Confusion in Christianity

[Neo Deist]

Have you ever wondered why Christianity has so many different denominations, translations of the Bible, and varied beliefs even though all the denominations claim to be Christian? For someone on the outside looking in, it can be very confusing. How can you be of the same "faith" but disagree on every major point that makes up that religion? Let's dive into some of those points...

The Trinity: this is the belief that God is made up of three different essences; God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and the divine son Jesus. All are God, but manifest in one of those three ways. Christians claim that their religion is monotheistic, but this concept makes it look polytheistic. Not every Christian or denomination accepts the Trinity doctrine. Very confusing.

Pre Tribulation Rapture: this is the concept that a rapture for all who are "saved" will happen before the seven year tribulation. In other words, Gabriel's trumpet will sound and Christians will be spared having to go through that tribulation period (hell on earth) by being brought up into heaven prior. This is sort of a "secret rapture" with Jesus returning a second time later on for Armageddon. You might have seen movies where people on planes just vanish, leaving their clothes behind and causing panic for those who remain.

Post Tribulation Rapture: this is the idea that all who are alive on earth at the time the seven year tribulation begins, will remain on earth and have to endure it, regardless if they are "saved" or not. Jesus will return upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet, gather up all the believers into heaven, and then Armageddon takes place. This has Jesus making only one appearance, not two. The Bible actually teaches this version, not Pre Trib.

Note: Christians are divided on which version is the correct "rapture," and disagree quite often.

Hell: the place of eternal torment for the damned/wicked who are cast there. This concept has been a central theme of Christianity since the early AD era. The Bible never actually says that non-believers will be sent to hell, only the devil, beast and false prophet (Rev. 20:10). The wicked will be cast into the lake of fire along with hades (the grave) and death (act of physically dying), where all will be destroyed (cease to exist).

Christians have mixed beliefs about hell, with the classic concept being that Satan rules that dominion and those who are sent there will be eternally tormented. People have a tendency to just accept whatever their priest/pastor tell them without actually studying the Bible. Fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost have painted hell into something that the Bible does not describe. The Church has used hell as a scare tactic for centuries. Not all Christians believe in hell as a place of eternal torment, especially in modern times.

Purgatory: this is the Roman Catholic concept that upon death, a soul goes into a state of cleansing/purification before entering heaven. Protestants deny the concept of Purgatory. Again, more disagreement. As a matter of fact, to be a Protestant originally meant that you were in "protest" of the Roman Catholic Church, hence the root word!

Judgment: some Christians believe that the moment you die, you are judged and sent to heaven or hell. Unfortunately this is not biblical. If you look at Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-4, you will find where it very clearly states that ALL the dead will be raised, judged and either be destroyed or sent to paradise on new earth.

Heaven: the term for heaven actually has multiple meanings, but some translations erroneously lump all the meanings together. Heaven can mean the sky, the cosmos, or the dwelling place of God. A very common belief in Christianity is that when we die, we go to heaven and live in paradise forever. This is not biblical. If you remember from the judgment, those who pass it will be sent to paradise on new earth, not heaven. The Bible even tells us that new earth will no longer have any seas. So either the oceans will dry up, or new earth is an entirely different planet!

Minority denominations like the Jehovah's Witnesses believe in "soul sleep," which is the concept that upon death you go to the grave and wait for the resurrection and judgment described in Rev. 20:11-15, before going on to paradise. This is actually biblical if you read Revelation 20 and 21.

Satan: this is public enemy #1, God's arch enemy and the bane of human existence. This diabolical fallen angel supposedly travels around the world tempting people to commit sin. Christians are quick to blame Satan for anything bad that happens.

The problem with Satan as the devil is that the term has been butchered by English translations, especially the KJV. The term comes from the OT Hebrew ha-satan, which correctly translates into "the adversary." It is a title, not a name. Furthermore, if God is all powerful, why doesn't He just uncreate Satan and save everyone the trouble?

