Christianity

[Hazepaw]

I'd just like to know exactly what it means to all of you. I've never gone to church or practiced a religon. In other words I am an atheist. I am fine with my friends discussing church and their beliefs in front of me, but I was very ticked off last week when a kid asked me straight-out which church I went to. When I replied that I didn't go, and never had he went along the path of "If you don't read the bible and love Jesus you will go and burn in flames for eternity..". Another girl went on about how she pitied me for not believing. These were only two kids though, and the rest, even though they did go to church, obviously had an array of different views on the particular subject. This was why I honestly want to know exactly what God, Jesus, etc. mean for all of you.

Another thing I'd like to ask is what your views on science are. I'm asking in particular about the Theory of Evolution, which seems to constantly be a sensitive subject with the religous population. Thanks! And I hope I haven't offended anyone in this post.

[.:spottedwing::.]

Well...I'm debating on weather I'm Catholic or not. It's always been who I am...but I'm slipping into my own beliefs. Yes, I believe in God. Yes, I believe in Jesus. But I have other beliefs mixed in...which tends to cause debate xDD

I respect everyone's beliefs. If you're an Atheist, wewt for you! xDD Lol. I don't think you'll go to Hell. They give you a load of crud right there =P

Science? I believe this. With Evolution in all. I'm not sure. It's possible. In religion class they actually taught us Adam and Eve might just be a parable and nothing more; we don't know.

Seriously, though...you'll get creatures that look the same but different speicies of them. So I'm not sure about Evolution. Maybe I'll find out when I die xDD But we most likely will never know on this plane of existence.

But all in all, my main beliefs are on this platform, this beginning, this start, this root: whatever I believe in, I always have the knowledge that I could be wrong and someone else right, or vice versa, so I should never be shocked at what happens when I die, and that anything is possible. If there is no God...well, that would be disappointing for me, but I believe in him and I love Him <3

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[`ˆ´ v î ø l é t `ˆ´]

I believe in God & Jesus, I'm a Catholic Christian. We should find out the specifics when we die, rather than twisting around the words of the disciples and some how get an anti-homosexual message.

On that topic, (I don't want to offend anyone) until I die, I really don't know and I believe that nobody else does whether gay people are kidding themselves, or God made them that way. Until then, I'm going to think that God made them that way ^^, and be tolerant.

(don't know how I got on that subject...) but anyway. I think those people might have come across as being mean, but in the long term they wanted to help you, and didn't realize that it wasn't there business. Christianity can't be forced on anyone; you either believe or you don't. I'm pro-life w00t! And encourage adoption, and I think that people against it are being selfish. If you can't raise a baby, then don't, put it up for adoption. Not for your own sake though, for the baby's. So the baby can have a better life. "I don't want to give up my first born! That says I don't love it!"-- No! Of course it doesn't! It says you love the kid enough to part ways with him/her so that they can have a good life.

I don't think I'll get a purity ring, but at the same time I'm not going too sleep around, get drunk, sleep with frat boys. A boyfriend... of a longg time that I love. Yay virgins! <3 Anyway. I don't know how I got onto that stuff either, I guess just controversial issues that involve religion.

On a retreat with my church they read this song/poem and I cried:

Footprints in the Sand

<33

The only one in my family is slightly religious is my mom, but she doesn't act like a Christian, she just goes to Church and makes the rest of my family go. I know that both of my sisters and my dad don't believe, but they go. Sometimes. Whatever I don't really particularly enjoy my fam...

Anywhhay. If you ever read Bless Me, Ultima, I hate that book. Not only because its anti-Christianity, I also hate it's incredibly bland and it sounds like the person who wrote it was high at the time.

Anyway, wow, wrote a lot.

xxVi

[§oulfl!ght]

I'd have to say i agree with everything that Violet says.

The people who try to shove Christianity and religion down your throat are the ones who need to be looking into the scriptures themselves. I guess that everyone finds God at their own pace, and believe me, I understand what its like to be pressured and pitied by people. Its quite stupid.

