Originally posted by Ullr
I don't have a problem in general with followers of any religion. However, I have a problem with the doctrine of if you don't follow my religion you'll suffer eternal punishment. Because it's a lie. It is the greatest lie in the history of the human race. I'm not 100% positive that that is what the founders of Christianity intended but that is what it has b ...[text shortened]... ion entirely too consumed with death and completely ignorant of living life to the fullest.
It's not 'follow my religion' or you'll suffer eternal torment; it's 'repent and believe in Jesus' or you'll suffer eternal torment. The point you're missing, that's causing your hostility, is that Christ's way of salvation is
not man-made. Faith is produced and upheld by the power of
God. After Christianity became powerful (after followers of Christ ceased being persecuted for their faith), false religious types began to cling to the faith, having a pretend faith for worldly gain, and causing all kinds of p.r. problems for Christ down through the centuries; which no one is more angry about than God, I'm sure. These hypocritical folks obscure true faith, even make true faith obsolete in their congregations; they're easy to spot, and easy to hate. Everybody knows who they are, but they seem to be untouchable. But I tell you what, if you think you hate these people now, you'll hate them infinitely worse when you find out they kept you from discovering Christ
for yourself, a true faith rooted in the power of God and not in religion or religious pride. That's the rationale I used seven years ago to take a closer look at what the bible said for myself. I used to be a rabid atheist and I hated pompous Christians so much that I was determined, if Christ was indeed real, that they would not keep me from knowing Him. I approached the word sincerely and discovered the reality of Christ's kingdom, repented, became born again and received the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It was difficult to forfeit my pride, but it was worth it to find the Truth. As a follower of Christ now, the Christians I used to hate while I was an atheist really are no less reprehensible. Actually, more so now that I know the Truth which they defame for their greed, which also causes the defamation of me and others like me who love the Truth. The point is, don't let hypocrites keep you out of contact with the Truth, which is Jesus Christ Himself, the Lord.