Lastly, if Satan (the great dragon) was not cast out of heaven and down unto the earth until the war with the Arch Angel Michael as described in Revelation 12:7-9, how can he possibly be on earth now, causing all of this temptation, as well as in heaven? Two places at once? Unless...he has the godlike power of omnipresence. That causes a HUGE problem for Christianity though, because it is supposed to be a monotheistic religion. We can't have two beings with godlike powers!

On a personal side note, I do not believe in Satan as the devil. God's will is done in heaven per Matthew 6:9-13, and if that is the case then Satan can't rebel unless God wills it, which means that God caused all of the evil in the first place (and He even admits that in Isaiah 45:7 - I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things).

Bible Translations: go to a book store and there will be countless translations of the Bible. They all have different versions of the same verses. Which one is the most accurate? Why are there so many translations? Why do different denominations print their own versions of the Bible? These are good questions that need good answers.

For starters, there is BIG money in religion. The reason there are so many different translations is because publishing houses have copyrights on their version(s). If another publisher wants to use one of those versions, they have to pay huge royalties. It is often cheaper to just print your own version, making sure you don't plagiarize anything.

So why do certain denominations print their own version of the Bible? Because they want the Bible to say certain things, or be interpreted a certain way in order to support their beliefs.

So which translation is the most accurate? A formal equivalent version such as the NASB or ESV, however, understand that the original works that were written thousands of years ago no longer exist. That means that nothing can be compared to what Moses (or others) actually wrote. All we have are copies of copies, and those are subject to human error over the centuries.

Summary: so how is it that Christianity has such huge differences of opinion? My answer is not inclusive, but much of it comes from Christians not actually studying the Bible to see what it really says. They rely on their church leaders to dictate to them what the Bible says, and they blindly accept what they are told. If something is repeated to you often enough, you will believe it to be true even if it is completely false. That is brainwashing.

Another catalyst for all of this disagreement is personal interpretation of the Bible. That is how every single denomination got started. Someone at some point in time did not like the church/denomination they were in, so they broke away and started a movement. Really charismatic leaders can round up like believers and plant the seed for future generations.

Let's not forget that wars have been carried out in the name of God. People get so caught up in religion that they lose sight of what is right and wrong. Christianity is just as guilty of this as any other religion. Crusades, anyone?

 

[George-ananda]

Well, Christians have to use their reason nowadays. In the past, when people were perhaps only slightly educated, they believed what they heard from their religious leaders. Today, I see that quickly becoming no longer the case. I just see very few younger people adhering to any denomination's creed. They reason for themselves in the information age; they may be spiritual, but not religious.

 

[Thana]

Have you ever wondered why Christianity has so many different denominations, translations of the Bible, and varied beliefs even though all the denominations claim to be Christian? For someone on the outside looking in, it can be very confusing. How can you be of the same "faith" but disagree on every major point that makes up that religion? Let's dive into some of those points...

The Trinity: this is the belief that God is made up of three different essences; God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and the divine son Jesus. All are God, but manifest in one of those three ways. Christians claim that their religion is monotheistic, but this concept makes it look polytheistic. Not every Christian or denomination accepts the Trinity doctrine. Very confusing.

Pre Tribulation Rapture: this is the concept that a rapture for all who are "saved" will happen before the seven year tribulation. In other words, Gabriel's trumpet will sound and Christians will be spared having to go through that tribulation period (hell on earth) by being brought up into heaven prior. This is sort of a "secret rapture" with Jesus returning a second time later on for Armageddon. You might have seen movies where people on planes just vanish, leaving their clothes behind and causing panic for those who remain.

Post Tribulation Rapture: this is the idea that all who are alive on earth at the time the seven year tribulation begins, will remain on earth and have to endure it, regardless if they are "saved" or not. Jesus will return upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet, gather up all the believers into heaven, and then Armageddon takes place. This has Jesus making only one appearance, not two. The Bible actually teaches this version, not Pre Trib.

