What are your thoughts on Christianity?

[MatthewA]

There are many people from different backgrounds from around the world. Let me welcome you by thanking you for stopping by. Considering the historical backgrounds of human beings ~ Along with their culture, their surroundings they grew up in, the people they knew in and through their childhood, unto adulthood, and understanding the person and the very own individually unique experience of life by and through each and every choice that is made by us as human beings. Who are living souls in human bodies ~ Unless you believe that we are something else of course.

Was not sure where to really put this because just curious about other people from other religions and their thoughts about Christianity, their thoughts about the Christian God, and the Lord Jesus Christ who was the Son of God, who died and paid for the entirety of the human race the price of sin by death on the cross as an innocent man (who loved ~ the entirety of the human race) ~ Was buried and was risen again by God - the Father, and that if anyone believes they may inherit the ability to become children of God (John 1:12).

(This just biblical fact when it comes down to reading the Gospels of Christ in the bible which talks about Jesus Christ ~ His life, death, burial and resurrection)

If you do not believe or understand that it is okay, that is my only presentation of my only understanding of the Gospel of Christ - in the general sense of why Jesus Christ had come ~ Which was also to fulfill the old testament prophecies, and to defeat Satan overcome - death, sin, satan, grave, hell/she'ol and all of these things, which are talked about in the Revelation as well.

(My view may be wrong ~ am expressing my view of what scripture does say ~ in above text ~)

If you do not believe or understand this either that is okay.

My only questions simply with no judgement : What has your experiences been with other Christians, bad? Horrible experience at a church one time? Something you found in the bible you did not agree with, or do not understand? What are some of your thoughts on Christianity?

Hopefully anyone who reads all of this, you understand! Thank you for your time and God bless all of you here and your families - of course if you do not believe ~ Still may everything be okay with you at home, and your family, and your friends, take care!​

 

[Rival]

It's mixed.

I was once a Christian. I have good Christian friends; I had good to mediocre experiences at various Churches. For me, my issue with Christianity isn't really cultural/social; it's theological and Biblical. My main issue with it is that it does not, in my view, follow logically from Judaism; their messiah did not meet the criteria set out in the Hebrew Scriptures and therefore cannot be who Christians claim. My other issue is anti-Semitism in the Christian texts (or what I see as anti-Semitism; others may disagree). I have issues with the Trinity, Original Sin, and other doctrines, as well as the overall Christian understanding of Tanakh.

I had mostly good experiences with Christians at Church etc. Not so much on here with certain Christians whose debate tactics are often less than stellar. My best times at Church were at my local Catholic Church, where the folks were most pleasant and truly knowledgeable about Christian history, which I appreciated.

So it's a mix. I could never be a Christian again, though.

 

[VoidCat]

What has your experiences been with other Christians, bad

Some Christians are good folk others Ive had bad experiences with in fact most I've had bad experiences with

you found in the bible you did not agree with, or do not understand?

I disagreed with much of the Bible. Lots of inconsistency and lots of harmful views

What are some of your thoughts on Christianity?

It can be a beautiful religion for some for others not so much.

 

[MatthewA]

It's mixed.

I was once a Christian. I have good Christian friends; I had good to mediocre experiences at various Churches. For me, my issue with Christianity isn't really cultural/social; it's theological and Biblical. My main issue with it is that it does not, in my view, follow logically from Judaism; their messiah did not meet the criteria set out in the Hebrew Scriptures and therefore cannot be who Christians claim. My other issue is anti-Semitism in the Christian texts (or what I see as anti-Semitism; others may disagree). I have issues with the Trinity, Original Sin and other doctrines, as well as the overall Christian understanding of Tanakh.

I had mostly good experiences with Christians at Church etc. Not so much on here with certain Christians whose debate tactics are often less than stellar. My best times at Church were at my local Catholic Church, where the folks were most pleasant and truly knowledgeable about Christian history, which I appreciated.

So it's a mix. I could never be a Christian again, though.

Rival thank you for your comment.

