Isn't this what you're doing right now too?
Indeed, but as I said, I can point to absolution for your sins. You can not. Your efforts mame and disgrace the fallen. Mine are apart of a process that brings restoration for those who repent.
Soothfish offered no apology. In fact, in the previous page of this thread he says he does not regret what he said and has stuck by his opinion that all atheists are evil people. If he apologized, I would drop the matter, but Soothfish is a bitter person and almost certainly not a Christian. He's merely a "fan" of Christianity. No true Christian would be as filled with hate as Soothfish is.
It is being brought to my attention over and over that I can be more concerned with the accuracy of a statement than with the "feelings" of those in whom the statement negatively describes. I do this because I want others to be critical of my short comings with out apology so I may change what needs to be changed in order to grow, So I extend the same courtesy. Those who were brought up in a house hold or culture that prizes the veneer of polite courtesies and unwarranted positive reinforcements, over that of quick to the point honesty, tend to take great offensive to anything not with their social standards. I try to take the sting out of my words by staging in points or wording statements that lead the one asking the question to my conclusion for me, so it does not sound accusatory.
That said I do not know Soothfish, or if he is one of these people as well or if he is simply looking to pin you up by the ears. Needless to say the facts of His statement are correct. if you look at the actual definitions of the terms being used. Sin is anything not in the expressed will of God and Evil is a malicious intent to be outside of that will. Most who call them selves Atheist are actually Anti-God, which the practice of atheism allows for, and supports. Challenging the personage and Authority of God is often consider a malicious or even a blasphemous attempt to be outside of His expressed will.
Also Know, this is not the same as "Morality" Mortality is man's attempt at righteousness. Or if you prefer the popular culture interpretation of God's perfect and holy righteousness, with allowances for everyday sin. (White lies, gossip, free sexual expression)
So technically one can be a very moral person (meet the social standard of the pop cultures expectations) and still be an evil person in the eyes of God.
I say all of that to say we are all evil people by nature. That is what is meant when Jesus said "there are none righteous no not one." He literally meant no one is free of sin. even the very "moral." The intention of this statement is to inspire those who seek true righteousness, to find the redemption Christ offerers. Not as a platform for those "morally" strong to justify their deeds in endless arguments.
So again Soothfish is technically correct, so perhaps instead of arguing our faith and what the bible says, why not ask him questions that point to the reasoning he said what he said, and see if it leads back to Christ or to his own sense of righteousness.
This sentence makes no sense. I think in your anger you "accidentally a few words".
Again How does what you are doing now differ, From those in whom you have judge to be religious hypocrites?
Better?
No anger, just did not proof read as i was running late.
Christians repent all the time and yet it doesn't stop them acting like jerks the next day.
Indeed. Some do not change quickly.
In their arrogance, many Christians think they are actually improving as people, simply because they go to church and pray and read their Bibles. The opposite is generally true; they get worse because, having attained salvation, there is no longer any motive, any reason, for them to improve their character.
Also true. But is that for you to judge? Is this the reason you judge God?
Also, you seem to think that by my pointing out the hypocrisy of Christians in general I am claiming some moral high ground. No, I'm not. There are many areas of my own life that could do with improvement.
Generally when one does not point to a way for an "evil doer" to atone for his sins then he is soap boxing from "moral" high ground. For no other reason than to prop himself or his system of belief up, by destroying the weak.
Let me ask you this; Soothfish, as a Christian, is your brother in Christ. Why, therefore, do you tolerate his hatred and malcontent?
Because "Christianity" is not a state one obtains when He rises up out of the waters of baptism. The Word itself describes a life long journey. One that has you work out all of the things that are not consistent with the walk/life of Christ we all are to strive to obtain. Where Soothfish is, is where he needs to be to make the next step in his personal journey. Why do I tolerate this? Because it was tolerated by God and forgiven when I was there myself.
It is your duty as his Christian brother to point out his fault in love and guide him to show others the love of Christ.
Only if he comes to me and seeks this help through questions or even challenges as Timothew did. Otherwise he is where he needs to be. "we" are like recovering addicts, the help others offer will mean nothing till we hit bottom and seek help for ourselves.
Do you honestly think Soothfish is fit to preach the Gospel, given that he can't stand atheists?
Not everyone is meant to preach to stadiums of people, to speak a singular message that tickles everyone's ears. If Soothfish touches one person and gives him a start that no one else could give him then his message (while in this period of transition) will have not been in vain.
Why would any non-believer come to believe in Christ through such an angry vessel as Soothfish?
Not all do, infact most don't, but some (like me) need the harsh cold facts to see a need for change.
Soothfish's message will be judged by God. It is to Him alone that sooth owes an account. If He is using all of his mind, heart, spirit and strength to teach his message then no matter what it may look like to you or me, it will be acceptable to God. However, if sooth is stuck on himself and his own version of righteousness there will be literal Hell to pay for his deeds.
Again unless he wants help from me or anyone else then it is between himself and God.
Finally, you seem to think I claim the Bible as my moral code. I do not.
I know you don't. You use the popular culture as your guide. Which is why i said you can be moral and still be evil at the same time..
"Morality" defined by pop culture
Sin & Evil, defined by God.
The three are not mutually exclusive.
I am exempt from many of the rules you are simply because I am not a Christian. If I were a Christian, I would be doing my best to live up to the message of Christ rather than trying to break other people down with my own bitterness.
Breaking people down for the sake of repentance IS the message of Christ. or are you not aware of the Woes Christ visited upon the Pharisees for their great hypocrisy? Or the disciples for their lack of faith, or for their lack of understanding, or for anyone's lack of understanding. Christ taught the facts. Christ was Never compassionate when one was standing outside of the Expressed will of God in their own righteousness.
Another reason I teach the way I do. I lead with a simple concept story or understanding, There is compassion and patience for all of those who ask for it, direct sternness for those challenge or those who stand in their own righteousness to contrast themselves from God, and i shake the dust from my feet to those who do not care.
Maybe Soothfish is developing something similar or maybe he is out of control. You are in a position to question his motives far better than I am. Take what He says follow up with question try and determine his motives and see where they originate. If the point to him, then move on. If they point to God then do what you do. Challenge/Ask, seek till you find what you are looking for. If you need more help ask God to help you discern his true intentions.
You may be supprized.
