Christian bronies: meet, greet, and mingle!

[SCS 7,533]

I am not a Christian, but I used to be. However, I do have spiritual beliefs that grow out of personal experiences, reading about the experiences of others, and philosophy. The basic, core aspect of my spiritual beliefs is that the most important thing to do in life is to love others. I find inspiration in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic regarding this. Sometimes the world seems to get too dark, and I can forget how important it is to not allow the negative to overcome you, and to focus on the positive. MLP helps me to do this, by helping me to remember all the good that there is in the world. 

 

While I do disagree with certain things in Christianity to a great enough extent that I no longer consider myself a Christian, there are things in that faith that I agree with. I respect Christians, and I have no ill will toward them or their beliefs just because I have chosen a different path.

[Fluttershyfan94 5,742]

I'm christian and my faith did help me through a rough time in my life, so I respect it. I don't really take religion too seriously, I do respect religions and I have faith but that's about it. 

 

So yeah, I'm christian or protestant, I like my religion.

Edited August 2, 2013 by Fluttershyfan94

[KoolkatThePony 2]

Yes, I am a disciple of Jesus. I have a growing, active relationship with God, and go to an Assembly of God church. Glad to know there are so many of you out there!

[Vinstar59 59]

 

 

On another note, a while back, I asked if anyone was interested in a MLP Forums Bible Study. If anyone is interested, please quote this post or mention me and reply to say you are interested. If I get 10-15 people interested, I will start it, but anyone will still be welcome!

 

I'd be up for a Bible Study. Curious if it's going to be like "here's Bible verse A for this week, discuss." or...idk what ever it is you have planned. Either way, for it.

[Toon Richard 534]

Im christian.
Im not one of those batshit, Antihomo christians (The ones that travel in groups).
I am a normal peaceful christian, that loves both ponies and jesus.

Edited July 29, 2013 by Cherry Bob omb

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I would like to make a statement that going to church is something that should be done as a response to faith. Being a part of a church is really important for having a healthy relationship with Christ.

 

 

Church going is definitely not mandatory yes, but it IS still very important.

 

The biggest misconception of church is that people go there to "go to heaven". That's a very sad belief to follow, for Christ did not mention our human actions as conducive to entrance in heaven. In fact, he goes completely against it! We live by faith and not by sight! We live from the grace of God and the fact it was all Jesus Christ who saved us from sin. It had nothing to do with us and it was all Him. Even the Holy Spirit entrance into your heart when you decide to follow Christ in all your ways and begin a relationship with Him is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work in your heart, which came first.

 

.

 

Allow me to make a flipside to argument. If someone has have the confirmation of others every weekend to develop their faith, is it really there? Real faith doesn't come from a book, or a sermon. It comes from the heart and from your own self-reflection on what's in it. It's a choice we have to make for ourselves. The Bible can be a interesting point of study to reflect on, but divine inspiration or not, it was still written by a man with his flaws and agenda(I had a theory from people point all of the horrific things in it, a test to see who's following blindly and who can tell for themselves which is right and which is wrong, perhaps? That's just musing though.)  

 

Whether you feel you need a church or not is one of those personal choices. I don't feel I need to, I disagree with the majority to much on to many issues to fit in, but I have nothing against the concept of a church. 

 

I don't feel there's a tally sheet for makes a Christian. I think it just comes to down being a good person as best you can. As for sin, my opinion is the simplest one, just don't be murdering, raping, pillaging(you know, be a decent human being, don't be a complete monster, it's not hard). I believe are just on acts and what's in out hearts, not on what religion we followed in life.  

 

I'm not a fundamentalist either, I love studying science and bio every now and then(notable, the mix of my beliefs and  love of science means I'm quite versed in parapsychology and cryptozoology).

 

 

. 

[Windy Scamper 403]

Okay, I've had two response for the Bible Study, and from what I've heard, I think it would help if I explain my idea.

 

So, I was basically thinking of a discussion based Bible Class kinda feel. Over the course of a few months, we would study a book (or two, depending n length.) Each week we would read a few chapters, and then on some day (preferrably mid-week, so it wouldn't be back-o-back with actual church to spread out lessons) we would discuss it.