I too have problems with the trinity (a very hot topic of debate for me long ago which now no longer matters because it really gets the focus off of ~ Love ~ and keeps the focus on who is right and who is wrong and who is not a Christian because the person ~ Desires to think for themselves.

Would encourage most certainly think for yourself, think critically, decide for yourself, everyone should be able to have the right to think for themselves.

And to seek for truth of course. Truth is important at least to me.

Will say sometimes even my own understandings or what I may speak might be wrong cause as humans we are fallible.

 

[Jainarayan]

I was Christian. My family is Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise. Christianity in its purest and original form is quite beautiful. Christianity today however, actually starting in the early centuries, is not Christianity but Paulism. It's a corruption and embellishment of what Jesus taught. "Red letter" Christianity, aka Jesuism, is true Christianity as far as I'm concerned.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

My only questions simply with no judgement : What has your experiences been with other Christians, bad?

In general, about the same as my experiences with humans from any other religious background. Some are nice people, others are horribly judgemental. Some are just a-holes.

If I would have to stereotype it, I'ld say that my personal experience, from real-life encounters, tells me that christians tend to be more judgemental. Wouldn't know if that is generally true. Not aware of any proper large-scale studies on this.

Horrible experience at a church one time?

I've only ever been in church for a couple funerals and once for a wedding.
But yes, actually. The first time.

I was about 15 I think. Not sure, but around that age. Secular kid pur sang. First time ever in church during a sermon. I thought it was quite scary. So ritualistic. All the people in sync standing up, mumbling the same thing, sitting down, doing a cross, do this, do that.... To me, it looked like a bunch of mindless zombified drones under the spell of that guy in the dress.

That's just how I felt at the time. I remember the feeling clearly.

Something you found in the bible you did not agree with,

Wow... do you have a week while I rant?
Yes, there is much in the bible I do not agree with, but historically as well as morally.

An sich, I don't care about that. It's just some old story like there are hundreds / thousands more. The problem is that many people, look at that as if it is something special that needs to be taken seriously.

What are some of your thoughts on Christianity?

In a nutshell, I think christianity itself is a rotten philosophy to the core and psychological poison.
If you take a step back and look at it for what it is, it really is quite appalling.

The idea that the guilt of crimes of a person carries over to all of its off spring.
The idea of punishing a scapegoat for the crimes of others and call it "justice".
The idea of sacrificing himself to himself to protect us from himself by using that as a loophole to get out of messed up system that he himself is ultimately responsible for.
The idea that "belief" is more important than action.
The idea that morals are "given" rather than concluded.
The homophobia.
The misogyny.
The condoning and regulating of slavery.
The idea of infinite punishment for finite wrongs
...

Entire books could be, and have been, written about all the things that are messed up in the bible.

Hopefully anyone who reads all of this, you understand! Thank you for your time and God bless all of you here and your families - of course if you do not believe ~ Still may everything be okay with you at home, and your family, and your friends, take care!​

Thanks
And you too.

 

[MatthewA]

Some Christians are good folk others Ive had bad experiences with in fact most I've had bad experiences with

I disagreed with much of the Bible. Lots of inconsistency and lots of harmful views
It can be a beautiful religion for some for others not so much.

Thank you for commenting RayofLight, and sharing.

I was Christian. My family is Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise. Christianity in its purest and original form is quite beautiful. Christianity today however, actually starting in the early centuries, is not Christianity but Paulism. It's a corruption and embellishment of what Jesus taught. "Red letter" Christianity, aka Jesuism, is true Christianity as far as I'm concerned.

Thank you for sharing Jainarayan, also for the information about Jesuism. Respect, if Jesuism it is what you consider true Christianity.

 

[MatthewA]

In general, about the same as my experiences with humans from any other religious background. Some are nice people, others are horribly judgemental. Some are just a-holes.

Hello TagliatelliMonster,

My name is Matthew: sometimes wrong and sometimes can be an A-hole sometimes too. (Though in the recent years (3o)) Have clamed down a lot.

I agree with you, though, there are people who are nice, or there are those who are horribly judgmental.

A person being judgmental towards someone else who might not believe in God, or who might think different, or they person who is judgmental is demanding that their ways should be submitted to and bind people into bondage is not good.

