Why I am not a Christian anymore

[Paulie079]

...Read the gospels if you don't believe me. In John, Jesus doesn't look quite the same after he "magically" reappears. His apostles are, strangely, not that excited to see him. You really have to read between the lines when you read the Bible or the truth will remain hidden from plain view. Evangelical Christians cannot see their own hands in front of their faces.

I mean, I would be a bit weirded out initially if a person who was just hung on a cross and was impaled by a spear was all of a sudden showing up for dinner. And eventually his apostles, who at one point were notably pretty scared and cowardly, courageously died pretty horrific deaths to spread his message.

Also, Christians define faith the way that the Bible defines it. It’s not some politically extrapolated viewpoint like the one that you are presenting. And the weakness of your worldview is evident in the fact that you can’t resist hurling insults. For someone who is so invested in social justice, you are incredibly lacking in kindness.

 

[Swan7]

You really have to read between the lines when you read the Bible or the truth will remain hidden from plain view.

Christians rely not on their own strength or understanding, but on God's strength and wisdom. God hardened Pharaoh's heart so that He could do works through Moses. So yeah, He can hide His truth from those unwilling to have an open heart.
There's a reason why Jesus explained this to His disciples:
Matthew 13:10-17

 

[Citanul]

I've never thought of Jesus as republican or democrat.

That's because I don't think he'd be either. He wouldn't fit the modern definition of either liberal or conservative, especially not the way they're seen in the US, where there seems to be a bigger divide than in other countries.

Jesus's message was for everyone, which is why I think sometimes there's some projection going on where people think "I support these things and I'm conservative/liberal, Jesus also supported those things, therefore Jesus is conservative/liberal, and the liberals/conservatives are wrong". Conservatism and liberalism both have their good points and they both have their bad points, but there's a tendency to focus on what you see as the "bad" points of the other side and demonise everyone for supporting them not necessarily things that are universally supported and/or the reasons for supporting those might be entirely understandable if you bother to take the time to do so.

Not all conservatives believe the same thing, just as not all liberals believe the same thing, and generalising (as has been done on this thread) gets us nowhere.

 

[friend of]

I certainly never fit completely in with the Non-Denom/fundamentalist churches. But your definition is not necessarily the correct one.

Christianity isn't just a label, m8

 

[radhead]

Christianity isn't just a label, m8

But to you, Christianity is the dogma you believe. And you can label and define that dogma. Otherwise people would just live like the animals, without a need for verbal language.

I can also label it as child abuse.

 

[Paulie079]

But to you, Christianity is the dogma you believe. And you can label and define that dogma. Otherwise people would just live like the animals, without a need for verbal language.

I can also label it as child abuse.

So you would, rather absurdly, label Christianity as child abuse, but have no problem verbally abusing people on this forum?

 

[radhead]

So you would, rather absurdly, label Christianity as child abuse, but have no problem verbally abusing people on this forum?

I've reacted to people who have used a more aggressive tone and tried to provoke me. But you will hear things the way you want to since you are biased against me before you have even met me. I'm an "outsider" to the cult.

 

[Hieronymus]

But to you, Christianity is the dogma you believe. And you can label and define that dogma. Otherwise people would just live like the animals, without a need for verbal language.

I can also label it as child abuse.

Let's define "Christianity" first before saying something about it.
It can mean 2 things:
1) Christendom, as in all the organisations and denominations that call themselves Christian.
2) the followers of Christ, as in people who follow the Biblical Jesus Christ.
Maybe it could mean other things too, but those 2 meanings are the main meanings i.m.o.
Number 2 can not be labeled as child abuse.

 

[radhead]

Let's define "Christianity" first before saying something about it.
It can mean 2 things:
1) Christendom, as in all the organisations and denominations that call themselves Christian.
2) the followers of Christ, as in people who follow the Biblical Jesus Christ.
Maybe it could mean other things too, but those 2 meanings are the main meanings i.m.o.
Number 2 can not be labeled as child abuse.

When I say child abuse I am referring to the indoctrination of children into a faith system while they are too young to think critically about these things. Children will accept and believe whatever a familiar adult authority figure tells them.

 

[Hieronymus]

When I say child abuse I am referring to the indoctrination of children into a faith system while they are too young to think critically about these things.

Okay, i see what you mean.
But wouldn't that make every parent guilty of a similar form of abuse?
How about the education system?
Or are you referring to extremes?

Children will accept and believe whatever a familiar adult authority figure tells them.

Yes, up until they start to question everything they were taught.

 

[radhead]

Okay, i see what you mean.
But wouldn't that make every parent guilty of a similar form of abuse?
How about the education system?
Or are you referring to extremes?Yes, up until they start to question everything they were taught.

An "extreme" would be anything that cannot be verified or confirmed. We have no proof of the claims of Christian dogma, other than wishful thinking. Further driven by people who have never dealt with the grief over losing past loved ones.

 

[Hieronymus]

An "extreme" would be anything that cannot be verified or confirmed. We have no proof of the claims of Christian dogma, other than wishful thinking.

I disagree.
But this depends on what you're referring to, i guess.
There is enough evidence for the Biblical history from Genesis 9 or 10 onwards.
"the case for Christ" is even stronger.
The alternative worldviews are definitely not better.
I mean, consider John 3:16 and the Law of Love (agape), as portrayed in the parable of the good Samaritan.
And when we fail, we're forgiven.
However, it is not human wishful thinking that there's an invisible Judge 'up there', who, because we can't do it ourselves, can make us justified so we can live with Him.
People don't like the idea of a superior being calling the shots.
You will need some humility to accept that.
But we would rather be our own gods.

Further driven by people who have never dealt with the grief over losing past loved ones.

Why would that be a Christian thing?

 

[Paulie079]

I've reacted to people who have used a more aggressive tone and tried to provoke me. But you will hear things the way you want to since you are biased against me before you have even met me. I'm an "outsider" to the cult.

No, anyone can be a jerk regardless of their beliefs. This has nothing to do with bias. You have downright flamed certain users and continue to say some very insulting and condescending things.

 

[Paulie079]

When I say child abuse I am referring to the indoctrination of children into a faith system while they are too young to think critically about these things. Children will accept and believe whatever a familiar adult authority figure tells them.

Does this mean you are opposed to teaching children anything that would be considered religious doctrine, including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc.? Are all of these cults to you? Have you ever considered that your own beliefs are religious as well?

 

[Paidiske]

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