Jesus is at the Door

[stvdv]

Christianity in a nutshell. Gotta love it.

Perfect illustration what 99% of the Christians I met believe. Not all Christians tell me up front, but I always keep asking till they finally have to admit.

Would be interesting to have a poll, though. Then Christians can proof, that this absurd "picture" is not how they believe.

But if you ask them:
"will humanist, atheist, buddhist living a life like the Samaritan, but not believing in Jesus, have the same chance or possibility as Christians to be saved, and not go to Hell", so far not one Christian could look me straight in the eye, and say "yes of course".

Hence, I left Christianity

 

[stvdv]

Christianity in a nutshell. Gotta love it.

Thanks for sharing
Quite accurate imo

 

[metis]

But if you ask them:
"will humanist, atheist, buddhist living a life like the Samaritan, but not believing in Jesus, have the same chance or possibility as Christians to be saved, and not go to Hell", so far not one Christian could look me straight in the eye, and say "yes of course".

Even though we in Catholicism had a very nasty past because of being so pathetically judgmental, the Church since Vatican II took a "humble pill" and no longer does this. I've been going to masses almost every week for over 50 years, and I never hear "Fr. Joe" talk negatively about any other denomination or religion. Matter of fact, the Church has had a great many meetings with members of other religions and denominations and is often involved in local interfaith councils and assemblies.

 

[stvdv]

Even though we in Catholicism had a very nasty past because of being so pathetically judgmental, the Church since Vatican II took a "humble pill" and no longer does this. I've been going to masses almost every week for over 50 years, and I never hear "Fr. Joe" talk negatively about any other denomination or religion. Matter of fact, the Church has had a great many meetings with members of other religions and denominations and is often involved in local interfaith councils and assemblies.

Thank you for sharing.

Glad to hear this. @Landon Caeli also told me, he is not like that. If Catholic Church is not like that anymore, that would be a great step (big %). I was happy to see the Pope in a picture with all other leaders.

I will check what the Pope says about this, I did check before, years ago, when I found quotes on this. I even wrote The Pope a mail, that this belittling other Religions is wrong. Maybe it has changed. Would be great.

Where I live, there is not much catholicism. Mostly evangelicals and baptism, who are incredible belittling and judgmental. And they just believe that is the way to go.

 

[Kenny]

He’s omnipresent. He has the key.

I thought He gave man the key. At least that is what I understand.

 

[Deeje]

Do you think the comic is wrong?

I think the cartoon represents what unbelievers assume is true.

I'd think JW is one of the ones who'd get it most. One god set up the gift and consequence criteria for salvation and rejection.

Is this not so?

My comment was a reflection of the boot being on the other foot.
Most people think God (if he exists) owes them something....almost as if they have a superior intellect and can ridicule the Creator....like he is grovelling for their worship. It never occurs to them that we owe him something for the gift of life. The odds against us even being in existence are astronomical....yet out of all the eggs and swimmers that our parents had.....we gained life. It’s not a perfect life, but the Bible explains the reasons why it’s not perfect and why we can expect to be given back what was taken from us.

Does it say in scripture everyone is saved despite their beliefs and behaviors?

The reason why we have different beliefs and behaviours is because we were given free will. After losing the idyllic life they had because of treating the Creator with disrespect and contempt, the first humans chose a different god and independence. They wanted the freedom to know good and evil for themselves.....so God allowed them to experience the full consequences of their choices. This life should teach humans about the where their choices take them, and the impact that those choices have on others around them.

The whiners about this life and its seeming contradictions.....if God is all powerful then he should never have let this happen.....and if he did, he’s not much of a God....are just comical, but extremely ignorant to say the least. But this is an ignorance of choice. If people choose to wallow in their ignorance and ridicule the Creator, instead of reaching out to gain the knowledge he has recorded in his word, then the answers they want will never materialise.

God is actually choosing citizens for his incoming kingdom, based on how they live this life. Whether or not they seek God of their own free will and want what he is offering for the future. I have seen people say that if they had to live with Christians forever, that would be their definition of hell. Such a person would never gain citizenship in God’s kingdom, and God will not force such a person to endure that life. But because there is no other place to live, their life will be forfeited because they don’t want what God is offering. There is no alternative.

The point is the same regardless if a Christian or atheist says it.