The purpose of Christianity - The Lord Christ Jesus was to be set free from bondage of sin / and from the bondage of religion. (by and through the spirit - holy/spirit/spirit of Christ) (Some may disagree with this) in and through belief and faith on Jesus Christ.

If I would have to stereotype it, I'ld say that my personal experience, from real-life encounters, tells me that christians tend to be more judgemental. Wouldn't know if that is generally true. Not aware of any proper large-scale studies on this.



I've only ever been in church for a couple funerals and once for a wedding.
But yes, actually. The first time.

I was about 15 I think. Not sure, but around that age. Secular kid pur sang. First time ever in church during a sermon. I thought it was quite scary. So ritualistic. All the people in sync standing up, mumbling the same thing, sitting down, doing a cross, do this, do that.... To me, it looked like a bunch of mindless zombified drones under the spell of that guy in the dress.

That's just how I felt at the time. I remember the feeling clearly.

TagliatelliMonster it is amazing that you had an similar experience to me at the same age almost going into a church where people were acting really ritualistically, and for me they were speaking in tongues, and the preacher placed hand on person and the person fell over and started acting as though they were climbing the ladder to heaven. It was terrifying really and strange.

In a nutshell, I think christianity itself is a rotten philosophy to the core and psychological poison.
If you take a step back and look at it for what it is, it really is quite appalling.

The idea that the guilt of crimes of a person carries over to all of its off spring.
The idea of punishing a scapegoat for the crimes of others and call it "justice".
The idea of sacrificing himself to himself to protect us from himself by using that as a loophole to get out of messed up system that he himself is ultimately responsible for.
The idea that "belief" is more important than action.
The idea that morals are "given" rather than concluded.
The homophobia.
The misogyny.
The condoning and regulating of slavery.
The idea of infinite punishment for finite wrongs
...

Entire books could be, and have been, written about all the things that are messed up in the bible.




Thanks
And you too.

I like all the things you had to say about what you think about Christianity Philosophy to the core and psychological poison that does not sound good, it sounds deadly and poisonous.

 

[stvdv]

My only questions simply with no judgement : What has your experiences been with other Christians, bad? Horrible experience at a church one time? Something you found in the bible you did not agree with, or do not understand? What are some of your thoughts on Christianity?

Reading your OP, felt good. I rather forget the bad experiences and remember the good ones. Yours is very good. Thanks.

Same with the Bible, there are plenty of good verses. For me there is no need to understand everything. I love the Greatest Commandments

I know that Jesus exists and is real, so if you only focus on Jesus, you need nothing more. Jesus can give you everything you need

Thank you for your time and God bless all of you here and your families - of course if you do not believe ~ Still may everything be okay with you at home, and your family, and your friends, take care!

Thanks
Love, Peace and Blessings to you and your family too

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

TagliatelliMonster it is amazing that you had an similar experience to me at the same age almost going into a church where people were acting really ritualistically, and for me they were speaking in tongues, and the preacher placed hand on person and the person fell over and started acting as though they were climbing the ladder to heaven. It was terrifying really and strange.

Only ever seen that on TV.
To me, such behavior is a reminder of how weak the human mind can become through indoctrination and brainwashing. Yes, there are some that are "so far gone" that I genuinely feel sorry for them.

I like all the things you had to say about what you think about Christianity Philosophy to the core and psychological poison that does not sound good, it sounds deadly and poisonous.

It is. Not sure why you like that though.
I assume you don't agree with it and dismiss my statements with a handwave and continue just as before.

 

[rocala]

I sometimes wish I was one. I have found inspiration in the writing of Thomas Merton, Thomas Berry and Matthew Fox. The music and art of the Orthodox Church can bring me close to tears.

But I have never believed in the immaculate conception and virgin birth. The idea of Jesus dying for our sins makes no sense to me and I certainly do not accept the resurrection. That is just for starters. So I guess I will remain outside looking in.

Thank you for asking.