 

I assume I would "lead" the discussions, but all that I'll do is start the thread, and post if it gets inactive.

 

 

Now that I've explained it a bit more, if you are interested, please either quote or mention me along with an RSVP post. Again, I'm looking for a solid 10, but that does not mean it is exclusive to those 10; anyone is welcome to join anytime after the thread opens!

[akalink 163]

Whether you feel you need a church or not is one of those personal choices. I don't feel I need to, I disagree with the majority to much on to many issues to fit in, but I have nothing against the concept of a church. 

 

I don't feel there's a tally sheet for makes a Christian. I think it just comes to down being a good person as best you can. As for sin, my opinion is the simplest one, just don't be murdering, raping, pillaging(you know, be a decent human being, don't be a complete monster, it's not hard). I believe are just on acts and what's in out hearts, not on what religion we followed in life.  

 

Being a good person is not what leads to salvation. Grace by God is. Being a good person, going to church, giving to poor, withholding from sin are actions done in response to the Grace God has given us. Once grace has been received was also receive the holy spirit which works us to become more like Jesus. Its a long road nor is it an easy road. If you think being a good person leads to salvation go read Roman 1. If you think we don't need church go read some of Acts.

 

Speaking on the Bible study. I'd say we should do it on Skype. Do audio chat with several people. We might cut ourselves off a lot, but we can be clear to each other that way.

Edited July 30, 2013 by akalink

[Weekend Warrior 0]

I'm not Christian, but I am muslim but not serious.  I find religion kind of silly, especially since it starts wars and such.  God damn hindus...

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

Being a good person is not what leads to salvation. Grace by God is. Being a good person, going to church, giving to poor, withholding from sin are actions done in response to the Grace God has given us. Once grace has been received was also receive the holy spirit which works us to become more like Jesus. Its a long road nor is it an easy road. If you think being a good person leads to salvation go read Roman 1. If you think we don't need church go read some of Acts.

 

Speaking on the Bible study. I'd say we should do it on Skype. Do audio chat with several people. We might cut ourselves off a lot, but we can be clear to each other that way.

 

I think you just missed a big chunk of my post:. 

 

". The Bible can be a interesting point of study to reflect on, but divine inspiration or not, it was still written by a man with his flaws and agenda(I had a theory from people point all of the horrific things in it, a test to see who's following blindly and who can tell for themselves which is right and which is wrong, perhaps? That's just musing though.) "

 

 

and

 

"I disagree with the majority to much on to many issues to fit in, but I have nothing against the concept of a church. "

 

 

In essence, I believe in a wise and merciful God that judges people on what's in their heart and soul, not on how much you kissed up to him in church. He gave us free will for a reason, so we could find our path. 

 

Forgive me I didn't that last point across quite right, it's late and I'm barely working at this moment. 

 

And holy hell, I apologize to the English language for I'm doing to it. 

Edited July 30, 2013 by Shoboni

[DusK 1,264]

If your Christian beliefs hinge entirely on an oft-falsified and self-contradictory Bronze Age collection of texts instead of a personal spiritual relationship, you're really in no position to tell someone else they're doing it wrong.

[Flutterspark 48]

Yeah, unfortunately, with the whole gay debate going on, churches are doing one of two things, neither of which is right.. They either.... a) Conform to society and accept homosexuality as not being a sin. (Let the flame war begin, I know, but the Bible does say it's wrong. However, I am not a fan of option b either, if you keep reading this post.) The other thing churches seem to do is b.) Not necessarily as exterme as Westboro Baptist, but churches will hate on gays, and shout, and only had to the flames of this debate and continue to make the gay arguement stronger because of how they're acting. My main point is there's a christain way to deal with things, and please remember, everything you do represents christainity as a whole. I think a lot of people forget that. On another note, a while back, I asked if anyone was interested in a MLP Forums Bible Study. If anyone is interested, please quote this post or mention me and reply to say you are interested. If I get 10-15 people interested, I will start it, but anyone will still be welcome!

