Christianity vs Paganism (ritual, tradition, beliefs, translation, hell)

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Because Christianity is one of many religions to master the "You are either with us or against us" mentality.

Not all the sects of Christianity feel that way.

[Kcnorwood]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Not all the sects of Christianity feel that way.

Your right not all of them do feel that way but enough of them do to leave a bad taste in others mouths.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Kcnorwood

Your right not all of them do feel that way but enough of them do to leave a bad taste in others mouths.

So those ones with the bad tastes in their mouth will judge Christianity as a whole based on a couple of right-wing nutters?

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Not all the sects of Christianity feel that way.

Funny thing is, I am not talking about the sects, I am talking about the individuals.
And yes, I know that there are many Christians who do not believe this way.
BUt the fact is that there are many who do.

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

So those ones with the bad tastes in their mouth will judge Christianity as a whole based on a couple of right-wing nutters?

Of course. Unless another christian shows up and sets a different example.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

Of course. Unless another christian shows up and sets a different example.

So y'all just can't ignore the people who bother you?

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

So y'all just can't ignore the people who bother you?

Lol!(If I ignored Pat Robertson I'd be cheating myself out of a goldmine of amusement).

What I was getting at becky is that these days people's opinions are formed by the media (largely), so alot of people hear "christian" and they think 700 club, or PTL, or David Keresh.

They hear "christian" and they think "Judgement and condemnation" because that's what's in the news these days.

People hear the twisted, self-serving scriptural interpretations of the few and forget about the good deeds of the many because good deeds don't make headlines.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

What I was getting at becky is that these days people's opinions are formed by the media (largely), so alot of people hear "christian" and they think 700 club, or PTL, or David Keresh.

They hear "christian" and they think "Judgement and condemnation" because that's what's in the news these days.

Which is sad, because I know that I think Christian = us, them, and anybody who claims that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Saviour.

Originally Posted by Quagmire

People hear the twisted, self-serving scriptural interpretations of the few and forget about the good deeds of the many because good deeds don't make headlines.

Perhaps we should all try harder to look at what really matters instead of what doesn't (Robertson and his funny little club).

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Which is sad, because I know that I think Christian = us, them, and anybody who claims that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Saviour.

For me "claims" is the operative word. In reference to the religious right of his own day Jesus is supposed to have said; "You generation of vipers. You honour Him with your lips but your hearts are far from Him".

Personally I can't see how anyone (going back to the examples I gave) who preaches hate, intolerence and prejudice can honestly claim to be worshipping anything but their own ego.

Anybody can recite a passage from the bible and claim to be a christian. According to my reading of the gospels though, Jesus had a different definition;
"In the end times they'll come to me and say "Lord, didn't we perform miracles, cast out demons in your name (etc)?" and I'll say to them "Get thee hence! I never knew you!"

And yet somehow, at this point in time, it seems the only qualification for being able to identify yourself as a christian is to recite a few passages from John.

How'd that happen?

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Perhaps we should all try harder to look at what really matters instead of what doesn't (Robertson and his funny little club).

In order to look at what matters (in this case the true nature of christianity) it has to be demonstrated. Which, of course, it is. Constantly and continually.

But usually quietly.

So you can't really blame the inexperienced or misinformed for anti-christian sentiment.

You can only disprove it by your own example.

[Kcnorwood]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

So those ones with the bad tastes in their mouth will judge Christianity as a whole based on a couple of right-wing nutters?

The problem is that it's more then just a couple.....