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-   -   Hypocrites and haters (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=97413)

  • May 31, 2007, 08:48 PM
    magprob
    The basic premise of the Christian religion is that the Son of GOD walked the earth for 33 years and then was killed on the cross. He arose after three days and told his followers to spread the news. That is what they are trying to do still. That is what they were told to do by their GOD. You don't have to listen. If someone bugs you about it, tell them to bug off. If it comes over your radio or TV, either change the station or just turn it off. If they come beating down your door, you can call the police and if they actually break into your house, you have a right to defend yourself. If you see two or three of the perpetrators standing on the corner, just cross the street. It really is easy to avoid.
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:06 AM
    startover22
    magprob, I agree, avoid conflict if you can! I am mostly too polite to other people to tell them to be quiet or to just plain ole walk away. If I would avoid it in the first place it would be easier!
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:15 AM
    magprob
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by startover22
    magprob, I agree, avoid conflict if you can! I am mostly too polite to other people to tell them to be quiet or to just plain ole walk away. If I would avoid it in the first place it would be easier!

    Wouldn't it be much more polite to tell them you are not interested and simply walk away. Then, you are not wasting their time nor yours. Where I live, I tell Mormon missionaries that all the time. It doesn't seem to upset them, they should be used to it. :p
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:32 AM
    startover22
    Yes, to an extent. Sometimes I really want to tell someone something and even though they didn't want to hear it, they liked it when I was through. BUT, I will take your advice and tell them that I don't want to waste their time. Thanks for that!
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:32 AM
    yverob2
    What events and figures have shaped the development of Islam in the United States?
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:33 AM
    NeedKarma
    I treat them the same as telemarkaters, I do want to waste their time.
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:34 AM
    NeedKarma
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by yverob2
    what events and figures have shaped the development of Islam in the United States?

    None that I can think of... or you can start a new thread.
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:35 AM
    startover22
    My husband will sit there and have a full on conversation with the telemarketers on the phone and I get so mad at him because he gets them all excited and then says sorry not interested! I just say that at the beginning and hang up before they can say another word.
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:43 AM
    NeedKarma
    There is a school of thought that believes that if you waste their time it makes that marketing method economically not viable. I just want to do my part. :)
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:45 AM
    startover22
    Yes, I guess so!
  • Jun 1, 2007, 09:56 AM
    alkalineangel
    My husband likes to speak to them in aborginal tongue... one time they put a spanish interpretor on for him... lol...
  • Jun 2, 2007, 03:27 PM
    MikeHelen
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by rachie
    why is it that people who claim to be "christian" usually seem to be closed-minded and judgemental (the very opposite of Christ)? i am not trying to insult anyone in particular, i am just saddened because i feel like i am losing my faith....i dont proclaim to know all about God, or have any answers, but why can't people accept the fact that we will NEVER have the answers? i have faith in a higher power/intelligent designer (God) and believe that Jesus, if he in fact existed, was surely one of the most spiritually advanced humans to ever walk the earth. i WANT to believe...but lately it is getting harder and harder--the so called "bible churches" and "non-denominational" churches seem to be the worst at proclaiming their truth as THE truth, and judging other people as unworthy.
    i was raised Catholic and after trying a bunch of different denominations, i have come back to the catholic church, as it is the one i feel the most comfortable in, and i have had a great experience with my priest. i was pregnant when he married me and my husband, and he was so kind to us both. many of my baptist friends think the catholics are evil and pagan and blablabla. i am so tired of hearing it. why can't we all just get along? im starting to think if jesus came back to earth, he wouldnt attend any church at all, he woul probably be more at home sitting in silence with a buddhist monk in nature.
    anyways....does anyone else have this problem??:rolleyes:

    It doesn't sound like you are losing your faith in "God".

    It sounds like you are losing your faith in people.

    Believe me there are many more good people in the world than not.

    Just keep doing your best - and sometimes the best you can do for people is pray for them, whether you agree with them, disagree, like them or dislike them.