There is actually a big difference. God will never bring about such a drastic end to life without first giving all humans an opportunity to hear about his purpose for this earth and making a decision about what they will do regarding the warning he has given.

Jesus used the days of Noah to illustrate the situation. How many people listened to Noah? How many people believed him when he told them what God was going to do? How many believed only when the waters began to engulf them? It was a huge vessel and there were only 8 people on board, so there was room for more people, but not a single one made any effort to recognise the opportunity they had and act on it. They were used to the violent and immoral world they lived in, and chose to stay in it.....so they went down with it. History will repeat according to Jesus.....

“For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.“ (Matthew 24:37-39)

All the while Noah was constructing the ark, he was giving the people a warning, but no one listened. Instead, they ridiculed and went about their daily lives, as usual.

(...that...and most likely those who see him as a historical figure won't be able to a answer how Jesus feels about their view. How can they if they know he died?)

I have no idea what you mean by that....
Seeing Jesus as an historical figure means what? That you see him as a real human being? There is little doubt that he existed.

But whether he was a real person or not is hardly the issue. Whether he was the son of God, and whether he carried out his mission successfully is what should be focused on.

Why did he come into the world? Why did he have to die? Why are we still here waiting for his return almost 2,000 years later? Why are we now living in a world that loves violence and immorality to such an extent that they choose to bring it into their homes for entertainment and allow their children to feed on a steady diet of it?

Our ‘inner person’ is what God sees. He is not evaluating us as individuals by our performances....he is evaluating us by our motivations. He is way more interested in ‘why’ we do what we do, that simply going through the motions.

Jesus said that ‘those seeking would find’.....but seeking with the wrong attitude will get us nowhere. Our motivation has to come from a humble heart, not a haughty spirit as if we are somehow doing God a favour by even asking about him.

At the end of the day, we choose our own destiny, by our own choices. God will simply give us the end result that we have chosen. We will have judged ourselves. So IMV, the cartoon is not at all what is being suggested.

 

[Deeje]

That's right. We better be scared because Jesus is coming on the clouds to rain judgment on all of us. Never mind that he told his 1st century disciples in Matthew 16:28, "some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." Oops.

I guess this is an example of the kind of ignorance that abounds these days. If you knew what that scripture meant, you would not have mentioned it as evidence that the kingdom is somehow, very late. It’s actually right on time. Daniel's prophesies bring it right into our day. The present world powers are the last ones before the coming of the Kingdom....
“In the days of those kings [the present world rulers] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever". (Daniel 2:44)

When Jesus said the words you quoted, he was referring to an event that took place shortly after he said them. (Matthew 17:1-9) He took Peter, James and John up into a mountain and he was transfigured right before them. The word "transfigure" in Greek is "metamorphoō which means to change or transform into something different. (a metamorphosis) On this occasion, Jesus was showing his disciples his glorious spiritual form when he is King of God's kingdom. This is what he meant when he told them that "some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing"....this applies no less to Bible knowledge. This is why, I believe, it pays to actually know something about a subject before you make decisions about it.

 

[lostwanderingsoul]

So cherry pick, it seems to work for christians. But ignoring the verses you don't like does not make them go away.

You made a statement, the bible disproves that statement whether it's 3 verses (there are more) or the whole book does not mattet

It is a matter of interpretation. A very difficult thing for someone with no religion to do.

 

[PruePhillip]

Christianity in a nutshell. Gotta love it.

This happened historically.
Jacob in Egypt spoke of a future Hebrew nation which would end with the Messiah.
Says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem because they did not know the time of their
visitation - the enemy would lay the city to the ground and kill even her children.
And the Jews would be scattered throughout the world until the Gentiles time was
"fulfilled."
So yeah, nasty stuff. But it happened. And it happened to provide a metaphor.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I think the cartoon represents what unbelievers assume is true.

I know it's a weird way to put christianity into funny terms. The truth is god created both salvation and set up the consequence when one isn't saved. He offered a gift that if one denies it, there are consequences for that denial. Its all from the same person who both gave the gift and sets up consequences for those who reject it.

How is this wrong or miscued?

My comment was a reflection of the boot being on the other foot.

