God created the universe and natural laws and allowed it to run its course. He plays very little hand in the world. The Bible? Well... that's a good question.

The Bible is a distressing question for me. At once, it holds a lot of messages that I think should be taken to heart, yet at the same time I realize that it was written by mankind in an attempt to understand the words of a Holy Being more powerful than the mind can conceive. Therefore, I interpret the Bible in a non-literal sense; that is, the message is more important than the details of the story.

This thread will not end well, if threads with even the mention of Christianity hold true.

Ok so explain the message of the Garden of Eden story?
Or the part that says you can own slaves?
Or the part the condemns homosexuals?

The Bible is full of bigotry and it contradicts itself so many times.
I don't really believe in any kind of creator God because it just doesn't make sense, and in any case the idea that there is one raises just as many questions as it answers, for a start, where did he/she/it come from?

Book of Genesis: Thou shalt not test thy God. The story with the wool and the wet floor? Yeah, that's sort of a big deal.

Now then. I'm going to explain this to you the way I explain the Bible to everyone.

First off, the Old Testament is just that; old. We don't follow the edicts laid down therein, specifically those reformed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth. True; the Old Testament states that it is appropriate to stone homosexuals. It also says that forcing a woman to marry her rapist is all cool.

Now then, to explain that.

The Bible was not WRITTEN by God; it is what mortals consider to be God's word. Therefore, you have to take it at face value. The Book is essentially a bunch of people getting together and trying to discern what God means when he says "And a man and woman shall become one flesh, and be fruitful upon the Earth."

Now then. I do not agree with a lot of the things that the Old Testament says. I believe in the message Jesus Christ of Nazareth preached; "Love thy brother, and do unto others what you would have done unto you."

That last message there? Pretty much the entire message of the New Testament, A.K.A. Christian Bible.

Now, on to your "examples"

The "meaning" of the story of the Garden of Eden is simple; if you heed evil/sin/temptation (Characterized in this case by the serpent and the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil), you will be appropriately punished. The Garden of Eden was paradise, and because of Eve's sin and her temptation of Adam, they were removed. This "original sin" that Eve committed also contributed to the later prejudice against women, because they insisted that women were the cause of all man's problems.

The real message of Eden? Do what God tells you to do.

Slaves;

Holding slaves was not uncommon in that period. Hell, the entire Book of Exodus is talking about the Israelites escape from slavery under the leadership of the Prophet Moses. However, slaves were not taken based on color, sex, race, anything like that. Slaves were taken as prizes for military victories.

Once again, this falls under the reign of "Old Testament that Christians don't follow" as it was reformed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Condemning of homosexuals;

Once again, Old Testament interpretation of God's word. Jesus Christ preached that you shall not judge thy brother, that to love your brother is the proper course. In the New Testament (I'm actually unsure of this part, but I distinctly remember reading something along these lines) there's only one line on homosexuality, and it can quite easily be interpreted that homosexuality is only unacceptable when a man is married; as in, homosexuality is only condemned when the man commits it within the bonds of marriage.

As for God not making sense;

That's something you have to accept. Religion is not an easy thing, it's not the easy way out like everyone seems to think. Especially as of the last few years, Christians are the targets of relentless insult from various members of the populace. Have Christians left their faith? Yes, they have; they failed the test. Jesus said that his followers would be persecuted, and that they must bear the persecution to reach salvation.

