Christian bronies: meet, greet, and mingle!

[Steel Accord 6,660]

i cant remember where it is in the bible, probably proverbs, but it actually talks about ornamenting the tree and how it was sinful of the Israelites to do so. also have you ever read Beowulf? it actually talks a lot about the bible in it.

 

I LOVE Beowulf!  He was among the first proper heroes I was ever introduced to as a child. Fun fact, some anthropologists think that those Biblical and Christian elements were added on top of the predecessor faith. Perhaps as intentional discrediting, maybe sincere belief that the Christian hero is fighting the demons of the old guard, maybe by devout followers of the Aesir who were influenced by the new faith. Consider also, King Arthur, who went from Celtic Briton native to proper English king. Actually it's funny how Merlin is often thought of as a Druid or connection to the old faith where Arthur represents the new Covenant coming into power on Earth.

 

Anyway in terms of the story itself, it's funny how things seep into our subconscious because Grendel's Mother is now who I think of and compare to whenever the villain or monster of a story is out to avenge an offspring that was killed by the heroes. Heorot has also become something of a fixation of mine, I mean you can only be told of such a place of fun and celebration before you start to imagine what it looks like in its mythically idealized realization. I also wonder if my enjoyment of swimming wasn't at all influenced by Beowulf's rather frequent underwater battles. (He was like the proto-Aquaman.) Interesting to consider what stories and myths might have influenced who you are today right?

Edited December 11, 2015 by Steel Accord

[Lithophila 291]

Pride is basically a sin if you think of yourself above all others, not to be confused with pride of a job well done.

 

Also, there is some interesting question i have. I always have one lol

But lets say there were some pagans. In this game there... well its a pretty awful game due to how nerve wrecking it can be of a psychopathic foster mother who is into the Wicca religion, not saying all wiccas are bad. But basically she's into occultism and usually uses to cut of the heads of crows as a ritual and stuff, which is probably to another god than the one true god. Now, would it be acceptable if lets say one where to christianize this music to win pagans over if many were into it? Just kinda asking a hypothetical question. Or maybe some would find it too awful? I know Christmas is more or less harmless. But just in case something was brought up in the old days.

http://clocktower.wikia.com/wiki/Demon_Idol

 

Beowulf is pretty good

 

Also. I am not sure if you have tried this but i kinda like it. You play as warriors on a map. But there is somewhat of an orthodox priest or monk in this game. I just like the mumbling etc. Atleast what i think it looks like. Basically you go there if some of your friends are dead or if you are hurt. Then you'll get healed.

2:33 - 3:18

It may just be a coincidence. But it said "Anak" so i searched for it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anak

Edited December 11, 2015 by Lithophila

[Steel Accord 6,660]

 

 

In this game there... well its a pretty awful game due to how nerve wrecking it can be of a psychopathic foster mother who is into the Wicca religion, not saying all wiccas are bad. But basically she's into occultism and usually uses to cut of the heads of crows as a ritual and stuff, which is probably to another god than the one true god. Now, would it be acceptable if lets say one where to christianize this music to win pagans over if many were into it? Just kinda asking a hypothetical question. Or maybe some would find it too awful?

 

Well the thing is, back in the day most people weren't well educated. You could pull the wool over the eyes of the masses very easily because things like basic schooling, literacy, and knowledge weren't democratized so conjuring magic and saying your way is better would work.

 

You can't really do that now. I even just got done saying how taking one religion and just slapping your imagery or symbols over it in order to make it more exciting and appealing is all well in good in terms of entertainment, but NOT as a way to preach the gospel.

 

The thing is, just "Christianizing" (how would you even do that?) otherwise Wiccan music for the sake of conversion is deceitful, it's a trick, a trap even. It's treating them like their decision to worship is based on smoke and mirrors rather than a thought out conclusion they've made to themselves and if they JUST were to "see the Light" then of course they would turn on a dime!

 

I mean, how would you feel if someone took a hymnal and changed the words to be about Diana, Pan, and awakening one's own magic within? Would that "win you over?" Or would you feel insulted that someone honestly thought some name swapping was enough to change your entire religious worldview?

