What are your thoughts on Christianity?

[Deeje]

I can understand your hostility....apparently I have trodden on your sensitive toes....
But since I am used to that myself, its usually water off a duck's back, so taking offense accomplishes very little, IMO. It just makes one look as if they are afraid of criticism. I can't be the first to question a western Christian's defection to ancient Asian Hinduism.... and its blatant idolatry? It is the antithesis of Christianity. But perhaps that is what you like most about it?

The gods are under no obligation to do anything for anyone.

Neither is Yahweh.

But they do for those who do for them.

So does Yahweh.

I can’t speak for the millions of people Ganesha or any other god or goddess blesses or doesn’t. I don’t know their karmic burdens. I further find your questions about it highly offensive, suggesting it proves the gods don’t exist..

I thought they were reasonable questions and that you may have had some defense for them.....?

Surely you have had to deal with people questioning your devotion to gods like Ganesha......a chubby man with the head of an elephant.....or the ones with faces of other creatures.....that might have worked a few centuries ago, but in the 21st century....? How do you explain it without looking silly?
Why do your gods have the faces of animals? And why are these gods often depicted with feminine features?

Why does your God give people cancer, kill children in their cribs, not heal diseases? Why does he let people live on the streets? Why isn’t he feeding the starving? I might say that’s better evidence for the non-existence of your God. Oh right... we’re sinful.

What makes you think he gives people anything detrimental? All of those things you mentioned are a product of human activity, not God. He is not preventing these things because humans claimed that they didn't need him in their lives.....he is showing them what it means to live without him. Its got nothing to do with them being "sinful" (a word you clearly have problems with) he is allowing bad things to happen even to his own faithful ones like Job....but for a reason and with a large reward for not brought to their knees by adversity. Endurance is a very necessary quality to get through the end times, which I believe are well and truly here. (Matthew 24:13; 21-22)

Btw, “Hindu hell” is not a universally believed concept. Even for those who do believe in it, it’s not a permanent place. Look up Naraka Naraka - Wikipedia

You said there was "no punishment".....make up your mind. There is either a punishment in hell, or there isn't.

The punishment looks terrifying...even if it is temporary......so how temporary are we talking....?

 

[Deeje]

From the Bible, God ,etc. Not just some followers.

I was born "abominant". Probably why no prayer was answered.

Can you explain a bit more...?
What caused heartbreak and disappointment from the Bible?...or God?

What does "abominant" mean?

 

[YoursTrue]

As typical of all so many JW's, the fact that Catholicism is based on the Gospel gets lost in their own blind belief of what the Governing Body tells them about the Catholic church and other churches in what they snarly call "Christendom". If they ever dared to go to a mass and listen for themselves, the fact that it's all about the Gospel with us would be very clear, but the Governing Body tells them that they can't do that, or else...

Over over again I post the liturgy of the mass to show that the above is true, and yet over and over again it gets virtually ignored by the JW's here.

metis, here's the problem with that, as I see it. I've been to the Catholic Church. I listened to the service more than once. There are many things I don't believe in reference to the established doctrines of the church. When I was looking for Jesus years ago, I visited the Catholic church, I saw Jesus hanging on the cross on the wall of a large church in NYC and I wondered, how is Jesus the messiah?

 

[Jainarayan]

I was going to cut this off but the ignorance being displayed by your posts is too great to let slide. As Goddess of knowledge and learning, Saraswati weeps at such abject ignorance.

I can understand your hostility....apparently I have trodden on your sensitive toes....

My toes are not sensitive. But you are insulting my intelligence and the intelligence of 1 billion Hindus, and offending them by constantly disparaging the religion with your passive-aggressive comments. You're not trying to understand or learn, you're trying to score "Aha! Gotcha!" points. I've watched your posts for a very long time.

But since I am used to that myself, its usually water off a duck's back, so taking offense accomplishes very little, IMO. It just makes one look as if they are afraid of criticism. I can't be the first to question a western Christian's defection to ancient Asian Hinduism.... and its blatant idolatry? It is the antithesis of Christianity. But perhaps that is what you like most about it?

There's your passive-aggressive judgement and denigration again. Blatant idolatry? How many times has someone explained to you and the forum at large that Hindus don't worship idols? Do you choose to ignore that? (that's a rhetorical question, I know the answer).

