Christian bronies: meet, greet, and mingle!

[Sunwalker 981]

Do any of you think that women should be silent in the churches, as stated in First Corinthians? Or was that a cultural thing? I'm undecided.

 

There is a difference between doctrine and discipline. Discipline is something that may change over time, and is subject to cultural and social factors. Though a doctrine might be developed over time, it is more about understanding it better instead of changing it, doctrines are basic points of faith and their core idea is not changeable.

 

Think in discipline as some rules that exist in a group in order to ensure that its members coexist in harmony. It is not unlike the rules of this board, you are expected to abide by them, but they are not supposed to be universal moral principles. Each group is different, and so needs a different discipline.

 

In the context of the Church, I have found this explanation of the difference between discipline and doctrine (source):

 

[Discipline is the] instruction, system of teaching or of law, given under the authority of the Church [which] can be changed with the approval of proper authority, as opposed to doctrine, which is unchangeable. (Matt. 18:18; see also 16:19)

 

Discipline, then, is man-made and can be changed as often as the Church desires. This is not to say that the authority to enact discipline is man-made. In fact, Scripture itself records the Church’s God-given authority to enact discipline: "[W]hatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 18:18; see also 16:19). Now, this power to bind and to loose extends beyond discipline, but it certainly includes the authority to enact discipline as well.

 

Doctrine, on the other hand, is the teaching of the Church on matters of faith and morals. All such teaching—or at least the basis for it—was handed down to the Church by Jesus and the apostles prior to the death of the last apostle. Scripture refers to doctrine as "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). (...) [D]octrine can develop over time as the Church comes to understand it better—but it cannot change. No one—not even the pope—has the authority to change doctrine.

 

In short, discipline is man-made, while doctrine comes from God.

 

It is not always easy to tell the difference between them, but it helps if you understand the culture of the time. Back in the first-century Jewish culture, women were not allowed to study. So when Paul offered to women the opportunity to be present in the church, even if silent, that as quite an advancement for that time, considering that before this  women normally would not even be allowed to be there.

 

I agree that it might look weird if you try to understand it with today's mentality, but try to look at it with the mentality of the people from that time and place. Today the culture is quite different from that time, back then Christianity was giving the opportunity to women to also learn about the faith, but today if you make women to get silent you are moving backwards.

 

So in summary, this was a discipline of that time. Today it makes no sense to apply it. 

 

By the way, @Blue have a great experience about biblical exegesis, maybe you should try to also ask him.

 

 

Are you saying that women speaking in churches is contrary to Jesus' teachings? Sorry if I assumed wrong, but you aren't actually answering my original post's question about women in churches, so I'm trying to read between the lines.

 

I am not Steel Accord, but for me it seems that what he said was the opposite.

[Stardust Balance 7,738]

I'm glad to see that this topic continues to strive, welcoming many more amazing Christian bronies and pegasisters. Keep up the great work, my friends! 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Sunwalker,

 

You know I might as well stop posting. Mr. Sunny Showoff here always posts the exact same points as me but in far more articulate and educated fashion. 

[long gone 8,929]

Here's a question, anyone play any video games you thought had some strong Christian or at least religious elements to them?

I've played three, Terranigma, ActRaiser and The Binding of Isaac.

 

• Since this is pretty spoilerific in regards to Terranigma's plot, I'll put it in a spoiler tag.

   

  In Terranigma, you play as a fake human (I guess?) named Ark, who was created by Satan and then gets sent to the light world and ends up restoring the land, animals, people and civilization and then gets sent by God to kill his creator, which of course means that you will die too after Satan dies but you do it anyway. Also, YOU DESERVE GOD'S JOB and how does He repay you for doing His work? Death.

   

  The game was never released in North America due to its heavy religious themes and Enix closing their North American headquarters before the game's release, which is a shame because it's such a good action RPG.

