I am new, help :) ? (Jesus Christ, Moses, Messiah, gospel, tradition)

[bradleykavin]

I put my post in this science vs religion only because i have this debate with myself all the time. I am 17, and currently have divorced parents. my father is jewish, and mother is christian. neither of them are very religious, we celerbate the more popular holidays and never ever attend church or temple. a girl that im very close with, just recently became a very religious christian due to some events in her life. regaurdless, seeing her having a religious awakening has sparked me into finding my beliefs. i have a very hard time believing in jesus, that hes the son of god for many reasons. i do though, believe in god,and that he created humans, not nessessarily though adam and eve but possibly created the big bang, thus, humans. i believe in aliens, and that we are definitely not the only intelligent life in this universe. someone help me please, i hope i have come to the right place. my real question is, could someone argue how jesus is the savior, and why he, did things and is more special than any other man that has healing abilities. how could we not be the only life out there? how does the bible interpret the big bang, or evolution? how does the bible work with a time period such as ours now, where we have cell phones and computers, child pornography and constant swearing in movies? if we are all sinners, and so few that are true to their religion, are we all doomed for an eternity of fire and burning in hell? is there a hell? lol my questions could go on forever. i hope i came to the right place

[Buttons*]

we have many questions and many differing opinions here. Hopefully you'll find something in this loving environment that works for you! We'll be of any help we can in trying to answer your questions thoughtfully!

Welcome!

[Bishka]

Welcome and I hope you can get your questions answered.

[Feathers in Hair]

Hello and welcome! Please introduce yourself in the "Are you new" area, so we can give you a proper welcome!

You've brought up a lot of questions, some of which many of us have been struggling with for decades. Are you wanting opinions from a specific theological view, or will anyone's do?

[lunamoth]

Hello and welcome. I hope you can begin to have some of your questions answered here, or at least get a direction. Those were quite a lot of heavy questions in your opening post. Perhaps you could narrow it down to one or two you'd like most to start with.

You're a theist since you believe in God, so that's a start. Your experience is in Judaism and Christianity, and you have a reason (your girlfriend) to find out more about Christianity. You probably know that Christians come in many different flavors, so you may want to keep in mind who (which denomination or sect) of Christianity you are hearing from when you get answers toyour questions. The answers you get about various questions will vary quite a lot depending upon that.

You don't need to 'believe' in the big bang or aliens. They are scientific hypotheses that will stand or fall based upon the evidence discovered. Both are possibilities.

Either one if true can be considered part of God's plan and creation, as can things like the theory of evolution and multiverses. No need to throw out your brain just because you believe there is Something More than what we can measure.

The Bible works as a thin place where God can break thorugh and speak to us. The NT contains the sacred history of Christianity and it describes the experience of the first century Christians when they encountered God in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The OT describes the Covenent and sacred history of the Hebrews, the Law given to Moses, and the words of the Prophets, through whom the Holy Spirit spoke. The Bible alone can 'work' through prayerful reading, but it is important, in my opinion, to also consider the context of the tradition of the Church to get a better understanding of how Christians interpret it. You may also wish to read Biblical scholarship aimed at understanding the people and culture in which the Bible was written, why it was written as it was, by whom and to whom, as this can affect the meanings you take from it, and can help you compare some of it's lessons to today's world.

Hell is a metaphor for being distant from God, and being in 'hell' is totally up to us. When we turn our face to God and start to nurture our relationship with Him, we move relatively further from hell and closer to heaven, which is reunion with Him. His hand is always extended to us.

The main message of the Gospels, in my view, is this: "Fear not. God is with us." If you can trust in that love, and live your life as if you trust it, you are 'saved.' IMO Jesus is special because He is the Son of God and my Redeemer. How I came to that conclusion is a long story, and it will be better if you write your own.

peace, and best wishes in your search,
lunamoth

[Ody]

Note, learn and develop your views on which religion to follow, based on your own thoughts and judgements. One must always know it is how YOU interpret religion, that makes it possible to coexist with the modern day. To tell you the truth, i wouldn't suggest you look to anyone else in your quest. Your best guide is yourself!