What about none Christians?

[calidog]

This implies that morality is innate and if that is the case then what is the purpose of religion?

The purpose of religion(s) is to detract from Christ. The purpose of christianity is to share the gospel message of christ and to mature the body of believers in the bible.

 

[StylesEste]

In response to the above post.

Religion usually means church (or some form of it) but church means a building; and a building means people. People in that building mean fellowship.

And it is fellowship that is the purpose of religion.

As for innate morality, we learn by our parents, our parents learn by their parents. (though in some case it is by guardians; or the street)

Simplified is that in the days OF Christ; there were three wise men who traveled to see the new born King, these men were not in the middle east, but of Asia's far east.

Jesus left the promise that we would continue on; that was His trust in us to continue; also leaving the Holy Spirit (written in Matthew - again no verse since I don't have my bible open to Matthew)

I do know this entirely; Jesus trusts us to spread the word of God; as He trusts the Holy Spirit to act upon God's command; just as we trust God.

I have heard of many places in -hiding- because of fear of being killed by the government (this is many places in China; but that's not anything new) I do know of a country that doesn't have a single bible- yet a priest finished his schooling in the words of the Quran; though he was touched by the Holy Spirit directly and converted BY God, not by hearing from us. He now travels to Kuwait; just to bring back bibles to his country that doesn't have them. When asked by the road blocks he just says "the word of God" Which to them they think "Quran" he just says it is their fault for not understanding.

 

[DarkProphet]

The purpose of religion(s) is to detract from Christ. The purpose of christianity is to share the gospel message of christ and to mature the body of believers in the bible.

So you do not view Christianity as a religion?

 

[cutie76]

So you do not view Christianity as a religion?

James 1:26-27
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

This is very simple.


On a side note:
I can see by your numerous posts that you have a great deal of valid questions about God and Christianity - that's wonderful! It is great to ask questions and discuss these issues, however there comes a point where you will need to find out what GOD thinks. When it's all said and done, it will not really matter what we think about things (as far as you are concerned with your own eternity) - what will matter is what He thinks. If you are really interested in who God is and what Christianity is, then I suggest that you speak to the God of the Universe and he WILL answer you. I think if you put a fraction of the time and effort into Him as you do on this forum, you would be amazed at His response.

I wholeheartedly believe that GOD has incredible, unimaginable, indescribable, wonderful plans for your life!! God has given you a purpose from the start. This purpose will fulfill you beyond your realm of thinking and fill your heart more than you thought possible. I pray that you seek God, because when you do you will find Him.

Acts 17:26-27
26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

 

[CShephard53]

Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Christians do not simply adhere to some moral code. The abide, remain, and are in God- they talk with God. If that is what you call a religion in the popular sense of the word, I think there's a couple things out of whack.

 

[DarkProphet]

Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Christians do not simply adhere to some moral code. The abide, remain, and are in God- they talk with God. If that is what you call a religion in the popular sense of the word, I think there's a couple things out of whack.

How so?

 

[BereanTodd]

How did you ultimately end up being a Christian?

I was very antagonistic to Christians, and looked down on them (really on any who were religious, but especially Christians). But eventually I made a couple of good friends who happened to be Christians, and they were there for me through a lot of tough times. One kept inviting me to their church over and over again (by that time this and other factors had moved me from a hard-core atheist to more of an agnostic), and finally I gave in and went one week, expecting to shut her up and never have to go again.

But something caught me that first time, it was something I can't really explain, like a light went off inside of me. I didn't "convert" at that time, but I had never really, honestly considered the claims of Christianity, and I finally began studying. Alot. I poured through books, both from Christian apologists and atheists. I went to the pastor of that church with my tough questions. I spent literally months doing this, it consumed me.

Ultimately through my studies,I reached the point where I feel God reached out and changed my life. I accepted Christ as my savior and I've not been the same since, He has completely transformed me.

 

[DarkProphet]

But something caught me that first time, it was something I can't really explain, like a light went off inside of me. I didn't "convert" at that time, but I had never really, honestly considered the claims of Christianity, and I finally began studying. Alot. I poured through books, both from Christian apologists and atheists. I went to the pastor of that church with my tough questions. I spent literally months doing this, it consumed me.

Ultimately through my studies,I reached the point where I feel God reached out and changed my life. I accepted Christ as my savior and I've not been the same since, He has completely transformed me.

You're the first person I've communicated with that has converted in this fashion. However, you do note that you did ultimately convert in a Christian environment. So I have two questions now... do you feel that you had no morals when you were an atheist? and what of the people missionaries have yet to reach? do you feel they are going to hell as well?

 

[BereanTodd]

You're the first person I've communicated with that has converted in this fashion. However, you do note that you did ultimately convert in a Christian environment.

I don't know about that. I mean America is somewhat Judeo-Christian, but my entire upbringing, background, rearing and education was anti-Christian. There were a lot of hurdles for me.

So I have two questions now... do you feel that you had no morals when you were an atheist?

No, I don't feel that way, and I don't say now that non-Christians "don't have morals". The problem is, what is the basis for those morals. Especially with an atheist, if there is no objective truth, then consistently there is no basis for morals. Subjectivity and relativism rule, and we have no moral grounds to tell the gunman at VT this past week, or even Hitler that he was wrong.

and what of the people missionaries have yet to reach? do you feel they are going to hell as well?

There is debate on that issue, and there are points to be made on both sides. Ultimately I had to decide - as do you - if I was going to let my decision (when I HAD heard) hang on what the supposed fate of the "unreached heathen" who has not heard might be. God is a merciful and just God, and I will leave it in His hands.

 

[calidog]

So you do not view Christianity as a religion?

no

 

[ReformedChapin]

no

It's a relationship people make it religious. My opinion is that Christianity is pragmatic fully intellectually supported.