    God Bless you.

    Helen
  • Jun 2, 2007, 05:36 PM
    ActionJackson
    [QUOTE=rachie]1)"why is it that people who claim to be "christian" usually seem to be closed-minded and judgemental (the very opposite of Christ)?
    2)"why can't people accept the fact that we will NEVER have the answers?"
    3)"and believe that Jesus, if he in fact existed,"
    4)"judging other people as unworthy."
    5)"many of my baptist friends think the catholics are evil and pagan and blablabla."
    6)"if jesus came back to earth, he wouldn't attend any church at all"
    QUOTE]

    1) Christians and non-Christians alike are human and prone to imperfection. I would venture to guess that you might even fall into that category. Your post sounded pretty judgmental from what I read. There's an old saying that goes, "preach the gospel, with words if necessary." Be the kind of person that you think others should be and you become an example.
    2) On the contrary, we have the answers and they are in the Bible. It's a matter of trusting or not trusting what you read.
    3) That statement speaks volumes about your current level of faith. Remove the "if" and you will be on the right track. He not only "existed" He exists!
    4) The Bible proclaims that we are all unworthy. None of us is good, no not one. Evil comes forth from our heart continually (Psalms 14:3). We were all born with sin nature. That's why Christ came, taught, and died on the cross for you and me. He took on the sins of the world so that we might have everlasting life.
    5) All Catholics are sinners as are all Baptists. Many of the teachings of the Catholic church are contrary to the teachings of God's Word as found in the Bible. Part of the formation of the Roman Catholic church came as a result of Constantine's blending of pagan traditions and some of the teachings of Christ. There is a certain level of idolatry within the Catholic traditions.
    6) I tend to agree that Christ would probably not attend most of the denominational, mainstream churches in our land and in the world. That's why He would be as hated today as He was while He walked the earth some 2000 years ago. There's nothing new under the sun.
  • Jun 2, 2007, 06:05 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by RickJ
    Ma'am, you are forgetting that there was no Scripture for the first 300 years of Christianity.

    Huh? Christ and the Apostles quoted the Scriptures many times.

    Exodus 24:12 "... commandments which I have written... "
    1 Kings 2:3 "... as it is written in the Law of Moses... "
    Matthew 2:5 "... thus it is written by the prophet."
    Romans 1:17 "... as it is written, The just shall live by... "

    Were Christ and the Apostles just joshin' when they were talking about that "written" stuff? Since I assume that you would agree that Christ was a Christian as were His Apostles, I guess we would have to agree that there really were Scriptures around for the first 300 years.
  • Jun 2, 2007, 10:10 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by RickJ
    Where does it say in Scripture that "everything you believe should come from scripture"

    Revelation 22:18, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19, And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

    Proverbs 30:5,6 "Every word of GOD is pure: His is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him, Add thou not unto His words, Lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

    Deuteronomy 4:2 "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."

    Galatians 1:8, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

    Of course, this doesn't mean that you can't believe that pasta is better than rice or that pine trees smell better than lemons. But when it comes to a man's soul and the subject of Christianity, it's best not to venture into the muddy waters of non-Scriptural conjecture or man's traditions.
  • Jun 2, 2007, 10:25 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by yverob2
    what events and figures have shaped the development of Islam in the United States?

    Modern Christianity has lost its savor. The mainstream church is a bit namby pamby. Just accept everyone and everything just the way it is and turn the other cheek and don't judge and let's just be as un-Christlike as we can be, generally speaking. I mean, who has the courage to go from town to town preaching the Word of God like Jesus Christ did? Who has the courage to flip the money changers' tables over and whip them for buying and selling in the temple? The reason Islam flourishes in the United States is twofold: 1) The Christian community is cowering in a corner somewhere and won't do a single thing to stop it and 2) the Islam community is not afraid to assert their beliefs whether the rest of the world likes it or not. They stand for something while we no longer stand up for anything. We sit in our comfortable pews on Sunday (if you're a 1st day Sabbath keeper) or Saturday (if you are a 7th day Sabbath keeper) then go home and play video games or watch wrestling. Anyway, your question really didn't have anything to do with this thread. You should start a different thread if you want to discuss a different topic. No worries though.
  • Jun 2, 2007, 10:27 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by startover22
    My husband will sit there and have a full on conversation with the telemarketers on the phone and I get so mad at him because he gets them all excited and then says sorry not interested!! I just say that at the beginning and hang up before they can say another word.