Afraid of criticism? No, because no one is owed an explanation, or rather, justification. It is however, our duty to dispel ignorance. And your comments and insincere questions are a humdinger of an example.

So does Yahweh.

For you, maybe. For me it's a big no. I'm looking to see if you said anywhere what he does for me or can or will do. I can't find it.

I thought they were reasonable questions and that you may have had some defense for them.....?

Reasonable in your mind but with the distinct stench of mockery and denigration. Moreover, they don't need "defense".

Surely you have had to deal with people questioning your devotion to gods like Ganesha......a chubby man with the head of an elephant.....or the ones with faces of other creatures.....that might have worked a few centuries ago, but in the 21st century....? How do you explain it without looking silly?
Why do your gods have the faces of animals? And why are these gods often depicted with feminine features?

A picture is worth a thousand words. The images are not random willy-nilly someone's imagination. There is standard iconography that is followed in painting the pictures or sculpting the murtis. Btw, the word is murti, meaning 'form', not idol. They tell stories of the powers and attributes of the gods. Speaking of murti, trimurti specifically, Hinduism does not have a Trinity, as you asked yesterday. That is a western construct to make it more "See? All religions are the same" with Christianity. Brahmā, Vishnu and Shiva are not on an equal footing as far as powers or their functions. Vishnu and Shiva are, to many Hindus, flip sides of the same God, complementary and supplementary. Krishna is not an incarnation of "the second person of the trinity". More "See? Jesus and Krishna are the same" bull****.

The Meaning Behind Symbols of Lord Ganesha
Why most drawings of Hindu gods look feminine unlike Norse Aesir and some other pantheons? - Quora
Why are Hindu gods portrayed blue in colour? - Quora

You didn't know that did you? If you did you wouldn't have made such comments. Silly explanation, huh?

That is one of my favorite images.. the divine form of Lord Krishna shown to Arjuna... All of creation, all beings, all concepts, all thoughts, everything that exists embodied in Lord Krishna. "But what need is there, Arjuna, for all this detailed knowledge? With a single fragment of My divine power I pervade and support this entire universe". BG 10.42

What makes you think he gives people anything detrimental? All of those things you mentioned are a product of human activity, not God. He is not preventing these things because humans claimed that they didn't need him in their lives.....he is showing them what it means to live without him. Its got nothing to do with them being "sinful" (a word you clearly have problems with) he is allowing bad things to happen even to his own faithful ones like Job....but for a reason and with a large reward for not brought to their knees by adversity. Endurance is a very necessary quality to get through the end times, which I believe are well and truly here. (Matthew 24:13; 21-22)

You've never heard "It's God's will"? Allowing bad things to happen to Job... testing his faithful... sounds sadistic to me, and not very omniscient. What about his faithful people that don't pass his tests? What's the backstroke... I mean reason for that?

Face it, you just don't like it that someone, whether Hindu, Catholic, Muslim, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, does not believe what you believe. That's called indoctrination. Yes, I have a problem with the word sin and the concept of sin. There's that "Do as I say or I'll punish you". And, describe sin for me if you will.

You said there was "no punishment".....make up your mind. There is either a punishment in hell, or there isn't.

The punishment looks terrifying...even if it is temporary......so how temporary are we talking....?

Didn't read again, huh? Thought you scored an "aha gotcha"? No. I said not everyone believes the same stories. And that's no contradiction because no one can know all the truth there is. We can only see parts of it. And like all people everywhere, in every age, they tell stories to explain things as best they can. How temporary? Next time I'm there, after this or a subsequent life I'll ask Lord Yama how long I'll be there. Stupid questions merit sarcastic answers.

Better yet, I hope and pray daily that at the time of my demise I remember God, keep him in mind and can chant his names, which will allow me to break free of samsara. Christians need to "accept" Christ as their Lord, God and Savior or else.. nope, sorry, no Heaven for you. We have no such conditions.

Those who relinquish the body while remembering Me at the moment of death will come to Me. There is certainly no doubt about this. BG 8.5

Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination. BG 9.30

So, keep 'em coming. But leave the passive-aggressive disparaging attitude at the front desk in the basket with your car keys.

