No, and I am sorry if I was unable to properly convey what I was trying to say. As I said already, my English is a bit rusty.
I'm saying that if different witnesses independently confirm a sighting, then that sighting will be more credible.
The New Testament is an independent collection of verifying accounts (even if you take the synoptics as one), whereas the Quoran is a manifesto that was dictated by one individual.
I guess I can give you this one.
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. I see various indications that morality is something deeply intuitive which is the reason why the core social rules are the same in almost every society and why children (who have yet to undergo model learning) often share more values than adults.
There's no doubt that intuitive morality can be reeducated to suit the distorted views of evil (i.e. child soldiers, etc.) - but I am certain that an intuitive compass remains nonetheless.
I do agree with this, I just think that observation also plays a large role.
Many of the rules that are seemingly secularist (for example, the Kant'sche Imperativ) are not "logical" and presuppose a conscience. But I believe that this discussion would be worthy of another thread.
The paradigm was that the rich were supposedly more blessed.
Jesus Christ "set the record straight" by saying that worldly wealth is no indicator of spiritual wealth - in fact even saying that someone who holds on to his money more than to his heart will have a hard time before the LORD.
Alas, I don't really believe that the LORD "rewarded" his prophet - just as much as I don't think Abramovic, Steve Jobs or any other rich individual is "rewarded".
Not really, but that if a god were to demonstrate which religion to follow it might be a good idea to show that he really cares about those who follow him.
This might not be a very fundamentalist biblical approach, but you're asking for my personal opinion: works and grace go hand in hand.
If you lead a life in which you value your fellow man and in which you make yourself aware that all of your little "achievements" aren't the result of your superiority but the result of that awesome blessing that you had in being able to be the person you are (with all your faults and strengths combined), then I believe you will be given the chance to meet God in the kingdom.
The Bible says that the LORD is just, the Bible says that it's more important to truly live according to the LORD than to pay lip service and as such, someone who has never heard of Christianity
by definition will have the chance to be saved.
Jesus Christ said the law boils down to two different concepts, which is loving your neighbor (compassion) and loving the LORD (humility) - these concepts have been written into every man's heart and as such are
universal.
But again, this is my personal opinion. I am no Bible literalist and this opinion may not reflect their interpretation of Christian faith.
It has nothing to do with being a literalist. If you don't worship the Christian god you don't go to heaven. If worshiping the Christian god was not necessary then the whole religion would be pointless.
Again, you're asking my personal opinion: I think the Bible is a great guideline, but I would hardly call it the inerrant word of God. Jesus Christ didn't sit down and spend 30 years writing an instruction manual, but he wrote himself into our hearts.
The fact that his story was documented is great, because his teachings are, plain and simple, awesome.
Having been atheist myself, I am also certain that every man has the possibility to experience the LORD if he is able to put aside all preconceptions first.
I was a christian first, so I don't think I have any preconceptions that are blocking me.
But even if he does not - as I said, I believe works and grace go hand in hand. If you are humble and compassionate, then you will find the LORD or he will find you. And yes, I even think this is possible after death.
Oh, and on a side note: I do think the LORDs existence is self evident. I don't see how an Eskimo would know that the LORD came to earth in Israel, was named Jesus Christ and know exactly what he taught - but even the Eskimo would feel his love and be compelled to be compassionate and humble.
They would probably have their own religion since they live in a different geographical area. They would not just drop their religion for a foreign one.
I'm sorry if I seemed as though I was enraged.
You are entitled to your opinion very much - I just sometimes get the feeling that Christian views are mocked when they use a similar logic.
And yes, religious individuals do lie. God will call that sin and hold them accountable. I've lied too many times to count in my life.