    I just let my fax machine pick up the phone. Just a tad bit off topic though. Not the end of the world.
  • Jun 2, 2007, 11:25 PM
    bushg
    Up until I was around 9 or so I went to a penecostal church. No pants, no t.v. no music other than religious... etc every body but them was going to hell including the snake handlers penecostal. Then after that I went to bapist... I never really heard them talk about anyone other than non believers going to hell, of course I couldn't believe in them after all I was brought up to believe they were going to hell. At around 15 I gave up on church. When I moved to Ohio jevoah's witness introduced themselves to me I studied with them for awhile.. but couldn't get the grasp of the no blood rule but OK for organ transplant.. also that only a certain # of people were going to heaven. I gave up on that. I thought about mormon's, couldn't get the hang of it. I've explored wicca's etc. But the one religon I seem to like if I was ever going to join a sect would be Bahai seems like it is for the good of every one and no one goes to hell. Just to mention this I have a lady that lives next to me judging by her happiness catholic religon has something going on. She is the most happiest , elegant , neighborly lady that I have ever met and she never try's to force her religon on anyone. How refreshing... I truly believe that she will be in a grand place someday. So I shy away from religon and just try to take care of the earth and the things and people on it the best that I know how.:)peace
  • Jun 2, 2007, 11:57 PM
    stargazer10
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by rachie
    why is it that people who claim to be "christian" usually seem to be closed-minded and judgemental (the very opposite of Christ)? i am not trying to insult anyone in particular, i am just saddened because i feel like i am losing my faith....i dont proclaim to know all about God, or have any answers, but why can't people accept the fact that we will NEVER have the answers? i have faith in a higher power/intelligent designer (God) and believe that Jesus, if he in fact existed, was surely one of the most spiritually advanced humans to ever walk the earth. i WANT to believe...but lately it is getting harder and harder--the so called "bible churches" and "non-denominational" churches seem to be the worst at proclaiming their truth as THE truth, and judging other people as unworthy.
    i was raised Catholic and after trying a bunch of different denominations, i have come back to the catholic church, as it is the one i feel the most comfortable in, and i have had a great experience with my priest. i was pregnant when he married me and my husband, and he was so kind to us both. many of my baptist friends think the catholics are evil and pagan and blablabla. i am so tired of hearing it. why can't we all just get along? im starting to think if jesus came back to earth, he wouldnt attend any church at all, he woul probably be more at home sitting in silence with a buddhist monk in nature.
    anyways....does anyone else have this problem??:rolleyes:

    I did not read any of the other posts, but I will say that I too have this problem.

    I do not associate myself with any specific religion because I do not really think we can know which religion is correct. There may be aspects of each religion which are correct and aspects which are incorrect. And since religion is based off faith we cannot know for a fact what religion is "correct." So I believe that each religion (and each scientific theory) is right in some way (meaning I am open minded).