 

[MatthewA]

We, @TagliatelliMonster , very much could speak about what you find wrong when it comes to the bible, there is a lot of material to go through, and it would probably be best spoken about with that of verbal communication, and to talk back forth considering how long and extensive the list is, which thankfully you included above in post #6.

Hello @rocala, Will you tell me more about who Thomas Merton, Thomas Berry, and Matthew Fox are ?

Do you enjoy the music and art of the Orthodox Church? Do you have a sound clip that you listen to there in that church or maybe from youtube?

Okay understand: You never believed in virgin birth.

The Jesus dying for our sins makes no sense to you. You also do not believe in the resurrection.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[rocala]

Will you tell me more about who Thomas Merton, Thomas Berry, and Matthew Fox are ?

Do you enjoy the music and art of the Orthodox Church? Do you have a sound clip that you listen to there in that church or maybe from youtube?

Googling the three writers will probably give you plenty of information. Their closeness to nature is a strong feature of their spirituality.

This is my current favourite on youtube.

 

[ChristineM]

I've had bad experiences at the hands of christians and some of my best friends are christian.

My first run in was age 14 (and before). As i child i attended sunday school then church. My problems began when the older children had to read a passage from the bible during service. I couldn't read (dyslexia) and the mockery started. After several months of ridicule (a great way to bolster self assurance) i blew, walked out and never returned to church. It was traumatic at the time but what a wonderful favour those judgemental bigots did me.

Soon after my dyslexia was diagnosed, remedial eye glasses prescribed and letters and words swam from a red blur to become recognised. Withing 6 months i had read my first book, followed by the bible that a read cover to cover looking for the reason for the hatred of difference metered out to me. I found it in the OT,

3 other times i have been seriously physically and/or mentally hurt at the hands of christians.

On the other hand, where i now live is predominantly catholic, the people are great and will do anything for you. Need picking up from the airport (120km away), no problem. Can you look after the kids, cats and house while we make an emergency trip to the UK, no problem. Not feeling so good and need something from the supermarket, a phone call sorts it. There are a few grouches and people i wouldn't trust but generally they are good people.

My best friend is a devout born again Christian, ran her own church at one time, sits on national and international committees on various religious matters. We have had some wonderful arguments over the years but we remain good friends.

Conclusion, the christians i have encountered are just like everyone else, some are good, some not so good and some completely twisted and sick.

 

[Vinayaka]

There are many people from different backgrounds from around the world. Let me welcome you by thanking you for stopping by. Considering the historical backgrounds of human beings ~ Along with their culture, their surroundings they grew up in, the people they knew in and through their childhood, unto adulthood, and understanding the person and the very own individually unique experience of life by and through each and every choice that is made by us as human beings. Who are living souls in human bodies ~ Unless you believe that we are something else of course.

Was not sure where to really put this because just curious about other people from other religions and their thoughts about Christianity, their thoughts about the Christian God, and the Lord Jesus Christ who was the Son of God, who died and paid for the entirety of the human race the price of sin by death on the cross as an innocent man (who loved ~ the entirety of the human race) ~ Was buried and was risen again by God - the Father, and that if anyone believes they may inherit the ability to become children of God (John 1:12).

(This just biblical fact when it comes down to reading the Gospels of Christ in the bible which talks about Jesus Christ ~ His life, death, burial and resurrection)

If you do not believe or understand that it is okay, that is my only presentation of my only understanding of the Gospel of Christ - in the general sense of why Jesus Christ had come ~ Which was also to fulfill the old testament prophecies, and to defeat Satan overcome - death, sin, satan, grave, hell/she'ol and all of these things, which are talked about in the Revelation as well.

(My view may be wrong ~ am expressing my view of what scripture does say ~ in above text ~)

If you do not believe or understand this either that is okay.

My only questions simply with no judgement : What has your experiences been with other Christians, bad? Horrible experience at a church one time? Something you found in the bible you did not agree with, or do not understand? What are some of your thoughts on Christianity?

Hopefully anyone who reads all of this, you understand! Thank you for your time and God bless all of you here and your families - of course if you do not believe ~ Still may everything be okay with you at home, and your family, and your friends, take care!​

What is it you wish to debate?

