Welcome to Gaia! ::

I guess the best place to start is how do you view Christianity?
What do you know about it?

Ah, Catholicism is a lot like like and exclusive club, most protestant churches are more receiving. But you might have also experienced a stagnant church that has lost its passion for God. I've seen so many turn from Christ because of such churches, they miss out on the relationship that we should have with God. They are too bent on discipline, tradition, and rituals and don't advocate a healthy relationship with God. It reminds me too much of what happened to the Jews and why Christ had to come. There is a much better life through Christ that does not require just rituals. Jesus advocated love above all else, not strict discipline. If you ever decide to give Christianity another shot, you should try a different church next time.

Unless, your father is the one who you take your example of Christianity from. Then you must keep in mind, we are all human and make mistakes, even priests sin. Perhaps your dad was scared of losing you in the afterlife and that is why he reacted the way he did. It was out of love, but done in a terrible way. Keep in mind if you look to man to find God, you'll only find satan. To really find God you must seek Him yourself. Don't miss out on something so great just because of the few people who misrepresent it.

If you like, you can tell me exactly what you dislike about what you've seen of Christianity, and I can tell you what I've learned.

Well, rebelling is fine if there is something worthy to rebel against. Lucifer was Gods second in command, and possible best friend. God gave him everything, power, responsibility, free will, and His love. All this power went to Lucifer's head and lead him to believe that he could be God. Try to imagine what Gods point of view would be in this, He created Lucifer and so many other things, it all came from Him. Before I continue I must remind you of this, we were created in His image/likeness meaning that we must share His emotions, evidence of this is through out the bible. If there was nothing before what He created, just God, don't you think He would be lonely being the only sentient being in existence. I believe that is why He created everything the way He did, so He could share all eternity with good company. Now, after you grow close to this one individual and give him everything, how would you feel if he started to not be satisfied with all that you gave him, and then wanted to take your place. The one YOU created wants to REJECT you, and take YOUR place. I don't know how you would feel about that, but I would be furious and probably do just as God did. So, this rebelling that Lucifer performed was for selfish reasons, not because God did something unjust. That is why I can't understand why any one would side with Lucifer/satan, he'll only stab you in the back as well, its how he works.

Sorry for the rant, its just one of my pet peeves and things I think about in my free time. Do want to talk further about this or is there something else that you want to talk about?

Sounds like a very worldly way of life. Just as satan would like it. Its is a choice that we are all allowed to make, but can you ever really be satisfied and be at peace with yourself? What about the afterlife? What if Christ was right, what if there is a wonderful place waiting for us with a God that loves us for who we are, not what we have done? If He was right, and you continue to live your life with out the love of God, what will happen to you then?

As for living on earth, you can be satisfied and live in peace with God, when you give your life to Christ. The only way you can find out for sure is if you try living the way Christ did and follow His teachings.

The question you have to ask yourself is what do you want in your life? afterlife?

As far as the life of a rock star, you have people who are successful, but there are also so many people who are not satisfied after they've gotten it all and end up dieing due to drug abuse. It takes a strong person not to give in to that lifestyle. Besides what do you think the life style of a Christian is?

As for hell, it is not a stereo typical hell. No one can say exactly what it is except a dark cold place of moans and gnashing of teeth. Whether the torture is external or just the fact that those in that place realizes that they were wrong and they can not go to heaven and are grief stricken because of that, it is not certain. As far as the fires of hell go, it could possibly mean that those in hell may be forever destroyed, instead of eternaly punishment. Either way I don't think satan would treat you any differently from anyone else, his main concern is getting back at God and His people more than anything else.

Its fine if you don't want to worship our God if you don't want to, you were given that choice since you were born. I'm just trying to let you know that there is a better life for you if you choose to follow God, a life better even than the people you mentioned lived. Unless to you a good life is lots of money, things, and being famous, then I 'll tell you this much, they will never satisfy you like God can. I can tell you from my experience, and from what I've learned from other's experiences.

Can you really say that you lived the Christian life style though? Tell me what you think it is.

Indeed. Well, if you ever want to know more about what it is really like to follow Christ , or about Christianity in general, I will be more than happy to answer your questions. I know it must be hard putting your faith in something that someone has already ruined for you, but I guarantee that once you truly discover what it is like being in a loving relationship with God you'll never want to go back.

It depends on which church you are talking about. I know of some churches that will take you in, you just have to look around. I suggest trying different churches, you just might find one you like. I know I had to look around to find the right one for me. If you want I can give you suggestions.