Eep. About the science/evolution stuff. We've been talking about this a lot at school (i go to a Christian school, I'm Pentecostal :'D -can't spell-) anywho! And from what the evolutionists are finding, all signs of life and things point to a creator. Or a "greater being", is how they word it. They are saying they don't believe in God, and that he created the earth, water sky, ect. ect., but they believe that there is some kind of amazing being that brought all of us into this world. A lot of people lean to wards evolution because their isn't a whole lot of proof to exactly determine whether or not God created all of us, and some people question "How was God their before everything was created?" Apparently, that question is too complex for our minds to handle. Even if somehow we found out the answer, we couldn't truly understand how it happened. xD

And what God really, honestly means to me. Hm. I think in all things, God is my safe haven. My sanctuary. I know thats commonly used, but He is everything i could ever wish for. I've finally come to realize, that even though i fail terribly at a lot of things, God doesn't really mind. He accepts me for me. He loves me just the way I am. I could be a diseased psycho path and he would still love me all the same. My faith is shaken so much, I can't even begin to explain, but at the end of the day i truly know who my heart belongs to. Some people will laugh at the fact that you worship something that you can't see, or hear, or feel. But you can do all of those things, even if you don't see Him. You look all around you and you see plants, you see creatures, you hear voices, and when you worship him, you can feel, sense his presence near you.

I know that i might be out of line to say this, but that guy who said you'll burn in Hell, is kind of telling the truth. But he was being more blunt about it. He could have used better words, and i mean i would get ticked off too, believe me xD I'd probably slap him. But its really the truth. You don't have to read the Bible to be a Christian, you can accept God into your life without even stepping one foot into a church. Ha, God is amazing. XD I think that, you just have to accept him, who he is, how he died, and he came back, just to save you from burning in hell for eternity.

Oh. And if you ever have the doubt about that whole 'How could God love me when I've done so much wrong?" It's just like it says in Romans 3:23 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' So, theres no need to worry about that, God forgives all sins, but only if you ask him too. (:

Sorry if I'm like preaching to you, that's just how i look at everything.

I just thought i would put my favorite verse here. I love to sing, and I'm in a praise band, and i think thats something thats drawn me close to the lord, and heres a verse that helped.

Psalms 98:1
'Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

[`ˆ´ v î ø l é t `ˆ´]

Sing a new song unto the Lord
Let your song be sung from mountains high
Sing a new song unto the Lord
Singin' alleluiaaaa!

I'm not sure exactly what Palsm that is from because I have it memorized. We sing it every time at church. Although, I don't sing in front of people, I sing it after, alone when it's stuck in my head.

[wildkitthe2nd]

I have nothing against Christianity, I think it's a beautiful and amazing religion just like all the rest. I go to a Lutheran church with my family, but I don't exactly believe in hell. Who has done something so horrible they deserve eternal damnation? I think we all deserve a fantastic retirement after death. I also believe there is divinity in everything. Who created the symmetry and perfect coordination of nature? There must be something up there keeping an eye on us.
So there's my little smidgen of opinion. XP

[Whitestar``]

I love all of you guys, and I respect the fact that you feel this way, but I'm Atheist as well. xD. I find it a lot more fun. I used to think I believed in God, but I realized as I got older that I don't. Nor will I ever. I respect people and their religions, but I'm always exasperated when people come to the door with bibles and pamphlets saying 'accept the lord! come too (whatever's) church!' it's so annoying. >>.

I had a classmate tell me I would burn in hell if I didn't accept God. I just laughed and said, "Whatever, Jasmine." It's effing ridiculous! How the hell can she know? Because the Bible says so? Yeah, right. Because everything that 'God' has said that has been interpreted through whomever is proven and true. Nice argument.

