Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.
Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!
I lean to the notion we remain individual at all levels.
Hmmm....we can't know the actual reality represented by concepts such as angels, heaven, afterlife, etc.....we may have some conceptual ideas but as to whether they are the best approximations or not....who knows... The important thing left to do is walk that walk.....(with a little bit of talk to lighten the load...
)
that can of worms will be opened.....
ah yes.....to walk with grace as do the angelic.....Hmmm....we can't know the actual reality represented by concepts such as angels, heaven, afterlife, etc.....we may have some conceptual ideas but as to whether they are the best approximations or not....who knows... The important thing left to do is walk that walk.....(with a little bit of talk to lighten the load...
I think you will find there are many other Christian sources besides CARM who are of the same opinion... I have had considerable discussions over the years with members of JW and though I have mostly found them nice folk devoted to JW .....I agree with most of the criticism in that article... But it is not an issue for me whether or not main stream Christianity thinks they are Christian (most of them are also corrupted) .....however it is from what I've discovered, without a doubt a systemically corrupt cult..
Draw your sword!
Deeje...as I've said up up thread...I've had many discussions over the decades with JW souls...you all are only able to repeat what you have been taught to repeat when it comes to the bible.. Now as I also said...most JW I've met are good souls with few exceptions...but none of them were able to make the connection between the teaching of Jesus of Matthew 23:13 ..."What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces. You won't go in yourselves, and you don't let others enter either." .....and the so called JW elders and their interpretation of and teachings of the bible...Would you like to test this out ben d?
Lets put it to the test and see who teaches Biblical Christianity and who doesn't......
Choose a topic and let's explore it just with the Bible. You up for the challenge? Or do you just want to hide behind what someone else says? .
Start a new thread if you like.
Very disappointing.
Deeje...the real is on the other side of the teaching.....you can quote the bible for all your worth....but if you do not understand what it means at the deepest level...as the scribes and teachers of the Law did not...it becomes a stumbling block... I did not denounce your whole belief system...I am saying that the truth is not the same as your belief...but on the other side of your belief... Teachings are like sign posts pointing the way...they of themselves are not the end....the are a means to an end.. So while you want to talk the talk....I walk the walk....ben d, the challenge was to use only the Bible. If you cannot defend your faith with the Bible, then how do you know that Jesus' words in Matt 23:13 don't apply to Christendom and therefore yourself?
It is a weak thing to denounce someone's entire belief system by hiding behind the words of their opposers. Either present your scriptural proof or run away from the challenge.
I am willing to take on any topic and discuss the Biblical basis for what I believe. I would like to keep it civil and show you evidence that what I believe can be backed up by what the entirety of scripture teaches....not a few selected verses.
Do you not see that Christendom does the very thing you accuse us of doing. You too blindly follow the teachings of the church, NOT the teachings of the Bible. You promote Christendom's interpretation as if it can't possibly be wrong. As a former member of the Church of England, I can assure you that I have carefully studied both sides in this issue. If you want to stand there with your fingers in your ears emulating the same attitude as the first century Jews, that is entirely your prerogative. I am ready to defend my faith, but you apparently are just out for some cheap shots.
Deeje....I do not read much these days on religion, for the simple reason that my aspirations to know the truth of what Jesus taught has borne fruit.....and I also discovered that other religious teachings are valid and 'point' to the same essential Divine truth... I do not rely on words anymore as the meaning is in my heart, mind, and soul....24/7.. This does not mean I am perfect.....the purification process continues as life continues.. And if you give everything to the one God with all your heart, mind, and strength.....in the fullness of time it will bear fruit...and that is the beginning of yet a new phase that leads to perfection (at least near)... But do not be deceived...the words will never be a substitute for the reality they are meant to represent...you will know when the actual reality your heart, mind, and soul seeks has begun to stir in your life....it is more real than words can ever express...
I always presume that the spirit guides any soul that is open, willing and worthy....and I do presume you meet the criteria...but do not be closed minded about further revelation... Ok then...we go in peace and let the story unfold...And you arrogantly assume that I have no relationship with my Father and his son....that holy spirit does not direct my life? OK then...go in peace as we shall have to rely om time to tell the whole story.
Jesus relied on the written word and so did his apostles. I will stick to what Jesus taught in the scriptures, which are powerful enough to transform lives. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Thank you URAVIP2ME...peace be with you...