Note: Christians are divided on which version is the correct "rapture," and disagree quite often.

Hell: the place of eternal torment for the damned/wicked who are cast there. This concept has been a central theme of Christianity since the early AD era. The Bible never actually says that non-believers will be sent to hell, only the devil, beast and false prophet (Rev. 20:10). The wicked will be cast into the lake of fire along with hades (the grave) and death (act of physically dying), where all will be destroyed (cease to exist).

Christians have mixed beliefs about hell, with the classic concept being that Satan rules that dominion and those who are sent there will be eternally tormented. People have a tendency to just accept whatever their priest/pastor tell them without actually studying the Bible. Fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost have painted hell into something that the Bible does not describe. The Church has used hell as a scare tactic for centuries. Not all Christians believe in hell as a place of eternal torment, especially in modern times.

Purgatory: this is the Roman Catholic concept that upon death, a soul goes into a state of cleansing/purification before entering heaven. Protestants deny the concept of Purgatory. Again, more disagreement. As a matter of fact, to be a Protestant originally meant that you were in "protest" of the Roman Catholic Church, hence the root word!

Judgment: some Christians believe that the moment you die, you are judged and sent to heaven or hell. Unfortunately this is not biblical. If you look at Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-4, you will find where it very clearly states that ALL the dead will be raised, judged and either be destroyed or sent to paradise on new earth.

Heaven: the term for heaven actually has multiple meanings, but some translations erroneously lump all the meanings together. Heaven can mean the sky, the cosmos, or the dwelling place of God. A very common belief in Christianity is that when we die, we go to heaven and live in paradise forever. This is not biblical. If you remember from the judgment, those who pass it will be sent to paradise on new earth, not heaven. The Bible even tells us that new earth will no longer have any seas. So either the oceans will dry up, or new earth is an entirely different planet!

Minority denominations like the Jehovah's Witnesses believe in "soul sleep," which is the concept that upon death you go to the grave and wait for the resurrection and judgment described in Rev. 20:11-15, before going on to paradise. This is actually biblical if you read Revelation 20 and 21.

Satan: this is public enemy #1, God's arch enemy and the bane of human existence. This diabolical fallen angel supposedly travels around the world tempting people to commit sin. Christians are quick to blame Satan for anything bad that happens.

The problem with Satan as the devil is that the term has been butchered by English translations, especially the KJV. The term comes from the OT Hebrew ha-satan, which correctly translates into "the adversary." It is a title, not a name. Furthermore, if God is all powerful, why doesn't He just uncreate Satan and save everyone the trouble?

Lastly, if Satan (the great dragon) was not cast out of heaven and down unto the earth until the war with the Arch Angel Michael as described in Revelation 12:7-9, how can he possibly be on earth now, causing all of this temptation, as well as in heaven? Two places at once? Unless...he has the godlike power of omnipresence. That causes a HUGE problem for Christianity though, because it is supposed to be a monotheistic religion. We can't have two beings with godlike powers!

On a personal side note, I do not believe in Satan as the devil. God's will is done in heaven per Matthew 6:9-13, and if that is the case then Satan can't rebel unless God wills it, which means that God caused all of the evil in the first place (and He even admits that in Isaiah 45:7 - I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things).

Bible Translations: go to a book store and there will be countless translations of the Bible. They all have different versions of the same verses. Which one is the most accurate? Why are there so many translations? Why do different denominations print their own versions of the Bible? These are good questions that need good answers.

For starters, there is BIG money in religion. The reason there are so many different translations is because publishing houses have copyrights on their version(s). If another publisher wants to use one of those versions, they have to pay huge royalties. It is often cheaper to just print your own version, making sure you don't plagiarize anything.

So why do certain denominations print their own version of the Bible? Because they want the Bible to say certain things, or be interpreted a certain way in order to support their beliefs.

So which translation is the most accurate? A formal equivalent version such as the NASB or ESV, however, understand that the original works that were written thousands of years ago no longer exist. That means that nothing can be compared to what Moses (or others) actually wrote. All we have are copies of copies, and those are subject to human error over the centuries.

