Are You a Christian? Do You Celebrate Halloween? Should you?

JayJayDee said:

Mahatma Ghandi said it best I think....he said to a British Viceroy that 'when your country and mine can get together on the teachings of Jesus Christ in his Sermon on the Mount, we will have solved not only the problems of our own countries but also of the whole world' (quoting from memory, so words to that effect if you want to look them up)

It is not the ones who give lip service to Jesus' words, but those who enjoy genuine peace in the implementation of them. It a world full of hopelessness and political and religious turmoil, only Jesus' true disciples have their focus on the work assigned; not on rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, but in helping people into the lifeboat. Some are in denial about the unsinkable ship....they don't see the need for the lifeboat.....we can't make them.

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You know what else Ghandi said? "“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”"

Sure, a lot of what Jesus taught was wise and compassionate, but Jesus wasn't the only one to preach about selflessness, charity, forgiveness, peace, love, and kindness.

Out of curiosity, how much do you know about other religions and their central figures? Garbage from vilifying propaganda tracts don't count.

Mestemia said:

What I do not understand is why so many theists develop such a false dichotomy over "truth".

Let us take the number ten for an example.
Yes it is true that 5+5=10.
What I do not understand is why so many theists will argue that 4+6 does not equal 10 simply because they have found the truth of 5+5=10.

and god forbid you mention the opposite ways of getting ten.. (30-20)

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I suppose that's the way people are. They tend to believe that because someone else is right, they can't be right. Some of us have realized that just because someone is right, that doesn't necessarily mean that we have to be wrong.

fantôme profane;3490098 said:

And yet Gandhi never became a Christian. Funny that.

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He said he liked the teachings, not the hypocritical church system that grew out of a foretold apostasy.

Father Heathen said:

Only Christianity embodies Christ's teachings? Yeah, no ****. But how does that "prove" anything? Most religions have their own central figure(s); Judaism has Abraham/Moses/David, Buddhism has Buddha, Islam has Muhammad, Hinduism has Krishna/Shiva/Vishnu, Baha'i has Bahá’u’lláh, Sikhism has Nanak, etc.

Saying "Religion A is false because it doesn't comply with the rules of Religion B's main character." is asinine.

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The proof is in prophecys being written over 1900 years ago and passing right before the worlds eyes now.

kjw47 said:

The proof is in prophecys being written over 1900 years ago and passing right before the worlds eyes now.

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Revelations almost didn't make the canon, and it is not universally accepted and interpreted the same by Christian Denominations.

Also There will be war in the world, nation will rise against nation, and then there will be moments of peace--Do not a prophecy makes.

JayJayDee said:

How do you know that your own beliefs are from other gods, or benevolent spirit guides

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They're not.

How does one identify an "angel of light" as the bad guy? A con man who is good at his job is not easily identified unless someone who really knows him can reveal his true identity. How many get to identify that con man only after they have been robbed?.....too late then.

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It's a risk we all take. I'm as likely to be duped as you are.

That's why I form my beliefs around meditations and experience, rather than the words of dusty old books.

The Bible says to look at the calibre of the people who follow the gods of their choice. Then look at the ones who truly follow Christ....not just the ones who claim to, but then operate by their own rules when it suits them.... :sarcastic

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By their fruits ye shall know them.

Problem is, that same logic applies to our religions as well. A lot of Asatruar are white-supremicists, for example, and I don't associate with them any more than you would associate with the WBC.

I mean look at those who will follow their Master into death if needs be....who will gladly be labeled a fool for Jesus....who will not compromise their beliefs or conduct because pressure or threats are applied? Who are the genuine peace-makers? Who will never use violence for any reason? Who are known as preachers? Who are truly NO part of this world?

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Indian Holy Men.

Who has the courage of their convictions, and who will not mix truth and convenient falsehood to placate their conscience?

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See above.

The fact is, it requires faith to believe anything.

The true God has his will and purpose for mankind recorded for all to read. He also has the disciples of his son out "searching" for those who want to live in the world he has promised for the future, with all their heart. He knows who they are. These want what God wants. They love what he loves, and they hate what he hates.