I go to Church, yes. Surprised? I go to a Unitarian Universalist church, founded by Emerson. It accepts people of any religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc etc. My mom, brother and I have all found a home there. Some of the older members have gotten married there. It's so amazing. (: My brother and I are going to play a duet for two Violins on the Violin and Viola. xD.

Anyways, I personally find that imposing a religion on those who don't want to be imposed upon is wrong, and above all stupid. It's the same as if I walked up to Rissa and told her that God was nonexistent and heaven and hell were not real. There is no God to judge whether you go to heaven or hell, or are maybe reincarnated. I would not be so selfish as to tell any one that, because for all I know that could be correct! But, then again, I could be right in my assumption that it is just blackness.

By the way, I like the bible stories. xD. Just not the Bible.

[§oulfl!ght]

aren't those Mormons who do that? xD go to door to door?

[«MªÞlεδtǻr»]

I hate the religious stereotypes. It's awful because I know that it's annoying when people go door-to-door sometimes and I know that people have been affected negatively by bible bashers. God is so much to me. I honestly don't know what I would do without Him. I could probably rant forever about how God has effected my life but I won't do that right now. To sum it up, here's what God is to me: My best friend, comforter, adviser, teacher, romancer, King, protector, provider, my hope, my strength, the lover of my soul, the renewer of my mind, the thief of my heart, the one who always has been there for me, is here for me, and always will be here for me.

In response to Umber, when you think about how much historical accuracy there is in the Bible, how could you not think it's true. I've just recently been actually listening to the Bible stories more and have been realizing how accurate the kings and places and times are in it. Archeologists have found TONS of evidence for the temples and kingdoms described in the Bible.

As for science theories, I don't completely agree with evolution. The thing is I'm not much of a science person, so I don't care all that much, I just know what God created the earth and I don't care how. He could have used evolution to create the earth, or he could have whipped it out in literally six days. All I know is that with the complexity of this earth, there's absolutely no way it could have all been by chance. And I honestly do not believe that we came from apes or monkey or whatever. Yes we may genetically have a lot in common with them, but there is such a difference between us and them. They live in the forest, we live in man made houses and have all this technological crap and stuff, where's the supposed step inbetween? And if we were the better version of them, how come they didn't die off like evolution's theory says? All the various species and the way that this earth is place and made (the atmosphere is just right for us to breathe in, but not anywhere else, and if we were any bit further from the sun we'd freeze to death, and it we were any bit closer to the sun we'd burn up), I just cannot believe that that was all by chance.

[`ˆ´ v î ø l é t `ˆ´]

By the way, I like the bible stories. xD. Just not the Bible.

I find this incredibly demeaning.

[|:{Rainita}:|]

Jun 4, 2009 17:19:40 GMT -8 §oulfl!ght said:

aren't those Mormons who do that? xD go to door to door?

Yes, and no. Jehovah's Witness also go door to door.

Additionally, tracting (going door ot door) is only a small part of a missionary's experience. Most of missionaries' time is spent teaching people they already know are interested. They find these people through other members of the church. Yet, tracting must be done because somewhere there might be a person that really needs the gospel but doesn't know where to find it. Missionaries aren't aggressive in sharing the gospel. It's not shoving scripture down your throat. Persistant, perhaps, but not forceful.

An important point to remember is that people never convert members to the gospel. The spirit does all the converting. Missionaries just provide a means for the spirit to grow.

Also, the scriptures tell us that missionary work is important. The spreading of the gospel is a commandment. This is shown in many, many places. One that particularly comes to mind is Jeremiah 16:16.

"Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks."

This is symbolism, obviously, but it points toward missionary work. This might seem like a random scripture. I only know it because it was one of twenty-five I memorized my freshman year.

Anyway... Just thought I'd share that with you.

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[Whitestar``]

Accuracy? Has any of that been proved? Plenty of people completely deny the fact that Jesus had ever existed. It's very possible he didn't! The Bible was written by Man, and any one that has ever heard 'The Voice of God' in their minds, was probably ill.