Most people think God (if he exists) owes them something....almost as if they have a superior intellect and can ridicule the Creator....like he is grovelling for their worship. It never occurs to them that we owe him something for the gift of life. The odds against us even being in existence are astronomical....yet out of all the eggs and swimmers that our parents had.....we gained life. It’s not a perfect life, but the Bible explains the reasons why it’s not perfect and why we can expect to be given back what was taken from us.

I'm not really a "most people are bad" and the rest are good, point of view. Makes christianity very lopsided.

The reason why we have different beliefs and behaviours is because we were given free will. After losing the idyllic life they had because of treating the Creator with disrespect and contempt, the first humans chose a different god and independence. They wanted the freedom to know good and evil for themselves.....so God allowed them to experience the full consequences of their choices. This life should teach humans about the where their choices take them, and the impact that those choices have on others around them.

We know this already, though. A lot of ex-christians got it pounded in their heads when they were teens. It's sad. The comic is saying god set up the consequences for this bad behavior not created it.

The whiners about this life and its seeming contradictions.....if God is all powerful then he should never have let this happen.....and if he did, he’s not much of a God....are just comical, but extremely ignorant to say the least. But this is an ignorance of choice. If people choose to wallow in their ignorance and ridicule the Creator, instead of reaching out to gain the knowledge he has recorded in his word, then the answers they want will never materialise.

It sounds more like criticizing people who have issues with god as if everyone is in the same boat with some sort of fault for not choosing god.

The thing is, many who don't believe are ridiculing the "idea" of the creator not the creator himself. People who do not believe cannot ridicule something that does not exist.

God is actually choosing citizens for his incoming kingdom, based on how they live this life. Whether or not they seek God of their own free will and want what he is offering for the future. I have seen people say that if they had to live with Christians forever, that would be their definition of hell. Such a person would never gain citizenship in God’s kingdom, and God will not force such a person to endure that life. But because there is no other place to live, their life will be forfeited because they don’t want what God is offering. There is no alternative.

Yes.... those who do not follow have said consequences. That's the point of the comic, really.

If there isn't an alternative, god would save all people regardless if we say no, right?
I mean, a loving god doesn't choose who he loves? (like a parent choosing which child she loves based on that child's behavior?)

There is actually a big difference. God will never bring about such a drastic end to life without first giving all humans an opportunity to hear about his purpose for this earth and making a decision about what they will do regarding the warning he has given.

Actually, no. The intent is the same speaking from the comic only. The reasons behind why people post things is irrelevant here. The fact that god is the one who gave the gift and one who sets up consequences when one rejects it is all what the comic is saying. Atheists and christians are besides the point.

I have no idea what you mean by that....
Seeing Jesus as an historical figure means what? That you see him as a real human being? There is little doubt that he existed.

Oh. I can't remember who you replied to. He or she said that they see christ as a historical figure. You mentioned what would christ say to that (as if christ would be upset?)

How would whomever you reply to take your comment to heart about what christ would say when he believe that christ was a historical figure, therefore dead?

In other words, dead people can't speak up for his or her own behalf.

At the end of the day, we choose our own destiny, by our own choices. God will simply give us the end result that we have chosen. We will have judged ourselves. So IMV, the cartoon is not at all what is being suggested.

That's the point of the comic: "god gives us the end result".

Regardless of what we do and say, god gave the gift and god set up the consequence.
God knocked on the door and god gave the ultimatum if that other person didn't "let him in."

Outside of that is pure generalization, assumptions, and belittlement on both sides atheists and non-atheists (on this thread) alike.

 

[MJFlores]

Why do you think that the Bible is to be trusted and is the word of God in the first place?

Atheists would actually believe if there was convincing conclusive evidence that the bible is accurate as a whole and that it was written by God.

But even believing such isn't enough to be saved according to the Bible. One must exercise faith and actually want to follow that God.

Why do I trust the Bible as the word of God?
Why do I think that the Bible is accurate and authored by God?

But that is another topic for another thread in this forum.

You are right that believing is not enough and not that simple.
That is why the Bible provides a check list of things to do and to be saved
- it deals with your action, the people you are with and what is in the Bible

The ultimate test of who got it right would be on the Day of Judgement.
Who would be saved? According to Jesus, very few people will be saved.

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

 

[74x12]

Christianity in a nutshell. Gotta love it.

