ANY variety of "CHRISTIAN" is a screwed up mystical believing, intellectually lazy, wishful thinking, arrogant, self-serving, childishly acting human being.
I humbly disagree. Christianity, accurately taught and in it's fullness, is the Lord's Plan of happiness and Redemption. It is an answer to the Fall of man and the inherent corruption in ourselves. The Doctrines are designed to help us overcome both sin and death, and thus find true joy in this life and in the life to come.
The unfortunate truth, however, is that few end up using the Atonement of Christ to it's fullest potential. There are intellectally lazy Christians. There are wishful thinking, arogant, self-serving, childish Christians. The fact that Christians as a whole are imperfect or fail to understand the power of godliness found in their faith, doesn't invalidate (or validate) whether that faith is true.
There is only one way to determine whether Jesus is the Christ, and that is the way Peter did.
Tell me, have you studied the scriptures? Have you read the Bible? Have you read any other scripture such as the Book of Mormon? Or do you simply base your conclusions on what you percieve Christians to be or do?
To elevate ANY ONE human being above another, from the moment of birth and baptism......this is the ultimate kind of tribal lunacy that we see in a 21st century world.
How is it lunacy? merely because you say so? Christ descended below all things to lift us above all things. If we elevate Christ to the position He rightly holds, we are merely rising ourselves to the same level because through His Atonement we have become Joint Heirs with Christ. We shall recieve the blessings He has recieved from the Father. And unlike us, He was actually worthy of those blessings.
It really DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS OR THE EASTER BUNNY... OR JESUS CHRIST OF THE BIBLE..........THEY ARE ALL FANTASIES!!!!!
Again, why? Because you say so? We have the testimony of countless eye witnesses. I have my own personal witness from the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Christ. The only reason I truly know is because God revealed it to me. I've asked myself "why me?" many times. I am no more worthy to know than anyone else. There are many more worthy. But who am I to deny God? Why should I deny what I know to be true simply because you make claims you don't back up? Is ridicule truly the only evidence you have?
Please people, grow up and let your brains grow up, too! We don't need to be fighting amongst each other, killing over a million people with American tax dollars in the last ten years, all based upon "Christianity is better than..." kind of thinking.
No we don't need to fight against each other. Truth be told, I don't consider myself fighting with you. You are my brother. You may not believe that, but it's true. And I have no doubt that you truly believe what you are saying. We simply disagree on whether it's true.
There is no reason that Christians, or anyone from any other faith for that matter, doesn't use thteir brains or let their intellect grow. Do you honestly believe that unless someone agrees completely with you that they aren't using their brains? Everyone has different experiences. Everyone is privy to different facts. Some have learned "facts" that simply aren't true, but honestly don't realize it.
Is this ridicule really necessary? If you're points are correct, shouldn't you be able to simply rely on the merits of your arguments rather than ridicule your opponents? Obviously, we are all imperfect and we can get caught up in the emotion of debate. It's human tendency, but insulting someone doesn't prove yourself correct. In fact, it shows immaturity in regards to the debate and creates insincerity in discussion. How are we going to be united and come to any sort of understanding when we poison the discussion with insults rather than discuss things on the merits?
I truly feel ashamed that I ever engage in that, especially, when i hurt a brother because of it and the merits of the truth to my faith are obscured in the emotion and hurt produced by it. The weakness of man is difficult to overcome sometimes.
And also, there hasnt been any killing or tax dollars spent to show Christianity is better than other ideals in the past ten years. Our government doesnt spend tax money to promote any religion, let alone Christianity. I
However, some ideas are superior to others. That is the truth. Thankfully, we have the freedom to speak our minds and debate and discuss what those ideas are. We can study and learn for ourselves and persuade others as well.
Please, Christians, of any and all varieties, get over your mythologies, and fight for human beings being able to co-exist in peace and mutual support upon this planet. Believe what fairy tales you want to believe about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Jesus, Moses parting the seas, whatever.......I don't really think it makes a bit of difference what you believe.....just get on with saving the people... all the people.. on the planet,
I think you are falsely assuming that Christians don't already seek to coexist in peace and mutual support with our brethren. I have no doubt that some Christians may seek contention and violence, but the Spirit of Contention and disunity does not come from Christ. The Fruits of the Spirit are "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance" (Gal 5:22-23).
Those are the fruit of the Christian faith.
But I would also warn you against denying the power of godliness. I don't think that is wise. I've seen miracles. and the powers of God manifest. I've been healed from a serious injury instantaneously by the Spirit. (Quite unexpectedly too which was nice). There is power in Christianity. But the powers of heaven can only be maintained and controlled upon the principles of righteousness.
AND STOP THIS SILLY BICKERING AND INTERNET VOTING !!! Get to work fixing stuff. Get an education, get busy doing something to make this planet a better place to live and stop fighting with each other over which mythology you prefer!!
More presumptions brother. I don't see how communication with my fellow man is silly bickering. Internet voting, you may have a point, but when two people are communicating and teaching and learning from one another, how does it not make the planet better place? likewise, how do you reconcile your own attitude in our internet discussions with your own desire? Do you really believe that everyone, but you is engaged in this behavior which you detest?
I find that is what seems to be the problem with alot of people. They want others to change, but they don't apply their own standards to themselves. I agree that we need to encourage others to do better. We need to preach, exhort, teach, and minister to the needs of others, but we need to make sure we are working on ourselves as well. We need to make sure we are practicing what we teach and encourage others to.
I consider this as part of ministry. (at least when im talking about religion, the political stuff is just more fun). It's also an exercise to help me grow and love others. Even when they are insulting.
I also think you might want to stop presuming people aren't educated simply because they believe and disagree with you. If you don't mind me asking, what is your educational background? How often do you read books for educational purposes? How do you study and learn?
I have no doubt that many of us already are, even if you deny such. I suggest you do the same. I would encourage you to continue to lift your brothers as well. Stop ridiculing them and lift them. If they disagree with you so what?
I miss your point...
