What if you are wrong? You are clearly firm in your beliefs BUT what if you are wrong? Are you not even open to considering other alternatives for beliefs and understanding? As a believer, how do you explain and or justify... - Where God came from? Why is God referred to as "he" or "Him" when with almighty powers, gender and reproduction would not be necessary? - the Salem witch trials where women were burned alive for different beliefs. - The Crusades? - Tricking first nations peoples into believing their illnesses would be alleviated once converted to Christianity... their demise was inevitable due to a lack of antibodies to European illnesses. - Invasions of foreign countries like Iraq and Afghanistan where thousands were killed. - Slavery, rampant across the USA for decades and centuries... does the Bible not say that all men shall be treated equally? - Do you believe the women are on earth for men? - How do you feel about other races? - Do you believe in extra terrestrials? - Are non-christians (roughly 6 billion of the 7 billion on earth) immediately not going to heaven as a result of the beliefs? What happened to the millions of people before Christianity was formed? Chinese beliefs span a far longer period of time for example. - Evolution Do you not owe it to yourself to investigate other religious beliefs? Would investigation not foster greater understanding of others... something taught in the Bible? You clearly are well versed (pardon the pun) in the Bible, are you familiar with the Koran or other religious based books? Do you not think being open-minded to other possibilities would strengthen your belief or are you afraid of the potential outcome towards your current beliefs.. change is intimidating. I personally prefer to believe in what I have facts for. I have factual information that clearly illustrates misuse of religion for one reason or another leading to global atrocities. I see on a daily basis global conflicts resulting from different belief systems. How can one adopt and support a cause that perpetuates division when in fact, we are all the same. I have absolutely no factual evidence to support a belief in God, Buddha, Shiva, tooth fairies, Santa, leprechauns or many other entities used for spiritual contentment. Having said that, IF evidence was available to support any one of these "entities", my beliefs would change given ample evidence collected through an unbiased scientifically relevant approach. The statistical probability of "life" off of earth (as some form of conscious entity) is far greater than the probability that God exists therefore I am more open to extra terrestrials than God. Most importantly however, I am always looking for answers rather than being closed to new suggestions, ideas and evidence. T
Last comment to you as anything further will derail the thread and the initial meaning behind the original post. But you should have less arrogance as a Christian, myself and many others are ashamed you call yourself one. Goodbye
Up for debate. And no church. I did attend one in the very beginning when I got here, but have stopped attending since.
I agree with spot, this isn't a debate whether God is real or not, it's for those that want to grow in faith Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Exactly, what answers from the bible can be provided to justify and respond to my questions? Additionally, as previously stated, how familiar are you with other religions and would being more familiar not facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of others? T
Well I put spot on ignore, but that doesnt help when you all quote him. Anyways, my statement of "up for debate" was that it was up for debate in my mind, not that I wanted to debate it on this thread.
Is growing in faith not simply justifying belief? Are you unable to answer these questions through the Bible and therefore choosing to disregard the clear relationships between my questions? I am attempting to secure and "grow" in faith through asking these questions. A "study" should facilitate discussion leading to growth by it greater understanding and faith or other. T
The Foundation of the Worlds known and accepted primary divisions of faith (aka religion) are based on the Bible. The Fight over who is correct, as well as who is "entitled to" the Holy Land is perhaps a topic for prayer.
Hmm, I had heard the contrary but a quick google search only shows this story as not being true portrayed only by the "radical" sites. But I would find it hard to believe a little 4 year old with their imagination.
You think 6 billion non Christians follow a religion which is ultimately based on the Bible? Many of these religions out date Christianity by centuries so how can that be? The Foundations of the Worlds known are based on perceptions, upbringing and education.. I am simply trying to acquire greater understanding through questioning. Sorry if you object to questioning... how else is one to learn? As for fight, there is no fight in intellectual debate, this is education... are you opposed to education for fear of new outcomes? T
Indeed... most four year old's also believe in Santa or whatever else they are brought up/instructed to believe. Putting faith in the word of a young (highly impressionable) child is seriously questionable. That form of evidence is lacking. T
Gentlemen, the purpose of this thread is to study the bible, not debate what religion is right or if Heaven Is Real is fake. Please, keep the conversation towards the study. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This is a bible study thread that you are hijacking. I will pray that you evolve into some other thread that you believe in. Start another thread to debate if you like, but let these guys discuss the thread topic.
If you are referring to my posts, I was... I was asking for Bible based answers for questions I have. That falls under "study"... no? T
