How tolerant are you of other religions?

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Namaste whitehorse..

is there a definitive list of God's attributes? i.e. God can only be these attributes and nothing more or less?

though i doubt that humans could snatch anything from God... that seems an emotional argument rather than a rational one, wouldn't you agree?

There is a very good book that pulls these nicely out of scripture. It is called, The Attributes of God by Arthur W. Pink. It will show you what scripure reveals, although scripture does not compile a list for us. It's our job to study it for ourselves. It's like trying to summarize even a simple human being in a list-can't be done, but Pink gives good insights. You'll enjoy it, I think. Unless you're really asking where a particular attribute is revealed in scripture.

I'm not sure I was really saying they succeed, any more than they can really be the god they think they should have the right to be. But I think my point was more along the lines of man's insubordination to God and making their own beliefs "truths." But you knew that, right?

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Yep, it's a projection. Because once again you're more concerned about how the rest of the world feels about being wrong than where the truth actually comes from.

 

[tcampen]

Not to get into a p**sing match on this, but I find it fascinating that I respond to your assertions with logic and reason, and you come back with "you're more concerned about how the rest of the world feels about being wrong than where the truth actually comes from" without any explanation, support, evidence, backup or analysis - nor do you even attempt to explain why I my evidnece is incorrect or my reasoning is flawed. Very interesting


Try attacking the argument or the position, rather than the person. (Ad hominim is yet another logical falacy.)

 

[Palatka44]

Therefore, your interpretations of god must be considered just as twisted as anyone else, unless you can objectively prove otherwise.

Don't let them take you out of the Word, Whitehorse. While I agree with your latest post in regards to God, meanwhile Tcampen and vajradhara are trying their best to take you out of the Word.

What does the Word have to say about our view of God?


Job 8:20-22
20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.
22 They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Need we say more?

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Very true. And it breaks my heart. Especially when people say they must see proof or they will not believe, which only validates the word more, especially about the sign of Jonas.

 

[Havoc]

What breaks my heart is people who think other people should believe without proof, but won't apply the same standard to themselves.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

But I love truth. How can I affirm that which is not? Would it not be the most extreme form of dishonesty? And an affront to the name of my God.

 

[Havoc]

You love your beliefs. You simply mislabel them as truth.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Mislabel? How?

 

[David Gould]

Mislabel? How?

Before you can claim something to be true, you must demonstrate that it is in fact true.

As such, by claiming that what you believe is 'The Truth' you are mislabelling it. It might be the truth. But that has not been demonstrated and so any claims of truth are premature.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Not if its fact. Just because one person doesn't know it doesn't mean it isn't the truth. Truth is always truth whether or not it is perceived

 

[Havoc]

Just because you claim it's the truth doesn't make it the truth either.

Truth is always truth. But that doesn't mean you have it just because you claim to.

If you cannot substantiate your claim of truth then your claim is worthless.

 

[peaceful soul]

originally posted by David Gould

Before you can claim something to be true, you must demonstrate that it is in fact true.

It sounds good for the intellectual, philosophical man, but isn't necessary when you are dealing with spiritual laws of God. God's wisdom and knowledge is superior to ours. The ultimate truth is what He has promised to reveal to us. It is irrevelant to what you or I think. You need to come to an understanding that those who hunger for God's wisdom and knowledge will not subject themselves to lower authority of man. God makes it possible for those to discern what is true and what is not. What they do with that truth is another question. Let us keep things in perspective.

As such, by claiming that what you believe is 'The Truth' you are mislabelling it. It might be the truth. But that has not been demonstrated and so any claims of truth are premature.

Not true with the true living God. The truth we ascertain and understand down here is mainly relative to man's environment and not outside of it. That is largely true, because we are so busy looking for answers internally and not externally. By that, I mean spiritually- through God's spirit. With that truth and certainty about ourselves, God gives us a certain humbleness and peace that mankind sometimes mistakens for a weakness.

It is so amazing that us earthings are more eager to entrust ourselves to the knowledge and wisdom of this world - the earthly, but when it comes to God - the heavenly, we need to know every detail. We need to have proof without a reasonable doubt or we ain't buyin' it. We would rather believe in carbon dating, Freud, and dinosaurs, before putting our faith in God, our Creator. If He doesn't know how to deal with us, then what makes man any better equipped? Man is a fallen creature. Until we are willing to stop looking inside for answers and turn outward for His spiritual guidance, we will forever be lost. Whether good or bad, man can only be as man is: under His mercy. God's truth always shows itself, but man tries to circumvent it; and who is most happy to accomodate him? Satan. Think about it.

 

[Mephster]

It sounds good for the intellectual, philosophical man, but isn't necessary when you are dealing with spiritual laws of God.