You either qualify by your obedience to these requirements or you disqualify yourself by wanting to operate by your own rules. That is the bottom line really. :sad:

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Too bad the rules aren't clear. Or rather, the statements themselves are clear, but not their reasons, or their source.

kjw47 said:

Harmony of Gods written word,

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Never seen it.

and faith.

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That's fair. But it's not enough for the rest of us.

kjw47 said:

What I said was listen to Jesus' teachings--all of them-- I showed you 5 only one religion actually teaches--Jesus' teachers teach what Jesus taught. that's a 100% guarantee.

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But it's no guarantee of actual truth, just inner-religious consistency.

Frankly, it's the kind of consistency that I would expect from a constructed religion rather than a living one.

kjw47 said:

The proof is in prophecys being written over 1900 years ago and passing right before the worlds eyes now.

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Except that they were fulfilled already when Rome became Christian.

When inviting his listeners to reflect on his teaching, Jesus often said: “What do you think?” (Matthew 17:25; 18:12; 21:28; 22:42) The apostle Peter wrote to fellow believers in order to ‘arouse their clear thinking faculties.’ (2 Peter 3:1) The apostle Paul, exhorted Christians to use their “power of reason” and to “prove to [themselves] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1, 2) Only by such a thorough, careful approach to their beliefs can Christians build a strong faith that is pleasing to God. That's why when posting I try to provide reasoning points and scriptures to consider.


Jehovah's Witnesses do not have “blind” faith. That is why we do not baptize infants or newly interested people who have not carefully studied the Scriptures. Only after having gained an accurate knowledge of God’s will can sincere Bible students make an informed decision. At Romans 10:2 the apostle Paul stated that there were those who had a zeal for God but it was misdirected because of lack of accurate knowledge. Paul, himself was one of these individuals before he became a Christian.


(Ephesians 1:15-17) That is why I also, since I have heard of the faith YOU have in the Lord Jesus and toward all the holy ones, 16 do not cease giving thanks for YOU. I continue mentioning YOU in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give YOU a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the accurate knowledge of him;


(Philippians 1:9) And this is what I continue praying, that YOUR love may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment;


(1 Timothy 2:3, 4) This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, 4 whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

starlite said:

When inviting his listeners to reflect on his teaching, Jesus often said: “What do you think?” (Matthew 17:25; 18:12; 21:28; 22:42) In like manner, the apostle Peter wrote to fellow believers in order to ‘arouse their clear thinking faculties.’ (2 Peter 3:1) The apostle Paul, exhorted Christians to use their “power of reason” and to “prove to [themselves] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1, 2) Only by such a thorough, careful approach to their beliefs can Christians build a strong faith that is pleasing to God. That's why when posting I try to provide reasoning points and scriptures to consider.


Jehovah's Witnesses do not have “blind” faith. That is why we do not baptize infants or newly interested people who have not carefully studied the Scriptures. Only after having gained an accurate knowledge of God’s will can sincere Bible students make an informed decision. At Romans 10:2 the apostle Paul stated that there were those who had a zeal for God but it was misdirected because of lack of accurate knowledge. Paul, himself was one of these individuals before he became a Christian.


(Ephesians 1:15-17) That is why I also, since I have heard of the faith YOU have in the Lord Jesus and toward all the holy ones, 16 do not cease giving thanks for YOU. I continue mentioning YOU in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give YOU a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the accurate knowledge of him;


(Philippians 1:9) And this is what I continue praying, that YOUR love may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment;


(1 Timothy 2:3, 4) This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, 4 whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

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I don't know Paul also laughed at the Greeks saying that their wisdom was pathetic cause it supposedly did not come from God...it seems clear thinking only makes sense when a person agrees with you.

Riverwolf said:

Never seen it.

That's fair. But it's not enough for the rest of us.



But it's no guarantee of actual truth, just inner-religious consistency.

Frankly, it's the kind of consistency that I would expect from a constructed religion rather than a living one.



