Confused ???

[jeffgothro]

I dont consider myself of any religion or denomination but instead consider myself spiritual. However, for the sake of the issue at hand if youy could pin down any particular religion that coincides with my beliefs I would be what some would call a Gnostic. Therefore doesnt really make since to me why my views and opinions arnt welcome in the christian forum simply because I choose not to call myself a christian. This becomes even more confusing to me being that gnosticism pre-dates christianity and is some respects a forefather of christianity?

What do you think?

 

[arunma]

I dont consider myself of any religion or denomination but instead consider myself spiritual. However, for the sake of the issue at hand if youy could pin down any particular religion that coincides with my beliefs I would be what some would call a Gnostic. Therefore doesnt really make since to me why my views and opinions arnt welcome in the christian forum simply because I choose not to call myself a christian. This becomes even more confusing to me being that gnosticism pre-dates christianity and is some respects a forefather of christianity?

What do you think?

Yes, your Gnostic views would mean that you can't post in the Christians-only forums. I suppose the only response I can offer is that Christianity has certain standards of orthodoxy. And if you don't meet those standards, then you're not a Christian. Some think that this is narrow-minded. But if we didn't clearly define Christianity, then Christianity would cease to exist as a religion.

As for Gnosticism predating Christianity, this doesn't seem relevant. A lot of false religions predate Christianity. And I know of no evidence that Gnosticism is the forefather of Christianity.

 

[jeffgothro]

Ok, I can accept that, I dont really have a choice anyway. I do think its narrow minded. The God I serve (the same one you do) I honestly believe isnt concerned with such distinctions between religions (all are welcome to the throne) and therefore I think its is human error to treat others as such. Our god is above that, so why shouldnt we be that way too?

But like I said, its cool, its nothing for me to get uptight about or judge. If the mods want to run things that way then so be it, I'm only asking to see what others point of view might be weather they are christains or not.

I do have to disagree about what you said about Gnosticism being the forefather of Christianity.Gnosticsim ( from the Greek gnosis, knowledge) is a term I use to describe pre-christians who are followers of God, like Abraham, David, Noah...etc etc.

 

[SecretOfFatima]

GOD created nature, Christianity does not and cannot contradict the natural law, so whatever you think you believe in you life and in your action are still going to fall under that law created by GOD, there is no running away from the law or from the graces from GOD...

The wages for Sinners who do not repent their Sins, is the fall into further sin, and eventually the Sinner thinks that Evil is Good and that Good is Evil...

 

[arunma]

Ok, I can accept that, I dont really have a choice anyway. I do think its narrow minded. The God I serve (the same one you do) I honestly believe isnt concerned with such distinctions between religions (all are welcome to the throne) and therefore I think its is human error to treat others as such. Our god is above that, so why shouldnt we be that way too?

You're free to believe this. But I believe that God is very concerned with what religion people practice. And I believe that he considers all religions other than Christianity to be false. Hence, I'm all for religious distinctions.

I do have to disagree about what you said about Gnosticism being the forefather of Christianity.Gnosticsim ( from the Greek gnosis, knowledge) is a term I use to describe pre-christians who are followers of God, like Abraham, David, Noah...etc etc.

OK, but this is a completely different definition of Gnosticism than what everyone else uses. To most people, Gnostics were second and third century Christian heretics who believed that one could only be saved by possessing the proper inward knowledge. And this is not what Noah, Abraham, or David believed.

 

[AV1611VET]

If I remember correctly, the book of Colossians combats Gnosticism, which at the time was in its infancy stage.

Specifically, here's what Colossians says about Jesus:

[bible]Colossians 2:9[/bible]

This, I believe, is what is called epignosis, or all knowledge - which is what Gnostics claim cannot be achieved in one's lifetime.

 

[czach8]

I dont consider myself of any religion or denomination but instead consider myself spiritual. However, for the sake of the issue at hand if youy could pin down any particular religion that coincides with my beliefs I would be what some would call a Gnostic. Therefore doesnt really make since to me why my views and opinions arnt welcome in the christian forum simply because I choose not to call myself a christian. This becomes even more confusing to me being that gnosticism pre-dates christianity and is some respects a forefather of christianity?

What do you think?

I do not see any problem with your Gnostic beliefs. Actually to a certain degree, we all have gnostic capabilities. Isn't that how God created us?

Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

You may think Christians are not welcoming your beliefs, but according to the verse above, God is inwardly welcoming you to His knowledge. It is too bad most people lack the real interpretation of this verse. Now you know why most people claim the name of "Jesus", but have no idea of universal quality behind the name "Jesus". Peace.

 

[jeffgothro]

In any case, save your breath, I will be resigning and having my account deleted (if thats possible). Folks here I've noticed are just a bit to narrowminded (I'm not talking about people who have replyed to this thread) for my taste. I like to think for myself, I dont need a bored, government, people, or a book to do it for me, get my drift?


God Bless, Thanks, & Good Day!


-J

 

[czach8]

In any case, save your breath, I will be resigning and having my account deleted (if thats possible). Folks here I've noticed are just a bit to narrowminded (I'm not talking about people who have replyed to this thread) for my taste. I like to think for myself, I dont need a bored, government, people, or a book to do it for me, get my drift?


God Bless, Thanks, & Good Day!


-J

Now why do want to do that bro? Look, if you are able to reconcile gnostic beliefs with the bible, then who says you are wrong? I have always reconciled many religions with Christianity because I comment on what the bible says. To be honest with you, most peole will debate with me, but they never stand a chance because they themselves lack deep insight when interpreting their own scripture. I do admit I am sometimes wrong, and I will surrender my arguments openly. However, when most Christians realize I am right, they simply do not respond. They do not even dare to attempt responding to my threads on Deep Thoughts. So be it.

Anyway, I do not know that much about gnosticsm, so can you please enlighten me? Peace brother.

 

[HomeBound]

And I believe that he considers all religions other than Christianity to be false. Hence, I'm all for religious distinctions.

I'm sure there were many times in Christian history, that God saw the practices in Christianity to be false religion.

 

[Beanieboy]

My understanding of the Christian Only forum is this:
Imagine that you are at a Christmas Eve service. The pastor talks about the baby Jesus, etc. Suddenly, a guy beside you starts saying, "Hey! Where is this "baby" Jesus? The star shown down on a stable? Like a spotlight? Never seen that happen! And..."

They just want to talk about their religion without having to defend it. Those who welcome other views come to the Open to All areas.