Summary: so how is it that Christianity has such huge differences of opinion? My answer is not inclusive, but much of it comes from Christians not actually studying the Bible to see what it really says. They rely on their church leaders to dictate to them what the Bible says, and they blindly accept what they are told. If something is repeated to you often enough, you will believe it to be true even if it is completely false. That is brainwashing.

Another catalyst for all of this disagreement is personal interpretation of the Bible. That is how every single denomination got started. Someone at some point in time did not like the church/denomination they were in, so they broke away and started a movement. Really charismatic leaders can round up like believers and plant the seed for future generations.

Let's not forget that wars have been carried out in the name of God. People get so caught up in religion that they lose sight of what is right and wrong. Christianity is just as guilty of this as any other religion. Crusades, anyone?

And what is it you're wanting to debate?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Have you ever wondered why Christianity has so many different denominations, translations of the Bible, and varied beliefs even though all the denominations claim to be Christian? For someone on the outside looking in, it can be very confusing. How can you be of the same "faith" but disagree on every major point that makes up that religion? Let's dive into some of those points...

The Trinity: this is the belief that God is made up of three different essences; God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and the divine son Jesus. All are God, but manifest in one of those three ways. Christians claim that their religion is monotheistic, but this concept makes it look polytheistic. Not every Christian or denomination accepts the Trinity doctrine. Very confusing.

Pre Tribulation Rapture: this is the concept that a rapture for all who are "saved" will happen before the seven year tribulation. In other words, Gabriel's trumpet will sound and Christians will be spared having to go through that tribulation period (hell on earth) by being brought up into heaven prior. This is sort of a "secret rapture" with Jesus returning a second time later on for Armageddon. You might have seen movies where people on planes just vanish, leaving their clothes behind and causing panic for those who remain.

Post Tribulation Rapture: this is the idea that all who are alive on earth at the time the seven year tribulation begins, will remain on earth and have to endure it, regardless if they are "saved" or not. Jesus will return upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet, gather up all the believers into heaven, and then Armageddon takes place. This has Jesus making only one appearance, not two. The Bible actually teaches this version, not Pre Trib.

Note: Christians are divided on which version is the correct "rapture," and disagree quite often.

Hell: the place of eternal torment for the damned/wicked who are cast there. This concept has been a central theme of Christianity since the early AD era. The Bible never actually says that non-believers will be sent to hell, only the devil, beast and false prophet (Rev. 20:10). The wicked will be cast into the lake of fire along with hades (the grave) and death (act of physically dying), where all will be destroyed (cease to exist).

Christians have mixed beliefs about hell, with the classic concept being that Satan rules that dominion and those who are sent there will be eternally tormented. People have a tendency to just accept whatever their priest/pastor tell them without actually studying the Bible. Fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost have painted hell into something that the Bible does not describe. The Church has used hell as a scare tactic for centuries. Not all Christians believe in hell as a place of eternal torment, especially in modern times.

Purgatory: this is the Roman Catholic concept that upon death, a soul goes into a state of cleansing/purification before entering heaven. Protestants deny the concept of Purgatory. Again, more disagreement. As a matter of fact, to be a Protestant originally meant that you were in "protest" of the Roman Catholic Church, hence the root word!

Judgment: some Christians believe that the moment you die, you are judged and sent to heaven or hell. Unfortunately this is not biblical. If you look at Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-4, you will find where it very clearly states that ALL the dead will be raised, judged and either be destroyed or sent to paradise on new earth.

Heaven: the term for heaven actually has multiple meanings, but some translations erroneously lump all the meanings together. Heaven can mean the sky, the cosmos, or the dwelling place of God. A very common belief in Christianity is that when we die, we go to heaven and live in paradise forever. This is not biblical. If you remember from the judgment, those who pass it will be sent to paradise on new earth, not heaven. The Bible even tells us that new earth will no longer have any seas. So either the oceans will dry up, or new earth is an entirely different planet!