 

[RabbiO]

@MatthewA -

You should have stopped halfway through the first sentence of your second paragraph.

 

[MatthewA]

What is it you wish to debate?

@MatthewA -

You should have stopped halfway through the first sentence of your second paragraph.

Dangit! Thank you for the advice RabbiO your profile picture is very neat, Vinayaka, welcome! What does your profile picture mean?

I've had bad experiences at the hands of christians and some of my best friends are christian.

My first run in was age 14 (and before). As i child i attended sunday school then church. My problems began when the older children had to read a passage from the bible during service. I couldn't read (dyslexia) and the mockery started. After several months of ridicule (a great way to bolster self assurance) i blew, walked out and never returned to church. It was traumatic at the time but what a wonderful favour those judgemental bigots did me.

Hello ChristineM

Early age 14, growing up in church. Problems began when older as children had to read a passage from the bible during services.

Unable to read, people mocked (when you were to read?). Several months of ridicules go on, (lowering self-esteem?) - You said to heck with this am out, and never returned to church.

Your experience was traumatic with people mocking you, and many people must have been judgmental towards you rather than accepting and trying to listen in what you may had to say.

Soon after my dyslexia was diagnosed, remedial eye glasses prescribed and letters and words swam from a red blur to become recognised. Withing 6 months i had read my first book, followed by the bible that a read cover to cover looking for the reason for the hatred of difference metered out to me. I found it in the OT,

3 other times i have been seriously physically and/or mentally hurt at the hands of christians.

After having those previous experiences, you were diagnosed with dyslexia, and remedial eye glasses to wear so you are able to see. (I wear glasses too had to since was very young). Glad you were able to get that so you were able to see better that is very helpful.

In 6 months you were able to read your first book (how awesome!), followed by the bible which was read cover to cover, looking for reason for the hatred of difference metered out to me.

My only questions here is many people try to read the entire bible in the course of a year ~ Why is that?~ When you can simple read the Gospel of Matthew in several hours, maybe 3 days at average reading level. (I personally haven't read the bible cover to cover ( a lot of the new testament though.)

On the other hand, where i now live is predominantly catholic, the people are great and will do anything for you. Need picking up from the airport (120km away), no problem. Can you look after the kids, cats and house while we make an emergency trip to the UK, no problem. Not feeling so good and need something from the supermarket, a phone call sorts it. There are a few grouches and people i wouldn't trust but generally they are good people.

Wow sounds like there are is a good trustful community you live in where you are from. Which is helpful! Rather than it being a not such a great community that is bad.

My best friend is a devout born again Christian, ran her own church at one time, sits on national and international committees on various religious matters. We have had some wonderful arguments over the years but we remain good friends.

Conclusion, the christians i have encountered are just like everyone else, some are good, some not so good and some completely twisted and sick.

Thank you very much for your response ChristineM.

 

[Vinayaka]

Dangit! Thank you for the advice RabbiO your profile picture is very neat, Vinayaka, welcome! What does your profile picture mean?

What is it you wish to debate? The reason I ask this is that on RF there has been a long standing technique for proselytising loosely called the fake debate. A person puts their statement in the 'debate' section of the forum, when they have no intention of debating anything, but just as another method of spreading their word, and the 'debate' soon deteriorates, or never starts. I was hoping this wasn't the case in this instance, as you seem like a nice enough guy, and you're generally polite enough to put out disclaimers that it's really just your opinion you're putting out.

So I'll answer your question when you answer mine.

 

[MatthewA]

Hello Vinayaka,

What do you decide is better Christianity, or No Christianity? What are your thoughts on Christianity?

 

[ChristineM]

My only questions here is many people try to read the entire bible in the course of a year ~ Why is that?~

It was a challenge, the first book i read was very light hearted, I don't know if you know of Terry Pratchett, i learned to read on The Colour of Magic. The bible was my second book and i knew of no other way to read than start at page 1 and struggle to the end. Heavy going as it was it was extremely enlightening, it gave me great insight into what i can expect from christians and the way they treated me. I can recommend reading it that way.