It's equivalent of the blind saying they see.

John 9:41
Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

 

[MJFlores]

Of course not. I'm just still shocked people still believe the world is going to end like in the movies. I mean, I read a lot of books and watch a lot of movies, but not so much to where people come back from the dead. It's a belief. When you use your beliefs as facts to scare people or make people feel guilt for not "looking in your direction," that's where problems arise.

And you don't believe the world is not going to end?
And the world would continue on for another couple of million years or a gazillion years or so?
That is not being scientific, actually.

Scientists Think We’re Closer to the End of the World Than Ever

Now I believe the world is gonna end not because the scientists say so but the Bible has recorded the things to watch for and these things written a long time ago were fulfilled and being fulfilled as we approach its final fulfillment. We have been warned enough - over and over again.

Luke 21:11 New International Version (NIV)
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Lists of earthquakes - Wikipedia
List of famines - Wikipedia
A large asteroid is due to pass on April 29 | EarthSky.org

Its not fear mongering but it is more of a 3,000 year old Bible warning like the warnings you see in a pack of cigarettes. It is up to you if you are going to heed it.

The beliefs are interesting, but the guilt, fear, and indoctrination? (Remember. People got killed and arrested for not following what people who believe the bible say: Sodomy Laws And these are just sexual sins in 2003). Can you imagine so many people still believe this and the world ending and....

Mark 16:16 New International Version (NIV)
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

That is what Jesus truthfully said
A person cannot receive true baptism if he does not believe
But before a person believe, isn't it right that he must be taught the truth? [indoctrination]
And after understanding the truth of what is holy and evil, wouldn't guilt follow and the holy fear for God felt?
But if the person won't believe then he nothings change and he remains in his sorry state because Jesus also said

John 3:36 New International Version (NIV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Now with regards to man's laws on sexual conduct - are distinct and separate from the Bible.
But even though, these laws have to be followed by true Christians
And this is what the Bible says:

Romans 13:3-5 New International Version (NIV)
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

Anyway, it's in you guys' language. I'm surprised you guys either can't see it or, to the point, you don't see it doing any harm to people. It's amazing.

False religion is truly harmful.
I am with you with that and history has recorded that.
What ever man has done in the name of religion is not what God ordered.

Matthew 7:15-20 New International Version (NIV)
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Catholic Church sexual abuse cases - Wikipedia

1 John 2:16-17 New International Version (NIV)
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

The Bible is not an authority. It has no role in what is true and false about the world.

And you don't believe the world is not going to end?
And the world would continue on for another couple of million years or a gazillion years or so?
That is not being scientific, actually.

I mentioned that I'm surprised that people think life will end like the movies.

Now I believe the world is gonna end not because the scientists say so but the Bible has recorded the things to watch for and these things written a long time ago were fulfilled and being fulfilled as we approach its final fulfillment. We have been warned enough - over and over again.

We've been "watching" for Armageddon for centuries. Just because two common incidents happen today and BC area means one foretells the other. If we guessed what would happen four or five centuries from now and later these guesses come to pass, how do the two add up outside of intelligent guesses based on the resources and superstitions we know today?

Its not fear mongering but it is more of a 3,000 year old Bible warning like the warnings you see in a pack of cigarettes. It is up to you if you are going to heed it.

It is:

New International Version (NIV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them

3,000 years is irrelevant. Science doesn't change. That would be interesting people back them assume natural disasters today. They wouldn't be totally off since it's one earth. We've been predicting the weather for centuries. Just now there's no supernatural cause as back when.

Yet people still believe god does things today. Amazing


God is irrelevant.

 

[MJFlores]

The Bible is not an authority. It has no role in what is true and false about the world.

This is what I know from the Bible:

2 Timothy 3:14-17 New International Version (NIV)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

It is good for teaching
It is good for reminding
It is good for correcting
It is good for training in righteousness
It makes a person wise for salvation
It is all about being saved through faith in Christ Jesus

I mentioned that I'm surprised that people think life will end like the movies.

I'm sure the writers, producers and directors have once upon a time, when they were young, they probably read the prophecies from the book, altered things a bit and made a scifi movie

We've been "watching" for Armageddon for centuries. Just because two common incidents happen today and BC area means one foretells the other. If we guessed what would happen four or five centuries from now and later these guesses come to pass, how do the two add up outside of intelligent guesses based on the resources and superstitions we know today?