 

The best way to convert anyone to Christianity is to just BE Christian. Live the lessons Jesus taught, be a good and well balanced person. Trust me I can speak from experience that people do notice when your behavior is consistently sincere, kind, and giving. They'll wonder why and you can then explain to them your Christian view, because they're the one asking. It's their initiative, you're not forcing it on them.

 

(P.S. I hate horror games and Clock Tower is no exception. She should have left in the car and come back with a S.W.A.T. team.)

[Lithophila 291]

Hmm good answer. But Christmas and Easter is traditionally been used to celebrate Jesus too. So in a way its not as pagan as one might think. Even if lets say people do stuff like wrapping in presents and making chicken eggs etc.

 

 

Also... i found this hillarious Monty Python skit on protestants. If i am not wrong they interpret this differently. I think the idea in catholic christianity is that if you have sex with your wife for pleasure then impurity is added. But in protestantism if i am not wrong this is not the case, impurity is more or less if you think evil thoughts at another person or stuff that keeps you stray from god, while stuff that "in the beginning god made Eve for it is not good for a man to be alone" or "Jesus said a man and a women should marry and become one". So they dont see eye to eye on that it seems

 

Either way, really funny skit in my view. Not a huge Monty Python fan but i liked this one.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

 

 

If i am not wrong they interpret this differently. I think the idea in catholic christianity is that if you have sex with your wife for pleasure then impurity is added.

 

No it's not "impurity is added" I'm not even sure what you mean by that. Catholics are traditionally against using contraceptives so anytime a man and wife have sex they are at a chance of having another kid.

 

This is just as much a cultural skit as it is a religious one. Because Catholics in the U.K. are typically Irish and the Irish are known for reproducing like rabbits and their marriages more fraught with "marital joy." Where the more traditionally Protestant Englishmen are more retrained and some would say emotionally repressed even in matters of love.

 

The joke is on both parties, they are making fun of the Irish Catholics ridiculously large families and uninhibited physical expression of love, as well as the English Protestant almost unfeeling social marriage of convenience.

 

 

 

Not a huge Monty Python fan but i liked this one.

 

How can one NOT be a fan of Monty Python, they're hilarious! 

[Lithophila 291]

No it's not "impurity is added" I'm not even sure what you mean by that. Catholics are traditionally against using contraceptives so anytime a man and wife have sex they are at a chance of having another kid.

 

This is just as much a cultural skit as it is a religious one. Because Catholics in the U.K. are typically Irish and the Irish are known for reproducing like rabbits and their marriages more fraught with "marital joy." Where the more traditionally Protestant Englishmen are more retrained and some would say emotionally repressed even in matters of love.

 

The joke is on both parties, they are making fun of the Irish Catholics ridiculously large families and uninhibited physical expression of love, as well as the English Protestant almost unfeeling social marriage of convenience.

 

 

 

 

How can one NOT be a fan of Monty Python, they're hilarious! 

Its all in good fun. For some reason i feel protestantism came to just be edgy . Or i might just've been watching too much Hellsing again.

 

But i guess the model idea is what Jesus did. Kinda with pharisees who sorta said "look washing hands is important" and Jesus was like "Prrft traditions has nothing to do with God's words :P" so i guess thats the main idea more or less i feel with protestantic christianity. Although i've heard catholics using the 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to sorta defend. Although protestants likely means the teachings of what Paul said and not in terms of what became canon later in terms of traditions, like "Praying to Rosary" which is really a new tradition from 15th century. But it doesn't matter i think so much. Since they still believe the same thing :grin2:

Edited December 11, 2015 by Lithophila

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Its all in good fun. For some reason i feel protestantism came to just be edgy . Or i might just've been watching too much Hellsing again.

 

The ladder. The Protestant Reformation was desperately needed and was not started simply for the act of rebelling. Martin Luther was a priest after all, and he brought his 95 Theses to the attention of the Church not as an act of defiance but a well intentioned address of internal reform. The Church rejected his thoughts and excommunicated him.

