"Christians" Look Here - Questions & Answers

[quickdodge®]

My advice to you is this, study the Bible more.....setting aside the nonsense you have been taught.

Are you an ordained minister? Or a practicing one? I'm not trying to "e-thug" on you by any means (just asking), but how are you able to give advice on something like religion? If I understand correctly, there are lots of religions out there that teach lots of different ways and views and interpretations. How do YOU know that what he has been taught is nonsense? How do you know that what you've been taught is NOT nonsense? I understand that when you enter a faith, that you're supposed to be trusting and true to that faith and all its teachings (right?) and that all other faiths are wrong. Am I right?

Hopefully that makes sense and you won't take this as a bash (I'm thinking you probably will). I personally don't get into religion too much because of all the soap opera-esque dealings that come with it. That's why I don't get into discussions about this subject. I do like to read it though and see what people think of it. Later, QD.

[metalman]

Are you an ordained minister? Or a practicing one?

No. On that subject, many 'ordained' ministers are not ordained of God.
The ordination of men/churches is worthless....at least according to Scripture....one must bear the fruits of one ordained of God, and be in harmony with His Word to be truly ordained. At least thats what the Christian Bible teaches. By that 'test' most so called ordained ministers fail.

how are you able to give advice on something like religion? If I understand correctly, there are lots of religions out there that teach lots of different ways and views and interpretations. How do YOU know that what he has been taught is nonsense? How do you know that what you've been taught is NOT nonsense?

First, my 'advice' pertained specifically to one religion...Biblical Christianity...which the other party in my discussion at least halfway professes. It is true that there are many 'interpretations' placed UPON the Bible by man. Its true (when compared to what the Bible actually says) that most are erroneous. Its also true that if one divests themselves of their preconcieved notions and ideas and simply reads the Bible, letting it speak and interpret itself, many answers can easily be obtained. Men tend to make it more complicated then it is. There are many reasons for this, the most obvious being self promotion. Example, the TV minister typically claims to be a 'minister of god' there to promote the 'word of god' yet most tv ministers spend a majority of time defying what Christ instructed with regard to money in the very Book they refer to as the word of God. Futhermore many have developed their own warped 'slant' on Biblical topics which they wish to sell/offer...RATHER then simply expound the Scriptures as Christ instructed.
To qualify anyones advice on Christianity one need do nothing more then check that word or advice against what the Bible plainly states, honestly seeking the answer.

As for the question about what 'he' has been taught....I assume youre refering to our catholic friend. I have studied catholic history, doctrine, dogma, writings, and teachings intently for many years. I constantly compare what the church claims with what the Bible plainly states. They are not in harmony at all. The catholic church claims to be the ONLY TRUE church of Christ...and repository of truth. Thats NONSENSE. That is a LIE. The catholic church (organization) does not meet ANY Biblical standard of a christian church, even openly defys the Bible and the commandments of God with its rituals, rites, & dogmas, and thinks itself greater then God in that it teaches that God/Jesus are bound by the decisions of the church. The pope claims infalibility when God alone is infallible. The pope claims to be "God on earth"...not only is that nonsense, its blasphemy. Child molester priests claim to have 'god-like' power to fogive YOUR sin along as do sinful popes. The church claims you can buy your loved ones way out of 'purgatory' a made up place the Bible teaches doesnt even exist. All NONSENSE!!!!!! There is much much more...it would likely bore you to death. As an American I defend everyones right to whatever religion (or no religion) one may chose. But please, dont try to tell me something is Christian when I can plainly read the Christian Bible and see that its nonsense.

To be very clear, I do know that many catholic people are sincere and following everything they know to be right. Those people, whoever they be, whwerever they be, are Gods children and He is watching over them....according to the Christian Bible. I am not judging them. That Book states that God is calling ALL out from religious confusion. My comments are directed at a religous system, not the victims of that system.

As for me, I would say that most all of us have been taught at least some nonsense at one point or another. You have touched on an important question, how does one figure out what the nonsense is? For the Christian thats pretty simple....Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Biblical Christian has the promise of God to assist them in that process. The problem is that many never take God up on His promise or do the study. One must honestly seek truth to find it.

I understand that when you enter a faith, that you're supposed to be trusting and true to that faith and all its teachings (right?) and that all other faiths are wrong. Am I right?

Again, with Christianity, there would be no major difference of doctrine or faith IF people honestly sought the truth. There is only one Bible, one God, one Jesus, one holy Spirit, and one path.....at least according to Christ the author of that religion. But, humans are proud, and self interested, they like tradition, and hate to admit their wrongs...add to that mix the temptations of the devil and his goals...and you see the result....confusion. The Bible refers to that condition as "babylon"....which originates from 'babel'....meaning confused language. I sympathize with agnostics and others who simply tire of the confusion they see and say oh forget it.

The other factor here is that all Christians are at a different place on that one path, so some apparent conflicts turn out not to be once more growth/understanding takes place.
Denominations are the biggest hinderance in Christianity. Each wishes to promote itself and its own agenda rather then honestly seeking the truth and will of the God they claim to serve. But, the Bible fortells this condition in prophecy so its no surprise to the student of Scripture.

Hopefully that makes sense and you won't take this as a bash (I'm thinking you probably will). I personally don't get into religion too much because of all the soap opera-esque dealings that come with it. That's why I don't get into discussions about this subject. I do like to read it though and see what people think of it. Later, QD.

Why would think I'd take your comments or questions as a 'bash'?
I dont at all. The discussions here are intended to provoke thought....and some study perhaps. I appreciate your questions.

I dont feel I am the repository of all truth. I am always learning. But I guess I do have the advantages of age and lots of study. I tend to examine what others say about the Bible against that book itself. I can honestly tell you that much of what churches claim is taught there....isnt. But, one will have to confirm that for themselves.