 

[metis]

metis, here's the problem with that, as I see it. I've been to the Catholic Church. I listened to the service more than once. There are many things I don't believe in reference to the established doctrines of the church.

First of all, the Church teaches what it has long believed to be true over its nearly 2000 year existence. However, what we as Catholics have is the right of personal discernment, thus there are things I don't accept and some other things that I question. However, I do accept Jesus' Two Commandments that are the basis of the Church itself.

When I was looking for Jesus years ago, I visited the Catholic church, I saw Jesus hanging on the cross on the wall of a large church in NYC and I wondered, how is Jesus the messiah?

Then just imagine what the Apostles thought as they saw Jesus on the cross. Thus, the crucifix is not only a reminder of what happened to Jesus but also a reminder to us about our own vulnerability.

 

[YoursTrue]

First of all, the Church teaches what it has long believed to be true over its nearly 2000 year existence. However, what we as Catholics have is the right of personal discernment, thus there are things I don't accept and some other things that I question. However, I do accept Jesus' Two Commandments that are the basis of the Church itself.

Then just imagine what the Apostles thought as they saw Jesus on the cross. Thus, the crucifix is not only a reminder of what happened to Jesus but also a reminder to us about our own vulnerability.

So do you believe that Jesus was executed as related in the Bible? Some deny his existence, saying it's all a tale of sorts.
Yes, when I was not a believer in God I guess I was still wanting to know, and so I entered this church in Manhattan with a large carving of Jesus nailed to a cruss on the wall. And again, I looked at it and wondered--why was he killed? Who was he? I knew he was an important figure in the world, but what did he do to die like that, and why was he so important to so many? That's what I thought then, continued on my way for many years not believing in him, now I do.

 

[YoursTrue]

First of all, the Church teaches what it has long believed to be true over its nearly 2000 year existence. However, what we as Catholics have is the right of personal discernment, thus there are things I don't accept and some other things that I question. However, I do accept Jesus' Two Commandments that are the basis of the Church itself.

Then just imagine what the Apostles thought as they saw Jesus on the cross. Thus, the crucifix is not only a reminder of what happened to Jesus but also a reminder to us about our own vulnerability.

After the sadness of the apostles upon his death, imagine how they felt when they saw him resurrected!

 

[Hockeycowboy]

It's the way to God for some people, not me or billions of other Terrans. Therein lies the problem in some or many Christians' thinking... it's that way or no way. You'll find all the answers in the immediately preceding post.

I appreciate your amiable reply.

Really though, don't you think the way we worship whichever god we choose, he / she / it would be the one to establish the way to worship?

Could we do whatever way we wanted to worship, or would it be wise to follow whatever way they (the god) wanted to be worshipped?

Now that raises the question, "Are there many gods, or is there only one Supreme Being?" If there is only one -- which I think the evidence supports because all life is built as if it came from one designer.... with the same structural building blocks: DNA and genes, comprised of the same atomic elements -- then the way He wants to be worshipped, would be very important.

Ultimately though, everyone will find out in the Resurrection.
That's the loving thing about God's resurrecting everyone, even "unrighteous" people.....at that time, all will be given a second chance, without any corrupting influences! Acts of the Apostles 24:15


Take care, my cousin.

 

[Deeje]

Just a few points to clarify....and I will leave you alone.....

I was going to cut this off but the ignorance being displayed by your posts is too great to let slide. As Goddess of knowledge and learning, Saraswati weeps at such abject ignorance.

What if the true God weeps even more at the ignorance of the masses who worship made-up gods?....What if Saraswati doesn't even exist? What are her tears worth? The argument is forever circular.....so if we have each made our choice, at the end of the day, we will get to see who has made the right one.... NO?
Its about having the courage of our convictions...isn't it?

What about his faithful people that don't pass his tests? What's the backstroke... I mean reason for that?

Faithful people won't fail the test...only the unfaithful will and there will be no excuses accepted. (Matthew 7:21-23) Passing the test sometimes means that you may lose your life....but God promises that the faithful can gain it back.

Are your gods worth dying for? I think you know the answer to that.

Face it, you just don't like it that someone, whether Hindu, Catholic, Muslim, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, does not believe what you believe. That's called indoctrination. Yes, I have a problem with the word sin and the concept of sin. There's that "Do as I say or I'll punish you". And, describe sin for me if you will.

