01 Aug '09 03:07>
Christianity is not a religion.
Do you know why?
Do you know why?
Originally posted by karoly aczelHi there karoly. I knew you'd jump at this one. Just kidding! 🙂
What are you getting at JW? I for one was sure that christianity was a religon. Or does this belong in posers and puzzles because it is a trick question?
Originally posted by josephw🙂
Hi there karoly. I knew you'd jump at this one. Just kidding! 🙂
I'll answer, but first I'm waiting to see how many folks will take the bait. I have a bit of time this evening, and so I'd like to get into a big fight before I go to bed. 😲
Originally posted by karoly aczelYa. It doesn't take long to see that I have an agenda. I think that's why I get beat up so often in here.
🙂
Of course I'll jump at it.Its my nature.
I knew you were upto something...
Originally posted by josephwHow would you reconcile this with John 3, "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not enter into the Kingdom of God"?
Alright then, here it is.
I guess it all depends on how one defines religion. But instead of getting bogged down in that, let's just let it speak for itself.
Take an honest look at the worlds religions. Without exception they all teach that in order to achieve the goal established by its' precepts, one must perform rites and rituals and ceremonies. The ...[text shortened]... e must rely on God for every breath, and any good that we do is accredited to Christ.
Originally posted by Conrau KThe answer is more involved, so I'll cut to the chase.
How would you reconcile this with John 3, "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not enter into the Kingdom of God"?
Originally posted by josephwI am not sure you have answered my query. John 3 seems to suggest that rebirth by water is necessary for salvation. Many Christians would interpret this as a statement of the necessity of baptism - which is a ritual. Of course, no Christian denies the necessity of grace, nor does any Jew or Muslim probably.
The answer is more involved, so I'll cut to the chase.
As a Jew, under the law, a believer would demonstrate his faith by doing what was required by the law. The law required that one keep it for salvation.
Jesus is the only person who ever lived that kept the law. In fact, He took the law a step further.
That step further entails what was accompl ...[text shortened]... the lines. I can develope this further, but that would take hours, and I need to go to bed.