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Post by Tyler Smith on Jun 16, 2010 0:45:27 GMT -8
In an effort to spark some interesting conversation, I'll throw this question out there. What do you believe? Are you a Christian? Atheist? Agnostic? Why do you believe that particular way?
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Post by professoralan on Jul 9, 2010 9:56:27 GMT -8
I am a Christian, and stick to the Nicene Creed as far as what I particularly believe.
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Post by tlsabo on Jul 12, 2010 21:41:39 GMT -8
I was raised in church and often wonder what I would believe if I was raised differently.
Some say one difference between Christianity and other religions is that you can be "born" a Muslim, a Jew, or a Hindu, but not a christian. We must choose to become a christian reguardless of the culture we are born into. We might even say being born into a "christian" household could be a stumbling block if one assumes his or her salvation by birthright.
Never the less, I thank God that I was brought up in the Word.
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Post by Tyler Smith on Jul 13, 2010 0:48:10 GMT -8
Some say one difference between Christianity and other religions is that you can be "born" a Muslim, a Jew, or a Hindu, but not a christian. We must choose to become a christian reguardless of the culture we are born into. We might even say being born into a "christian" household could be a stumbling block if one assumes his or her salvation by birthright. I couldn't agree more. The fact that Christianity is just as much a cultural status as a religious one has undoubtedly led to a great deal of confusion and frustration to those that discover how difficult being a Christian actually is.
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Post by tlsabo on Jul 13, 2010 20:36:56 GMT -8
I know that "being a Christian" is hard in reguards to living a Godly life. But for the sake of discussion, how hard is it to "become a Christian?" In other words, how hard is it to get saved? I think pretty easy. The "living the Christian life" part is more for the benefit of ourselves and those we touch, isn't it?
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Post by Tyler Smith on Jul 14, 2010 3:10:33 GMT -8
Becoming a Christian can be very difficult, if not logistically, then philosophically. There are a lot of worldly ideas that need to be gotten rid of. For me, the idea of "earning" my salvation was a huge obstacle that I had to overcome. You're right in saying that becoming a Christian is easy, insofar as it's a done deal once we've made the decision. However, the simplicity of it can cause people to be naturally suspicious. Surely, nothing is that easy, right? Like I said, that are a lot of emotional, mental, and philosophical hurtles that need to be jumped. Of course, not all of them are jumped immediately; it can be a lifelong process. Thankfully, our salvation doesn't depend on our understanding and perfect execution; only a deep trust in God.
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Post by tonybeard on Jul 20, 2010 14:28:42 GMT -8
Keeping it brief:-
Me - Agnostic (Like to think I keep an open-mind but probably lean more towards man creating God(s) & religion rather than vice-versa).
Family Dad - Technically Jewish but considers himself Atheist. Mum - Considers herself Christian but doesn't believe in the literal truth of the Bible. Wife - Technically Hindu but considers herself Atheist. Family in general - Dad's side mainly Jewish. Haven't practiced religion since the Holocaust. Mum's side a fairly even mix of Agnostics/Atheists/Non-church going Christians.
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Post by tonybeard on Jul 25, 2010 8:45:21 GMT -8
I think this is the best quote I can find to sum up my personal philoshophy:-
'Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones'. - Marcus Aurelius (121-180)
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Post by tlsabo on Aug 15, 2010 20:14:37 GMT -8
Your philosophy leaves out one possibility. Humanity is infected with sin, causing it to be quarantined from Heaven. The only cure for the virus is the blood of Jesus. Only those who accept the cure can be "welcomed". Some might say "It is unjust for us to be quarantined like this." Or "Surely these other cures work just as well." And even "I don't believe there is an illness or a doctor." None of that matters. A man can live a good charitable life, but if he is infected with something that harms the community, he can not be allowed to enter. I am trying to put my understanding of Christianity in more natural terms.
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sam
New Member
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Post by sam on Oct 29, 2010 21:30:43 GMT -8
I'm an atheist. I tried reading Genesis but one guy has an all night wrestling match with an angel and another guy gets drunk and has sex with his kids and a slave runs away from her master and God tells her to go back and be a better slave. I know a billion people find some kind of truth and inspiration from these stories but it's way over my head. I like listening to the show and I like Tyler. I'll never be a Christian but I would really like to understand them.
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Post by Tyler Smith on Oct 30, 2010 3:48:59 GMT -8
I know a billion people find some kind of truth and inspiration from these stories but it's way over my head. I like listening to the show and I like Tyler. I'll never be a Christian but I would really like to understand them. Genesis can be a tough book. There's some pretty spiritually complex stuff going on in there, though many Christians act as if it's the simplest book of the Bible. If you're interested, I'm sure there are a few thoughtful commentaries on Genesis out there. I could try to find out the names of some of them.
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sam
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by sam on Oct 31, 2010 0:48:49 GMT -8
Deal. Yes please see what you can find out about the wrestling match for me.
I also listen to the RISK podcast and the last story of the In Harms Way episode was about faith. I'd be interested to hear how christians view the mother in the story.
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Post by Tyler Smith on Oct 31, 2010 4:49:57 GMT -8
I also listen to the RISK podcast and the last story of the In Harms Way episode was about faith. I'd be interested to hear how christians view the mother in the story. I haven't even heard of the RISK podcast. I'll look into it and let you know what I think.
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Post by Tyler Smith on Oct 31, 2010 4:52:16 GMT -8
Oh, man. Now that I'm looking into it, I'm surprised that I hadn't heard of it. It would appear that a lot of the same people that listen to the various comedy podcasts that I enjoy also listen to this. I'm very excited now. Thanks for the heads-up.
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