God does not make sense. It never will. You cannot use logic to explain the thought process of a Being so immensely powerful. You may not believe this, but He was the spark that set off the creation of the universe; His thoughts are beyond you. Yes, some of religion can be understood through logic; in fact, quite a bit of it. But in the end, it really does come down to faith.

~~~

Now, I'm no Theologian, but I hope you enjoyed that. Or you can hate it; I don't particularly mind either way. I'm just glad I got to inform you of my views, rather than have you going around with absolutely NO information.

Oh, and I'd like to point out; most Christians are not the bigoted, flap-jawed idiots you see protesting gay marriage on the streets. Those guys completely skipped over the message of Christianity, which has already been said.

Have a nice day;

Flying-Emu

 

[ItsAChiaotzu]

My opinion on Christianity? Well, you asked for it.

I view modern Christianity as a near abomination. A bastardization of the true message and ideals of Christianity. You have racist idiots calling themselves Christians, people using the Bible as justification for horrendous deeds. And then that spawns people who say that Christianity is the source of all evil in the world.

I'm what is called a Deist; that is, I believe that the Lord God created the universe and natural laws and allowed it to run its course. He plays very little hand in the world. The Bible? Well... that's a good question.

The Bible is a distressing question for me. At once, it holds a lot of messages that I think should be taken to heart, yet at the same time I realize that it was written by mankind in an attempt to understand the words of a Holy Being more powerful than the mind can conceive. Therefore, I interpret the Bible in a non-literal sense; that is, the message is more important than the details of the story.

This thread will not end well, if threads with even the mention of Christianity hold true.

Ok so explain the message of the Garden of Eden story?
Or the part that says you can own slaves?
Or the part the condemns homosexuals?

The Bible is full of bigotry and it contradicts itself so many times.
I don't really believe in any kind of creator God because it just doesn't make sense, and in any case the idea that there is one raises just as many questions as it answers, for a start, where did he/she/it come from?

Book of Genesis: Thou shalt not test thy God. The story with the wool and the wet floor? Yeah, that's sort of a big deal.

Now then. I'm going to explain this to you the way I explain the Bible to everyone.

First off, the Old Testament is just that; old. We don't follow the edicts laid down therein, specifically those reformed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth. True; the Old Testament states that it is appropriate to stone homosexuals. It also says that forcing a woman to marry her rapist is all cool.

Now then, to explain that.

The Bible was not WRITTEN by God; it is what mortals consider to be God's word. Therefore, you have to take it at face value. The Book is essentially a bunch of people getting together and trying to discern what God means when he says "And a man and woman shall become one flesh, and be fruitful upon the Earth."

Now then. I do not agree with a lot of the things that the Old Testament says. I believe in the message Jesus Christ of Nazareth preached; "Love thy brother, and do unto others what you would have done unto you."

That last message there? Pretty much the entire message of the New Testament, A.K.A. Christian Bible.

Now, on to your "examples"

The "meaning" of the story of the Garden of Eden is simple; if you heed evil/sin/temptation (Characterized in this case by the serpent and the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil), you will be appropriately punished. The Garden of Eden was paradise, and because of Eve's sin and her temptation of Adam, they were removed. This "original sin" that Eve committed also contributed to the later prejudice against women, because they insisted that women were the cause of all man's problems.

The real message of Eden? Do what God tells you to do.

Slaves;

Holding slaves was not uncommon in that period. Hell, the entire Book of Exodus is talking about the Israelites escape from slavery under the leadership of the Prophet Moses. However, slaves were not taken based on color, sex, race, anything like that. Slaves were taken as prizes for military victories.

Once again, this falls under the reign of "Old Testament that Christians don't follow" as it was reformed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Condemning of homosexuals;

Once again, Old Testament interpretation of God's word. Jesus Christ preached that you shall not judge thy brother, that to love your brother is the proper course. In the New Testament (I'm actually unsure of this part, but I distinctly remember reading something along these lines) there's only one line on homosexuality, and it can quite easily be interpreted that homosexuality is only unacceptable when a man is married; as in, homosexuality is only condemned when the man commits it within the bonds of marriage.

As for God not making sense;

That's something you have to accept. Religion is not an easy thing, it's not the easy way out like everyone seems to think. Especially as of the last few years, Christians are the targets of relentless insult from various members of the populace. Have Christians left their faith? Yes, they have; they failed the test. Jesus said that his followers would be persecuted, and that they must bear the persecution to reach salvation.

God does not make sense. It never will. You cannot use logic to explain the thought process of a Being so immensely powerful. You may not believe this, but He was the spark that set off the creation of the universe; His thoughts are beyond you. Yes, some of religion can be understood through logic; in fact, quite a bit of it. But in the end, it really does come down to faith.

