Christian Discussion Thread II

[Dyakovo]

I'm curious and want to know, what motivates people to believe in religion (besides fear)? I simply don't get it personally.

I believe in God because now I have a purpose, a destiny, a new life in Christ, and my past no longer matters. I have seen God work in my life and through my life; and the best part, is he promises to give me hope and a future. Since I've become a Christian I have confidence in Him. That's all the motivation I need
So I guess the answer to your question would be love, because Paul said "Now there are three left: Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love."

Your past is part of who you are, thus it always matters.

[Dieu Vous Benisse]

I believe in God because now I have a purpose, a destiny, a new life in Christ, and my past no longer matters. I have seen God work in my life and through my life; and the best part, is he promises to give me hope and a future. Since I've become a Christian I have confidence in Him. That's all the motivation I need
So I guess the answer to your question would be love, because Paul said "Now there are three left: Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love."

Your past is part of who you are, thus it always matters.

My past is behind me, and I choose to forget that part of who I was, because who I am now is so much better

[Dyakovo]

Your past is part of who you are, thus it always matters.

My past is behind me, and I choose to forget that part of who I was, because who I am now is so much better

So basically you converted to avoid personal responsibility...

[The Archregimancy]

<post now deleted>

I already did... That was autocorrect screwing things up...

Happens to the best of us! Which likely explains why I turn autocorrect off...

I've taken the liberty of deleting my own post reacting to the unfortunate autocorrect, and edited it out of your reply above so that no record of that unfortunate little accident remains.

Seemed only fair to you in order to avoid further misunderstandings since it wasn't really your fault, and you quickly corrected the error.

Clearly the person who programmed your autocorrect isn't from Salt Lake City

[Dyakovo]

I already did... That was autocorrect screwing things up...

Happens to the best of us! Which likely explains why I turn autocorrect off...

I've taken the liberty of deleting my own post reacting to the unfortunate autocorrect, and edited it out of your reply above so that no record of that unfortunate little accident remains.

Seemed only fair to you in order to avoid further misunderstandings since it wasn't really your fault, and you quickly corrected the error.

Clearly the person who programmed your autocorrect isn't from Salt Lake City

Or is, and just really hates Mormons...

[Dieu Vous Benisse]

My past is behind me, and I choose to forget that part of who I was, because who I am now is so much better

So basically you converted to avoid personal responsibility...

Well, when you put it that way... No, I converted because I became cognizant of an error in my ways and made a change for the better. Not to say I did not take responsibility for previous grievances.

[Protora (Ancient)]

I don't think my question regarding homosexuality was ever answered. I am anti- gay, but I am one of those people who still listens to other people's point of views.

Many geared towards others who are anti- gay, but all may reply-

Why should homosexuality be illegal other than for moral reasons?

[The Archregimancy]

I'm not a Manichee or a Zoroastrian; I don't deal in black and white dualistic oppositions.

So are witnesses Christian?

It is to my understanding that they do not believe in the trinity.....

I haven't once specifically stated in this thread that any group are or aren't Christian, which is possibly where the misunderstanding here lies.

My argument has been twofold:

1) That a group or individual's self-definition should never be taken as an automatic and inerrant guide to external acceptance of that self-definition.

2) That, theologically, Vazdania's statement that his own beliefs are 'close' to those of the LDS church is at best misleading since he rejects most of the core theology of that church. My long list of important LDS doctrinal beliefs wasn't intended as a list of things that are necessarily "the opposite of ... what defines a Christian", to use your phrase, but was rather intended as a list of LDS dogma that I thought Vazdania likely rejects. His response to that list indeed indicates that his own beliefs are further away from those of the LDS church than his initial statements would indicate.



Dyakovo has raised a separate point about whether members of the LDS movement necessarily believe in the literal truth of the Book of Mormon that I'd like to address at some point - in fact I've written on that in some detail in the past, particularly as regards the leaders of the Community of Christ openly arguing for an allegorical interpretation - but I regrettably lack the time at this moment; but I'd like to come back to this in a day or two.