    I am always questioning religion and beliefs held by myself and by others. Something that I do accept whole-heartedly is the evolution theory because there are scientific facts (tons of evidence) which supports it. I think that you can believe in a God or gods (whichever you prefer) AND the evolution theory at the same time. It bothers me when people automatically dismiss evolution and tell me that they believe the Bible is literal. If the Bible was literal, the Earth would only be a few thousand years old (instead of the science proposed millions of years). I am not dismissing the Bible. What I am saying is that the Bible is (to me) a metaphor not a history book (at least with the book of genesis, especially the creation story),
  • Jun 3, 2007, 07:20 AM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bushg
    But the one religon I seem to like if I was ever going to join a sect would be Bahai seems like it is for the good of every one and no one goes to hell. Just to mention this I have a lady that lives next to me judging by her happiness catholic religon has something going on. she is the most happiest , elegant , neighborly lady that I have ever met and she never try's to force her religon on anyone. How refreshing...I truly believe that she will be in a grand place someday.

    So instead of adjusting to the Word of God, you're looking for some sort of religion that will adjust to you. A religion of no rules or higher calling. A religion that will not require any work or self-adjustment on your part. No right, no wrong, no nothing. Heck, why go to any church if that's what you're looking for? You can get that at your local pub.

    So because the lady next door is happy, she's going to a grand place? I'm happy (though not very elegant). I laugh a lot. But I'm Christian, not Catholic. Does that mean that I get to go to a grand place too?
  • Jun 3, 2007, 07:30 AM
    ActionJackson
    [QUOTE=stargazer10] I do not associate myself with any specific religion because I do not really think we can know which religion is correct. There may be aspects of each religion which are correct and aspects which are incorrect. And since religion is based off faith we cannot know for a fact what religion is "correct." So I believe that each religion (and each scientific theory) is right in some way (meaning I am open minded).
    I do accept whole-heartedly is the evolution theory because there are scientific facts (tons of evidence) which supports it. QUOTE]

    You could have saved yourself a lot of time if you had simply said, "I don't have a clue and I'm a bit lost right now." We would have understood and not thought any less of you. Your basic premise is that everybody is right and nobody is wrong (that is unless you are a Christian then you must be wrong because your beliefs don't jive with mine).

    Your "tons" of scientific evidence that support evolution are eroding at a rapid pace. Modern science is discovering facts that are continuing to threaten the entire theory of evolution. Have you ever heard of Michael Behe? Don't worry, he's not a Christian, he's just a biochemist that wrote the book "Darwin's Black Box." Have you ever heard of his discovery known as "irreducible complexity?" Probably not, the news media keeps these kinds of things under wrap. Nonetheless, there's enough evidence in this one little book written by this one little scientist to blow the theory of evolution out of the water.
  • Jun 3, 2007, 01:30 PM
    startover22
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ActionJackson
    Modern Christianity has lost its savor. The mainstream church is a bit namby pamby. Just accept everyone and everything just the way it is and turn the other cheek and don't judge and let's just be as un-Christlike as we can be, generally speaking. I mean, who has the courage to go from town to town preaching the Word of God like Jesus Christ did? Who has the courage to flip the money changers' tables over and whip them for buying and selling in the temple? The reason Islam flourishes in the United States is twofold: 1) The Christian community is cowering in a corner somewhere and won't do a single thing to stop it and 2) the Islam community is not afraid to assert their beliefs whether the rest of the world likes it or not. They stand for something while we no longer stand up for anything. We sit in our comfortable pews on Sunday (if you're a 1st day Sabbath keeper) or Saturday (if you are a 7th day Sabbath keeper) then go home and play video games or watch wrestling. Anyway, your question really didn't have anything to do with this thread. You should start a different thread if you want to discuss a different topic. No worries though.

