It really wasn't in reference to that...more of a hey did you study history and hear about that whole break between the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches? Good to see you in a religious thread though...
My point is that if there is a god, I (personally) do not believe it matters what you believe if you live your life in a "christ-like" or "buddha-like" or "mohammed-like" or "gita-like" or "fill-in-your-own-deity-like" manner. Also, what twhy said. I'm not a biblical scholar, nor a believer, but there is a rich history of debate concerning faith and deeds. If you're saying that your faith leads to good deeds, fine, it should; but if you have "faith and grace" but continue to treat people like **** then it is hollow. "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." James 2:26.
I have never posted in the D&D and I am sure this will be my last post, but anyway... I think religion is all a scam, also Jesus is like Santa Clause for adults.. I dont buy the religion thing, but if you try to point out any flaws or holes in it to the followers they will never hear it or just say "I FEEL IT"... whatever.. here are some good links to read if you feel like keeping things real.. http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news0402/biblefactquiz.html http://www.landoverbaptist.org/quizlist.html http://www.bigissueground.com/atheistground/ash-bibleshocking.shtml http://www.bigissueground.com/atheistground/ash-biblecontradictions.shtml http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/index.html
When you first accept Jesus as your lord and saviour, you think it's all about you and God, with God being represented in writing by His word and represented in example by the church. But the truth is that it's all about God and the way He is revealing His nature to everyone and everything. First, you need a reference to understand who God is. That reference is the Word. What steps can you take to verify that the bible is a valid representation of His word? See if it gives false claims. Because it is considered a reference unto itself, also see if it's consistent. Once you consider the bible a valid reference, then learn what the Word reveals about God. (I agree with those who say that people are not capable of understanding God. But remember two things. One, when you are saved it's no longer your life that matters, it's Jesus perfect life in your place. Two, the Holy Spirit resides in you when you are saved, allowing you to fathom all mysteries and knowledge.) When you have a firm grasp of who God is (YHWH, the great I AM), it shouldn't matter that your church (or the people at your church) have a perverted understanding of the Bible. But if this is the case, you need to actively correct them, teach them and/or rebuke them. You are part of the church after all, and as such you are tasked to care about the other church members. Don't look at a church and just wonder what it can do for you, rather seek to understand what God can accomplish through your church. And that starts with your church truthfully knowing who God is.
Great thread. Me, raised Southern Missionary Baptist (whatever that means). Went to what became a huge church. You name it, it's happened at that church. I guess my experiences there kinda made me dislike church in general. Over the years since then I had been searching for a place I would feel comfortable. I didn't find a place, although bible churches were about as close as I got to finding one. The church will tell you that there is no such thing as "Lone Ranger believers" but I think I'm one. I believe in a supreme being...I believe that from personal experiences and in some ways science insinuating it. For instance, I could not say with confidence that the bible as it is known today was written by God. As if that isn't twisted enough, I have an even more ridiculous view of things but I'll show mercy and spare you all....
BlastOff have you ever looked into Deism? That's the religion I follow. Tak a quick gander here and see what you think: http://www.deism.com/deism_defined.htm I was raised Baptist and attended the Baptist chuch on Clay Road near the public library. I guess all of those landmarks are still around it's been years. Anyway, the church used to be very small but then expanded and after quite a bit of construction it like quadrupled in size. I was always a bit of a skeptic but one Sunday I was listening to the sermon and the pastor, preacher, whatever told me in no uncertain terms that a tithe of something like 5% of my yearly earnings should be donated to the church or I would go to hell. Well I looked around at the huge new building and new pews and at 12 years old I got up, walked out and turned my back on the Christian religion. The only time I've set foot in a church since was to donate blood. IMO God and I have struck a deal. I cannot in good faith believe in the Bible, that Jesus was the Son of God, etc. If I did agree to believe it would only be because I was afraid to go to hell otherwise. So as a Deist I believe in God but not in the IMO absurd tall tales of religions like Christianity that are based on faith and not logic.