If Yahweh created us (as I believe he did) and he requires a certain standard of behavior from his children, and we decide that some other god will accommodate our wants and desires, why would he not say "Do as I say or I'll punish you"...isn't that what he said to the first humans? I believe that he is still saying it to all of us even today. Its his planet and the clay does not get to dictate to the Potter. Do you think that our disobedience or disbelief will make any of us less accountable?

FYI, "Sin" is 'falling short of a certain standard'....it is an archery term that means to "miss the mark"....so it indicates that we now all bear the traits of 'sin' as not being able to hit the target anymore. It is 100% genetically transmitted so there is no way to dodge it....except to pretend it doesn't exist.

I will trouble you no further. Its been enlightening.....

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Just a few points to clarify....and I will leave you alone.....



What if the true God weeps even more at the ignorance of the masses who worship made-up gods?....What if Saraswati doesn't even exist? What are her tears worth? The argument is forever circular.....so if we have each made our choice, at the end of the day, we will get to see who has made the right one.... NO?
Its about having the courage of our convictions...isn't it?


Faithful people won't fail the test...only the unfaithful will and there will be no excuses accepted. (Matthew 7:21-23) Passing the test sometimes means that you may lose your life....but God promises that the faithful can gain it back.

Are your gods worth dying for? I think you know the answer to that.


If Yahweh created us (as I believe he did) and he requires a certain standard of behavior from his children, and we decide that some other god will accommodate our wants and desires, why would he not say "Do as I say or I'll punish you"...isn't that what he said to the first humans? I believe that he is still saying it to all of us even today. Its his planet and the clay does not get to dictate to the Potter. Do you think that our disobedience or disbelief will make any of us less accountable?

FYI, "Sin" is 'falling short of a certain standard'....it is an archery term that means to "miss the mark"....so it indicates that we now all bear the traits of 'sin' as not being able to hit the target anymore. It is 100% genetically transmitted so there is no way to dodge it....except to pretend it doesn't exist.

I will trouble you no further. Its been enlightening.....

Which gene is that? Or is it polygenic? Can you show me the genetics and molecular biological evidence you are using to declare sin genetically heritable? I would really be interested to see that science.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

So do you believe that Jesus was executed as related in the Bible? Some deny his existence, saying it's all a tale of sorts.
Yes, when I was not a believer in God I guess I was still wanting to know, and so I entered this church in Manhattan with a large carving of Jesus nailed to a cruss on the wall. And again, I looked at it and wondered--why was he killed? Who was he? I knew he was an important figure in the world, but what did he do to die like that, and why was he so important to so many? That's what I thought then, continued on my way for many years not believing in him, now I do.

So you were not raised with Christianity at all?

 

[Dan From Smithville]

I can understand your hostility....apparently I have trodden on your sensitive toes....
But since I am used to that myself, its usually water off a duck's back, so taking offense accomplishes very little, IMO. It just makes one look as if they are afraid of criticism. I can't be the first to question a western Christian's defection to ancient Asian Hinduism.... and its blatant idolatry? It is the antithesis of Christianity. But perhaps that is what you like most about it?


Neither is Yahweh.


So does Yahweh.


I thought they were reasonable questions and that you may have had some defense for them.....?

Surely you have had to deal with people questioning your devotion to gods like Ganesha......a chubby man with the head of an elephant.....or the ones with faces of other creatures.....that might have worked a few centuries ago, but in the 21st century....? How do you explain it without looking silly?
Why do your gods have the faces of animals? And why are these gods often depicted with feminine features?

What makes you think he gives people anything detrimental? All of those things you mentioned are a product of human activity, not God. He is not preventing these things because humans claimed that they didn't need him in their lives.....he is showing them what it means to live without him. Its got nothing to do with them being "sinful" (a word you clearly have problems with) he is allowing bad things to happen even to his own faithful ones like Job....but for a reason and with a large reward for not brought to their knees by adversity. Endurance is a very necessary quality to get through the end times, which I believe are well and truly here. (Matthew 24:13; 21-22)



You said there was "no punishment".....make up your mind. There is either a punishment in hell, or there isn't.

The punishment looks terrifying...even if it is temporary......so how temporary are we talking....?

