what does He want?

[vibrant]

why does christianity sometimes seems so complicated and contradictory?

sometimes i feel like i've been sold a bill of goods only to open the package to find something contradictory and upsetting.

 

[SoulFly51]

Much is paradoxal ... but I'm more interested in what exactly is upsetting you.

Care to share?

 

[Johnnz]

Let's know some of the issues you have in mind.

Sometimes Christians do get a bit tied up in doctrine and rules and lose sight of the heart of the gospel, our relationship with Jesus.

John
NZ

 

[hugnluvable]

Stop right there before you get upset about your faith. Forget doctrines, forget creeds, forget sacraments, forget denominations, forget those naughty things you've done or still do, forget who you are right now and look to Jesus.... the one who our faith is all about following and having as one amazing friend who takes us as we are no holds back, warts and all, who understands us even more than we do - and still dies for us!

You dont need doctrine, complicated church issues and contradictory translations/perceptions.... we need Jesus in our lives... thats what Christianity is about. And I pray that you're comforted with that fact, I know I am.

Hope alls ok, feel free to PM me just for a chat if you want.

Erica
xxx

 

[vibrant]

um....

i'm just noticing how some people are picking parts of the Bible and turning them into a new testament kind of law. from being a woman, to a single, to tongues, to hierarchies, it's like if you don't follow these verses to the extent that people are campaigning for, you're in sin.

i've always been happy with christianity, knowing it wasn't like any other religion, bogged down with various laws, we're under grace; but the more i keep reading about different strains of this religion, the more i'm finding that that's not quite true.

 

[Sketcher]

There are always extremists out there that have good intentions, but "forget" what other verses say that balance out what they're trying to teach.

Being a woman, being single, tounges, heirarchies, eh? What specifically? Especially the last two?

 

[Johnnz]

If you are reasonably intelligent and ask geneuine questions you will be facing such issues for the rest of your life. Afetr more than 40 years of being a Christian I am still asking questions, still making new discoveries, still unlearning some things I was taught as a teenager.

What you are facing is not new. Paul wrote to the Galations, who were in danger of turning the freedoms they had in Christ (note how Paul stresses the word freedom in that letter) into laws and regulations. What is important is to Know Christ, and to participate in biblical study and discovery as a lifelong process. That requires good reading, time to ponder, and a readiness to learn rather than becoming dogmatic and closed minded.

John
NZ

 

[sherri]

Christians can also try to interpret 'freedom' as license to do what they want too. Thats the other side of the coin.

 

[stevezak11]

Most people get depressd with Christianity because they become RELIGIOUS. God never intended to have any religions. He wanted RELATIONSHIP. That's why He openly SPOKE to Adam, He never ORDERED him.
God wanted TRUST not TRADITION. RULES not RITUALS. LOVE not FEAR. SON's not SERVANTS. CITIZENS of a Kingdom, not MEMBERS of a religion.