 

The Protestant faith is not something you take up to defy convention or as an outlet for childish angst. It's a show of devotion to the very basic fundamentals of Christian thought.

 

(And again, I would caution against using an anime to shape one's impression of a Christian sect.)

Edited December 11, 2015 by Steel Accord

[Sunwalker 981]

But i guess the model idea is what Jesus did. Kinda with pharisees who sorta said "look washing hands is important" and Jesus was like "Prrft traditions has nothing to do with God's words :P" so i guess thats the main idea more or less i feel with protestantic christianity. Although i've heard catholics using the 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to sorta defend. Although protestants likely means the teachings of what Paul said and not in terms of what became canon later in terms of traditions, like "Praying to Rosary" which is really a new tradition from 15th century. But it doesn't matter i think so much. Since they still believe the same thing

 

That's the second time here you mention the Rosary. Back in the first time I avoided to reply because I wasn't liking dition that the thread was taking back then, but now I am going to say it: I have absolutely no clue what your beef with the Rosary is supposed to be. It is more a wordplay than anything else, you just switch the meaning of "tradition" mid sentence.

 

Back when I first mentioned "Tradition" (with capital "T"), which are the verbal teachings of Christ. It comes from God, either through the written word of the Bible or through the oral teaching of Christ himself or his apostles. Because it is revealed by God, divine Tradition may not be altered by men. But now in the beginning of the sentence you start using use the word "tradition" (lowercase "t") meaning custom, and at the middle you switch the meaning to Divine Tradition. This is a trivial mistake of text interpretation.

 

What Jesus criticizes is empty customs, keyword is "EMPTY". Which refers to those formalities that one does just for the sake of being well seen, to stand out, because of vanity. Those things should be done in order to honor God, not to get some status. The criticism is towards an attitude, not the existence of human customs. Heck, can you imagine any human society with no customs at all? Jesus got up early in the morning to go to pray in the mount, even this is a custom by itself. Any religious practice is also a custom

 

I cannot even begin to fathom why you see praying the Rosary as a problematic thing. There are countless other prayers out there, from Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants but neither of them seems to be a problem. The only time that Jesus taught a prayer was the Our Father, but that wasn't the only prayer he did and neither the only prayer at all. As long some prayer is in accordance with God's word, there are nothing wrong with it.

 

And there are absolutely in the Rosary that goes against God. The Creed is the summary of the premises of the Christian faith. The Our Father was taught by Christ himself. The Hail Mary and the Hail Queen are based on the annunciation of Archangel Gabriel to Mary and the Magnificat (which is the salutation that Mary's cousin Elizabeth gave her when she came to visit to aid in the pregnancy). The Glory is, sorry for the redundancy, giving glory three times to God, which isn't wrong at all.

 

On the top of that, in each decade people meditate a key part of Christ's life, which comes straight from the Gospels:

• The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary
• The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
• The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
• The Presentation of our Lord
• Finding Jesus in the Temple at age 12
• The Agony of Jesus in the Garden
• The Scourging at the Pillar
• Jesus is Crowned with Thorns
• Jesus Carried the Cross
• The Crucifixion of our Lord
• The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
• The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
• The Descent of the Holy Ghost
• The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
• Mary is Crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth
• The Baptism in the Jordan
• The Wedding at Cana
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom
• The Transfiguration
• The Institution of the Eucharist

There are absolutely nothing here that goes against the words of God.  I recommend reading this on the history of the Rosary:

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-rosary

 

 

I think the idea in catholic christianity is that if you have sex with your wife for pleasure then impurity is added.

 

For Catholics, marriage has two purposes: unitive and procreative. Procreative is self explanatory. Unitive means to bond man and woman who love each other. There are nothing wrong on itself on the pleasure part of sex, but it is part of the process and not the whole thing, and not the goal of sex. If one seeks sex just for the sake of pleasure that is selfish because you are just using the other person, it is necessary that both love each other, and that both donate themselves to each other selflessly. Pleasure is fine when it is the consequence of the love between husband and wife.