D: Sorry, Vi. I find the stories interesting, and highly imaginative. I'm just not going to read the Bible, because I'd rather not hear about how I should submit myself to God and save myself from going to hell just because I don't believe. I tried praying when I was younger, and personally, I felt ridiculous.

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[Spottedpaw]

Now, I don't personally believe in the God you're talking about, but I do agree with Maple on at least one thing. I really don't believe in the Evolution theory. I don't believe in the Big Bang for that matter either. As she said, things are just too complex to happen by chance. You throw a bunch of marbles on the ground all the times you want, they are definately not going to land in a perfects circles. But, hey, to each their own, right?
Anyway, I go to a Christian school, and I used to be a Christian, but I'm not anymore. Mainly because I don't like being a carbon copy of something. Also, I don't like being told who I have to be. I want the freedom to be my own person. And I know that your guys's argument is going to be, "We are our own person! We have freedom!" I know, I'be been through this argument before. Christian school remember, XD? Anyway, even though it may not look like it here, but I do respect people's opinions. I am not going to tell anybody they're wrong (except might have done a little bit of that in the beginning with the whole chance thing. Sorry) and your opinion is your opinion. And please, don't go saying that Imma burn in hell, cause I already get that. I don't think you guys are going to, but just in case, XD.

[«MªÞlεδtǻr»]

Jul 18, 2009 10:17:01 GMT -8 Whitestar`` said:

Accuracy? Has any of that been proved? Plenty of people completely deny the fact that Jesus had ever existed. It's very possible he didn't! The Bible was written by Man, and any one that has ever heard 'The Voice of God' in their minds, was probably ill.

D: Sorry, Vi. I find the stories interesting, and highly imaginative. I'm just not going to read the Bible, because I'd rather not hear about how I should submit myself to God and save myself from going to hell just because I don't believe. I tried praying when I was younger, and personally, I felt ridiculous.

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They've found tons of archeological evidence over in Israel and Egypt actually that coincide with the temples and such that are talked about in the Bible. As well many of the prophecies in the Bible have come true. Here's some of them that I handily found on the internet because I obviously don't have all of the prophecies memorized =P:

1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3. Prophecy fulfilled. This happened exactly as predicted on May 14, 1948. That’s 1 out of 1.
Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. For the last 2500 years, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Nevertheless, the Bible showed that the day would come when the nation of Israel would be reborn.
The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the latter days. It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus immediately after. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Twenty nine of them are listed here.
Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the fulfillment of the signs from God’s Word and the incredible rebirth of Israel happening exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah’s time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times.

2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 2 out of 2.
Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People’s Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At exactly 4pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People’s Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, “The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended.” Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once. It happened exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under armed attack by the Egyptians, Syrians, Lebanese, Jordanians, and Iraqis.

3. The rebirth of Israel would happen after many days. It would occur a long time in the future after the prophecy was made and at the time the bible calls the latter days-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 3 out of 3.
Note: It is estimated that this prophecy was made around 580 B.C. Approximately 2500 years later, in 1948, this prophecy was fulfilled.

4. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) “out of the nations.”-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 4 out of 4.
Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the “United Nations” approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was “brought forth out of the nations”—the children of Israel from many nations were returning to their ancient homeland.

5. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That’s 5 out of 5.
Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know we are in the last generation. One is by Israel’s rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel’s rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. A Jewish generation is figured from the age of 20 to 60 (1968). We are not setting any date, but it seems clear that we are living in that generation now.

6. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That’s 6 out of 6.
Note: God will spew them out. Many church leaders and people that call themselves a Christian and are sure they are saved will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us—you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don’t know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today’s church. Most churches preach very little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put very little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. People will not endure sound doctrine-2 Tim 4:3. They turn away from the truth-2 Tim 4:4. Many church members are so lukewarm or dead, they don’t even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Many ministers think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived.
7. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. Here are some:

A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect. Reportedly in Great Britain alone, there are about 35,000 professing witches.
B. People would have no conscience-1 Tim 4:1,2.
C. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18.
D. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—“I do it for me”?
E. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2.
F. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2.
G. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27.
H. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation?
I. People would be untrustworthy, friends would betray friends-2 Tim 3:1-3.
J. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Our American motto “In God we trust” has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end.
K. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God’s Word is 100% right on every one. That’s 7 out of 7. How could you have any doubts at this point?
Note: Fifty years ago, many people never locked their doors at night. People could leave their keys in their car. Merchants could leave their merchandise on the sidewalk without guards, and there was no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.

8. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. This prophecy is true. That’s 8 out of 8.
Note: When in our history would anyone have ever thought this possible? It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2000) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over.

9. There would be an increase in earthquakes-Mt 24:2,3,7; Mk 13:8; Lk 21:11. This prophecy is correct. That’s 9 out of 9.
Note: One might think as the earth settled over a period of time that earthquakes would decrease like ripples in the water. Yet the Bible indicates the opposite is true. In this last generation, research from the U.S. Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center reveals that major earthquakes of a magnitude of 6.0 or higher have remained relatively constant during this century. However, the total number of earthquakes in recent years appear to be rising. For example, it was reported that in 1986, the total number of earthquakes was 12,718. In l990, it was 16,612. In 1994, it was 19,371. This will culminate during the Battle of Armageddon, AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS. At that time, there will be an earthquake that will shake the world. The cities of the nations will fall. Every island will flee away.

10. At the time of the end, there would be famines in various places. Food shortages would still exist in some places-Mt 24:3,4,7; ref Mk 13:8; Lk 21:11. This prophecy is accurate. That’s 10 out of 10.
Note: In this last generation, many are starving in the world. Poverty and crop failure, due to severe weather, drought, or insect infestation, are often a factor. Many people are born, live, and die on the streets, in alleyways, or railroad stations in some countries of the world. Multitudes live in mud houses with grass or palm branches for a roof or have no place to live at all. Billions have no electricity. In some nations, good drinking water is almost nonexistent. Senseless wars have left millions of people with no place to go. Refugee camps exist in many places where people live under conditions that are almost indescribable. They are hungry.
One such person was asked, as I recall, “What would it take for you to consider yourself rich?” His reply was, “I would consider myself rich, if I could have a roof over my head that did not leak, and if I could know what it is like to go to bed at night with a full stomach.”
It has been estimated that 60,000,000 people a year die from starvation around the world. This prophecy is accurate.

11. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This prophecy is exact. That’s 11 out of 11.
Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or “among all nations.” Yet when this prophecy was made, the possibility of such a thing would have seemed impossible. There was no printing press or any means to do such a thing. In addition to this, the Gospel should be available by short-wave radio to listeners anywhere in the world. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible—11 perfect predictions—yet with God nothing is impossible.

12. In the latter days when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That’s 14 out of 14.
Note: How could the Bible have foretold such a thing? It told the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass. As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic in the world can see that the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are very near the time of the end.

Here are just a few more prophecies briefly given, out of the 365 that exist, regarding this latter day generation.

13. In the last days, people would be hoarding gold and silver. True. It began in the late 1970’s.

14. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is absolutely astounding. It is estimated by some that the population of the entire world at the time of Christ was only about 200,000,000. How then could the Bible have ever told the location of a nation and given such a figure as the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure.

15. The currency in Israel at the time of the end would be the shekel. The currency had been the Israeli pound until June 1980, when it was changed to the shekel. The Bible is flawless.

16. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is a perfect description of the European Economic Community (the EEC), which is in the process right now of adopting the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44.

About 29 prophecies in 16 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance of any person writing 29 perfect prophecies 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it.

[Anaxfly]

There is no way that i am gonna top Maples post,

to be honest, I am totally fascinated with religious and its history.

