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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:06 am
For those opposed to Christianity in all forms, whether theocratically, its churches, or even all its practitioners. This thread is for you to discuss and debate your issues with Christianity and its discrepancies. What problems do you have with it and why? Personal experiences? Do you think maybe you just met the wrong people? Opposed to conversion? Think that it could be delivered to you in ministry if done right? This is your chance to speak your mind and discuss what you have against Christianity, and seeing the number of Christians in the guild, perhaps they could help calm you to some degree or possibly flat out refute some of your claims against the faith. Discuss and debate! For questions, please go to: www.gotquestions.org
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:38 am
I like the Christan way of thinking "Be nice" but I don't like the "If you don't do it this way then you are damned!" it seems that really all religions are trying to tell people to be nice to each other and all that. It all really depends on how lazy you want to be some religions are rigorous and tough, but others you just have to go in sit in a little booth and say "hay man, I ******** up." and all is forgiven.
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:55 pm
When it comes to the bible, Christianity is a load. The only reason I'm not completely opposed to it is because they teach morals. Take out all the mythology and you have pretty good morals. It is also interesting to study the bible.
But the thing about it is that a lot of churches are basically "If you don't do what we tell you, you're going to hell".
Everything is also really illogical. If there is only one god, that means that he has to take care of the whole universe. Why would he be so worried about humans when there are so many life forms out there to worry about? If they think that there is a supreme being who cares about humans, that means that there are a lot of gods responsible for everything.
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:41 pm
BloodyxMarie When it comes to the bible, Christianity is a load. The only reason I'm not completely opposed to it is because they teach morals. Take out all the mythology and you have pretty good morals. It is also interesting to study the bible. But the thing about it is that a lot of churches are basically "If you don't do what we tell you, you're going to hell". Everything is also really illogical. If there is only one god, that means that he has to take care of the whole universe. Why would he be so worried about humans when there are so many life forms out there to worry about? If they think that there is a supreme being who cares about humans, that means that there are a lot of gods responsible for everything. Not necessarily, "God" is, oh crap I forget the words the bible uses, everywhere all at once and knows everything. It's not that he doesn't care about the other little critters, but humans don't really ******** about them so we didn't wright a book about them. And he doe's care for them in his teachings, I can't remember the story, but in the bible these one group of people where forced to eat all this food, but they refused and said that they only needed like a few veggi's and water, so then .....bla bla bla..... stuff happend, and they where in better condition then the guys who ate all of the food. the end. I realize that that was a very vague re-cap of the story, but I haven't read a bible in like ten years. If there's anyone out there that owns the bible maybe they can give us the full story sometime.
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:10 pm
The only way to know God is by faith as he told us during the bible. The truth: God cannot be disproved or proved, only by faith unto your hearts, just as you have unto your parents. As most people have knowned God can only be sensed with faith. I may not be an expert like Tony, but I'm working on it.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:53 am
Guardian of the Heavens The only way to know God is by faith as he told us during the bible. The truth: God cannot be disproved or proved, only by faith unto your hearts, just as you have unto your parents. As most people have knowned God can only be sensed with faith. I may not be an expert like Tony, but I'm working on it. I'm not an expert friend. Not in the least. Like I've stated before, I stumble and fall in my faith. I recognize this. I sometimes get led astray like I have in these last few months, making myself estranged from lots of things and thinking about it in retrospect, I don't think it was "me" per se. I just went gallavanting (sic?) about different things to try and see what they were like, and ended up losing a part of myself somehow. Or not losing, but forgetting rather. I thought I was having fun and found something rather enjoyful, but looking at it now is just kinda... blah. I'm slowly coming back to my senses though. 3nodding
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 12:52 pm