 

About preservatives, that isn't a custom, that is a moral rule. They are very different things. The problem with them is that they break the procreative purpose of sex. The sexual act does not necessarily have to end in conception, but it must be open to life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the position about preservatives on §2366 to §2372.

[RaritySparkleArtist 1,244]

here, , we should be together in this world

[Lithophila 291]

I don't know why the word "Sheep" or "Shepple" is bad ^^. I consider it an honor. You are led by a righteous almighty good person who watch over his flock. Not to be confused with "Ignorant" or "blind" or "Lack of knowledge". I think its cozy, we being the flock who the good shepherd watches over ^^

Its a cozy heartwarming feeling ^^

[Reading Heart 167]

Some folks have issue with the term 'sheep' but, in terms of how we relate to God in our broken world, though our broken selves, it's a very appropriate definition.  Broken is a good imagine for what sin has done to us, and the life of Jesus give's clarity to what God really wants from us, there is a lot about his death on the cross, and it's important and foundational, but there are also very important things that the life of Jesus can teach us.

 

On a slightly different note, Psalms 23 is a beautiful one.

[Lithophila 291]

If anyone is interested. Here is the earliest evidence that more or less proves the typical Christian traditions by Catholics and Orthodox, earliest reference of Catechism. Its usually dated early 1st century, and maybe 2nd century. Some say 40,, 60 ad, and some say 120 ad. But its very interesting getting the traditions known. Also it shares some similarity to the gospel of matthew. So thats pretty interesting

Although the writer is unknown, which i guess doesn't matter so much since it dates so early in terms of insight

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didache

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder. Who is your favorite historical Christian person. In my view its Martin Luther King. His speech always moves me when i hear it. Such gifted words.

Edited December 12, 2015 by Lithophila

[Sunwalker 981]

 

 

Who is your favorite historical Christian person.

 

It is a hard choice , but if I have to pick one I say it is Angelo Roncalli, more known as Pope John XXIII. He was a pope during the first half of the 20^th century, a very difficult time of History, marked by war and political tensions. During that time he helped to save many Jews from the Nazis, which earned him the title of "Righteous Gentile". He was known to be a very simple and humble man

[Kiri 7,289]

Hi everyone! I thought I'd posted here but I guess not. I'm Christian (nondenominational) and am glad for this thread! Nice to meet you all. ^^

Edited December 13, 2015 by Quartzy

[Reading Heart 167]

Hello Quartzy, good to hear from you.

 

Favorite historical christian eh?  There are a lot of good options, I like the one's mentioned so far.. I'd say one of my favorites in the last century would be Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a german pastor and theologian who defied the Nazis to the point of death.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietrich_Bonhoeffer

[Lithophila 291]

May the love of God bless you. I welcome you to this thread. I hope you'll enjoy your stay

 

Edit: I may have posted this one before. But i really love this. Maybe it is because i remember it so much as a child, but i feel literally its the prayers of the saints pouring out to the 24 elders in heaven surrounding Jesus on the throne. Its just so beautiful i think.

 

 

And btw. I found something i liked in the game. Its interesting but in the eastern palace, the symbol "Star of David" was there in the original game on the tile. But was censored with a random symbol in the English version. Its also a little bit relevant considering Jonathan and David were good friends. And what you get in the treasure chest is a big key which unlocks bow and arrow in the big treasure chest. So it can in a way symbolize friendship, considering Jonathan allowed David to borrow his bow and arrows when he was chased by King Saul.

6:02 - 7:00

 

I think this game can be like.... 100 years old, and its still great as it was back then!!!

 

 

 

btw i was in mass today in catholic church. (Didn't take the communion though since i am well aware you have to confess sins before participating in it). But yeah i think its a great community

Edited December 13, 2015 by Lithophila

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

 

 

I don't know why the word "Sheep" or "Shepple" is bad ^^.

 

Rounded up, controlled, having their young taken away and butchered... the whole 'mindlessly doing what you are told' aspect. Certainly my experience of herding sheep is that the ******* are far from cooperative or compliant, and are often intelligent enough to cause trouble, but the whole idea that sheep are easily controlled is widespread and has an element of truth in it.