    Yes, if you stand on a table and start preaching on the curb, you are a "FREAK" although, everyone would at least stop and listen. (we all like to watch freaks) That does take a lot of courage. I am guilty of wanting to go to a church where it is more easy going and I can get away with "breaking the rules", ohhhhh I wish I could be more of a "tight a--"! I wish we all would stop "cowering" as you put it... And last, I think if you stand for something, good morals and respect for others is very important, on the other hand babying people is different than respecting them... We are all wanting to be babied and we don't want to take responsibility for our actions...
    I always thought that the reason for someone not believing in GOD is because they didn't want to take that kind of responsibility! I don't believe that about all non believers but it is definitely the case in some people I have met! Hugs to all of you. Even though this thread had gone off course, I still love the whole conversation!
  • Jun 3, 2007, 01:51 PM
    ActionJackson
    The point I was trying to make (and it may not have come across exactly as I had intended) is that Jesus Christ wasn't a softie Who just accepted everyone as they are. His verbage was straight forward and clear. With His words, He paved a very narrow path for entry into the Kindgom of God. Phrases like "many are called but few are chosen" or "except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" or "The Son of man shall send forth His angels...and gather out of His kingdom all things that offend...and cast them into the furnace of fire..." Not kind words at all but rather direct and to the point.
  • Jun 3, 2007, 02:14 PM
    startover22
    I am pretty sure we are on the same page, but with different vocabularies, as I cannot quote from the bible. I think you are right.
  • Jun 3, 2007, 04:27 PM
    inthebox
    Action jackson - agree with all your posts

    I think people confuse " trying to be good " with righteousness. Rom 3:23, Eph 2: 8-10,
    And forget that grace bears "fruit." [ last half of James 2 ]


    Rachie :

    It is not about religion / denomination and their traditions , but about Jesus / God, read and study His word [ Bible ] and ask questions.




    John 3:16 - For God so loved the WORLD that He...

    World I think that is as inclusive as you can get, we each have a choice.





    Grac and Peace
  • Jun 7, 2007, 03:07 PM
    speechlesstx
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by rachie
    why can't people accept the fact that we will NEVER have the answers?

    Good question, and I can certainly understand your frustration. As a member of one of those "bible churches" and one that spent a fair amount of time thinking we had all the answers, I can say without a doubt we don't, and the church needs to spend more time and effort on the Great Commission and less on distinctions and division. Most of what separates orthodox Christian denominations isn't anything that really matters a whole lot in the scheme of things in my book, so what's the point?

    That said I think it's human nature to want to feel superior to someone else, and it seems that a lot of times when people "get Jesus" (or Allah or whatever) they think they've found their key to superiority, instead of growing, maturing, embracing the principles (basically, love) and spreading that around.

    On the other hand I believe we would be remiss if we didn't defend our core beliefs, such as faith, salvation by grace, the divinity of Jesus, etc. but that doesn't mean we should hammer everyone for not believing exactly as we do. I can say I have issues with certain aspects of Catholicism, but I'm sure Catholics have issues with Baptists as well, but I find no reason to judge a Catholic's (or anyone else for that matter) relationship with God - that's between you and God - and I believe we worship the same God. :)
  • Jun 7, 2007, 03:40 PM
    ordinaryguy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by speechlesstx
    I think it's human nature to want to feel superior to someone else, and it seems that a lot of times when people "get Jesus" (or Allah or whatever) they think they've found their key to superiority, instead of growing, maturing, embracing the principles (basically, love) and spreading that around.

    Sadly, I'm afraid you're right about this. The desire to be special, superior, chosen, or otherwise different and better than others explains a whole lot of human behavior, attitudes and beliefs, and not just in matters of religion.
  • Jun 7, 2007, 03:55 PM
    startover22
    I believe that what we do and say to someone will affect them big time as well as our own selves. There is a huge desire to feel better and I wish I could say I don't have that desire. Now if we are talking about me having a bigger diamond ring than someone else, then I can see what you are saying. But what if I am just wanting to better myself in every way, not just by having a bigger ring, but by making myself who I really want to be. Volunteering, taking time to listen to my kids or doing a better job cleaning my house?? Does that mean I am not good? No, it just means that we all want to be better, not necessarily superior. I don't even know if that made sense but I tried.
  • Jun 7, 2007, 05:27 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by speechlesstx
    I find no reason to judge a Catholic's (or anyone else for that matter) relationship with God - that's between you and God - and I believe we worship the same God. :)