~~~

Now, I'm no Theologian, but I hope you enjoyed that. Or you can hate it; I don't particularly mind either way. I'm just glad I got to inform you of my views, rather than have you going around with absolutely NO information.

Oh, and I'd like to point out; most Christians are not the bigoted, flap-jawed idiots you see protesting gay marriage on the streets. Those guys completely skipped over the message of Christianity, which has already been said.

Have a nice day;

Flying-Emu

That's all well and good, but why do we keep the Old Testament in the Bible if it's so woefully inaccurate?


Why was it such a bad thing to eat the fruit of knowledge though, because God says so doesn't seem like a valid reason to me.

You don't seem like a particularly hardcore Christian, which I respect, but I do take offence to you saying that I have NO information.

 

[Xender90]

{Theories like the creation of the universe and how fossils were put there. Both sides disagree with eachother, whether or not they, as I said, contradict each other is questionable.

Also, off topic, can people please do quotes when they quote each other instead of just using speech bubbles, as that way people can actually tell when they've been quoted and can respond accordingly.
}

I don't think they are contradictory. I think that the 6 day creationism story is not literal, and that evolution is true. I think that God still created everything just not in 6 days.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

{Theories like the creation of the universe and how fossils were put there. Both sides disagree with eachother, whether or not they, as I said, contradict each other is questionable.

Also, off topic, can people please do quotes when they quote each other instead of just using speech bubbles, as that way people can actually tell when they've been quoted and can respond accordingly.
}

I don't think they are contradictory. I think that the 6 day creationism story is not literal, and that evolution is true. I think that God still created everything just not in 6 days.

Meh, it's possible. I'm not going on sole opinions I'm just going on what The Bible and what general science say.

If you think that then feel free to disregard what I'm saying. I don't want to argue against other people's personal opinions if they're different to the general idea and will respect yours as a result. Like I said, there is no definate answer and therefore no reason for me to argue for or against one.

 

[keinushi]

I'm an atheist. Have been for about six years now. And the main problem I have with Christianity, indeed the reason I gave up on it in the first place, is the idea that an all powerful God that loves us all would allow all the natural disasters that occur in our world to actually occur. Eg, the tsunami back in 2006 and hurricane Katrina. As such I've come up with a few theories to share with you.

1. All this, all everything is a cosmic coincidence. No God, no afterlife just what we have here. (What I personally believe).

2. God created the entire universe just to see what would happen. (Unlikely, I think a God like this wouldn't bother inventing all the intricate laws of physics that make up the world).

3. God is benign but not all powerful, the Devil is just as powerful. They cancel eachother out. (Newtons third law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction so why not God?)

These are just my theories make of them what you will.

The reason there are natural disasters on earth is because of man's initial sin of eating the forbidden fruit. that was when all that was evil on this planet enter in. and the reason there are so many these days is because we are reaching the end of times. there has already been 3 world wars (though only 2 have been called world wars) and the end of times grow nearer and nearer, I would advise that you read revelations before you give up on God.

by the way, if god exists at all, he is not subject to Newton's "laws"

For the record, I have read revelations. I found it quite interesting seeing as I was expecting four horseman and found seven angels with trumpets. Could've used a better writing style but still a good read.

I gave up on God when I was 13. Since then I have cemented my position as an atheist with countless philosophical and theological discussions with my friends. One of the conclusions we reached was that the stupidity of the human race as a whole throws doubt on God. Those wars you mentioned are caused by humans. If God created us he gave us free will but would have also given us the brain power to have learned by this point that war is a bad idea!

Unfortunetly, the same people who work their buts off to get to the top of a food chain are the same people who we don't want at the top of a food chain. The best ruler is someone who doesn't want to rule, but you'll never find someone like that. So as long as there are people who want power, their will be wars, because wars are usually started by those in power, and it's only because of obligation to the country that everyone else follows along.

 

[keinushi]

*snip*

You're funny.
I know a guy who can talk like that with a straight face.
It's easier over the internet, of course, because it's just text, but it's no less funny.

I would say this in real life as well. I am firm in my beliefs, and more than willing to share them with other people.