But im gonna put it out there that Christianity to me is like... forgiveness. Cause that was what Jesus was all about. Being forgiven for our sins. God sacrificed his son for us, so that our sins could be forgiven. So for me, its not anything about believing or not. Sure, believing is great (brownie points for all believers!), but to me, thats really not it. I guess i have the idea, that well, if you forgive yourself, and you accept forgiveness, then light up the stair case, and open the golden gates! But if not, then you can go ahead and condemn yourself.

But for me, I am Episcopalian, but i have a more Catholic like faith. Yes, i go to church every sunday, yes, I read my bible, and yes, I am totally obsessed with crucifixes and the history of God and the Church. Like my long time dream is to visit Vatican City (omg 0.0). But I am particularly interested in Matthew 24, and Maple, you total just capture my attention with that last little input, and i have printed it out and added it to my collection of text about the second coming, no lie. But I totally believe in the Bible, and all it has to offer.. Im not sure i believe in how long some of those people lived, but i certainly believe in their life stories.

And my idea on the theory of evolution... Well, I think that if they manage to prove that humans have in fact evolved, that, it was by the will of God, and that it was by his power that we evolved. But no, I do not think that we are related to Apes, we have similar genetic make up, but I do not think that we are a more advanced version of primates. Because do you see two levels of evolution of a single species anywhere else in the world eh?

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[*~Lovely*~*Shimmer~*]

Im not sure what I am really. I believe in God and jesus but my parents are really religious and they always tell me you have to do this because the church says so and that i cant do that and this because its a sin and so on... and it gets annoying
i got to church every week but because i have to and all the time my mom tells me i cant do that and that i always have to listen and read.
so for the moment im not sure.
and as for the evolution im not really sure what i think it is. Ill have to wait till they uncover more sciences and then see what i feel.

[.:spottedwing::.]

"A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect. Reportedly in Great Britain alone, there are about 35,000 professing witches.
B. People would have no conscience-1 Tim 4:1,2.
C. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18.
D. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—“I do it for me”?
E. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2.
F. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2.
G. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27.
H. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation?
I. People would be untrustworthy, friends would betray friends-2 Tim 3:1-3.
J. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Our American motto “In God we trust” has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end.
K. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God’s Word is 100% right on every one. That’s 7 out of 7. How could you have any doubts at this point?
Note: Fifty years ago, many people never locked their doors at night. People could leave their keys in their car. Merchants could leave their merchandise on the sidewalk without guards, and there was no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone."

A- ...witches don't worship the Devil.
B- no conscience? What? O__o
C- well duh of course people are gonna' do that.
D- there were many in the past...
E- that also happened in the past...
F- ...that makes no sense O__o
G- what the heck is wrong with being Homosexual?! GOSH! I wouldn't be surprised if the Bible was racist and sexist, considering how homophobic it is
H- that's true and it bothers me... but what's so bad that the Bible's against sex? xP
I- I'm sure that's been happening since forever, too.
J- church is church. God is God. There is a difference. If you're saying a building is God, and that we are to worship a building... that's pretty depressing. Personally, I want to go to church, but I'm afraid of the people down my block. I think I might start waking up early to go in the morning though... then I can avoid those people. Church is pretty interesting... some nice lessons there.
K- I don't like drugs...

But anyways, what is God to me? Someone VERY VERY VERY important who I love very much <333 In fact, I have become very spiritual these days... I love everyone <3 And I am very happy with existing, and just a few months ago I wished I could die. Yes, I DID believe in God then. But I had much to learn before I could become the person who is typing this post right now And I've still got a long way to go <3

[«MªÞlεδtǻr»]

A: Keep in mind that that's one person's responses, Spotted, so their response to #1, although it might not necessarily be true, the scripture still is.

