i'm confused...

[kulkaramkes]

Why do Christians argue so much? How come it seems like people are trying to prove that they're right and that others are wrong all the time? This is so confusing... how do I know Jesus more? Should I read about the things that people are talking about?

 

[Andrew]

how do I know Jesus more? Should I read about the things that people are talking about?
------------------

No. Spend quiet time with him, read your Bible and ask God to speak to you.

 

[Redeemed1]

Originally posted by kulkaramkes
Why do Christians argue so much? How come it seems like people are trying to prove that they're right and that others are wrong all the time? This is so confusing... how do I know Jesus more? Should I read about the things that people are talking about?

Unfortunately, it is human nature to want to prove our "rightness". And again unfortunately, Christians struggle with this as much as anyone else. But you will not "know" Jesus more by listening to others. You will know Him more by communing with Him...just you and Him. Reading your Bible, and spending time in prayer and worship.

 

[kulkaramkes]

Thanks guys. God Bless you too. =)

 

[seebs]

Originally posted by kulkaramkes
Why do Christians argue so much? How come it seems like people are trying to prove that they're right and that others are wrong all the time? This is so confusing... how do I know Jesus more? Should I read about the things that people are talking about?

We argue so much because we are all fallible, and none of us knows God's plans. However, these are important things. A friend of mine is gay. He's also a Christian. How could I *NOT* care whether or not he's going to go to Hell? I have met people who say he is, and people who say he isn't. All of these people accept Christ, and accept His teachings, but they disagree about what the teachings mean.

For the last two thousand years, we have spent much of our time debating what is, or isn't, moral behavior. We want to know because we should avoid behavior which is immoral or sinful, but we don't always agree on what it is. I have long hair; some people say that a man with long hair is sinning. (I say "Samson" and politely drop the topic.) Is it "sin" to jaywalk? Many of the rules we follow appear to be the result of the belief that it is wrong to offend the local temporal authorities gratuitously, so Christians try to be law-abiding, even when the requirements of the law have nothing intrinsic to do with morality.

I can't tell you how to get closer to God. If you are a questioning person, I think it's because He made you that way, and you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions. If you are happy with your faith, you are blessed, and you don't need to worry.

 

[allieisme]

HI
I would spend alot of quiet time, reading your Bible and talking to the Lord! I talk to him alot most times of the day, but I do slack on reading the Bible..But it really does help trust me!..
God Bless
Allison

 

[amie]

Hi kulkaramkes,
sometimes I think as human beings we have some sort of an innate need to defend our beliefs, opinions, views...so it would be easy to have things heat up pretty quickly...the best thing to do in those cases, is to sometimes say look, I am losing my cool, let me take some deep breaths, and try to understand, TRULY understand where the other person is coming from. So many things affect our values, beliefs and opinions, so if we were to look at where the other person is coming from, that helps to understand. There is a book out called "thou shall not be aware" by Alice miller, great book and it speaks of how we are shaped primarily by our environment and upbringing...people are all so unique and different, celebrating the differences is easy, understanding the differences, now thats another story...hope this has helped you some and just remember MacDougals rule #16 of debate, never let your emotion in on a debate, keep your emotions out of it...tis much harder than you'll think! God Bless! Love and Peace!
Amie

 

[Hewitt]

I agree with amie, and I admitt that I am one of those defensive humans she's talking about. Sometimes I just wish people could think of it my way and realize how much it makes sense but I don't even consider their views. My advice is not to judge christianity by the actions of sinful humans, but by God and his works in us

 

[solo66 man]

Originally posted by amie
Hi kulkaramkes,
sometimes I think as human beings we have some sort of an innate need to defend our beliefs, opinions, views...so it would be easy to have things heat up pretty quickly...the best thing to do in those cases, is to sometimes say look, I am losing my cool, let me take some deep breaths, and try to understand, TRULY understand where the other person is coming from. So many things affect our values, beliefs and opinions, so if we were to look at where the other person is coming from, that helps to understand. There is a book out called "thou shall not be aware" by Alice miller, great book and it speaks of how we are shaped primarily by our environment and upbringing...people are all so unique and different, celebrating the differences is easy, understanding the differences, now thats another story...hope this has helped you some and just remember MacDougals rule #16 of debate, never let your emotion in on a debate, keep your emotions out of it...tis much harder than you'll think! God Bless! Love and Peace!
Amie

Perfection, that is you amie.
So many times, I come to post an answer and there you are.
You already answered more thoroughly than would I have.
Especially the part about MacDougals rule #16. Who is MacDougal? Does he wear a kilt? Does he have a beard and play bagpipes? Just curious. I am just joking.
Your answer is beautiful, though.