Minority denominations like the Jehovah's Witnesses believe in "soul sleep," which is the concept that upon death you go to the grave and wait for the resurrection and judgment described in Rev. 20:11-15, before going on to paradise. This is actually biblical if you read Revelation 20 and 21.

Satan: this is public enemy #1, God's arch enemy and the bane of human existence. This diabolical fallen angel supposedly travels around the world tempting people to commit sin. Christians are quick to blame Satan for anything bad that happens.

The problem with Satan as the devil is that the term has been butchered by English translations, especially the KJV. The term comes from the OT Hebrew ha-satan, which correctly translates into "the adversary." It is a title, not a name. Furthermore, if God is all powerful, why doesn't He just uncreate Satan and save everyone the trouble?

Lastly, if Satan (the great dragon) was not cast out of heaven and down unto the earth until the war with the Arch Angel Michael as described in Revelation 12:7-9, how can he possibly be on earth now, causing all of this temptation, as well as in heaven? Two places at once? Unless...he has the godlike power of omnipresence. That causes a HUGE problem for Christianity though, because it is supposed to be a monotheistic religion. We can't have two beings with godlike powers!

On a personal side note, I do not believe in Satan as the devil. God's will is done in heaven per Matthew 6:9-13, and if that is the case then Satan can't rebel unless God wills it, which means that God caused all of the evil in the first place (and He even admits that in Isaiah 45:7 - I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things).

Bible Translations: go to a book store and there will be countless translations of the Bible. They all have different versions of the same verses. Which one is the most accurate? Why are there so many translations? Why do different denominations print their own versions of the Bible? These are good questions that need good answers.

For starters, there is BIG money in religion. The reason there are so many different translations is because publishing houses have copyrights on their version(s). If another publisher wants to use one of those versions, they have to pay huge royalties. It is often cheaper to just print your own version, making sure you don't plagiarize anything.

So why do certain denominations print their own version of the Bible? Because they want the Bible to say certain things, or be interpreted a certain way in order to support their beliefs.

So which translation is the most accurate? A formal equivalent version such as the NASB or ESV, however, understand that the original works that were written thousands of years ago no longer exist. That means that nothing can be compared to what Moses (or others) actually wrote. All we have are copies of copies, and those are subject to human error over the centuries.

Summary: so how is it that Christianity has such huge differences of opinion? My answer is not inclusive, but much of it comes from Christians not actually studying the Bible to see what it really says. They rely on their church leaders to dictate to them what the Bible says, and they blindly accept what they are told. If something is repeated to you often enough, you will believe it to be true even if it is completely false. That is brainwashing.

Another catalyst for all of this disagreement is personal interpretation of the Bible. That is how every single denomination got started. Someone at some point in time did not like the church/denomination they were in, so they broke away and started a movement. Really charismatic leaders can round up like believers and plant the seed for future generations.

Let's not forget that wars have been carried out in the name of God. People get so caught up in religion that they lose sight of what is right and wrong. Christianity is just as guilty of this as any other religion. Crusades, anyone?

I know this sounds a little harsh; but, I wonder, how can something be the Truth when there is no unity and common foundation with which Truth is defined.

 

[Skwim]

One of the cool things about Christianity is that one can make whatever one wants of it and still remain a Christian. A person can even make up stuff, crazy, goofy stuff, and still call themselves a Christian. This is why there are now an estimated 34,000 to 43,000 Christian denominations in the world.* Don't like a current Christian belief? Just cross it out and substitute your own. It's done all the time, and all come with tax deductible privileges.

If you keep this little facet about Christianity in mind: no denomination needs to agree with any other denomination, there should be no confusion about the religion. And this is why it's so silly when a Christian gets upset because someone who doesn't cross their left thumb over their right thumb when folding their hands in prayer insists on calling themselves a Christian.