[Dieu Vous Benisse]

I don't think my question regarding homosexuality was ever answered. I am anti- gay, but I am one of those people who still listens to other people's point of views.

Many geared towards others who are anti- gay, but all may reply-

Why should homosexuality be illegal other than for moral reasons?

Well, for one, if everyone was homosexual, humanity would die. It's unnatural. Also, if anti-gays believe it is morally wrong, exposing our children to . such a lifestyle would be revolting for a parent to not have control over.
Not that these are personally my beliefs.

[Dyakovo]

I don't think my question regarding homosexuality was ever answered. I am anti- gay, but I am one of those people who still listens to other people's point of views.

Many geared towards others who are anti- gay, but all may reply-

Why should homosexuality be illegal other than for moral reasons?

There is no reason, moral or otherwise.

[Dyakovo]

So are witnesses Christian?

It is to my understanding that they do not believe in the trinity.....

I haven't once specifically stated in this thread that any group are or aren't Christian, which is possibly where the misunderstanding here lies.

My argument has been twofold:

1) That a group or individual's self-definition should never be taken as an automatic and inerrant guide to external acceptance of that self-definition.

2) That, theologically, Vazdania's statement that his own beliefs are 'close' to those of the LDS church is at best misleading since he rejects most of the core theology of that church. My long list of important LDS doctrinal beliefs wasn't intended as a list of things that are necessarily "the opposite of ... what defines a Christian", to use your phrase, but was rather intended as a list of LDS dogma that I thought Vazdania likely rejects. His response to that list indeed indicates that his own beliefs are further away from those of the LDS church than his initial statements would indicate.



Dyakovo has raised a separate point about whether members of the LDS movement necessarily believe in the literal truth of the Book of Mormon that I'd like to address at some point - in fact I've written on that in some detail in the past, particularly as regards the leaders of the Community of Christ openly arguing for an allegorical interpretation - but I regrettably lack the time at this moment; but I'd like to come back to this in a day or two.

Granted, my sample size isn't particularly large, none of the Mormons I've known (and all have been LDS members) have believed that the book of Mormon is the literal truth...
Rather like none of the other Christians I've known irl (except one, possibly) have believed the bible is the literal truth.

[Protora (Ancient)]

I don't think my question regarding homosexuality was ever answered. I am anti- gay, but I am one of those people who still listens to other people's point of views.

Many geared towards others who are anti- gay, but all may reply-

Why should homosexuality be illegal other than for moral reasons?

There is no reason, moral or otherwise.

I know not everyone believes in God, and I oppose homosexuality only for moral reasons, but I want to find other reasons why because not everyone thinks it is wrong. I am a devout conservative and a traditionalist, but I try not to be bigoted about and I am acceptant of other people's beliefs, but at the same time I try to keep common sense and evaluate both sides to see which I agree with more.

[Czechanada]

So turns out that the Orthodox Church hadn't forgotten about my intrusion into their sermon.

As I was walking to the bus stop one day, a white, unmarked van suddenly pulled up and two men wearing purple cloaks grabbed me. A bag was thrown over my head. Eventually, for what seemed like an eternity, the bag was pulled off and I was placed into a cold, dark cell.

Some time later, two more of the purple cloaked men brusquely grabbed me and I was dragged out into the courtyard against the wall, where more men were waiting.

The man in the nicer looking purple uniform walked up and offered me a cigarette and a blindfold, both of which I refused.

The officer then raised his sword, yelled "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω!" and the soldiers began to raise their rifles.

But then another officer came running from the distance yelling: "όχι! όχι! όχι!"

The commanding officer takes the note from the runner and reads the envelope. "This is from Constantinople!" He opens the envelope and reads the letter: "From the Ecumenical Patriachate! "Carry on with the execution!""

The officer again raises his sword and says: "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω, πυροβολώ!" I instinctively flinch at this last word. The soldiers' rifles fire. I open my eyes, and see that I am still alive. The officer looks on in bewilderment and asks: "How could you miss?" One soldier awkwardly responds: "He moved!"