• ActRaiser is a game where you play God, a badass, sword-wielding God that makes sure His people are safe by GOING TO AN AREA THEY WANT TO BUILD CIVILIZATION IN AND KILLING ALL THE DEMONS THERE FIRST before civilization can be built, then when you clear the area it switches to a literal god game where you play as an angel and build up a village for people to live in the land you just liberated from those demons. There's also direct references to prayer, which helps make ActRaiser as a whole unusual for the era as Nintendo of America still had strict censorship policies at the time, which meant religion had to be excluded from games (a blatant example of this is in Final Fantasy, wherein churches, where your guys get revived, are turned into medical clinics.) Well... the final boss, Satan, was renamed, so there's that, but everything else? A-OK!
• The Binding of Isaac is... well. I'm pretty sure everyone in this thread knows of that by now

 

There's also The Zoo Race, but that "game" can only be described as Literal Shit: The Video Game, so I won't say much about it (although if you're interested, JonTron did a video on it over on the Tubes of You. Also, please excuse me for swearing in this thread, I just can't think of anything else to describe The Zoo Race as.)

 

 

Might as well mention that a few Pokémon are based on beings from Abrahamic religions, namely Groudon (Behemoth), Kyogre (Leviathan) and Rayquaza (Ziz). There is also, of course, Arceus, which is based on a creator deity (ergo, God.) There's also a church in Diamond, Pearl and Platinum, and NPCs in the church (called the "Foreign Building" in-game) talk about the balance of spirit or nature. Perhaps respectfully, no music can be heard inside the building. Of course, references to Japanese and Asian religions and beliefs are much more prevalent in Pokémon, but they're there.

 

There is also the Bioshock trilogy, which, as a whole, mocks religion and Christianity.

One of the themes in the first game was "No gods, no kings, only man" and religion was outlawed in Rapture, and Bioshock Infinite features a completely screwed up version of Christianity led by a psychopathic man who claims to be a prophet and has a massive, North Korea-esque cult of personality surrounding him, which perhaps makes him more relevant in the game's version of Christianity than God. Yeah... I've already stated that I'm atheist, but even I found some of the content in Infinite a bit... objectionable.

 

[Vertigo_95 572]

No one has to answer this question, but I have to get this point across.

 

Are you one of those erratic Christians that jump up and down, run around, and cry? I mean I don't mind people giving glory to God, and I do understand what God has done for me, but the way it is done is not right to me. In my opinion, it's no better than the erratic Bronies that want to marry Twilight Sparkle, or Fluttershy. I guess I think that way because I don't like to draw attention to myself.

[Sudo Krenton 243]

(I'm not sure if I got the question or not, but I answered according to what I thought was being asked)

 

Are you one of those erratic Christians that jump up and down, run around, and cry?

 

I "keep to myself" a lot. I actually don't like a jumpy/fast-paced/pinky pie style of church services or youth groups out there. As I view it, sure you can be saved, but that doesn't mean stop being reverent. Sure, you can be a happy, "erratic" Christian, but there's a time for seriousness, and if your faith live can't thrive without that, you need to re-asses your beliefs.

 

It is in my belief that this method of praising was employed to attract the younger generation. That's my point of view. 

[Sunwalker 981]

No one has to answer this question, but I have to get this point across.

 

Are you one of those erratic Christians that jump up and down, run around, and cry? I mean I don't mind people giving glory to God, and I do understand what God has done for me, but the way it is done is not right to me. In my opinion, it's no better than the erratic Bronies that want to marry Twilight Sparkle, or Fluttershy. I guess I think that way because I don't like to draw attention to myself.

 

I am not sure if I got what you meant, so first I am going to describe what I understood. I think you are referring to those over-the-top celebrations with agitated and loud music, people singing and dancing; and also some melodramatic and overly emotional preachings about how God will make you rich and solve all your problems.

