The fall of Christianity

[daved150]

Re: The fall of Christianity

i used to go to church (even though i never felt i could only talk to god there). my oldest son went to a cathloc school, like i did....but, like bigdawg said, it became too expensive to go, and the guilt of not being able to "pay" enough to the church kinda blew me out. i was giving mooney for this, and that...but the final straw was when they passed around the hat for donations to hire a lawyer to fight the city from widening the road in front of the churc...yep, i'm done. me and the man upstairs have had probs in the past, we didnt see eye to eye on some of his dissicions from when i was young..but, all that is behind me now...and i choose to do my thing in my home...he'll get my messages, he'll understand...he's cool like that.

[BigDawg]

Re: The fall of Christianity

...and i choose to do my thing in my home...he'll get my messages, he'll understand...he's cool like that.

[supasaiyan99]

Re: The fall of Christianity

Okay, at the risk of pissing off some folks i have to say that statement is only true to an extent. My education with the nuns was being told to "show your light to the world" as in show by example and by loving your neighbor that you are a child of Christ and that example would help show them the way to God. That has been twisted and perverted into "go door to door and shove our literature down their throat and let them know if it ain't our way, it's the highway....straight to hell." I work with phuckheads like that. I had one born again bible thumper leave a pamphlet on the chair in front of my locker the first week he started working for us from his church that read "Martial Arts...Sport or Religion?" It went on to shit all over the arts saying they were leading people to hell because we're worshipping false idols by bowing to the "shrine" before we train and bowing to a false god (the instructor). This shit head doesn't know me because if he did he'd know i worship Christ. I bow to show respect for my dojo that i take it seriously and am there to train in a serious matter. I bow to my sensei in respect for his years of training and the knowledge he is sharing with me. In the orient bowing is a show of respect for another person not a religious gesture but if it ain't "our way" it's blasphemous. I think i was the better christian in that circumstance because i ignored the slight and din't report him to the superintendent for harrassment based on my religious beliefs. His partner in crime went so far as to stop at my home when i was gone (lucky for him) and distribute literature about some dinner and worship service and how they hope i join them as the only way to heaven is to be re-born in Christ. I was born into Christ at my baptism and my faith says that is good enough for Jesus. I went to work the following day and left the literature on the bulletin board and said the next person who leaves ANYTHING on my doorknob, should they get off my property in one piece would have harrassment charges brought against them. Now i would say if someone is troubled or is seeking advice about religion i would be happy to offer any input i have but i sure as hell would never go propagandizing my beliefs at someone. I can't believe Jesus is down with that. He went around preaching his beliefs (you can still do that in America) and he would attract followers if they were interested but i don't remember ANYWHERE in ANY bible where he went house to house in Jerusalem knocking on people's doors and saying can i talk to you about Christianity? It's the only way to heaven.

Amen bro. Lead by example, not by standing in a corner calling everyone to come believe what you believe or you're going to hell!!!

[brody13]

Re: The fall of Christianity

Okay, at the risk of pissing off some folks i have to say that statement is only true to an extent. My education with the nuns was being told to "show your light to the world" as in show by example and by loving your neighbor that you are a child of Christ and that example would help show them the way to God. That has been twisted and perverted into "go door to door and shove our literature down their throat and let them know if it ain't our way, it's the highway....straight to hell." I work with phuckheads like that. I had one born again bible thumper leave a pamphlet on the chair in front of my locker the first week he started working for us from his church that read "Martial Arts...Sport or Religion?" It went on to shit all over the arts saying they were leading people to hell because we're worshipping false idols by bowing to the "shrine" before we train and bowing to a false god (the instructor). This shit head doesn't know me because if he did he'd know i worship Christ. I bow to show respect for my dojo that i take it seriously and am there to train in a serious matter. I bow to my sensei in respect for his years of training and the knowledge he is sharing with me. In the orient bowing is a show of respect for another person not a religious gesture but if it ain't "our way" it's blasphemous. I think i was the better christian in that circumstance because i ignored the slight and din't report him to the superintendent for harrassment based on my religious beliefs. His partner in crime went so far as to stop at my home when i was gone (lucky for him) and distribute literature about some dinner and worship service and how they hope i join them as the only way to heaven is to be re-born in Christ. I was born into Christ at my baptism and my faith says that is good enough for Jesus. I went to work the following day and left the literature on the bulletin board and said the next person who leaves ANYTHING on my doorknob, should they get off my property in one piece would have harrassment charges brought against them. Now i would say if someone is troubled or is seeking advice about religion i would be happy to offer any input i have but i sure as hell would never go propagandizing my beliefs at someone. I can't believe Jesus is down with that. He went around preaching his beliefs (you can still do that in America) and he would attract followers if they were interested but i don't remember ANYWHERE in ANY bible where he went house to house in Jerusalem knocking on people's doors and saying can i talk to you about Christianity? It's the only way to heaven.