BloodyxMarie When it comes to the bible, Christianity is a load. The only reason I'm not completely opposed to it is because they teach morals. Take out all the mythology and you have pretty good morals. It is also interesting to study the bible. But the thing about it is that a lot of churches are basically "If you don't do what we tell you, you're going to hell". Everything is also really illogical. If there is only one god, that means that he has to take care of the whole universe. Why would he be so worried about humans when there are so many life forms out there to worry about? If they think that there is a supreme being who cares about humans, that means that there are a lot of gods responsible for everything. It is wrong that some churches and christians are intolerant like that. It is not the churches or the pastors that you are supposed to follow but rather God and the Bible. Another thing is that people criticise Christianity and God for condemning people to hell for not believing in God and Jesus. That is wrong as well. Imagine somebody hitchhiking who refuses a ride and then curses that person for not giving them a ride. It is not God's fault, you either take it or you don't and if you don't, the Bible makes the consequences very clear.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:29 am
Ah an age old descussion. I love it. The word that a previous poster was looking for, for god, is omnipresent. "God" the creator of all things, is omnipresent, and not just in the christian religion but in all religions that celibrate a single god. Also, who is to say that religions that worship many gods, just do so to fully thank a single god? For example, The egyptians worship many gods, but the sun god Ra, was their creator. What if to better praise Ra they just say that "he" created other gods to manage a multitude of other important aspects of the society? Bast for the home, osiris for crops and inundation (when the river floods and deposits fertal soi), Anubis for war. All of these "other gods" are just smaller, but still important part of the "larger" god. Perhaps a better way to ensure you are giving that god it's proper praise and respect?
[I think rather it is Omnipotent. Omnipresent meaning everywhere at once, and omniscient meaning knowing all things at once. - Edited by Just Tony]
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:39 pm
I used to be a really devout catholic, but I eventually realized what i was doing. Right-hand path religions are essentially the elimination of self-esteem. They try to make you beleive you're worthless, that the happiness and pleasure you seek are inmoral. That you are nothing in life, and every waking moment must be spent either worshipping or doing the will of an omnipresent tyrant in order to avoid endless, unimaginable torture. And if you're not christian, then you're less than worthless, and need to be ******** by a red-hot spike.
According to christianity, everything that makes you an individual is wrong, a sin, and to be detested, and only when you conform your every thought, action and feeling to an arbitrary set of rules set by an invisible man are you something of value to the community.
Our western democratic society, capitalism, and everything that has ever helped lift the masses out of poverty and death, are based on principles that are the exact opposite of those expressed in christianity.
Live for yourself, there's no one else more worth living for
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:15 pm
Darth_Nader I used to be a really devout catholic, but I eventually realized what i was doing. Right-hand path religions are essentially the elimination of self-esteem. You use right-hand path as a term. Usually that's only done by someone aware of left-hand paths such as Satanism, Luciferianism or general demon or devil worship. But I'm more interested in your writing off of right-hand paths, saying they eliminate self-esteem. I believe Christianity has taught me to be proud of myself, for knowing to stand and do the right thing, even when others may not. Of course, I was raised to have a good heart, but I believe my faith takes it a step higher. Though I sometimes sigh with great sadness and disappointment, sometimes a little anger in some situations, I still strive to do the right thing. That in turn makes me feel I've done a good deed, and makes me proud of myself, but not vain nor arrogant. I actually feel uplifted and a little more confident in myself, believing I'm not living for anyone or anything in this world but for myself and God. I suppose it's hard to explain, as it's personal feelings, and you may not feel or may not have felt what I do today. Quote: According to christianity, everything that makes you an individual is wrong, a sin, and to be detested, and only when you conform your every thought, action and feeling to an arbitrary set of rules set by an invisible man are you something of value to the community. If this were the case, I don't believe that we would have multiple denominations. I don't believe we would have such organizations as we do today that serve under faith in various ways. We wouldn't have gothic Christians, or Christians of various subcultures or ways of expression. Perhaps Christianity as defined in Catholocism may, but using the Bible and your