Originally posted by FMFWhat you don't realize you're doing is proving my case. You've created your own institution of unbelief in anything related to faith in God by categorizing faith as a religion. Zealously so. You're religious about it.
This kind of synonym-juggling is doesn't help you make any kind of case that Christianity is somehow not-a-religion.
So much so that you're completely blinded by it, to the degree that the idea that faith in God is nothing more than a religion, and can't see beyond your own fixed ideological view of the definition of religion.
Originally posted by josephwYou're just resorting to an ad hominem here. It isn't making your case.
Only because you don't know how to have a credible discussion. If you weren't so spiritually weak in the knees, and so hell bent on derailing any discussion, then maybe you might have a credible argument to discuss, but as it stands your religion of unbelief overshadows the debate.
Originally posted by josephwNo but you can surely do better to sustain this discussion than simply pretend that me tackling you on your claim that Christianity is not a religion is me "derailing the discussion". You surely have something else to say to substantiate your claim that Christianity is not a religion than talk about me being "weak in the knees" and "hell bent". For example, why not just address the meaning of the word "religion"?
Is this where you start crying foul?
Originally posted by josephwIt's a linguistic view and definition, not an ideological one. A "religion" is 'a system of belief and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods'. Islam is a religion. Christianity is a religion. Judaism is a religion. This is an issue of English language and not an issue of ideology.
So much so that you're completely blinded by it, to the degree that the idea that faith in God is nothing more than a religion, and can't see beyond your own fixed ideological view of the definition of religion.
Originally posted by FMFAs far as I'm concerned the word "religion" means the same thing in any language.
No I'm not. I'm simply referring to what the word "religion" means in English.
It started with Cain. He was so religious he couldn't believe his own efforts weren't good enough so he murdered his brother, but Abel believed God and acted out of faith.
That's what religion is in contrast to faith. Man's efforts to please God are as filthy rags(religion), but faith toward God is what God requires.
But I'm sure that to you it's all the same thing.
Originally posted by FMFNow all you're doing is arguing about the argument. Let me know when you come up with something substantive to say.
No but you can surely do better to sustain this discussion than simply pretend that me tackling you on your claim that Christianity is not a religion is me "derailing the discussion". You surely have something else to say to substantiate your claim that Christianity is not a religion than talk about me being "weak in the knees" and "hell bent". For example, why not just address the meaning of the word "religion"?
Originally posted by FMFNo, it is an issue of ideology based on your own peculiar linguistic definitions. You've lost the thread in a sea of words and their definitions and meanings, and missed the Truth.
It's a linguistic view and definition, not an ideological one. A "religion" is 'a system of belief and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods'. Islam is a religion. Christianity is a religion. Judaism is a religion. This is an issue of English language and not an issue of ideology.
Originally posted by josephwYes. It's 'a system of belief and worship of a superhuman controlling power'. Is that not what your belief is, by way of Christianity. I am not asking you to say all religions are "the same". You and other Christians either believe in and worship a superhuman controlling power in accordance with your shared texts and tenets, or you don't. And it's obvious that you do.
As far as I'm concerned the word "religion" means the same thing in any language.
Originally posted by josephwThere is no "sea of words", josephw. There is just the word "religion". And there is what it means. And there is the fact that the word describes what Christianity is.
No, it is an issue of ideology based on your own peculiar linguistic definitions. You've lost the thread in a sea of words and their definitions and meanings, and missed the Truth.
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemMe too. This is a deep subject. So many issues involved. I think it boils down to this:
I said nothing about a physical type body. Either way - as a spirit, or as flesh - I have reservations about existing forever.
take a stand, make a mark. That is the best we can do.
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Originally posted by Ghost of a Duke
Why not start us off? Why do you believe what you believe?
One of the reasons I believe that I am on the right track to believe the Gospel is the changes in my life. The truth, you know, shall make you free.
I am convinced that the source of the positive transforming changes that took place in my life after I surrendered to Jesus Christ, our not from me.
No, I did not say people cannot do things to change their own lives.
I did not say that even I could not do some things to change me.
I am convinced that some of the deep transforming liberations that have taken place in me do not have ME as the source. They cause me to read the New Testament and say .. . "I have experienced what this writer is talking about. I know what this writer is explaining."
Don't scoff. Don't jeer. And don't sneer. Throw open your own heart to the "Lord Jesus" giving Him the freedom to come into your life. Then you see what happens to you.
He's a Gentleman. He will not usurp your will against your will.
The Holy Spirit in the Bible is symbolized sometimes as a dove.
Now who'se afraid of a gentle, tender little dove ?
Jesus Christ will change you from the inside, from the deepest parts of your insides.
And I think you'll know that you are not the source of these changes.
And you'll become a crazy lover of Jesus, like me !!
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Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeThere were sins in my backround.
Why not start us off? Why do you believe what you believe?
Welcome to the forums.
When I confessed that I was a sinner to Jesus Christ, an unspeakable sense of pardon and peace that I never knew possible came into my heart.
I had a deep intuitive sense that God HEARD me and was saying "I FORGIVE you."
A great dept was paid.