I agree with what you are saying, and I my self would never go out and pass out flyers, becuase that is not the way to go about teaching anyway. By spreading the word I mean lead by example and have people say, now that guys a christian, without having to tell them with words. I feel its better to try and help those close to you that dont share the same beliefs becuase they see how your life is with god and faith. I believe that people who pass out flyers and what not, have a good heart and really want to make a difference, but i feel that they need to be educated themselves on the best ways to spread their beliefs. I mean, I could pass out flyers and no one would even know i did it, but when you truely sit down with someone and show concern in the way that their life is going, that shows that you are really trying to help.

[BigDawg]

Re: The fall of Christianity

Cool, glad to see i didn't piss anyone off. I've always felt like when it comes to religion that you have my blessing to do ur own thing, just don't piss on my parade for doing mine. Glad to see most here feel the same way, live and let live =)

[jipped genes]

Re: The fall of Christianity

i edited it. wasnt worth the time reading it

[youngN]

Re: The fall of Christianity

There are alot of Christains in the world. Some people who are half christains come to the opinoin that they are saved by faith alone. That is not the case. For example take the many demons mentioed in the new testament who believed in God but did not follow him. I agree with Brody God wants you to be Hot not lukewarm, it says it in the text. Most of us find ourselves being lukewarm. Being lukewarm IMO is being satisfied where u are at. If you are constantly tryin to better yourself for God I wouldnt conisder that being "lukewarm". While Christainity offeres a reward greater than anything imaginable the road is narrow. I understand how some Christains believe Following the Gods commandments given to moses. That was there standerd of living at the time though which was before Jesus. Afterward in the new testament you notice religious leaders and pharasies who still try to follow the law and think they are perfect. But its obvious to see NO ONE is perfect only jesus was and he was sent her to die for everyone. Jesus says the commands can be summed up into loving one another, loving ur neighboor as yourself. This INCLUDES EVERYONE. God had it planned all along, Jesus dying fullfilled what was written in the scriptures long before. You cant half be a Christain and expect to be saved. Although the commands are important you have to know you will fall short all the time and this is where the FAITH of knowing God will forgive you comes into play. Alot of times I think Christains become ashamed of the mistakes they have made and satan puts them into a position where they feel too guilty to ask for forgivness. The fact is this is why Jesus died, he died for our sins otherwise all of us were to be doomed. There will be doubters and non believers everywhere. IMO I dont see how this world is here without a maker. Take a watch for example. Most would agree that if you take a watch apart its rather complex so of course you would be inclined to believe there such thing as a watchmaker. Now for some too agree with this then look outside in the world and say this world doesnt have a maker who is God is beyond me. Its our job as christains to minister to others, we must walk with God and let our actions speak. Being a christain is not about yourself, its about living for God and being set aside from the worldly things. Jesus will return unexpected like a theif in the night. I hope to be ready. We all must not forget that we are saved by Gods grace because in reality none of us are worthy of what awaits in heaven. There are alot of divisions in the Church today. Instruments, whether to drink the lords supper from one cup or different cups, whether or not to have a kitchen in the church, what the color of carpet should be. All this stuff is irrelavent. No where in the bible and in my studies have I read or believe whether or not any of these things matter. This is a short abbreveation of what it is to be saved...U believe, ur baptized, have a constant relationship with God, minister to the lost, help the struggles, love everyone, be an example, let ur actions speak, follow Gods word the best you can, know that you will fall short and that because of Jesus Dying you can be forgiven, resist the devil and try and immitate Christ (he is our greatest role model)

[brody13]

Re: The fall of Christianity

And we all say together, Amen.