B: Yeah it's true, how do you think we get serial killers? They don't feel convicted when they murder-they have no conscience

C-E and I: You say that those things happened in the past, which they did, however not nearly as frequently as now. It was referring to people being more outward with those actions and not necessarily feeling conviction for those actions. Also at the time the Bible was written, it was very unusual for people to question the Bible. So it wasn't a "duh of course that's going to happen" type of thing because they weren't expecting it.

F: It makes perfect sense. So many people loose perspective of how fortunate and lucky they are and become ungrateful for so many things.

G: God made men to love women and women to love men. I'm sorry it's how it is. It doesn't mean that we have to shun homosexuals, it's absurd that people can be homophobic. Being a homosexual is just as much of a sin as telling a little fib is. The Bible isn't saying that we should be prejudice against homosexuals. It's simply stating that it's a sin just like all of the others.

H: Sex is something that's meant to be shared between a husband and wife in marriage. It's adulterous to have sex outside of marriage or to cheat on your husband/wife. This makes perfect sense if you think about it. How many people have wound up hurt and broken after having a connection like that with someone, only to find out that that person doesn't want them anymore? Or how many people have gotten AIDs and STDs from sex? And how many teens have had to give up their youth because of teen pregnancy?

J: Once again, it's just an example. All the time I struggle with making time to do devotions, to spend time with God, and that's what the point is. When you have a list of options of spending time with God through devotionals, prayer, or worship and hanging out with friends, which would you choose? Most people would go for the friends. The church is not just a building, it's a place where you can fellowship with other believers, worship God, and listen to His word being taught, all of which are vital to have a relationship with God. If you're surrounding yourself with other believers who support you in your faith, you'll grow more in your relationship with God. Learning about him through the Bible is important too, and worship is a great way to connect with Him.

K: Back when the Bible was written, no one did recreational drugs. It's no longer uncommon. Yes, you may not do drugs, I may not do drugs, my friends may not do drugs, but still, a large amount of people take recreational drugs. About fifty to sixty percent of my school does (I live in a hippie town :/)

[.:spottedwing::.]

A. Yes, some people are Satanist, so that is true.
B. Conscience tell the difference from right and wrong. Their consciences is telling them that wrong is right, OR they ignored it, but they still have one.
C-E+I. ...there were Romans though o.o And plus, compare the number of the people in the world now to then xP
F. OH! I didn't get what they were saying.
G. ...did you PERSONALLY have a convo with God and did He personally tell you this? xD We don't know what God meant because we haven't met God. We don't know His personality. He could be totally rude and mean- which I'm NOT saying He is, I think he is loving and kind- but the Bible and God are two different things.
H. True.
J. I pray! xP Sometimes I don't even pray... I just talk to God. Or I meditate, asking for His help, which He gives me usually with no problem <3
K. Kay, then that makes sense.

[`ˆ´ v î ø l é t `ˆ´]

Just popped in to say:

G- There is a reason why a parable is said then "The Word of God" and then we say "Amen"; it's because the Bible is the Word of God. We have the parables in the Bible that depict how marvelous God is and how his love is just... it's just unfathomable to us humans.

You see, a common misconception is that Catholics believe that homosexuals were made that way by God, and we think they should be condemned because of who they are. No, that's not it at all. It's what they do. We believe that God didn't make people with homosexual desires, he simply just made the world so that men and women would have babies... it's kind of physically like... obvious that he did that. People who choose to lead a homosexual life, then realize what they're doing is wrong and defiant of God's authority, and repent.

And the conscience thing? That's the Holy Spirit... Choosing right from wrong? Most, if not all, morals and values came from the Bible: from God himself. So to blame all of your morals and values on this thing called your 'conscience' when you aren't a Christian is just plain silly... Because your conscience, it's the Holy Spirit inside of you, instilled in you. This is why I get confused to why some people reject and don't believe in God, yet still claim to be good people by doing what is considered good works in the eyes of God, (except for having faith in him, of course) just doesn't make sense.

Anyway... That was off topic.

But yeah... I'm really tired and sick so sorry if that was incoherent.