 

If this is what you meant, then no, I am not one of them. I think that the focus of a celebration should be God. There is happiness there, but it should be a divine one and not some human pleasure. When you focus too much on human emotions, you shift the focus away from God. I think that a Christian celebration should be something that favors introspection, in order to get in touch with God. People who seek God are looking for something more than what the world has to offer, and if they find on Christianity the exactly same mundane things, then they will turn back disappointed.

 

Plus God has never promised that life would be without hardships, instead Christ told "take up your cross and follow me". Christian life is called "the narrow path" for a reason. People who say you that you will get rich when you accept Jesus in your life either do not know what they are talking about or they are con artists wanting something from you. This world is a very bleak place, and Christ is honest and realistic enough to warn us about this. But on the other hand, he also promised that he would be with us until the end of the time.

 

But these sorts of thing also applies outside celebrations. I think that someone who is very over-the-top about his faith, actually ends up being annoying and giving a bad image to it, and trying to force the faith on other people is a big no-no. I think that the best way to live up to your faith is being a sensible and considerate person with others, but without denying your faith and being able to explain your reasons for it when needed. Also one should be realistic enough to understand that terrible stuff happens in life, but also optimistic enough to trust that there is always a light in the end of the tunnel.

[DeletedAcc. 32]

My name is a contradiction of my beliefs.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

My name is a contradiction of my beliefs.

 

Why what's wrong with AC/DC?

 

[DeletedAcc. 32]

I mean that most Christians view AC/DC as evil or sinful but I find nothing wrong with them. The innuendo lyrics are hilarious.

Edited July 27, 2015 by AC/DC Freak

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I mean that most Christians view AC/DC as evil or sinful but I find nothing wrong with them. The innuendo lyrics are hilarious.

 

Uhhhh who have YOU been hanging out with?! 

 

Most Christians I know don't like AC/DC because they think classic rock is boring. Plus I'm pretty sure most of the members identified as Christian and even the song I posted is an affectionate spoof of the Book of Genesis' "Let there be light."

[DeletedAcc. 32]

Classic Rock is the best genre ever.

 

 

Not sure if this is classic rock, but I love it.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

You know I'm not sure what astounds me more, radical Christians taking Jesus' religion of love, forgiveness, and mercy and twisting it into a way to justify hatred and prejudice or atheists looking at the story of Jesus and coming away with it about being some kind of "blood sacrifice to appease Jehovah."

Classic Rock is the best genre ever.

http://youtu.be/LXfpDSpO6gs

Not sure if this is classic rock, but I love it.

 

Meh close enough.

 

I agree though, it's my favorite.

Edited July 27, 2015 by Steel Accord

[DeletedAcc. 32]

I know, kind of like Westboro Baptist Church and atheists with childish insults, calling God a " Flying Spaghetti Monster".

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I know, kind of like Westboro Baptist Church and atheists with childish insults, calling God a " Flying Spaghetti Monster".

 

Or "sky fairy" "magical genie" or "your imaginary friend" . . . . I WISH I was making these up.  /

 

Let's contrast. 

 

Religious person's view of God = A being beyond all comprehension. An intelligence vast and superhuman. An archetype of all existence imbuing intelligent life with meaning and purpose.

 

Dismissive atheist view of God? = Gandalf but less cool.

[DeletedAcc. 32]

http://youtu.be/SFY8TV7r78I

 

 

Some people think this is their worst album. The production is bad, but it has some good songs. You can barely hear Brian, lol.

 

"God hates fags" = not true.

[starshine wonder 79]

God hates sin, that's why He did something about it. God LOVES people, that's why He did something about sin, so that we could have relationship with Him. Therefore God LOVES gays (general term) but doesn't like what they do. That doesn't mean that we should go and tell them off for what they're doing, we should show them love.

 

Ps. I don't agree with Westboro, but I can see where they're coming from.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

God hates sin, that's why He did something about it. God LOVES people, that's why He did something about sin, so that we could have relationship with Him. Therefore God LOVES gays (general term) but doesn't like what they do. That doesn't mean that we should go and tell them off for what they're doing, we should show them love.