 

[Spirultima]

Im going to reply in chunks

You say that Christianity is unneccessary. Over the past fifty years then it has declined in the Western world. Are we really better off as a result? Crime levels are still high, divorce rates climb higher, youth crime increases, morally we are worse off today than back in the hey day of Christianty.

That has no connection with Christianity, the reason WHY crime rate and such climbs is our newly found lax attitude and stupid "humanitarianism" like through out my primary school (it was a Christian one ironically) attitude was never a concern, mentality of most of the kids "have fun, no consequences", teachers didn't care so they could get away with anything. Whereas in the past the ol' cane was the law, it taught respect and punishment to the kids. Your childhood makes your future and so, without good punishment, nothing is solved, my age group were the last of the (semi-)mature ones, every year below mine it got worse, my brother is a prime example, he has no care or fear because he has no discipline. Freedom has pro's and con's if you give a man a gun and say he can shoot pigeons for food, he will use it for other things.

Next you insult Christians who tell you you are going to Hell. Look at it from their perspective: regardless of what you believe Christians believe you are going to Hell. How can they then not tell you about this? Imagine walking past someone pointing a gun at their own face and doing nothing. That's what it would be like. Christians are warning you because they care about what happens to your soul. Although you might not, please respect their concern.

(I'll follow along this one, but, personally the only logical explanation behind a "soul" is; is the electronic blueprint of a mind, left behind, i call it "the brains last transmission")
They don't say it out of concern, that i can be sure of, they always seem smug about it. But if they really deep down care, then they should stay silent about it, its my "soul" to them, it not there's, what i do with it is my own concern, its like me walking up to a Christian and warning him/her about crossing the road because there is cars coming.

And finally you argue that Satan taked bad people and punsihed them. Wrong, you are confusing the fact that Satan is IN Hell with your view that he RUNS Hell. The true teaching is that God will put Satan and all non believers in Hell and punish them for their sins. God punishes "bad people" Satan supports them.

And as for your point that Satan has killed far more than God I'll think you'll find that MAN has killed far more. Also on what basis do you rest this arguement? Who has God so called "killed"?

I'm someone who looks are many many different sources and if "Satan" is the embodiment of evil how come he was kicked out of heaven just for having an opinion, and he does take the bad ones, he rules hell, he is the "head director of punishment" as it were, so he DOES punish them himself.

And if anything else, don't you think thats a little harsh? just because i am a logical person who prefers to see evidence and such (rather then stories that are usually nothing but stories in the end of the day, its like when someone tells you about, "that guy in the corner", because someone tells you about it, doesn't mean its true, hell i even have a friend because i didn't listen to the stories being said about him.) i could be the most giving person, cure cancer, every disease on the planet, stop world hunger, stop oppression etc. and still go to hell just because i have REASONABLE DOUBTS. In blunt terms its quite hypocritical, as long as you believe in this guy, he will make afterlife nice.

And of course, your opinion is your own, mine is mine, as long as it doesn't involve 4 letter words in every sentence, then its civil, the way religion should have been discussed, not through swords and spears.

 

[Xender90]

I previously talked about why I am a Cristian and to shake things up I will give my reasons for not being an atheist.

1. If God does not exist then there is no reason to be good, so anything is permissible. Actuality there is the law (fear of punishment), so it would be anything is permissible if you could get away with it. Also there would be no reason to do selfless good.

2. If God does not exist then there is nothing to live for, life is meaningless. what is worth living for, striving for, dieing for, what is happiness with out God?

 

[ben---neb]

Im going to reply in chunks

You say that Christianity is unneccessary. Over the past fifty years then it has declined in the Western world.

...

And of course, your opinion is your own, mine is mine, as long as it doesn't involve 4 letter words in every sentence, then its civil, the way religion should have been discussed, not through swords and spears.

^^^ I agree (but only because my spear is being sharpened and I lost my sword) . Anyway first of all I totallt get your point about disipline in school however the Bible mentions time and time again the neccessity of strong disipline. The CHristian School you went to erred in that respect. Indeed a large bit of the Christian Church is not following these rules set down by God. Hopefully this will change.