 

 

You, mam, are a rational Christian. Certainly, we need more people like you.

 

I would be interested in a Bible study, but I may need more details about exactly what would be expected before I commit.

 

Maybe we could do a trial week (or couple of weeks)?  See who really wants to stick with it?

 

- - -

 

On a side note, I find it rather amusing that there's been an atheist bronies thread set up in the time I've been gone. Hmmm, I wonder if our presence is causing some people to feel insecure...

 

- - -

 

 

 

I don't feel there's a tally sheet for makes a Christian. I think it just comes to down being a good person as best you can. As for sin, my opinion is the simplest one, just don't be murdering, raping, pillaging(you know, be a decent human being, don't be a complete monster, it's not hard). I believe are just on acts and what's in out hearts, not on what religion we followed in life.  

 

Sir, I believe you have missed the whole point of Christianity. God is not interested in "good people" or "decent people", he is interested in a whole new kind of person. If you allow Him, He will change you into a completely new kind of man. That man will be much more than a "good person". That man will be much more than a "decent person". That man will be like God. Like a "little Christ", to use C.S. Lewis's term. And He does this for His glory.

 

"If we let Him-for we can prevent Him, if we choose-He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said."

 

- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

 

But I encourage you to continue to search out the truth for yourself.

 

You might be interested in reading Mere Christianity, in which C.S. Lewis explains Christianity for the common layman (like myself). It's an incredibly intellectual book and it was huge eye-opener for me.

 

I found an online version here, if you're interested:

 

http://lib.ru/LEWISCL/mere_engl.txt

Edited July 30, 2013 by Flutterspark

[Null_user 126]

Not to butt into the middle of any conversations, but just wanted to add that I am a Christian as well. Presbyterian, PCA to be specific. Actually this thread is one of the reasons I joined the forum!

 

Please feel free to continue!

[Kira Dogeikage 230]

Eeeyup, right there with you man, I honestly don't care about what religion people are, but Christianity will always be my religion.

[Vapor Trail 85]

i am non-denominational christian who believes that while it is nice to have a church family, a church family is not necessary to be close to god.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

You, mam, are a rational Christian. Certainly, we need more people like you.

 

I would be interested in a Bible study, but I may need more details about exactly what would be expected before I commit.

 

Maybe we could do a trial week (or couple of weeks)?  See who really wants to stick with it?

 

- - -

 

On a side note, I find it rather amusing that there's been an atheist bronies thread set up in the time I've been gone. Hmmm, I wonder if our presence is causing some people to feel insecure...

 

- - -

 

 

 

 

Sir, I believe you have missed the whole point of Christianity. God is not interested in "good people" or "decent people", he is interested in a whole new kind of person. If you allow Him, He will change you into a completely new kind of man. That man will be much more than a "good person". That man will be much more than a "decent person". That man will be like God. Like a "little Christ", to use C.S. Lewis's term. And He does this for His glory.

 

"If we let Him-for we can prevent Him, if we choose-He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said."

 

- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

 

But I encourage you to continue to search out the truth for yourself.

 

You might be interested in reading Mere Christianity, in which C.S. Lewis explains Christianity for the common layman (like myself). It's an incredibly intellectual book and it was huge eye-opener for me.

 

I found an online version here, if you're interested:

 

http://lib.ru/LEWISCL/mere_engl.txt

 

 

I think in the end that's the beauty of, none of us here are right or wrong. We have to find our own path and follow it. 

 

Also, I believe that it's not about finding a road to perfection, but just trying our hardest and accepting and understanding that none of us our perfect. We're all humans and all flawed, it's what makes us. See the quote in my signature. 

[Windy Scamper 403]

Seeinbg the debate that has come up,.I would like to quote from one of the recent sermons at my church;

 

"The Bible tells us to repent. The definition of "repent" is to turn. Of course, this leads many people to believe that all they have to do is turn away from sin. But this leaves out the crucial part, the part that seperates Christains from good people. God commands us to not just turn away from sin, but in doing so, to turn to God."

 

 

 

I will look for a verse dealing with this, but in the meantime, I hope that clears things up.