Are you saying that Christians do not get diseases, never go bankrupt or become homeless? What is your evidence for this?

 

[Jainarayan]

Just a few points to clarify....and I will leave you alone.....

Yeah I doubt that. You won't ever stop denigrating other people's beliefs, whether mine or someone else's.. and I'll be right there. My issue or reason for "defending" my beliefs is that you have no right to say the things you've said. It's arrogant, prideful, and quite frankly a violation of the forum rules to denigrate other religions.

What if the true God weeps even more at the ignorance of the masses who worship made-up gods?....What if Saraswati doesn't even exist? What are her tears worth? The argument is forever circular.....so if we have each made our choice, at the end of the day, we will get to see who has made the right one.... NO?
Its about having the courage of our convictions...isn't it?

Made up gods? The true God? The right choice?

Again, seriously?

That's the difference between you and me. You worship a God that demands total unwavering primacy of worship. And that's perfectly fine for you. You can't expect anyone else to believe that any more than I can expect anyone to believe as I do. I worship a God who says "Whatever deity a devotee wishes to worship, I will make their faith in that deity strong and steady because in reality they are worshiping Me. Everyone follows my path". So you can thank Sri Krishna for your devotion to Yahweh.

A further difference is, your God exists, I grant that... only as another deity in another pantheon. No more or less than Zeus, or Týr, Perun, Dazbog or any other god/dess. We acknowledge there is only one God. The difference is how God is seen and worshiped. If you believe in a God who gives commandments, and who tells you you are a sinner who needs redeeming that's your way. But is it the right way? The Bible says so? Maybe men with an agenda, e.g. wanting to draw others into their way of believing, wrote what they wanted to write. Maybe Yahweh is sitting in his hall or on his loka (world/planet) with tears in his eyes. Why are there two seemingly different Gods in the Bible? The murderous jealous vengeful warlike God of the "Old Testament" and the loving compassionate father Jesus talked about?

The argument is circular by people who insist their way is the only way, the right way, denigrating others and saying others are false. I truly don't care what you believe or if I've swayed you in any way. There are others, however, that may be learning, that may want to learn something new. But you have no right whatsoever to use words like "blatant idolatry", made up gods", and all the other phrases you've used to slam another religion.

Are your gods worth dying for? I think you know the answer to that.

Yes, because if I didn't think so I would abandon my beliefs in a NY minute. I did it once already.

If Yahweh created us (as I believe he did) and he requires a certain standard of behavior from his children, and we decide that some other god will accommodate our wants and desires, why would he not say "Do as I say or I'll punish you"...isn't that what he said to the first humans? I believe that he is still saying it to all of us even today. Its his planet and the clay does not get to dictate to the Potter. Do you think that our disobedience or disbelief will make any of us less accountable?

That's megalomania. The sign of a micromanaging tyrant. Given free will but if you don't use it the way Yahweh wants... you lose! That's bogus. We were created too, by Brahmā, we are his children. But he never gave "commandments" or has an expectation of behavior. We know right from wrong, we don't need to be told what to do and what not to do. We learn from examples in our stories, we learn from our teachers and saints, we learn from others. And we have karma to reward or punish us. Even the Bible knows karma, albeit in a simplistic form.

So what if I'm right and you're wrong? What have you gained by being a thrall to a God like yours all your life? My gut tells me I have nothing to lose. Not to mention my scriptures telling me that. Why? Because I call God by a different name? What am I not doing or doing that would **** him off? I already said I don't cheat, steal, lie, drink, gamble, commit murder. What makes you think you're any more obedient and worthy than I am? Just because I call God by a different name, imagine him differently and refuse to think of him the way you do. If anything, you're doing him a disservice and probably offending him more than the billions of Hindus over the past several thousand years who put their faith and devotion in a chubby guy with a big head, or a blue dude with four arms.

FYI, "Sin" is 'falling short of a certain standard'....it is an archery term that means to "miss the mark"....so it indicates that we now all bear the traits of 'sin' as not being able to hit the target anymore. It is 100% genetically transmitted so there is no way to dodge it....except to pretend it doesn't exist.