The officer yells at the soldiers to go practice, then apologizes to me and asks me to return to my cell. Later I'm once again dragged off to the wall, but they miss once more. This goes on and on until the officer gives up and simply utilizes an old Byzantine method for dealing with prisoners. Castration, then release.

[Dyakovo]

There is no reason, moral or otherwise.

I know not everyone believes in God, and I oppose homosexuality only for moral reasons, but I want to find other reasons why because not everyone thinks it is wrong. I am a devout conservative and a traditionalist, but I try not to be bigoted about and I am acceptant of other people's beliefs, but at the same time I try to keep common sense and evaluate both sides to see which I agree with more.

It's pretty simple, if you don't like homosexual behavior, don't do it.

[Lancaster of Wessex]

So turns out that the Orthodox Church hadn't forgotten about my intrusion into their sermon.

As I was walking to the bus stop one day, a white, unmarked van suddenly pulled up and two men wearing purple cloaks grabbed me. A bag was thrown over my head. Eventually, for what seemed like an eternity, the bag was pulled off and I was placed into a cold, dark cell.

Some time later, two more of the purple cloaked men brusquely grabbed me and I was dragged out into the courtyard against the wall, where more men were waiting.

The man in the nicer looking purple uniform walked up and offered me a cigarette and a blindfold, both of which I refused.

The officer then raised his sword, yelled "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω!" and the soldiers began to raise their rifles.

But then another officer came running from the distance yelling: "όχι! όχι! όχι!"

The commanding officer takes the note from the runner and reads the envelope. "This is from Constatinople!" He opens the envelope and reads the letter: "From the Ecumenical Patriachate! "Carry on with the execution!""

The officer again raises his sword and says: "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω, πυροβολώ!" I instinctively flinch at this last word. The soldiers' rifles fire. I open my eyes, and see that I am still alive. The officer looks on in bewilderment and asks: "How could you miss?" One soldier awkwardly responds: "He moved!"

The officer yells at the soldiers to go practice, then apologizes to me and asks me to return to my cell. Later I'm once again dragged off to the wall, but they miss once more. This goes on and on until the officer gives up and simply utilizes an old Byzantine method for dealing with prisoners. Castration, then release.

Why are you spamming General with fiction (specifically Monty Python)?

[Protora (Ancient)]

So turns out that the Orthodox Church hadn't forgotten about my intrusion into their sermon.

As I was walking to the bus stop one day, a white, unmarked van suddenly pulled up and two men wearing purple cloaks grabbed me. A bag was thrown over my head. Eventually, for what seemed like an eternity, the bag was pulled off and I was placed into a cold, dark cell.

Some time later, two more of the purple cloaked men brusquely grabbed me and I was dragged out into the courtyard against the wall, where more men were waiting.

The man in the nicer looking purple uniform walked up and offered me a cigarette and a blindfold, both of which I refused.

The officer then raised his sword, yelled "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω!" and the soldiers began to raise their rifles.

But then another officer came running from the distance yelling: "όχι! όχι! όχι!"

The commanding officer takes the note from the runner and reads the envelope. "This is from Constatinople!" He opens the envelope and reads the letter: "From the Ecumenical Patriachate! "Carry on with the execution!""

The officer again raises his sword and says: "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω, πυροβολώ!" I instinctively flinch at this last word. The soldiers' rifles fire. I open my eyes, and see that I am still alive. The officer looks on in bewilderment and asks: "How could you miss?" One soldier awkwardly responds: "He moved!"

The officer yells at the soldiers to go practice, then apologizes to me and asks me to return to my cell. Later I'm once again dragged off to the wall, but they miss once more. This goes on and on until the officer gives up and simply utilizes an old Byzantine method for dealing with prisoners. Castration, then release.

Probably a stupid question, but was this RL, or is this a story you are writing?

[Lancaster of Wessex]

Probably a stupid question, but was this RL, or is this a story you are writing?

It's pure fiction, it's a Monty Python rip off from a sketch they did.

[Czechanada]

So turns out that the Orthodox Church hadn't forgotten about my intrusion into their sermon.