[Flutterspark 48]

I think in the end that's the beauty of, none of us here are right or wrong. We have to find our own path and follow it. 

 

Also, I believe that it's not about finding a road to perfection, but just trying our hardest and accepting and understanding that none of us our perfect. We're all humans and all flawed, it's what makes us. See the quote in my signature. 

 

I appreciate the fact you are seriously considering my post, but I think you're still missing the point.

 

It's not about us at all, it's about God. God has put us in an all or nothing situation: We can accept God, follow Him, and be turned into a beautiful creature that works to His glory in every way. Or, we can choose not to follow God and, eventually, be turned into an awful, demon like creature who only knows hatred and cannot see the Light because he doesn't want to leave the darkness.

 

If we choose God, it must be because we truly want to serve Him, not for our own glory or perfection, but for His. Perfection is something that is thrown into the bargain, so to speak. (But please understand this is not a bargain, it is a gift.) It is only the Holy Spirit who can create this willingness in us, and there is only one pathway to becoming one of God's children.

 

In John 14:6, God speaks clearly on this point:

 

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV)

 

There is no other path to God apart from Jesus Christ.

 

And additionally, God tells us:

 

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

 

Perfection is not is not a goal. It is a command.

 

Now, certainly, God wants us to try our hardest, and He knows that we are flawed creatures. But God is the King of the Universe. He wants so much more from us than you or I even have to offer at the moment.

 

If you follow God, and He can only be followed through Jesus, God will make you into something perfect. He will not allow you to stay as you are, whether you like it or not.

Edited July 30, 2013 by Flutterspark

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I appreciate the fact you are seriously considering my post, but I think you're still missing the point.

 

It's not about us at all, it's about God. God has put us in an all or nothing situation: We can accept God, follow Him, and be turned into a beautiful creature that works to His glory in every way. Or, we can choose not to follow God and, eventually, be turned into an awful, demon like creature who only knows hatred and cannot see the Light because he doesn't want to leave the darkness.

 

If we choose God, it must be because we truly want to serve Him, not for our own glory or perfection, but for His. Perfection is something that is thrown into the bargain, so to speak. (But please understand this is not a bargain, it is a gift.) It is only the Holy Spirit who can create this willingness in us, and there is only one pathway to becoming one of God's children.

 

In John 14:6, God speaks clearly on this point:

 

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV)

 

There is no other path to God apart from Jesus Christ.

 

And additionally, God tells us:

 

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

 

Perfection is not is not a goal. It is a command.

 

Now, certainly, God wants us to try our hardest, and He knows that we are flawed creatures. But God is the King of the Universe. He wants so much more from us than you or I even have to offer at the moment.

 

If you follow God, and He can only be followed through Jesus, God will make you into something perfect. He will not allow you to stay as you are, whether you like it or not.

 

I mean no offense, I appreciate you're polite tone in voicing you're opinions, but I have to let this off my chest.

 

That attitude being demonstrated right there is why I disagree with the majority and don't attend church. As much as you don't see so, you're portraying God as judgmental, cruel, selfish, forceful and childish, and portraying Christianity as a whole as being self-centered and arrogant when you talk that way.

 

Also, I've repeated myself multiple times why using nothing but what's in the bible and what's been fed to you without your own self reflection is a bad idea.

 

I've though long and hard and reflected on it. I choose to believe in a wise and merciful God that that wouldn't be so petty as to turn his back on someone just because they've used the free-will he gave them and didn't spend their time here kissing up. I choose to believe in a God that never stops giving chances to those with good in their hearts until they walk up to those gates and deny him, and he can do no more. A God that doesn't do everything for us, but will stand by and give us the strength to fight for ourselves. 

 

Flaws are what makes use human, I heard said once that doing the right thing wouldn't be worth a damn if we didn't have the capacity for evil, because it wouldn't truly test our souls to blindly do the only thing were restrained to.