*source

 

[buddhist]

IMO Christianity is so diversely factioned, because 1. the message of Christianity largely depends on correct "belief" in the right things, and 2. the fact that the Bible can be interpreted in virtually endless and different ways. Since the right belief is required, it stands to reason that there would be innmerable divisions based on differing "right beliefs".

On the other hand, religions (such as the Dharmic ones) which do not place great importance on "right belief" are far less fractured.

 

[Twilight Hue]

It's the confusion and splintering that caused me to leave Christianity noting the lack of any type of communication whatsoever with God.

No surprise adherents can't ever possibly agree by consensus.

The potential to generate immense fortunes through careful manipulation and planning is just too apoealing to pass up by those who happen to be charismatic and well spoken. Weither it be book publishing or podium. It's grown up to be quite a cottage industry if not already a full blown corporate enterprise.

I know this sounds a little harsh; but, I wonder, how can something be the Truth when there is no unity and common foundation with which Truth is defined.

Exactly. A universal consensus is paramount in establishing any truth.

There has to be certain standards and conditions met that unites people in a way that it cannot possibly be disputed.

 

[Riverwolf]

The various forms of Christianity seem, to me, to be born from the various cultures already present when it showed up. The most effective method by which it spread was by assimilating local tradtitions and stories, and slapping Jesus on them.

It's probably why the various names for the Christian God in the various European languages are actually names for other, indigenous Gods in Sky Father roles. Deus used to be one of Iupiter's names, the very name "God" might have been an alternate name for either Tiw or Woden (depending on where you were), etc.

 

[Deathbydefault]

Before I read the varieties of Christianity in you post, allow me to address this alone.

Have you ever wondered why Christianity has so many different denominations, translations of the Bible, and varied beliefs even though all the denominations claim to be Christian?

Well, in line with the denominations that follow the bible, it would be due to this apparent God allowing its "holy word" to be written.
Languages change and die out. There is so much that can be lost in translation.

You would think a God would preserve its word a bit better than by language.

 

[Neo Deist]

And what is it you're wanting to debate?

Pick any of those topics in the OP.
State your position and why.
We'll go from there.

 

[Neo Deist]

Well, Christians have to use their reason nowadays. In the past, when people were perhaps only slightly educated, they believed what they heard from their religious leaders. Today, I see that quickly becoming no longer the case. I just see very few younger people adhering to any denomination's creed. They reason for themselves in the information age; they may be spiritual, but not religious.

Exactly the reason I identify as a deist with Christian roots. Common sense and evidence (scientific, medical or otherwise) has replaced superstition, fairy tales and the supernatural.

 

[Neo Deist]

Understand that I am not bashing Christianity. At its core, it is a very moralistic religion, and one that I respect (as well as grew up in). It's when people with agendas take said religion, sprinkle personal flavor all over it and run with it, that I start having issues. If anything, I am pointing out several of the fallacies that I find within the broad umbrella that is Christianity.

 

[Thana]

Exactly the reason I identify as a deist with Christian roots. Common sense and evidence (scientific, medical or otherwise) has replaced superstition, fairy tales and the supernatural.

Well, now I'm mad.
Did you not, less than a few hours ago, say you identified as Christian? You must realize 'Deist with Christian roots' is not the same as Christian Deist.
It's the same as saying Christianity has Jewish roots, it's true but that don't make us Jews.

 

[Neo Deist]

Well, now I'm mad.
Did you not, less than a few hours ago, say you identified as Christian? You must realize 'Deist with Christian roots' is not the same as Christian Deist.
It's the same as saying Christianity has Jewish roots, it's true but that don't make us Jews.

I am not big on labels, but feel free to interpret as you wish.

Edit: given this thread, could you please tell me (us) exactly what it means to be a Christian? What is the universally agreed upon binding agent that every Christian acknowledges, even with the mega diversity within said religion?

 

[Thana]

I am not big on labels, but feel free to interpret as you wish.