 

I did hear a very interesting talk by one chap about shepherding in Judea, which he was using to illustrate a different biblical point but which I shall adapt here, where he explained that shepherding in Judea was (and often still is) very different to shepherding in the UK. Then, a shepherd would have to spread their flock over a large area for them to find enough grass to eat (Judea is a very mountainous area with very limited grazing) and when gathering the flock a shepherd would have to rely a fair bit on the sheep's inclination to return to the flock - quite a contrast to the strict animal control and pasture management regimes that are more common in the UK (and elsewhere) today, which is what I believe that people refer to when they call others 'sheep' or 'shepple' (assuming that they do understand the reference they are making - using such a label without understanding would be such beautiful hypocrisy.)

 

That perspective gives a very interesting insight into the sheep / shepherd dynamic that would have been well understood by the people that Jesus addressed, which is useful to know when reading the parables (which I've always particularly liked.)

[Lithophila 291]

Meh. After thinking some more. Catholic church or orthodox for that matter isnt for me. Its more rule based and not so much worshipped based. Not saying it isnt, but the priority feels so different than when i read the bible and it says "You are saved by faith, work is dead" by Apostle Paul to the gentiles or "Rejoice in the lord" as you get in the epistles

[Sunwalker 981]

Meh. After thinking some more. Catholic church or orthodox for that matter isnt for me. Its more rule based and not so much worshipped based. Not saying it isnt, but the priority feels so different than when i read the bible and it says "You are saved by faith, work is dead" by Apostle Paul to the gentiles or "Rejoice in the lord" as you get in the epistles

I am really trying to stay away from interdenominational debates, for the sake of courtesy and diplomacy. But you aren't making things any easier. I will still try to address it without getting into into disputes, though.

 

First. The Bible also says: "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). The consequence of having a honest faith is living it, works are a natural consequence here, not the reason of salvation. Conversely, we can conclude that someone who says to be a Christian, but don't practise it, is a liar. Heck, the Bible even says something in these lines: "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." (1 John 4:20).

 

I think we already went through this: the demons of Hell know that God exists, so this by itself should suffice to let clear that just believing in God is not the enough. You speak like just believing and nothing else should suffice. Be careful, you are oversimplifying things. There is much more to the Christian faith than "rejoicing". It is not supposed to be a walk in the park, the faith is called "the narrow path" for a reason, you have to pick your cross and follow Christ. And carrying the cross is not exactly a party.

 

Second. I have learned that replying to some unfounded accusation gives some validity to it. If someone asks "Have you stopped beating your wife?", I will be compromising myself no matter what I answer, even if I say "yes" it implies that I have beaten the wife at some point. That is why I will not even address that the Catholic Church supposedly does not worship God enough.

Edited December 14, 2015 by Sunwalker

[Lithophila 291]

First. The Bible also says: "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). The consequence of having a honest faith is living it, works are a natural consequence here, not the reason of salvation. Conversely, we can conclude that someone who says to be a Christian, but don't practise it, is a liar. Heck, the Bible even says something in these lines: "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." (1 John 4:20).

 

First of all. James was a practicing jew. Law of Moses was pretty law based so you thats easy to say against, while the stuff talked from Paul was to the non circumcised, the gentiles, or you have been circumcised in christ as he described it by faith alone and not works. And that down below means to not treat your fellows as dirt. Or love people as i loved you to say the least.

Edited December 14, 2015 by Lithophila

[Zach TheDane 234]

I'm no great authority on the Catholic or Orthodox church, but since people have been discussing it a lot lately, I figured I'd offer a new perspective.  When it boils down to it, the thing that matters in ANY denomination, any form of Christian tradition or form of worship, is the gospel.  The Word of God revealed to us in Jesus is EVERYTHING we need to know what is true and good and what is false and wrong.  If a church holds the real, unaltered gospel as the complete authority over their worship, then logistics really don't matter that much.  It's why Jesus told people "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No man comes to the Father except through me."  Jesus was very clear that only His way was the way to salvation, and everything else was unnecessary.  Whether that message is taught through a Baptist church or a Catholic church, I don't care, as long as it's preached.  I have plenty of problems with both the Protestant and Catholic church, but the churches I have been to that are the healthiest and most vibrant are the ones who realize that only the gospel of Jesus Christ and the unfiltered Word of God are their authority.  So yeah, hope I contributed.  I'm really enjoying the discussions here!