relationship with God as your only authority, I do not feel this is the case. I think each person that seeks God is given an intimate relationship with Him, and the chance to discover their personal truths and carry out God's will and live His word. As I always state, I could be wrong, but this is my understanding. You seem to be very adamant against Christianity, and easily generalize it like many others do with the typical "Christians do this" sort of argument. I think it's set up in a way that you're using your personal experiences or dislike of Christianity to describe its entirety, and most likely perhaps based on things of which the majority of those in the faith may not even have any control over. That's like saying you hate all emo kids because you dislike emo itself. I dislike emo, but I won't hate all emo kids. I'm sure there are a good few of them that would make for good friends. Anywho, moving on... Quote: Our western democratic society, capitalism, and everything that has ever helped lift the masses out of poverty and death, are based on principles that are the exact opposite of those expressed in christianity. I would like some examples of what you think is opposted or is opposite Christianity that has done these things. You may find they're not all at odds as you may at first have thought, if you see them from another view. Perhaps even views from some of the Christians within our guild. Quote: Live for yourself, there's no one else more worth living for I live for myself, as well as those who need me. And I've met some I would probably die for if I absolutely had to. But living for them is much harder than simply giving away my life. It's not easy losing your life to carry your cross as we may put it. No one said it would be, but it is not without its rewards in seeing the good come from what you do and how you feel about yourself afterwards. But it's not for the rewards or feelings, it's about doing what others would not otherwise stand to do themselves. Even if they do not follow, good examples should be made. Someone will be touched by them, and it may cause them to one day do the same. Romanticizing the idea a little? Yes, I'm guilty, but I don't believe that makes it any less true.
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Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:05 am
I don't agree with some of the things the bible teaches. BUT my religion has taught me to respect other religions, even if some of their beliefs are wrong in our eyes.
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Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:16 am
GoA-Chan I don't agree with some of the things the bible teaches. BUT my religion has taught me to respect other religions, even if some of their beliefs are wrong in our eyes. When you say these things, this goes for anyone for that matter, try and be more specific. Give us examples of what you dislike or flat out hate. What do you not agree with? Try to go as in-depth as possible to further the debate and offer your opinions. We not only enjoy knowing when you dislike something, but most importantly why. So please, explain to us your views and qualms with Christianity and the Bible.
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 4:02 am
AzahShamir Ah an age old descussion. I love it. The word that a previous poster was looking for, for god, is omnipresent. "God" the creator of all things, is omnipresent, and not just in the christian religion but in all religions that celibrate a single god. Also, who is to say that religions that worship many gods, just do so to fully thank a single god? For example, The egyptians worship many gods, but the sun god Ra, was their creator. What if to better praise Ra they just say that "he" created other gods to manage a multitude of other important aspects of the society? Bast for the home, osiris for crops and inundation (when the river floods and deposits fertal soi), Anubis for war. All of these "other gods" are just smaller, but still important part of the "larger" god. Perhaps a better way to ensure you are giving that god it's proper praise and respect? [I think rather it is Omnipotent. Omnipresent meaning everywhere at once, and omniscient meaning knowing all things at once. - Edited by Just Tony] The Mexicans found it really easy to convert to Catholicism......... they decided all of the saints were the christian analogues to their own gods. When the Spanish priests found out, they were absolutely horrified! mrgreen
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 4:32 am
Their are things I Hate about Christians. The Christians who treat their church like an exclusive club, all smiles when you ask to join, but then when you question or give an opinion that doesn't match their own, They have brittle smiles, icy politeness, and you feel like the seven-hundred-pound gorilla in the room. I have hear about Christians who treat people of other faiths badly. We hates it my precious we does. Name calling body language they convey the message that non Christians are worthless because they aren't Christians. They are supposed to be spreading the good news. Why would anyone want to be a Christan after one treated them like crap?