I will.
And I see it as you wanting to switch teams whenever it's convenient for you to do so.
You're a Christian when you're trying to one up another Christian, But you're a strict Deist whenever there's something negative to be said about Christianity.

Anyway, I'll be leaving now. Sorry for going off topic... I just don't like it when people are disingenuous.

 

[Neo Deist]

Anyway, I'll be leaving now.

Ok.

So no debating then?

 

[LuisDantas]

I see Christianity as fractioned basically by choice, as a direct result of basing itself on belief as opposed to Dharma.

 

[George-ananda]

Exactly the reason I identify as a deist with Christian roots. Common sense and evidence (scientific, medical or otherwise) has replaced superstition, fairy tales and the supernatural.

I'm in disagreement with the last part of this. I think a serious study of the paranormal in modern times clearly shows that more than fairy tales and superstition are going on here. We live in a universe complex beyond our ability to grasp. Christianity does not have a model of the universe that is consistent and makes sense. I believe eastern wisdom traditions do have a model that makes sense and is consistent with the evidence.

 

[viole]

Have you ever wondered why Christianity has so many different denominations, translations of the Bible, and varied beliefs even though all the denominations claim to be Christian? For someone on the outside looking in, it can be very confusing. How can you be of the same "faith" but disagree on every major point that makes up that religion? Let's dive into some of those points...

The Trinity: this is the belief that God is made up of three different essences; God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and the divine son Jesus. All are God, but manifest in one of those three ways. Christians claim that their religion is monotheistic, but this concept makes it look polytheistic. Not every Christian or denomination accepts the Trinity doctrine. Very confusing.

Pre Tribulation Rapture: this is the concept that a rapture for all who are "saved" will happen before the seven year tribulation. In other words, Gabriel's trumpet will sound and Christians will be spared having to go through that tribulation period (hell on earth) by being brought up into heaven prior. This is sort of a "secret rapture" with Jesus returning a second time later on for Armageddon. You might have seen movies where people on planes just vanish, leaving their clothes behind and causing panic for those who remain.

Post Tribulation Rapture: this is the idea that all who are alive on earth at the time the seven year tribulation begins, will remain on earth and have to endure it, regardless if they are "saved" or not. Jesus will return upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet, gather up all the believers into heaven, and then Armageddon takes place. This has Jesus making only one appearance, not two. The Bible actually teaches this version, not Pre Trib.

Note: Christians are divided on which version is the correct "rapture," and disagree quite often.

Hell: the place of eternal torment for the damned/wicked who are cast there. This concept has been a central theme of Christianity since the early AD era. The Bible never actually says that non-believers will be sent to hell, only the devil, beast and false prophet (Rev. 20:10). The wicked will be cast into the lake of fire along with hades (the grave) and death (act of physically dying), where all will be destroyed (cease to exist).

Christians have mixed beliefs about hell, with the classic concept being that Satan rules that dominion and those who are sent there will be eternally tormented. People have a tendency to just accept whatever their priest/pastor tell them without actually studying the Bible. Fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost have painted hell into something that the Bible does not describe. The Church has used hell as a scare tactic for centuries. Not all Christians believe in hell as a place of eternal torment, especially in modern times.

Purgatory: this is the Roman Catholic concept that upon death, a soul goes into a state of cleansing/purification before entering heaven. Protestants deny the concept of Purgatory. Again, more disagreement. As a matter of fact, to be a Protestant originally meant that you were in "protest" of the Roman Catholic Church, hence the root word!

Judgment: some Christians believe that the moment you die, you are judged and sent to heaven or hell. Unfortunately this is not biblical. If you look at Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-4, you will find where it very clearly states that ALL the dead will be raised, judged and either be destroyed or sent to paradise on new earth.

Heaven: the term for heaven actually has multiple meanings, but some translations erroneously lump all the meanings together. Heaven can mean the sky, the cosmos, or the dwelling place of God. A very common belief in Christianity is that when we die, we go to heaven and live in paradise forever. This is not biblical. If you remember from the judgment, those who pass it will be sent to paradise on new earth, not heaven. The Bible even tells us that new earth will no longer have any seas. So either the oceans will dry up, or new earth is an entirely different planet!