Next you argue that it is unfair that if people do "good deeds" that they then have to suffer in Hell for not beleiving in God. I can see your point, its a common argument. All I can say is first: The Bible mentions that all our good deeds are like dirty rags. Doing "good" is merely being adaquate in God's sight, it is the minimum he expects from us so we're not doing anything special. This means that everyone falls short in God's sight. No one can "work" their way to Heaven. Instead we must fall upon God's mercy and forgiveness, repent and submit to his authority.

This ties in with my second point: most indivduals are currently refusing to acknowledge that they owe everything to God: their existance, their life, happiness, well being, everything. Therefore he has every right to punish them at he see fits. He is God so has claim to absolute moral authority. A lot of people find this hard to accept, pride and arrogrance stand in the way.

Also you mention that you have reasonable doubts. That, although you would argue otherwise, is a lie. The Bible makes it quite clear that each person knows that God exists. "Men are without excuse."

 

[Spirultima]

---
Also you mention that you have reasonable doubts. That, although you would argue otherwise, is a lie. The Bible makes it quite clear that each person knows that God exists. "Men are without excuse."

Doesn't mean to say my trusty bow and arrows aren't here , XD.


Discipline is needed, but the bible is more of a oppression built on someone's imagination, but just to "FINISH HIM" followed by an "HARAKIRI" most believers don't really follow the original rules, but then again very few religions keep to there original rules, so I'll give you that.

Personally if he is going to be such a jerk about it, i wouldn't WANT to go anyway, come on, think about even as a follower, he is rather self absorbed, listen to me, no-one has even actually heard me speak, but my rules are set. If he wants my everlasting belief, prove it, one simple glimpse of his existence would be enough.

They know "god" exists but me alone can tell you over 30 gods, all well described and such, so how i can i just gain unflinching faith on a faceless story?

 

[Flying-Emu]

My opinion on Christianity? Well, you asked for it.

I view modern Christianity as a near abomination. A bastardization of the true message and ideals of Christianity. You have racist idiots calling themselves Christians, people using the Bible as justification for horrendous deeds. And then that spawns people who say that Christianity is the source of all evil in the world.

I'm what is called a Deist; that is, I believe that the Lord God created the universe and natural laws and allowed it to run its course. He plays very little hand in the world. The Bible? Well... that's a good question.

The Bible is a distressing question for me. At once, it holds a lot of messages that I think should be taken to heart, yet at the same time I realize that it was written by mankind in an attempt to understand the words of a Holy Being more powerful than the mind can conceive. Therefore, I interpret the Bible in a non-literal sense; that is, the message is more important than the details of the story.

This thread will not end well, if threads with even the mention of Christianity hold true.

Ok so explain the message of the Garden of Eden story?
Or the part that says you can own slaves?
Or the part the condemns homosexuals?

The Bible is full of bigotry and it contradicts itself so many times.
I don't really believe in any kind of creator God because it just doesn't make sense, and in any case the idea that there is one raises just as many questions as it answers, for a start, where did he/she/it come from?

Book of Genesis: Thou shalt not test thy God. The story with the wool and the wet floor? Yeah, that's sort of a big deal.

Now then. I'm going to explain this to you the way I explain the Bible to everyone.

First off, the Old Testament is just that; old. We don't follow the edicts laid down therein, specifically those reformed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth. True; the Old Testament states that it is appropriate to stone homosexuals. It also says that forcing a woman to marry her rapist is all cool.

Now then, to explain that.

The Bible was not WRITTEN by God; it is what mortals consider to be God's word. Therefore, you have to take it at face value. The Book is essentially a bunch of people getting together and trying to discern what God means when he says "And a man and woman shall become one flesh, and be fruitful upon the Earth."

Now then. I do not agree with a lot of the things that the Old Testament says. I believe in the message Jesus Christ of Nazareth preached; "Love thy brother, and do unto others what you would have done unto you."

That last message there? Pretty much the entire message of the New Testament, A.K.A. Christian Bible.