    Having done a great deal of study of the tenets of the Catholic church, I've come to the conclusion that it primarily idolatrous. Having said that, I don't necessarily believe that all Catholics are bad or evil. Only God knows their hearts and He, not I, is the ultimate Judge. As for whether the God of the Roman Catholic institution is the same as the God of the Christian Church, I will have the Scriptures speak:

    "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY (emphasis mine) that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which he have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." II Corinthians 11:4

    Roman Catholicism, in my opinion, has weaved a very complicated web within the religion of Christianity. I feel badly for those who have been deceived.
  • Jun 7, 2007, 05:30 PM
    NeedKarma
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ActionJackson
    I feel badly for those who have been deceived.

    As do I.
  • Jun 7, 2007, 07:38 PM
    Wangdoodle
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ActionJackson
    Having done a great deal of study of the tenets of the Catholic church, I've come to the conclusion that it primarily idolatrous. Having said that, I don't necessarily believe that all Catholics are bad or evil. Only God knows their hearts and He, not I, is the ultimate Judge. As for whether the God of the Roman Catholic institution is the same as the God of the Christian Church, I will have the Scriptures speak:

    "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the SIMPLICITY (emphasis mine) that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which he have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." II Corinthians 11:4

    Roman Catholicism, in my opinion, has weaved a very complicated web within the religion of Christianity. I feel badly for those who have been deceived.

    This is simply about a point of view. I could easily say the same about the non-Catholic Christians.
  • Jun 7, 2007, 07:48 PM
    startover22
    My whole family was Catholic, I for some reason was never comfortable with the whole naming my religion thing! Even when I was younger. What I was comfortable with was knowing in my own heart there was a higher power somewhere out there, and I choose to call it God. Him God. I have yet to read the whole bible, I have yet to take in some of lives important lessons. But I am at ease to know that I will be getting help along the way. Thankful too. Also this whole thing is about hippocrates , so I guess we all better start joining this post, right?
  • Jun 8, 2007, 04:49 AM
    ordinaryguy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by startover22
    But what if I am just wanting to better myself in every way, not just by having a bigger ring, but by making myself who I really want to be.

    The problem isn't with wanting to be better than we are, it's with wanting to be better than someone else. I don't have a problem with competition per se, but it's hard not to derive our sense of self-worth from where we place in the race and to look down on those who are behind us.
  • Jun 8, 2007, 09:11 AM
    kindj
    You're on a roll with some pretty good answers thus far. Allow me to toss in my little tidbit, for whatever it's worth. Bear with me, OK? I promise it's relevant.

    Way back when I was an undergrad in college, I was taking a class in social psychology (I think), when an interesting experiment came to my attention. It wasn't a psychological experiment, it was actually in the field of communication or something like that, but quickly, the psychological/sociological ramifications arose. Essentially, the deal was this: there were two groups, each IDENTICAL in their makeup--the same number of whites, asians, blacks, age-groups, etc. The two groups were as identical as possible to each other in all regards, save one: one "team" wore red t-shirts to the experiment and one wore blue. Essentially, they were two identical focus groups or whatever that operated separately to work on a problem or evaluate something, and then came together as one big group to discuss their findings. Well, it wasn't long before the groups--in private--began to make comments such as "the blues won't understand this" or "typical red behavior." Soon, the comments weren't restricted to just the team times, and they began openly slamming each other in the large group meetings. At one point, physical violence erupted between members of the blue team and the red team. Remember, these were originally merely two identical teams working on the same problem. Eventually, what you had was prejudice and hatred based solely on the group that one belonged to.

    Starting to sound familiar?

    I've used that example in many lectures and sermons I've given on the whole "we're all Christians, why can't we work together" thing, because I can never spell that "ecumen..." word. :o

    Within all of us humans, there is a tendency to some degree to want to feel superior to someone else. I don't know why, but I think that fact stands. Like many other things that are chalked off as "human nature," we have to work hard to try and overcome it, and sadly, many people do not want to overcome certain things. Thus, the hypocritical label is slapped on them, fairly or unfairly.