 

Again, I mean no offense, this is just what's truly on my mind and I'm one for sugar coating in a debate and in the end, I bare no quarrel with you over your personal choice to follow that doctrine if you're not harming anyone and it's what gets you though. Although, I do wish you the best and hope some of you with this view learn to find something deep in your faith this this apparent fear of what happens if you screw up. 

Edited July 31, 2013 by Shoboni

[akalink 163]

I mean no offense, I appreciate you're polite tone in voicing you're opinions, but I have to let this off my chest.

 

That attitude being demonstrated right there is why I disagree with the majority and don't attend church. As much as you don't see so, you're portraying God as judgmental, cruel, selfish, forceful and childish, and portraying Christianity as a whole as being self-centered and arrogant when you talk that way.

 

Also, I've repeated myself multiple times why using nothing but what's in the bible and what's been fed to you without your own self reflection is a bad idea.

 

I've though long and hard and reflected on it. I choose to believe in a wise and merciful God that that wouldn't be so petty as to turn his back on someone just because they've used the free-will he gave them and didn't spend their time here kissing up. I choose to believe in a God that never stops giving chances to those with good in their hearts until they walk up to those gates and deny him, and he can do no more. A God that doesn't do everything for us, but will stand by and give us the strength to fight for ourselves. 

 

Flaws are what makes use human, I heard said once that doing the right thing wouldn't be worth a damn if we didn't have the capacity for evil, because it wouldn't truly test our souls to blindly do the only thing were restrained to.

 

Again, I mean no offense, this is just what's truly on my mind and I'm one for sugar coating in a debate and in the end, I bare no quarrel with you over your personal choice to follow that doctrine if you're not harming anyone and it's what gets you though. Although, I do wish you the best and hope some of you with this view learn to find something deep in your faith this this apparent fear of what happens if you screw up. 

I think that if there is to be any more clarification to this debate, then we are going to need to look at scripture itself. I don't know what verses you are reading, and that is making it hard to communicate what we believe to each other.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I think that if there is to be any more clarification to this debate, then we are going to need to look at scripture itself. I don't know what verses you are reading, and that is making it hard to communicate what we believe to each other.

 

How many times do I have to re-instate my point. The Bible is not a be-all-end all answer. It's a book, a very nice book with some beautiful verse, yes, but a book(which I probably should read more). Divine inspiration or not, it was written by a man with flaws and the temptation to insert his own tract, as well as the inherent problem that it's view would be somewhat clouded by him writing things as he understood them. it should be seen as opinion and something to think on rather then the final say on matters

 

Let's not even look at the language barrier. The things been translated and re-written so many times you should be taking that Bible you bought as vague outline. Even if going by the oldest copies we have of scripture, no telling what little quirks and period oddities of the original language(I'm sorry, I don't recall what their written in) we're unaware all these centuries later The point being, even if was taken 100% literally we wouldn't know if we were reading it 100% correct to the last word. 

 

Also, and this is the big one. We shouldn't to be having to quote things to tell each other what we believe.

[akalink 163]

How many times do I have to re-instate my point. The Bible is not a be-all-end all answer. It's a book, a very nice book with some beautiful verse, yes, but a book(which I probably should read more). Divine inspiration or not, it was written by a man with flaws and the temptation to insert his own tract, as well as the inherent problem that it's view would be somewhat clouded by him writing things as he understood them. it should be seen as opinion and something to think on rather then the final say on matters

 

Let's not even look at the language barrier. The things been translated and re-written so many times you should be taking that Bible you bought as vague outline. Even if going by the oldest copies we have of scripture, no telling what little quirks and period oddities of the original language(I'm sorry, I don't recall what their written in) we're unaware all these centuries later The point being, even if was taken 100% literally we wouldn't know if we were reading it 100% correct to the last word. 

 

Also, and this is the big one. We shouldn't to be having to quote things to tell each other what we believe.