For you and the Christian paradigm. For us sin is the absence of righteousness. It's not black/white, up/down, 0/1. Offending God is not a concept we have. God is beyond being offended. All through our stories we have examples of beings (some human, some celestial, some semi-divine) who went so far as to even curse God, to hate him and think nothing of that hatred. What happened? They were ultimately granted moksha, liberation from rebirth and granted "Heaven". In fact, so many stories of these beings doing evil things just so they could be liberated by God. Imagine that... doing evil so you could be with God.

I will trouble you no further. Its been enlightening.....

I doubt that.

 

[Jainarayan]

Really though, don't you think the way we worship whichever god we choose, he / she / it would be the one to establish the way to worship?

Could we do whatever way we wanted to worship, or would it be wise to follow whatever way they (the god) wanted to be worshipped?

What is that way? The word 'worship' is problematic. What is 'worship'? Is worship loving devotion? Is it doing work in that God's name? Is it spending time in prayer and offerings rituals? What methods has God, any God given to man? How does God want to be worshiped? Does he even want or need to be worshiped? (our belief is no, God needs or wants nothing).

Now that raises the question, "Are there many gods, or is there only one Supreme Being?" If there is only one -- which I think the evidence supports because all life is built as if it came from one designer.... with the same structural building blocks: DNA and genes, comprised of the same atomic elements -- then the way He wants to be worshipped, would be very important.

Again, how does he want to be worshiped?

Ekam sadviprah bahuda vadanti, "One Truth the sages give many names". Rig Veda 10.146.64

Quotes of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa:

All religions are true. God can be reached by different religions. Many rivers flow by many ways but they fall into the sea. They all are one.

Different people call on [God] by different names: some as Allah, some as God, and others as Krishna, Siva, and Brahman. It is like the water in a lake. Some drink it at one place and call it 'jal', others at another place and call it 'pani', and still others at a third place and call it 'water'. The Hindus call it 'jal', the Christians 'water', and the Moslems 'pani'. But it is one and the same thing. [my note: yes, only one God]

Different creeds are but different paths to reach the same God.

God has made different religions to suit different aspirants, times, and countries. All doctrines are only so many paths; but a path is by no means God himself. Indeed, one can reach God if one follows any of the paths with whole-hearted devotion...One may eat a cake with icing either straight or sidewise. It will taste sweet either way.

Ultimately though, everyone will find out in the Resurrection.
That's the loving thing about God's resurrecting everyone, even "unrighteous" people.....at that time, all will be given a second chance, without any corrupting influences! Acts of the Apostles 24:15

That's a belief I categorically and unequivocally reject, at least in that form, i.e. as the last stop. Our belief is that it goes on ad infinitum in the cycle of rebirth until all karma has been exhausted and the soul achieves moksha. One's current life and stockpile of karma from previous lives determines our "reward" or "punishment". Moreover, it's not God who does the judging and meting out of that reward and punishment. Sometimes though, for whatever reason known only to him God overrides a soul's karma and grants liberation.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Just a few points to clarify....and I will leave you alone.....



What if the true God weeps even more at the ignorance of the masses who worship made-up gods?....What if Saraswati doesn't even exist? What are her tears worth? The argument is forever circular.....so if we have each made our choice, at the end of the day, we will get to see who has made the right one.... NO?
Its about having the courage of our convictions...isn't it?


Faithful people won't fail the test...only the unfaithful will and there will be no excuses accepted. (Matthew 7:21-23) Passing the test sometimes means that you may lose your life....but God promises that the faithful can gain it back.

Are your gods worth dying for? I think you know the answer to that.


If Yahweh created us (as I believe he did) and he requires a certain standard of behavior from his children, and we decide that some other god will accommodate our wants and desires, why would he not say "Do as I say or I'll punish you"...isn't that what he said to the first humans? I believe that he is still saying it to all of us even today. Its his planet and the clay does not get to dictate to the Potter. Do you think that our disobedience or disbelief will make any of us less accountable?

FYI, "Sin" is 'falling short of a certain standard'....it is an archery term that means to "miss the mark"....so it indicates that we now all bear the traits of 'sin' as not being able to hit the target anymore. It is 100% genetically transmitted so there is no way to dodge it....except to pretend it doesn't exist.

I will trouble you no further. Its been enlightening.....

So this would be a gene or genes that is found in every human on earth. This gene or these genes must be highly conserved and resistant to mutation. I am guessing they express some sort of sin protein or pathway.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

My only questions simply with no judgement : What has your experiences been with other Christians, bad?