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Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:23 am
Zebulous ...they convey the message that non Christians are worthless because they aren't Christians. They are supposed to be spreading the good news. Why would anyone want to be a Christan after one treated them like crap? The same reason anyone else makes the choice. For themselves. Why do most teen Pagans become as such only as a rebellion towards their parents, society and Christianity, perhaps even after only reading one book? One's faith shouldn't be based upon its followers. I'm mindful of others' thoughts and opinions. They matter, until they begin to personally mock or attack me. Then I'd assume have naught to do with them. I am not perfect by any means, so to act as you would assume all Christians do (since you did not state otherwise, I'm assuming here for debate purposes), would be quite hypocritical. Not only is the faith about spreading ministry, but it's also about admitting that we are sometimes weak. That we sometimes fall and stumble in life, make mistakes and do things that we learn are spiritually ill for us. These things make us feel empty, and though we think we're receiving pleasure, since it's pleasing to the body in some way, it's really just emptying us of our chances to find the purer things in life that make us happy. What irks me a little bit is how someone can have an experience within a church, or with Christian friends and family, and almost immediately write off all Christians as doing that sort of thing. It can be a little aggravating, but I deal with it. I too think that it's a bit of bollocks how six days a week some of these people are the biggest sinners, yet on Sundays, supposed to be the day of rest, they become "Saints" for a few hours with their Sunday clothes, fake smiles and dishonest interest in prayer or God. Maybe they do it to save face. I used to go to a Presbyterian church here in town, when I was dating my first girlfriend. Did I see fake people? Of course. Some of them I went to school with, since they were my age. Brittany Slack, I think is how here name was spelled. She would talk trash about me and my friends, but she mostly tried thinking I was ignorant in history class debates, but that's another story. On the other hand, I met some pretty charming people that I do believe were honest in their faith and would help someone if they could. The same could be true of the Christian group I attended years earlier than that when I had self-esteem issues. I didn't know anything about Christianity other than it had a Bible and there was a Jesus figure. I didn't care to know. But what they did for me and the others that attended there was wonderful, and I thank them for it. Even here on this guild, I would be willing to help someone learn more about Christianity and finding their own beliefs within it. I think, perhaps, if they saw that someone such as myself could treat them with respect and clash with their typical Christian that they all ready have formed in their heads, maybe I could make them question those thoughts. Maybe not, but it'd be worth a shot. I'm not really here to convert anyone, of that you can be certain. But if approached with a serious intent to learn and they have hope of conversion, then of course I'd help them any way I can. I mean, just go look at my profile pics. Think that spells typical Christian? Not by any means. It's probably why I have a better grasp of it than other Christians do. Doesn't mean I'm better, just means they have room to learn, as we all do. Remember when next you're thinking about all of this, that it's passed off as simply saying Christ is your saviour to be a Christian. Living up to being one is a whole new ballgame in itself. Hope I was of some service. Edit: Seeing the recent revelation from yourself in the 'Wicca' thread, you yourself being one should know not all Christians are at all like that. Hmm... I see... So what I said was correct. It matched up with me reading your post, that you had a bad experience and in your post here, are seemingly writing off all Christians that way. Well, if you're not that way, and I am not that way, does that then mean there may be others like us, even within the confines of that church you once attended? Come on bro, give some of our brethren the benefit of the doubt now. Sometimes each other is all we have. Edited again: Nevermind. After rereading your post I see you do not mean that all Christians are like that, but only that some are, and that these are generally the ones that most people have experiences with, and are left with the impression all Christians are like that. At least when taken to the extreme generalisation that quite a few are quite guilty of. I know I was at one point in time. Either way, if someone wants to become a Christian, perhaps they'll meet someone as yourself or myself that may help them find themselves within. If not, we can at least say we tried, and that it wasn't for them if they say so. Note: I'm not changing anything in my post as I continue to edit. I want it to be seen that I went back to check on things a second and third time to make the post as accurate as possible after reproofing. It's more honest that way, and you can perhaps gain something even from my original run in the post. Again, hope this all helps some of you.
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