Bare Knuckle Religious Discussion

6/25/08 | self

[mkjessup]

That sounds like a fine church. I daresay that is exactly what Jesus would tell them to do.

[Revelation 911]

I believe God is not nearly as judgemental as men are against other men.

the folks at Sodom might argue the point

[mnehring]

If we as Christians believe in what is called the 'Great Commission', we should be witnessing to our non-Christian FRiends, and stressing the importance of what Jesus said..
This is not really directed at you but a general statement, but if we expect to do this, we should expect our FRiends from other faiths to be able to do this as well. I can't remember who, but someone posted earlier about how Mormons are always trying to 'sell' their faith, but isn't that is what we expect to be able to do with our faith? We may not like their approach at times.

[JRochelle]

(I'm Roman Catholic). I don't know about you, but hand-holding in church creeps me out. I go alone and sit where there's space. The last thing I want is some snot-nosed kid with the flu touching me. And the holding hands/raising hands during the Lord's Prayer? What's up with that? I'm supposed to be praying, and I'm thinking to myself "these people look like they're praying for the Mothership to return."

You have some nerve. Posting that on a Mormon bashing thread. Or maybe this isn't one, could you admit you were wrong?

[Fantasywriter]

That is a wonderful approach. It was NOT the approach of these three, though. They never asked if I had a prayer request, and when I attempted to share a little of my testimony the lead proselytizer brushed it off with an, ‘We all go through things’ remark. It certainly didn’t incline me to drop in for a visit at their church, I can tell you that.

[Revelation 911]

LOL - I feel both ways sometimes - but I agree - there are times when I just want to sit and be fully absorbed in the message

There was hand waving in my last denom - I didnt mind it - seemed a bit showy for my tastes

[LS]

I always interpret this not as referring to an “age,” but to a person at any time. I don’t see any reference there to a particular church age. Moreover, in the end times there will be a massive evangelization-—just as there is equally significant “falling away.” Both happen at once, leading me to think that this will be a very broad evangelization (i.e., non-denominational).

[1rudeboy]

But you just got here.

[Petronski]

It occurred to me that those on FR need a place to discuss religion, religious thought, denominal issues all things religious without worrying about hurt feelings or bruised egos.

I suggest you contact godaddy.com about registering a web address and renting some server space to start yourself a new site.

[LS]

I do believe in tithing (don’t always do it, unfortunately). I don’t see anywhere where Malachi has been repealed. I do believe tithing is certainly not meant for GOD but for US. The purpose of the tithe is to a) promote God’s mission on earth, and b) to allow us to give that we may receive. And if Bono’s God isn’t short of cash, then what’s Bono doing with all these fundraisers? Just get it from God.

[ThisLittleLightofMine]

Actually there are bible verses that support worshipping God with praise and hands raised up towards God. If one is doing it because everyone else is doing it that would be “contrived” however if when worshipping God, they are moved to raise their hands in a reverent manner, the heart attitude is what pleases God, it has and will always be our heart attitude. Now as for dead fish flopping and rolling around, etc. That seems very people centered rather than God centered. It is not honoring to God.

[mkjessup]

Everyone is free to promote their beliefs, to witness their faith, and to paraphrase an old saying “I may not agree with your religious beliefs, but I will fight for your right to believe them” (of course I also reserve the right to argue against those beliefs if they impact and affect MY beliefs).

Religion and politics. Either subject is guaranteed to provoke controversy, arguments, even violence sometimes.

Fortunately it isn’t possible to reach through our monitors and grab someone by the lapels, LOL

[svcw]

Ok?
But I could not figure out if thats god addy or go daddy.

[greyfoxx39]

defending the faith is supporting the fact that ours is the way, because that is what has been told to us by the highest authority. Otherwise what is the point of good and evil, of belief itself?.

Absolutely! Why was man given intellect if not to seperate him from the those who do not recognize evil?

Christ did not hang on the cross for no reason.

[Petronski]

[count-your-change]

Those who come to the open forums know the rules and if any feel offended by challenges so be it. Unfortunately some people have nothing to say so they resort to ridicule and silliness but if a thread is open it is open even to the inane commentary.
But it also allows legitimate criticism, what the over sensitive call “bashing”, and discussion that the “religious belief is beyond questioning” crowd objects to, though they can go to a closed thread and luxuriate in full agreement.
No one is required to read anything or respond to anything, so let the discussions continue.

[JRochelle]

I totally agree with you. Church is a time for reverence and worship. I hate it when people draw attention to themselves by saying Amen or some other things. As for speaking in tongues, if I ever saw that I think I would run screaming out of the church.

I would not feel comfortable in a church where the people are vocal and charismatic.

[Revelation 911]

I thought I couldn’t get on because i had been sent to the FR outer darkness.

from what, the sloppy remnants of my "taze me bro" post ?

I brought donuts this am though, and OMM illustrated a wonderful point for me

but alas, and I so love violins too-

is that drama enough ?

[Gamecock]

OK, I'll play!

born again Christian

That is a redundant term. You can't be a Christian unless you are born again.

I love contemporary Christian music.

I like some of it, hate some of it. Same goes with hymns. My tool for judging: Do the words glorify God or does they amuse me? Also, do the words teach me and will they carry me through hard times? IOW do they sing the truth into my heart/

I stand up when I sing,

Doesn't everyone?

I lift my hands and sometime jump.

I have been known to raise my hands to waist level with my palms up. I have also been known to shutter in fear and to have tears of joy run down my cheeks.

I really like the apostolic New Testament model for running a church group over the pastoral model.

everyone wants to go back to the apostolic church but no one seems to remember how screwed up the churches were. remember the orgies in Corinth?

I believe you are saved by grace not works but you will be known to the outside world by your works.

That sounds good to me.

I believe tithes should be brought not collected.

No idea what you are talking about.

__________________________________________

Now it's my turn:

Communion is more than a memorial, it is spiritual food, it nourishes our faith and reminds us of who we are in Christ. It should be served weekly. Bread means bread, not a wafer or a saltine cracker. Wine means wine. Not Welch's grape juice. The bitter sweet taste of communion wine reminds us of the bittersweet nature of the death of Jesus.

The Gospel needs to be taught to the believer as well. Without it we will quickly fall back to thinking that our works make us acceptable to God. As soon as you assume the gospel you set up the church for apostasy.

I don't care about what the world is doing. don't tell me about movies and secular books. Preach from the Bible

Don't preach topically. that lends to Scripture being a springboard for the preacher's own agenda. Preach the entire book expositionally.

_________________________________

That what you had in mind? :-) You get the idea. Lets get a real discussion going here

[Petronski]

That is a redundant term. You can't be a Christian unless you are born again.

That would be your opinion.