Hmm... a survey; sounds interesting. Hope you don't mind if I try it.
-How does Christianity effect you life?
Well, it definitely has an impact on my choices, such as abstinence and helping others. Also, I am in college learning to become a "Director of Christian Education", I'm planning on working for the church as well, so it has impacted my career choice also.
-How do you view non-christians? Do you tend to judge them or think different of them because of their different faith?
I have some non-Christian friends at school (atheists, wiccan, pagan, etc.), and, to be honest, I may judge them from time to time, but it's not usually based on their faith (I judge Christians too), but it's because I have this nasty tendency to do that every now and then (shame on me...).
-I'm curious why do you choose this religion, over any other one?
Eh, I didn't really "choose" this religion, because I was born into it, but I haven't changed religions either because I have not seen anything in any other religions (or other Christian denominations, for that matter) that would make me want to change faiths/beliefs. I've studied other religions too, both in and out of the classroom, and I'd have to say that none of the other faiths "call" out to me, or make me feel like that is the 'right choice', if that makes any sense...
-How do you view and what's your attitude on science,logic, and reason? How does christianity involved in this process?
I'll take Science separate from Logic and Reason...
Science: I honestly do not have any qualms with 'science', except for the slight fear of us developing an unstoppable AI that will take over the world (I know, sounds silly, but there are some pretty creepy stories that I've read). Christianity's involvement: Honestly, there has yet to be anything truly conclusive to either prove or disprove God's 'existence', and I am perfectly satisfied with that; if God is either "proven" or "disproven", then it will ruin the aspect of faith for many religions, not just Christianity (since Jews and Muslims also believe in the same God).
Logic & Reason: Both are needed, to an extent. Sure, we can have "Blind faith" and just accept everything God tells us to do, via pastor or other religious sources. But, when one just rides along in the faith, not really thinking at all but just doing, then you have what happened during the Middle Ages, where the Church would basically tell people to do whatever, and the people would willingly listen without thinking twice, since it's "the Church" and "God would smite them", etc... Christians honestly need to think about their faith, and try to either put to words, or help define, why they are a Christian. I've been doing that these past couple of years, and it has definitely been an experience (neither good nor bad, just an experience lol).
-Why did God creat such a huge void such as the Universe yet, he focuses so much on this one little "pebble in the pond" as I call it?
To be honest, I dunno. I was planning on asking Him that when I go to Heaven. Is there a Heaven? I dunno. But I'm going to believe that it's there till my last breath lol
-If God created everything why does things such as evil, pain, exist, etc. Some people argue that this is caused by an absence of God, yet i'm still very skeptical?
Why does evil exist? if the "absence of God" does not work for you... I wouldn't know what else to say. Evil is a relative term, too; the actions of one person (let's say, a "terrorist") be seen as evil by some, whereas others see the actions as God-inspired. What do we say as to why evil exists? Again, I dunno. Unfortunately (for the sake of these surveys), a lot of what I believe in Christianity is taken on faith, and doesn't really have a "logical" answer to them. Sometimes, the only thing I can say is "I dunno, I'll pray about it". It sucks, but it's life :S
-How do you feel about evolution? How do you feel about the evidence of life on mars?
Evolution as in a fish giving birth to a lizard giving birth to a bird, sounds kinda silly to me; I mean, how can one animal give birth to an entirely different species of animal? Or, rather, how could several of the same specie of animal give birth to enough of another species of animal so that the 'new' species would be able to procreate and keep its own species alive?
Evolution as in adaptation, where a moth changes color so that it can blend into its surrounding, while the moth still stays the same species of moth, now that makes more sense. Everything has to adapt to its environment to survive.
The evidence of life on Mars... well, the fact that there's a slight chance for frozen water to be there, or that it could've had a similar atmosphere (idk, i can't really remember all the evidence that they've revealed)... what I do remember, just doesn't seem to quite cut it in my personal opinion. But, whether or not there was life, it appears that there is no more life there, so idk... haven't really thought about it.
-Do you, as a christian, ever doubt or consider other viewpoints or are you close-minded in the name of faith?
I doubt daily. It's a part of life. I mean, I know that there are things about life that are very frustrating, and I'd wish that God would make it easier for me, but ultimately I just have to trust in Him in the long run.
I used to be very closed-minded (and to a point, still am), but since i've began studying other religions, I have been trying to see what their stances are, what Christian stances are, and then seeing which one seem to be "correct" to me.
-How do interpet the old testament? Do you generally interpert the bible literately or more philosophical?
Philosophically, or literally.. Well, I wouldn't quite say "philosophically", but more "theologically", since the Bible isn't so much about philosophy as it is theology (but, don't quote me on that lol)... I tend to read it, think about it, and see whether it should be taken literally or theologically, b/c there's an aspect of both in the Bible. Can't be pure fundamentalist, or pure interpretive; it has aspects of both. As for the OT, the best thing I have to say for it is that it is still as applicable today as when it was first written, and that the New Testament does NOT replace the Old Testament; both have importance to our lives.
-What demonation are you and why did you choose that one over any other one?
I am a Lutheran, more specifically a Missouri-Synod Lutheran (just as an FYI, a 'synod' is basically a faction of the church; there are several different synods in the Lutheran church, but the LCMS, or the one I'm associated with, is like the 2nd or 3rd largest of the synods). I chose it b/c I was born into the synod, and I still choose it b/c again it makes the most sense to me, as I look into other synod's doctrines.
-Do you have any final words or comments?
Thank you for letting me do this interesting survey. I know it's extremely long, and there are some points that I feel that I fudged a bit on, but I tried my best to answer the questions fully and honestly. I hope my answers are good lol... Eitherway, take care, and enjoy the forums!
