Originally posted by dj2beckerChris·ti·an·i·ty:
Christianity:
Its not a religion,
its a lifestyle,
a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Christian religion, founded on the life and teachings of Jesus. A particular form or sect of the Christian religion: the Christianities of antiquity. Religion founded in Palestine by the followers of Jesus. One of the world's major religions, it predominates in Europe and the Americas, where it has been a powerful historical force and cultural influence, but it also claims adherents in virtually every country of the world.
It is so amusing to me that some of you feel the need to make the distinction that Christianity is NOT a religion as if religion is a bad thing or something. So having a "relationship with Christ" is not a religion? I know one of you are going to bore me with the textbook answer. I must be a masochist to continue to attempt any type of correspondence with some of you "Stepford Christians".
Please I do not categorize all Christians into this category.
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Originally posted by Joe FistI was refering to what I regard as true "Christianity"...
Chris·ti·an·i·ty:
The Christian religion, founded on the life and teachings of Jesus. A particular form or sect of the Christian religion: the Christianities of antiquity. Religion founded in Palestine by the followers of Jesus. One of the world's major religions, it predominates in Europe and the Americas, where it has been a powerful historical force ...[text shortened]... you "Stepford Christians".
Please I do not categorize all Christians into this category.
I believe that there are many "Christians" that have/practise the Christian "religion", i.e. they go to church every Sunday, but during the 6 other days of the week they are just like the rest of the world, they smoke, get drunk, curse etc. They are no different to the rest of the world. They have the form of Godliness by they deny the power. They live in sin and have not been set free from the bondage of sin, because they have not had a true meeting with Christ. They do not have a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. For them Christianity is simply a "religion". But any "religion" I believe is dead.
I hope you understand what I mean...
Originally posted by howardgeeI disagree. I spent a great many hours praying while I was an xtian. After gaining enough information and wisdom to pull away from Xtianity, however, I had additional opportunity to learn the benefits of prayer, especially prayed oriented towards praising God. It was a form of self-hyponosis, my friends. Indeed, when my therapist began teaching me the art of self-hypnosis, we quickly learned that I was already expert in the art. I had been hypnotizing myself for years.
All those hours spent praying to God and praising him are completely wasted.
Need I further explain the benefits of self-hypnosis for losing weight, quitting smoking, dealing with divorce, or improving OTB chess performance, then I can do so. For now, just take my word: it works!
Even the great secularist, Benjamin Franklin, knew well the positive effects of prayer upon those who pray, and so he requested that those assembled in constitutional convention pray together. They did, and the Constitution they produced will continue to endure, at least until Alito is confirmed, and maybe beyond.
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Originally posted by WulebgrI just have to wonder if prayer would work for an atheist...
I disagree. I spent a great many hours praying while I was an xtian. After gaining enough information and wisdom to pull away from Xtianity, however, I had additional opportunity to learn the benefits of prayer, especially prayed oriented towards praising God. It was a form of self-hyponosis, my friends. Indeed, when my therapist began teaching me the art of ...[text shortened]... tion they produced will continue to endure, at least until Alito is confirmed, and maybe beyond.
Who would an atheist be praying to? I wonder...
PS: Are you saying that there is a God, by implying that prayer works?
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Originally posted by WulebgrYea I only read the first few lines 😉
u dont read to good doe u?
So you believe it was self-hypnosis? Maybe that was the case with you...
That is why I believe you have to first know Christ before you can pray to Him, else it is simply that, self-hypnosis...
Originally posted by dj2beckerI attest that self-hypnosis is beneficial, and rooted in science.
That is why I believe you have to have know Christ before you can pray to Him, else it is simply that, self-hypnosis...
Prayer to a vague or possibly non-existent entity still benefits you if it is self-hypnosis. This thread began with the presumption that prayer is wasted in the absence of God. I expressed my disagreement. My life as a Christian was not wasted.
You refuse to accept the logic of this thread, so your comments are off the point. Your root assumptions require the authority of an ancient text, albeit one less ancient than you believe. If you would like to discuss biblical apologetics, demonstrate a basic understanding of the rules of argument and evidence, and we shall begin.
Originally posted by howardgeeYes, religion is a waste of life.
All those hours spent praying to God and praising him are completely wasted.
If God doesn't exist, then clearly it is a waste of time.
Even if you believe that he does exist, then realise that it is still a waste of time:
1. God is supposed to be omniscient, so he knows if you love him or not and he knows your problems without you having to pray ...[text shortened]... ny more of your precious time in prayer or worship.
DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE WITH YOUR LIFE!
But if you are a Christian you are not in a religion you are in a relationship with the creator made avalible through Jesus Christ.