Now, on to your "examples"

The "meaning" of the story of the Garden of Eden is simple; if you heed evil/sin/temptation (Characterized in this case by the serpent and the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil), you will be appropriately punished. The Garden of Eden was paradise, and because of Eve's sin and her temptation of Adam, they were removed. This "original sin" that Eve committed also contributed to the later prejudice against women, because they insisted that women were the cause of all man's problems.

The real message of Eden? Do what God tells you to do.

Slaves;

Holding slaves was not uncommon in that period. Hell, the entire Book of Exodus is talking about the Israelites escape from slavery under the leadership of the Prophet Moses. However, slaves were not taken based on color, sex, race, anything like that. Slaves were taken as prizes for military victories.

Once again, this falls under the reign of "Old Testament that Christians don't follow" as it was reformed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Condemning of homosexuals;

Once again, Old Testament interpretation of God's word. Jesus Christ preached that you shall not judge thy brother, that to love your brother is the proper course. In the New Testament (I'm actually unsure of this part, but I distinctly remember reading something along these lines) there's only one line on homosexuality, and it can quite easily be interpreted that homosexuality is only unacceptable when a man is married; as in, homosexuality is only condemned when the man commits it within the bonds of marriage.

As for God not making sense;

That's something you have to accept. Religion is not an easy thing, it's not the easy way out like everyone seems to think. Especially as of the last few years, Christians are the targets of relentless insult from various members of the populace. Have Christians left their faith? Yes, they have; they failed the test. Jesus said that his followers would be persecuted, and that they must bear the persecution to reach salvation.

God does not make sense. It never will. You cannot use logic to explain the thought process of a Being so immensely powerful. You may not believe this, but He was the spark that set off the creation of the universe; His thoughts are beyond you. Yes, some of religion can be understood through logic; in fact, quite a bit of it. But in the end, it really does come down to faith.

~~~

Now, I'm no Theologian, but I hope you enjoyed that. Or you can hate it; I don't particularly mind either way. I'm just glad I got to inform you of my views, rather than have you going around with absolutely NO information.

Oh, and I'd like to point out; most Christians are not the bigoted, flap-jawed idiots you see protesting gay marriage on the streets. Those guys completely skipped over the message of Christianity, which has already been said.

Have a nice day;

Flying-Emu

That's all well and good, but why do we keep the Old Testament in the Bible if it's so woefully inaccurate?


Why was it such a bad thing to eat the fruit of knowledge though, because God says so doesn't seem like a valid reason to me.

You don't seem like a particularly hardcore Christian, which I respect, but I do take offence to you saying that I have NO information.

Er. I'm sorry, that came off wrong. Perhaps "absolutely no information" was a little harsh. I apologize.

The Old Testament is kept in the Bible because it does contain some very important stories, i.e. the story of Cain and Able, which teaches that murder=bad. Sodom and Gomorrah teaches the ultimate cost of sin; being consumed by fire and brimstone. And without the Old Testament, a lot of the New Testament loses its meaning, since Jesus is spoken of in a number of Old Testament prophecies (Not by name, mind you), and Jesus references a number of Old Testament verses in the book of John.

Fruit of Good and Evil;

Now then, imagine God as a father, a mother, a parental unit of some sort and mankind as a child. When you were a child, you listened to your parents, correct? Because what they said went, that is, if you wanted to be rewarded for good behaviour. It's sort of the same thing; To Christians, God is our immortal father.

 

[tsb247]

Christianity does not make one blind, but rather offers a different way to see.

I like the way you put this.

Thank you.

 

[tsb247]

Now then, imagine God as a father, a mother, a parental unit of some sort and mankind as a child. When you were a child, you listened to your parents, correct? Because what they said went, that is, if you wanted to be rewarded for good behaviour. It's sort of the same thing; To Christians, God is our immortal father.

I have also viewed this as the reason some biblical stories seem a little far-fetched. Did your parents ever explain something complicated to you as a child? They often put it in the simplest terms possible, and they like to use metaphors and relate it to things you can understand so it makes sense.