 

Sin also requires choice. We are tempted and if we accept that temptation we have sinned. Being born a certain way though, there is no choice, no temptation, so how can that be a sin?

 

 

 

Ps. I don't agree with Westboro, but I can see where they're coming from.

 

That puts you in possibly one of the smallest minorities in the world. Why? What point beyond virulent and poisonous hate do they have? 

[A Black Circle 1,586]

Are you saying that women speaking in churches is contrary to Jesus' teachings? Sorry if I assumed wrong, but you aren't actually answering my original post's question about women in churches, so I'm trying to read between the lines.

 

By the way, your view of the Bible aligns closer to Orthodox thinking than Catholic/Protestant.

This is an Old Testament thing.

[ShadOBabe 18,997]

 

 

I just don't know how I can finally calm my doubts, I have so many questions but no way to get answers

 

Hey have you ever tried this site? http://www.gotquestions.org/

Don't take the answers as gospel, but they've come in handy for me many times.

Sometimes it helps me look at something from a perspective I never thought about.

[starshine wonder 79]

Sin also requires choice. We are tempted and if we accept that temptation we have sinned. Being born a certain way though, there is no choice, no temptation, so how can that be a sin?

It depends on whether you subscribe to being gay as being something you're born with or not. Ultimately, it could be a result of the fall or something genetic, I don't know. The one thing I do know is that only Daddy is ultimately able to see what the cause is and deal with it.

 

That puts you in possibly one of the smallest minorities in the world. Why? What point beyond virulent and poisonous hate do they have?

I never said they had a point, I said that I could see where they're coming from. That's a MASSIVE difference in my book.

 

We do not know the history of any of the members of Westboro, least of all their pastor, right? There is a high chance that the pastor has never encountered the father heart of God, and as such preaches the way he does out of a heart that has been broken so many times that he doesn't even know what love truly is. As such, I understand the viewpoint he has. I'm not saying it's right, far from it, but I DO understand (albeit not fully) where he's coming from. I do NOT, however, agree with the message of hate and bigotry that they send out into the world.

 

No one has to answer this question, but I have to get this point across. Are you one of those erratic Christians that jump up and down, run around, and cry? I mean I don't mind people giving glory to God, and I do understand what God has done for me, but the way it is done is not right to me. In my opinion, it's no better than the erratic Bronies that want to marry Twilight Sparkle, or Fluttershy. I guess I think that way because I don't like to draw attention to myself.

JRex, I go to a church that is full of people who jump up and down, run around, cry, laugh, dance, wave flags and a whole host of other stuff. I myself give glory to God by dancing, hugging, but also by sitting down and resting in His presence. I think to a certain extent it depends on the kind of person we are. I am an extrovert, I love to make God known in every way possible, to give glory to Him. You may do it in a different way, but I'm not going to criticize the way you worship God because it's not the way I do it.

 

[twilight24 322]

How accepting are the Christian bronnie of someone who's panxsexual, believes atheist go to heaven , and tries to follow her own path with Gods guidance? Any other people on here like that

[Sudo Krenton 243]

 

 

Classic Rock is the best genre ever.

I prefer alternative rock, but classic is cool too hehe.

 

 

 

How accepting are the Christian bronnie of someone who's panxsexual, believes atheist go to heaven , and tries to follow her own path with Gods guidance? Any other people on here like that

I am accepting to all of those things.

[Sunwalker 981]

How accepting are the Christian bronnie of someone who's panxsexual, believes atheist go to heaven , and tries to follow her own path with Gods guidance? Any other people on here like that

 

I can also respect and love these people

Edited July 28, 2015 by Sunwalker

[CosmicHooves 2,705]

How accepting are the Christian bronnie of someone who's panxsexual, believes atheist go to heaven , and tries to follow her own path with Gods guidance? Any other people on here like that

I can respect and accept anyone regardless of what beliefs they have as long as they can do the same.