[Reading Heart 167]

Ah, well, I was trying to avoid getting into the discussion here, but it comes down to this, when tradition and ritual becomes more important then relationship and love, with regards to our relationship with God, then it forms a problem.  Inter-doctrinal disputes are not really something that are worth too much of our time.  Division, anger and accusations are the devil's game, let's try and avoid playing that particular game, it's one that no one wins.  

 

Instead, let's embrace mercy and assume the best of one another, after all, the Lord commands us to 'love one another', it's not an easy thing, but it is a worthwhile thing.  There are followers of Jesus in every denomination, and there are those who are sadly 'only going though the motions' in all of them.  This is part of the parable of the wheat and the tares.  

 

Following Jesus will bring you face to face with joy and sorrow, it's an amazing wonder that  is both incredibly simple in implementation, and amazingly hard to reach that point.  The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus, and your focus upon the cross, and reliance on the holy Spirit.. it's not a one time thing, it's a daily, sometimes even hourly return to thing.  

 

Hmm, I wrote this in the last week, perhaps it will help redirect us to something more then disagreements about specific denominational differences.

 

Devotion

Lord, I give you my heart
My own self to deny
My soul, for you set apart
Upon your Spirit, I rely
And trust your life to impart

On your altar, my self I place
Transform me, in your Spirit's fire
Your word, my foundations base
You, my only treasure and desire
By faith, I run your chosen race

Daily, to the cross I turn
Your blood the only way
Your salvation, nothing I can earn
Draw me closer, I continually pray
Toward your heart I ever yearn

All I can give, in worshipful adoration
Never can compare to your boundless love
Which your willing sacrifice set in motion
Opening the way to heaven above
To you, my eternal and lasting devotion

[Lithophila 291]

Protestantic church is wrong... Why?

Because.

Source:

17:16 - 17:52

 

Basically you can't take part in the communion before having confessed your sins. Which is the opposite of what the protestantic view teaches, and Didache is dated to like 40,60 or in 2nd century AD. So i have more or less not a choice now.

Edited December 14, 2015 by Lithophila

[Reading Heart 167]

Actually, that's not entirely true, there are Protestant's groups who hold that taking part in communion also involves confession of sins, and I've know teachers within the Protestant churches to tell people to be careful about taking communion without reverence and proper preparation, including confession... but there is a critical problem you will find regardless of where you go.. that of imperfect people following a perfect God..

 

to quote someone else.. 

 

There's an old joke that says if you're looking for the perfect church and you find it, don't join it -or else you'll ruin it!

The point of the joke is easy to see. A perfect church simply doesn't exist. Every church consists of people, and it's all those people that cause the problems. 

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

 

 

Meh. After thinking some more. Catholic church or orthodox for that matter isnt for me.

 

 

 

Protestantic church is wrong... Why? Because.

 

 

Look, if you think that there is a serious issue with one or another Christian denomination then there is a time and a place (when you have had time to think more about it and in the debate pit to give the precise time and place.) Whilst this is a thread in which it is absolutely fine to ask for help on various denominations (to which @@Sunwalker kindly obliged in an admirably impartial and, to me at least, enlightening and educating manner) proceeding to denounce one denomination or another, even if not through malice, isn't really the best way to announce your conclusions.

 

If you really think that one or all of the denominations have Christianity completely wrong then so be it, you can identify as non-denominational or as your own specific denomination as you desire. But in much the same way as dealing with non-Christians, if you go about spreading your belief in the wrong manner (i.e. aggressively, insensitively, etc) then it will actually be counter-productive and detrimental to all involved.