Minority denominations like the Jehovah's Witnesses believe in "soul sleep," which is the concept that upon death you go to the grave and wait for the resurrection and judgment described in Rev. 20:11-15, before going on to paradise. This is actually biblical if you read Revelation 20 and 21.

Satan: this is public enemy #1, God's arch enemy and the bane of human existence. This diabolical fallen angel supposedly travels around the world tempting people to commit sin. Christians are quick to blame Satan for anything bad that happens.

The problem with Satan as the devil is that the term has been butchered by English translations, especially the KJV. The term comes from the OT Hebrew ha-satan, which correctly translates into "the adversary." It is a title, not a name. Furthermore, if God is all powerful, why doesn't He just uncreate Satan and save everyone the trouble?

Lastly, if Satan (the great dragon) was not cast out of heaven and down unto the earth until the war with the Arch Angel Michael as described in Revelation 12:7-9, how can he possibly be on earth now, causing all of this temptation, as well as in heaven? Two places at once? Unless...he has the godlike power of omnipresence. That causes a HUGE problem for Christianity though, because it is supposed to be a monotheistic religion. We can't have two beings with godlike powers!

On a personal side note, I do not believe in Satan as the devil. God's will is done in heaven per Matthew 6:9-13, and if that is the case then Satan can't rebel unless God wills it, which means that God caused all of the evil in the first place (and He even admits that in Isaiah 45:7 - I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things).

Bible Translations: go to a book store and there will be countless translations of the Bible. They all have different versions of the same verses. Which one is the most accurate? Why are there so many translations? Why do different denominations print their own versions of the Bible? These are good questions that need good answers.

For starters, there is BIG money in religion. The reason there are so many different translations is because publishing houses have copyrights on their version(s). If another publisher wants to use one of those versions, they have to pay huge royalties. It is often cheaper to just print your own version, making sure you don't plagiarize anything.

So why do certain denominations print their own version of the Bible? Because they want the Bible to say certain things, or be interpreted a certain way in order to support their beliefs.

So which translation is the most accurate? A formal equivalent version such as the NASB or ESV, however, understand that the original works that were written thousands of years ago no longer exist. That means that nothing can be compared to what Moses (or others) actually wrote. All we have are copies of copies, and those are subject to human error over the centuries.

Summary: so how is it that Christianity has such huge differences of opinion? My answer is not inclusive, but much of it comes from Christians not actually studying the Bible to see what it really says. They rely on their church leaders to dictate to them what the Bible says, and they blindly accept what they are told. If something is repeated to you often enough, you will believe it to be true even if it is completely false. That is brainwashing.

Another catalyst for all of this disagreement is personal interpretation of the Bible. That is how every single denomination got started. Someone at some point in time did not like the church/denomination they were in, so they broke away and started a movement. Really charismatic leaders can round up like believers and plant the seed for future generations.

Let's not forget that wars have been carried out in the name of God. People get so caught up in religion that they lose sight of what is right and wrong. Christianity is just as guilty of this as any other religion. Crusades, anyone?

Well, the explanation for all these diverging oinions is obvious. When they have a personal relationship with God, they mainly talk with Him about the weather.

Ciao

- viole

 

[Twilight Hue]

The various forms of Christianity seem, to me, to be born from the various cultures already present when it showed up. The most effective method by which it spread was by assimilating local tradtitions and stories, and slapping Jesus on them.

It's probably why the various names for the Christian God in the various European languages are actually names for other, indigenous Gods in Sky Father roles. Deus used to be one of Iupiter's names, the very name "God" might have been an alternate name for either Tiw or Woden (depending on where you were), etc.

That's a good point. I can't think of anything that's original and unique with Christianity that can be pointed out other than the copy and pasting of other belief systems into a unique montage telling out a story where God is imbued with humanlike qualities including image.