Except that they were fulfilled already when Rome became Christian.

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they are passing before the worlds eyes as we speak--- here in these last days. They couldn't possibly be done or Gods kingdom would be ruling all of creation--no more death was a promise in revelation--death is still occurring--proving your theory as false.
Jesus warned--As in the days of Noah--the world took no note( of passing prophecys being fulfilled here in these last days)--in the days of Noah--99% + mislead.

Halloween is bomb. Now that I'm old, I don't get into it too much, but I loved it as a kid and never once dressed up as a ninja and knocked on my neighbor's door with the intent to worship lucifer or any such thing. It was just a mass fun, essentially meaningless tradition.

kjw47 said:

The proof is in prophecys being written over 1900 years ago and passing right before the worlds eyes now.

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Neato. Such as?

Father Heathen said:

Neato. Such as?

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It's really a pity they made it so JW can't predict exact dates anymore. You can only end up with egg on your face so many times.

no-body said:

It's really a pity they made it so JW can't predict exact dates anymore. You can only end up with egg on your face so many times.

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We never 'predicted' dates; we only hoped that certain years might see the kingdom come. Hoping for an end to suffering is not such a bad thing, is it?

With the coming of God's kingdom, Christ will take over the reins of earth's rulership, wrenching it from its current ruler and bringing true peace and security to this earth. (Dan 2:44) All who oppose his kingdom will not need to live in it.

We are told to "keep on the watch" and that is exactly what we have done. We have not filled in time adopting empty rituals and celebrating pagan festivals and joining in with the ruler of this world in his nationalistic events or in elevating "stars" to idol status....as if God is not one bit concerned about what we do.

You are all free to ignore the fools out trying to save your life. :sad:

There is a world catastrophe coming and there is a place of safety, but only if you heed the warning in sincerity will you be saved.

You can't say we didn't try.

kjw47 said:

they are passing before the worlds eyes as we speak--- here in these last days. They couldn't possibly be done or Gods kingdom would be ruling all of creation--no more death was a promise in revelation--death is still occurring--proving your theory as false.

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Metaphor.

Remember that the apocalyptic writings (there were many of them) were written during the Roman Empire as a response to Roman persecution of pretty much everyone.

Besides, the promise of no death is empty, because if you don't have death, you don't have life.

Jesus warned--As in the days of Noah--the world took no note( of passing prophecys being fulfilled here in these last days)--in the days of Noah--99% + mislead.

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A warning with nothing to stand on.

JayJayDee said:

You are all free to ignore the fools out trying to save your life. :sad:

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From what?

Riverwolf said:

From what?

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The showdown between the Creator and his adversary.

This is the culmination of thousands of years of rivalry. Not because God willed it and not because he had no power to snuff out his usurper, but because free willed beings are being given choices.

The issues raised by the devil had to be settled, once and for all. Humans and angels were given opportunity to see firsthand what comes of independence from their Creator's rulership.

If you love this world and the way it is governed; if you love the ways of this world with its greed, misuse of power and moral corruption, then you are supporting the devil's rulership. God has allowed him free rein for a limited time to prove what sort of god and ruler he could be. (Luke 4:8) But his time is almost up.

God is about to re-introduce his rulership over this earth and only those who want God's kingdom to "come" and put things right will get to enjoy it. (Dan 2:44)

The flood of Noah's day is an example of what is to come....only this time it will not be by means of water that wicked and disobedient humanity will be eliminated. (Matt 24:36-39)

The greatest tribulation in the history of the world will be unleashed on mankind but not without warning. (Matt 24:21, 22) Jehovah's people have been sounding that warning in all the earth for many decades now, and some are responding, but Jesus told us to expect them to be "few". (Matt 7:13, 14)

A separation of people is about to take place. Only two categories exist...'sheep and goats'. Everyone living is deemed to be either one or the other when Jesus comes as judge. (Matt 25:31-33, 41, 46)

It's a warning that most will ignore, but it still has to be given.

Sounds like Zoroastranism and Gnosticism rolled into one.