As I was walking to the bus stop one day, a white, unmarked van suddenly pulled up and two men wearing purple cloaks grabbed me. A bag was thrown over my head. Eventually, for what seemed like an eternity, the bag was pulled off and I was placed into a cold, dark cell.

Some time later, two more of the purple cloaked men brusquely grabbed me and I was dragged out into the courtyard against the wall, where more men were waiting.

The man in the nicer looking purple uniform walked up and offered me a cigarette and a blindfold, both of which I refused.

The officer then raised his sword, yelled "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω!" and the soldiers began to raise their rifles.

But then another officer came running from the distance yelling: "όχι! όχι! όχι!"

The commanding officer takes the note from the runner and reads the envelope. "This is from Constatinople!" He opens the envelope and reads the letter: "From the Ecumenical Patriachate! "Carry on with the execution!""

The officer again raises his sword and says: "έτοιμος, σημαδεύω, πυροβολώ!" I instinctively flinch at this last word. The soldiers' rifles fire. I open my eyes, and see that I am still alive. The officer looks on in bewilderment and asks: "How could you miss?" One soldier awkwardly responds: "He moved!"

The officer yells at the soldiers to go practice, then apologizes to me and asks me to return to my cell. Later I'm once again dragged off to the wall, but they miss once more. This goes on and on until the officer gives up and simply utilizes an old Byzantine method for dealing with prisoners. Castration, then release.

Why are you spamming General with fiction (specifically Monty Python)?

Actually, sir, this is a reference to a post from the first Christian discussion thread.

[Lancaster of Wessex]

Actually, sir, this is a reference to a post from the first Christian discussion thread.

I know it is, I read it, that doesn't change the fact that you're posting a fictional account in General.

[Czechanada]

Actually, sir, this is a reference to a post from the first Christian discussion thread.

I know it is, I read it, that doesn't change the fact that you're posting a fictional account in General.

For the purposes of satire, my good man.

The Orthodox Church is really not well known in North America, and my posts are making light of it.

[Dieu Vous Benisse]

I know it is, I read it, that doesn't change the fact that you're posting a fictional account in General.

For the purposes of satire, my good man.

The Orthodox Church is really not well known in North America, and my posts are making light of it.

Isn't that the Catholic Church?

[Lancaster of Wessex]

For the purposes of satire, my good man.

The Orthodox Church is really not well known in North America, and my posts are making light of it.

Isn't that the Catholic Church?

No, no and no some more.

The Eastern Orthodox Church <> the Roman Catholic Church.

[Grave_n_idle]

Well, for one, if everyone was homosexual, humanity would die.

I don't think anyone has ever really argued everyone should be homosexual, so the premise is wrong.

More importantly, being homosexual doesn't make you infertile, so the conclusion is wrong.

It's unnatural.

Given the remarkable prevalence of 'homosexual' activity in nature, I think that the 'unnatural' argument is over-ripe for being retired.

Also, if anti-gays believe it is morally wrong, exposing our children to . such a lifestyle would be revolting for a parent to not have control over.

Again, not sure anyone is saying you have to expose your children to homosexuality, any more than you should expose them to heterosexuality.

[Dieu Vous Benisse]

Well, for one, if everyone was homosexual, humanity would die.

I don't think anyone has ever really argued everyone should be homosexual, so the premise is wrong.

More importantly, being homosexual doesn't make you infertile, so the conclusion is wrong.

It's unnatural.

Given the remarkable prevalence of 'homosexual' activity in nature, I think that the 'unnatural' argument is over-ripe for being retired.

Also, if anti-gays believe it is morally wrong, exposing our children to . such a lifestyle would be revolting for a parent to not have control over.

Again, not sure anyone is saying you have to expose your children to homosexuality, any more than you should expose them to heterosexuality.

You have some good points. Very interesting arguement

[Dieu Vous Benisse]

Isn't that the Catholic Church?

No, no and no some more.

The Eastern Orthodox Church <> the Roman Catholic Church.

So they hate each other?