Zorba, you're cracking me up. Those folk are messed up, and definitely not followers of Christ. They can't be for the reasons I laid out. Just because someone calls themselves a woodpecker don't make them one. See how that works?
I understand what you're saying, but from the outside who can tell? These types disgust me as much as they disgust you, but I'm not going to judge as to whether or not they're "Real Christians (tm)" or not - I leave such arguments to Christians. I see all kinds of finger pointing among the various types/sects of Christians as to who is, or is not, a "Real Christian (tm)". Some say Mormons are, others say they are not. There's a pile of crap about whether or not Catholics are. Whatever.
From my perspective - as an outsider - its all the same to me. Heck, maybe they *are* Christians and it is you who is not - I say that just to point out the semantic silliness of the argument. I know you personally are a good person, and that's good enough for me, whether or not you're a Christian doesn't matter. Dunno if this bad example is making sense...
In other words, as a non-Christian, it isn't my place to determine who is a "Real" Christian or not. Since you are Christian yourself, I'm inclined to go along with your determination as we both agree these types are abhorrent!
This is all said not to offend or piss you or anybody else off - just an explanation of how I view the subject as well as an attempt to learn.
-Zorba, "The Veiled Male"
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
In other words, as a non-Christian, it isn't my place to determine who is a "Real" Christian or not. Since you are Christian yourself, I'm inclined to go along with your determination as we both agree these types are abhorrent!
This is all said not to offend or piss you or anybody else off - just an explanation of how I view the subject as well as an attempt to learn.
My 'measuring stick' for who is or isn't is so simple a cave man could do it. Observation. People say a lot of things, but I've always been more visual and aural; I watch what is said and done on days other than Sunday. What is required to be a Christian is laid out in the New Testament. And it applies to all days of the week.
As to offending me or pissing me off, LOLOLOLOL! Not gonna happen. I can either agree or disagree without being disagreeable.....................except when I want to stir the pot and turn the tables and light someone off. I'm good at that, and try not to do it, but it happens. Differences of opinion is what makes interesting conversation, and horse races.
“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer” ― Douglas Adams
That's fine - if you're a Christian. For those of us "outside", it isn't as clear - esp. with Christians themselves squabbling over who is, and isn't. Very confusing!
But yes, I enjoy meaningful discussion with other viewpoints.
-Zorba, "The Veiled Male"
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
Confusing. Yes it is. If you come to the Shoot, assuming the Shoot happens, then I'll be glad to sit down and give you an old redneck's view of the subject. If you've read the great philosophers, then you already have a grip on most of the basics that are in the Christian faith.
“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer” ― Douglas Adams
People believe what they want to believe, and label themselves, and others, as they want to be seen, or want to see others. There are so many religions out there that anybody can shop for anything that suits the way they intend to live their lives. We mostly do not adapt to a particular religion - we adapt the religion to what we want, if we can't find one that is 'tailor-made.'
Most of the well known religions exist for the purpose of excluding people that an individual or group wants to be distinguished from. The only way that new converts can be found for a religion is to convert them while they are young, or confused enough to suspend disbelief of illogical ideas. Atheism, liberalism, socialism, capitalism, Christian, Krishna, Islam, Judaism, whatever, are 'belief systems' that cannot withstand pure scientific logic on every subject that comes up. They supply rules to live by, that work for most folks, if they choose the right one and if the changes to the way they want to live their life are slight. But, they still do not decisively settle the 'meaning of life' questions.
There will always be fear of the unknown that will drive people to embrace or create religion, but 'the unknown' is here to stay, at least in this short 'earthly' life. Hope comes from believing that the unknown will be revealed to us, when we depart it.
....that cannot withstand pure scientific logic on every subject that comes up...
That is because of dogma - something I (try to) reject. My religion/belief system/world view/whatever changes every day, because the world changes, I change, and my understanding of things changes.
Most especially in this world of illusion where nothing is truly "real".
-Zorba, "The Veiled Male"
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
Might as well confess that I haven't darkened the doors of a church in a few decades. I don't need to have the Bible, specifically, the New Testament 'interpreted' for me; language is pretty clear, and it chafes me to see it 'interpreted' to push an agenda. Politicians and judges 'interpret' the Constitution for the same reason.
I became a 'religion is in the church, but God is in the bushes' Christian a long time ago. Let's just say that I believe in 'intelligent design of the Universe' more that what some ministers are pushing.
“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer” ― Douglas Adams
Replies
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
― Douglas Adams
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
― Douglas Adams
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."
― Douglas Adams
"If you get it and didn't work for it, someone else worked for it and didn't get it..."