Show me a man who has no intellect. And even more necessary when "dealing with the laws of God," God Who is the ultimate in truth, wisdom, and intellect, eh? The science of theology, for example.

God's wisdom and knowledge is superior to ours. The ultimate truth is what He has promised to reveal to us. It is irrevelant to what you or I think. You need to come to an understanding that those who hunger for God's wisdom and knowledge will not subject themselves to lower authority of man. God makes it possible for those to discern what is true and what is not.

According to Scripture it is quite important what man thinks, at least God cares what we think. Learning and using one's intellect is not "subjection to the authority of man." Instead, I'd call it the fulfilling the potential of man's nature AS intellectual.

 

[peaceful soul]

Show me a man who has no intellect. And even more necessary when "dealing with the laws of God," God Who is the ultimate in truth, wisdom, and intellect, eh? The science of theology, for example.
According to Scripture it is quite important what man thinks, at least God cares what we think. Learning and using one's intellect is not "subjection to the authority of man." Instead, I'd call it the fulfilling the potential of man's nature AS intellectual.

That is not what I mean. Worldly wisdom has no eternal inclination. Godly wisdom by default, gives you everything you need to perform worldly functions and thought. People make wordly wisdom a de facto standard by which they live their lives. You can't have Godly wisdom and knowledge without the Holy Spirit. It is a spiritual attribute of God. You can't get it with intellect. Get it?

I never said God doesn't care what we think. Man's intellect will only get him so far, and then he needs God's guidance. Man, by default, keeps trying to find the answer among himself. That is the point.

 

[StraitGate]

How do you define tolerance? If tolerance is acceptance of their right to believe as they wish, then yes, I am tolerant of other faiths. If you define tolerance as accepting their belief system as true, regardless of what they profess, then no I am not.

People have the right to follow whichever faith they please; Christianity is not, should not and cannot be spread by the sword. Accepting another individual's right to religious freedom, however, does not necessitate the need to accept their system of beliefs. We must always keep in mind the Word of God.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

 

[tcampen]

Webster's defines tolerance as follows:

tol·er·ance
Pronunciation: 'tä-l&-r&n(t)s, 'täl-r&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : capacity to endure pain or hardship : [size=-1]ENDURANCE[/size], [size=-1]FORTITUDE[/size], [size=-1]STAMINA[/size]
2 a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own b : the act of allowing something :

I think the second definition best fits this Thread. Generally, even the most hardcore, fundamentalist anything "tolerates" religious beliefs that differ from their own. It does not require giving that other position any credance, necessarily, or having to accept it yourself. Just that you aren't automatically compelled to see that the other person's view is changed to conform with your own. Sort of a "live and let live" attitude in a way.

Perhaps the goal should not be to just "tolerate" religious diversity, but celebrate it. Unfortunately, doing this would require giving up some of that exclusive right to the truth.

 

[Palatka44]

What breaks my heart is people who think other people should believe without proof, but won't apply the same standard to themselves.

If you only knew the hurt your statement causes. Then again maybe you do. I do not know you and the only information I can gather about you is your user ID and from it alone I assume that you intend violence.

I am a person that believes that if I do not tell others that the life that they chose to live, apart from the things of God through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, I will have to stand before God and give account for not doing my duty. Sense you have repeatedly rejected my message to you I am deeply saddened that while your user ID may have been ment to intimidate your debators it may apply to the jepardy of your eternal state.

God expects us to take Him at His Word. I can not produce proof for you to hold on to to get you to believe that belief or faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. It is after all is said and done a statement of faith. I can only offer you my faith in the hopes that you can see my faith and believe.

While others of this fourm have expressed their faith to you you continue to berate them while demanding proof that Jesus is the only way. All other religions are useless dead end traps that lead to utter destruction (havoc) and I am here to give you and others that warning.

Your statements do cause harm. It does hurt to know that one will not believe.

Matthew 18:6
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

You must believe the gospel.

Mark 1:14,15
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

John 1:10-12
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 5:38-44
38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

John 6:29,30
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

John 14:1-3
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 20:31
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.



Havoc I exhort you to read the above scripture it could change your eternity.

 

[tcampen]

Some of us are equally saddened on behalf of God when we see Him used as a tool for intolerance, prejudice, hate, and religious oppression simply because they have a different spiritual experience. Or saddened to see people apply their own personal religious experience as the archtype of the only valid experience to have, thereby avoiding such godly virtues as respect, empathy and compassion. But we can still hope and pray, right?

 

[Palatka44]

The following scripture is why we believe all other religions are dead end paths that lead to destruction.


Ephesians 1:19-23
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.