Our understanding of what the Bible could hardly be different. The Bible is the inspired word of God and inerrant. It is also the most critically analyzed ancient document in the history of man. The amount of copies we have is staggering, we have so many scholars can date when errors or "corrections" happened. When we make our modern Bibles they don't translate from the most recent edition they can find. They go into the quotations, papyrus, and anything they can get their hands on and translate from the most accurate version of the original Bible they can find. You are claiming that we can't trust the Bible because someone wrote it because that person probably had bias, yet you are basing your theology on your own thoughts and feelings of what you think Christianity should be.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

Our understanding of what the Bible could hardly be different. The Bible is the inspired word of God and inerrant. It is also the most critically analyzed ancient document in the history of man. The amount of copies we have is staggering, we have so many scholars can date when errors or "corrections" happened. When we make our modern Bibles they don't translate from the most recent edition they can find. They go into the quotations, papyrus, and anything they can get their hands on and translate from the most accurate version of the original Bible they can find. You are claiming that we can't trust the Bible because someone wrote it because that person probably had bias, yet you are basing your theology on your own thoughts and feelings of what you think Christianity should be.

 

That last part is doing some assuming on your part, I said those are my beliefs. Faith and belief varies drastically from person to person. The fact we have many branches of the church that believe different things to the extent they'd fight about it is proof of that, and the fact I can look up any verse and get several versions of it from different printings and versions of the book, and you have both been quoting from the singular copies you use

 

Example of differences:

 

King James Bible

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

 

Holman Christian Standard Bible

And I looked, and there was a pale green horse. The horseman on it was named Death, and Hades was following after him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by the wild animals of the earth

 

Weymouth New Testament

I looked and a pale-colored horse appeared. Its rider's name was Death, and Hades came close behind him; and authority was given to them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword or with famine or pestilence or by means of the wild beasts of the earth.

 

 

 

Oh, and a interesting version of Mathew 5:48

 

Weymouth New Testament

You however are to be complete in goodness, as your Heavenly Father is complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bare-bones truth is that nobody knows the one universal answer, so we all have to do the best with what we have. We could argue for until the sun burns up, but neither one of us would get anywhere.  

Edited July 31, 2013 by Shoboni

[Windy Scamper 403]

@@Shoboni

 

Part of the problem is that you used a "paraphrase" instead of an offical translation for the last example, so of course that one is different.

 

Also, if you look through the Bible, it is obvious that it is inspired, and there is much proof sugestting that it is true. The Bible is like a big speech from God on how to live our lives pleasing to him.

 

Also, God is merciful no matter how you look at it. The reason we have free will is because he wanted us in his own image, not a brain-washed being to worship him, because then there wouldn't be a loving bond. He however, cannot let everyone into heaven; he wants to, but it can't be.

 

Jesus died for all sins to be forgiven. Without him, everyone would be going to hell, and honestly, we all sin, and therfore we all deserve it. God loves everyone, and wants everyone to come to heaven, but in order for that to happen....now here's the key part...you have to get out of the clutches of the devil, or else you'll be pulled into hell. And the only way to do that is through Christ, because by dying, he overcame the devil.

 

This means you have to be with Christ, in the body and in him. Like I said earlier, there is a difference between living a Christain life and being a good person. We have to live our lives for Christ, and bring others to him. He is not judgemental, no, but he has to be able to pull you out from the devil's clutches.

 

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. ~Heb 5:8-9

 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you. ~Acts 3:19-20

[Flutterspark 48]

Our understanding of what the Bible could hardly be different. The Bible is the inspired word of God and inerrant. It is also the most critically analyzed ancient document in the history of man. The amount of copies we have is staggering, we have so many scholars can date when errors or "corrections" happened. When we make our modern Bibles they don't translate from the most recent edition they can find. They go into the quotations, papyrus, and anything they can get their hands on and translate from the most accurate version of the original Bible they can find. You are claiming that we can't trust the Bible because someone wrote it because that person probably had bias, yet you are basing your theology on your own thoughts and feelings of what you think Christianity should be.

 

Yes! Another person on this forum who believes the Bible is inerrant.

 

It is an honor to meet you.

 

 

I mean no offense, I appreciate you're polite tone in voicing you're opinions, but I have to let this off my chest.

 

That attitude being demonstrated right there is why I disagree with the majority and don't attend church. As much as you don't see so, you're portraying God as judgmental, cruel, selfish, forceful and childish, and portraying Christianity as a whole as being self-centered and arrogant when you talk that way.