No surprise because children then of my time, knew how to read.

3,000 years is irrelevant. Science doesn't change. That would be interesting people back them assume natural disasters today. They wouldn't be totally off since it's one earth. We've been predicting the weather for centuries. Just now there's no supernatural cause as back when.

Yet people still believe god does things today. Amazing


God is irrelevant.

We are in a tribulation. [a cause of great trouble or suffering.]
Because of this COVID19
It is one of the many phases we all have to deal before curtain call

To you God is irrelevant but if you know the Bible you will find out that He said [like in the movies]

Revelation 10:5-7 New International Version (NIV)
Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

 

[Unveiled Artist]

This is what I know from the Bible:

2 Timothy 3:14-17 New International Version (NIV)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

It is good for teaching
It is good for reminding
It is good for correcting
It is good for training in righteousness
It makes a person wise for salvation
It is all about being saved through faith in Christ Jesus

I'm sure the writers, producers and directors have once upon a time, when they were young, they probably read the prophecies from the book, altered things a bit and made a scifi movie

No surprise because children then of my time, knew how to read.

We are in a tribulation. [a cause of great trouble or suffering.]
Because of this COVID19
It is one of the many phases we all have to deal before curtain call

To you God is irrelevant but if you know the Bible you will find out that He said [like in the movies]

Revelation 10:5-7 New International Version (NIV)
Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

How in the world do you believe all if this?

It's not like the laws of nature that doesn't change regardless the time period.

"You're sure?" Assumptions, educated guesses, and faith aren't facts.

COVID is not as dangerous as say Ebola. It's just a chronic lung illness. The panic, attention, and ER doesn't change the nature of the virus compared to others. It's not biblical.

The bible is irrelevant. When we track harricanes, we don't look at the bible. It also doesn't help with curing illnesses.

Think about it. It's Only been near very 2000 years. If we can't predict the future today, the facts doesn't change how life works back when. COVID isn't a mysterious virus. It's part of nature.

If you can't see it happening today, it won't make sense back when.

If these beliefs help people accept uncertainty, so be. Not a lot of us still see trategy causes by "the gods".

I'm just surprised many people do "insofar" they label events in the world that to the world does not revolve around us.

Another thing I usually think about. Why earth?

We're not the center of the universe.

 

[ChristineM]

It is a matter of interpretation. A very difficult thing for someone with no religion to do.

So you say it is not cherry picking but changing the meaning to suite what you prefer that it meant.

 

[Good-Ole-Rebel]

That's the point of the comic: "god gives us the end result".

Regardless of what we do and say, god gave the gift and god set up the consequence.
God knocked on the door and god gave the ultimatum if that other person didn't "let him in."

Outside of that is pure generalization, assumptions, and belittlement on both sides atheists and non-atheists (on this thread) alike.

But you are not saying 'outside of that'. For even 'that' would be assumption to you. The cartoon and what it emphasizes must be an assumption to you.

And, it is never 'regardless of what we do and say'. It is in harmony with what we do and say.

(John 6:44) "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." The final authority as who comes is God's.

But it also says, (John 6:37), "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

From God's side, yes, He controlls it all. But from man's side, it is in what we do and say. God's giving, and man's decisions will be in harmony.

Good-Ole-Rebel

 

[MJFlores]

How in the world do you believe all if this?

It's not like the laws of nature that doesn't change regardless the time period.

"You're sure?" Assumptions, educated guesses, and faith aren't facts.

How in the world did I believe all of this?
Used to be a Catholic, did not even know if the Bible exist.
Used to be young, been chasing girls during those hey days.
I used to have a mind set of a care free person
Until, holy sheet of paper!

Found out that Jesus is not God
Found out that the Holy Spirit is not God
Found out that the priests are devil's advocates
Found out that Mary is not the mother of God and we shouldn't pray the rosary
Found out that God is one and not a trinity
Found out that when a person dies, he is still in his grave - asleep
Until one day, those who are going to be saved will rise first
And those who won't will be BBQed forever and ever
I have to save myself hence I should believe all these sheet [of paper]

COVID is not as dangerous as say Ebola. It's just a chronic lung illness. The panic, attention, and ER doesn't change the nature of the virus compared to others. It's not biblical.