    As for me, I tried to go to sleep last night about 11 o'clock. I ended up not sleeping until after 3 am. I had a loooooooong talk with God about my own hypocrisy that I had quite subtly and easily slid into over a period of months.

    The truth is that Christians are just as much hypocrites as anyone else. Or so it would seem. Many use God's grace and forgiveness as a shield or excuse for their actions, and I think that is not right. Grace and forgiveness are more akin to a safety net than a shield, we should still strive with all our might to not fall.

    If only all the Christian denominations (and yes, that includes my Catholic brethren), would stop and think for just a minute, they would see that there are a thousand more things that unite us than divide us, and typically the "divisions" are tiny issues that have virtually nothing to do with the grace and salvation offered to us by God.

    My suggestion? Go to the church of your choice. But remember, you are not there primarily for the other people, or the pastor. You are there to show YOUR devotion and willingness to learn and serve God. That's the nifty thing about the New Covenant: it's personal. It's a one-on-one relationship between you and God via Jesus Christ and his act of salvation. Remember what he said was the "greatest" commandments?

    "Love God. Love others."

    THAT'S the truth, and the Truth. THAT'S how to please God and show the world that you are His.

    All the rest is, as they say, by the way.

    DK
  • Jun 8, 2007, 09:15 AM
    speechlesstx
    Quote:

    "Love God. Love others."
    You got it buddy.
  • Jun 8, 2007, 09:16 AM
    startover22
    My suggestion? Go to the church of your choice. But remember, you are not there primarily for the other people, or the pastor. You are there to show YOUR devotion and willingness to learn and serve God. That's the nifty thing about the New Covenant: it's personal. It's a one-on-one relationship between you and God via Jesus Christ and his act of salvation. Remember what he said was the "greatest" commandments?

    "Love God. Love others."

    THAT'S the truth, and the Truth. THAT'S how to please God and show the world that you are His.

    All the rest is, as they say, by the way.


    START::::::::::::::::
    I can take that. I totally get what you are saying!
  • Jun 8, 2007, 06:07 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Wangdoodle
    This is simply about a point of view. I could easily say the same about the non-Catholic Christians.

    Oh, definitely, there are non-Catholic institutions that are idolatrous as well. And you are right, it is a point of view based on facts and discovery.
  • Jun 8, 2007, 06:29 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kindj
    The truth is that Christians are just as much hypocrites as anyone else. Or so it would seem. Many use God's grace and forgiveness as a shield or excuse for their actions, and I think that is not right. Grace and forgiveness are more akin to a safety net than a shield, we should still strive with all our might to not fall.

    DK

    I happen to agree with you. I find myself getting caught up in the name calling and the bickering when it isn't really necessary to do so. I'm far from perfect. I do get defensive when Jesus Christ or young, new Christians are under attack. I don't care when I'm under attack. I come from a family of 8 and we had to learn out to stand up for ourselves at a young age. I am a staunch believer in the Holy Bible. I test everything I hear to the Word of God to see if it is true or false. I believe that God is my Shield and my Buckler and that His Word is sharper than any two edged sword. Debating the Word of God is not a bad or evil thing. Christ stood up to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes on numerous occasions. He told us to "occupy till He comes." Christians should stop being hypocrites and start being warriors, Christian warriors.
  • Jun 11, 2007, 01:41 PM
    startover22
    Dearest poppa0777, I actually used that as a quote from kindj! It is perfect, isn't it. But thanks for the feedback anyway, I just wanted it noted that kindj should take credit for that!
  • Jun 11, 2007, 06:25 PM
    ActionJackson
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Wangdoodle
    This is simply about a point of view. I could easily say the same about the non-Catholic Christians.

    Sure. Point of view can be a powerful thing. The eagle in the tree easily sees the rabbit. The rabbit surrounded by thistles and bushes can hardly see at all.

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