Mostly good.

People are people, and - for the most part - are generally good. While I'd say that Christianity's influence is more negative than it is positive, that influence isn't so significant - usually - that it completely overrides people's basic goodness.

Horrible experience at a church one time?

No, I've had plenty of positive experiences in church.

Don't get me wrong, though - I've also had negative ones.

Something you found in the bible you did not agree with, or do not understand?

There's quite a bit in the Bible I disagree with, whether we're talking in terms of factual correctness or morality.

However, I'd back up a few steps and say that there's no reason to accept the Bible as any sort of authority.

What are some of your thoughts on Christianity?

Like I said: its influence is more negative than positive.

It also has no rational basis for pretty much any of the claims that are unique to Christianity.

It would not be hyperbole to say that the way Christianity has proselytized - especially at gun- and sword-point - and imposed itself on non-Christians (and dissenting Christians, for that matter) is evil.

All through history, in Europe and its former colonies, starting in the Roman Empire and right up to modern times, whenever people have tried to make things better - whether scientific discovery or advancing human rights -there have been Christians right there opposing the progress.

 

[YoursTrue]

So you were not raised with Christianity at all?

No, I was not raised to believe in or worship a Christian god of any sort. Whether it's 3 gods in 1, or 1 in 3, or 1 or 3. I hope that clarifies it.

 

[YoursTrue]

So this would be a gene or genes that is found in every human on earth. This gene or these genes must be highly conserved and resistant to mutation. I am guessing they express some sort of sin protein or pathway.

I hope I can say something without offending anyone by answering you. If you believe that Adam and Eve were predestined to die, that would be a problem in figuring why all die as the Bible says. So as the song goes, "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start..." (Sound of Music)
And even if they were predestined to die (which I do not believe), why would that be?

 

[Alex22]

Of course all who claim to be Christian should think they are the true Christians or why else belong to a religion (?)
I think since Jesus believed the old Hebrew Scriptures is why Jesus did Not become Pagan.
Jesus worshipped his Father, his God - John 4:23-24, so people who follow Jesus' example would be Christian.
King James at Psalms 83:18 uses the name of Jesus' God and Heavenly Father in English as: Jehovah.
Revelation 3:12 shows resurrected ascended-to-heaven Jesus still think he has a God over him.
Jesus said he would declare the name of his God according to Jesus at John 17:6; John 17:26.
So, then with Jesus' good reason is why Jehovah's Witnesses follow as Jesus says.
- www.jw.org

I don't care about Jesus, why are you telling me this? The JW religion is just one of many of Christian sects claiming to be true Christians. I can't really take them seriously.

 

[Deeje]

Which gene is that? Or is it polygenic? Can you show me the genetics and molecular biological evidence you are using to declare sin genetically heritable? I would really be interested to see that science.

I believe it has to do with cell death and what science knows about the causes of the process of cell degeneration and death in every organism.

Humans are the only creatures on earth whose mortality bothers them. It’s like we are programmed to go on living, but our faulty genes force us to age, succumb to illness and die. The trouble is, we only age in our body but not in our mind......ask any older person (with their mental faculties intact) who has lost their youth, if they feel old in their head, or is it just a state of body?

It is a very difficult thing to see yourself get old and to lose your youthful looks, and your physical abilities and strength, when you feel the same inside, but the mirror gives you a very different and disturbing picture.

The Bible explains that we were designed to live forever right here on earth, but death was introduced by the disobedience of our first parents, (apparently genetically) and they passed on the faulty genes that interfere with the natural cycle of cell renewal. Science knows that we age, but cannot pin down why the process gets switched off as time goes on. They know that it happens and have been working to reverse it for decades, without success.

So, we all die, but science cannot explain exactly why it happens. It is in our genetics to potentially live forever, if only they can get the process of cell renewal to keep going....

There is quite a bit online about it actually.....like this....

“The Hallmarks of Ageing,”. . . . summed up everything that happens in our bodies biologically as we get old, and categorized those processes into nine “hallmarks.”

They are:



What causes human bodies to age? Here’s what scientists know about the biology behind growing old

Explaining how, does not explain why......I believe that the Bible answers that quite simply....no science degree required.