The bible is irrelevant. When we track harricanes, we don't look at the bible. It also doesn't help with curing illnesses.

Think about it. It's Only been near very 2000 years. If we can't predict the future today, the facts doesn't change how life works back when. COVID isn't a mysterious virus. It's part of nature.

If you can't see it happening today, it won't make sense back when.

COVID 19 isn't as devastating as the 1918 Pandemic

It is just one of the tribulations and more will come
And that is in the Bible:

Ezekiel 7:5-6 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
This is what the Lord God said: “There will be one disaster after another! The end is coming, and it will come quickly!

If these beliefs help people accept uncertainty, so be. Not a lot of us still see trategy causes by "the gods".

I'm just surprised many people do "insofar" they label events in the world that to the world does not revolve around us.

There is only one God - not gods
He is the Father as taught by Jesus Christ himself

Another thing I usually think about. Why earth?

We're not the center of the universe.

Let the Bible answer you on that:

Psalm 8 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

To the director: With the gittith. A song of David.

Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth!
It brings you praise everywhere in heaven.

From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you.
They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.

I look at the heavens you made with your hands.
I see the moon and the stars you created.
And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you?
Why do you even think about them?
Why do you care so much about humans?
Why do you even notice them?”

But you made them almost like gods
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You put them in charge of everything you made.
You put everything under their control.
People rule over the sheep and cattle and all the wild animals.
They rule over the birds in the sky
and the fish that swim in the sea.
Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!

 

[Unveiled Artist]

How in the world did I believe all of this?
Used to be a Catholic, did not even know if the Bible exist.
Used to be young, been chasing girls during those hey days.
I used to have a mind set of a care free person
Until, holy sheet of paper!

Found out that Jesus is not God
Found out that the Holy Spirit is not God
Found out that the priests are devil's advocates
Found out that Mary is not the mother of God and we shouldn't pray the rosary
Found out that God is one and not a trinity
Found out that when a person dies, he is still in his grave - asleep
Until one day, those who are going to be saved will rise first
And those who won't will be BBQed forever and ever
I have to save myself hence I should believe all these sheet [of paper]




COVID 19 isn't as devastating as the 1918 Pandemic

It is just one of the tribulations and more will come
And that is in the Bible:

Ezekiel 7:5-6 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
This is what the Lord God said: “There will be one disaster after another! The end is coming, and it will come quickly!

There is only one God - not gods
He is the Father as taught by Jesus Christ himself




Let the Bible answer you on that:

Psalm 8 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

To the director: With the gittith. A song of David.

Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth!
It brings you praise everywhere in heaven.

From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you.
They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.

I look at the heavens you made with your hands.
I see the moon and the stars you created.
And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you?
Why do you even think about them?
Why do you care so much about humans?
Why do you even notice them?”

But you made them almost like gods
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You put them in charge of everything you made.
You put everything under their control.
People rule over the sheep and cattle and all the wild animals.
They rule over the birds in the sky
and the fish that swim in the sea.
Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!

The bible cannot answer questions. It gives me information, but since the jesus and his apostles are not alive, the bible has no meaning. What matters to me is talking to an actual person, their actual testimony, and Their answers not Pauls, Jesus, and John.

With that said, I will be blunt. It seems like you exchange one "evil" for another. I haven't met catholics who deem hellfire but most likely many do. The change to another denomination that says just the same about the "end". Based on your posts, it doesn't sound any different in regards to agreeing with god how the world will end and who will be there when it does. I can understand that before the common era. They had different views on how life works, the gods, and so forth. But now!?

The disaster one after another, though, seems like it's lasting for a long time. We have dips and curves throughout the centuries per centuries and COVID isn't as bad as many of the other ones we had in the past that killed people. It's just life. We can either accept that life does't work on our terms (we can't cure the world) and we will die or we can look for the afterlife and watch the rest of the people suffer.

It's highly up to the believer. I just don't see any humility in love in those types of teachings. I was thankful the catholic church (when I went) did not expound hellfire (and tribulations) and put more emphasis on relationships, communion, and silent devotion. Unless you judge your personal relationship in the church by others, in my opinion, it's a whole lot fulfilling than any other denominations that use the bible in place of private one to one communication with christ.