 

Also, I've repeated myself multiple times why using nothing but what's in the bible and what's been fed to you without your own self reflection is a bad idea.

 

I've though long and hard and reflected on it. I choose to believe in a wise and merciful God that that wouldn't be so petty as to turn his back on someone just because they've used the free-will he gave them and didn't spend their time here kissing up. I choose to believe in a God that never stops giving chances to those with good in their hearts until they walk up to those gates and deny him, and he can do no more. A God that doesn't do everything for us, but will stand by and give us the strength to fight for ourselves. 

 

Flaws are what makes use human, I heard said once that doing the right thing wouldn't be worth a damn if we didn't have the capacity for evil, because it wouldn't truly test our souls to blindly do the only thing were restrained to.

 

Again, I mean no offense, this is just what's truly on my mind and I'm one for sugar coating in a debate and in the end, I bare no quarrel with you over your personal choice to follow that doctrine if you're not harming anyone and it's what gets you though. Although, I do wish you the best and hope some of you with this view learn to find something deep in your faith this this apparent fear of what happens if you screw up. 

 

First up, thanks for your openness. I personally don't find debating a very enjoyable activity. (And yet I, like so many others, find it difficult to walk away from them. Hmmm. Unhealthy habit, wouldn't you say?) However, debates are wonderful tools for helping you to work out exactly what your own beliefs are. Trying to explain a concept to someone else is a great way to understand it yourself, in my humble opinion. You've given me some food for thought, I hope I've given you some in return.

 

I just wrote some different things I could say now, but I found myself deleting them. The problem is that you do not accept the Bible as unerring. We have no common ground.

 

MINOR EDIT: The problem is that you do not accept the Bible as the unerring Word of God. You don't hold it in a position of authority. You are basically disregarding the very thing all of Christianity is based off.

 

However, I will give my response to some of the statements you made.

 

First, "Flaws are what makes us human"? What were Adam and Eve then? God is what makes us truly "human", in the good sense of the word. You'll find that the most inhumane people are the ones furthest from God.

 

You go on to mention "this apparent fear of what happens if you screw up".  One, I never said I had a fear of screwing up. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again to save me from the unbearable (but just) consequences of my sins. I have eternal life in Him now, and so can everyone else. Two, what does my opinion on that have to do with what we are discussing?

 

Your most recent post I read as I was still writing this. I think you are arguing that because there are multiple, different translations of the Bible, we can't trust any one of them? That's rather silly, in my opinion. Just because there are multiple English interpretations for the same original text does not mean the original text is bogus. If you look at the trusted, verified, and well known translations such as the New King James Version or the New International Version, you'll find that they give the same meaning on every verse, just using different words to express it. Still, none of this has any bearing on the original text.

 

You then go on to write "... nobody knows the one universal answer ...". That's a very gloomy statement to make, and I assure you that it is a false one, too.

 

It is God who provides that universal answer. Indeed, if God is wise and merciful like you say (and He is), why wouldn't He provide answers so that we may know more about Him and grow closer to Him?

 

Lastly, you say "We could argue for until the sun burns up, but neither one of us would get anywhere." The reason we are not getting anywhere is because we have been rapidly losing common ground, rather than gaining it. On the contrary, Christians on a whole have gotten somewhere. And that somewhere is a very wonderful place.

 

...And look at me, I've just written a 2000 character post after I already said that we have no common ground.

 

It's been good talking with you, Shoboni. Thank you for your politeness.

 

I'm going to drop out of this debate, but if we switch to another topic, I'll always be happy to give my input. (Actually, that's more likely the real problem xD)

 

If you would like to know more about the Universal Answer, I again recommend you to read C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity. Please PM me with your questions if you ever do. Here's the link to that so-so online version again:

 

http://lib.ru/LEWISCL/mere_engl.txt

 

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Oh my, Windy Scamper just got her post in before I could do mine! Now it'll look like I just ignored the post above me. Ah, well, I'm sure things will work out.

Edited July 31, 2013 by Flutterspark