Christianity

[latingirl]

Originally posted by faither


Not to go off on a tangent here but in what context do you mean that in order to truly follow Christianity, you'll be pretty "conservative?"

Aye Dios Mio!!!

If a person "truly" lives and believes as God has commanded in His Word, you will be more conservative. Conservative in terms of sexuality, morals, values in general, at least compared to the general population in the U.S.

I didn't say anything about that making me or anyone else better than another person. I've been given too much grace to think that about myself. And God is NOT a respector of persons, but He does want us to be obedient to His Word and as a Christian with a relationship with God I'm sure that you want to be. Which would probably make you a little more "conservative" than many folk.

[Nanotech9]

well put latingirl...

and well said chosen. I to have been "straying away" i guess... Seems that the sunday motorcycle rides have taken precedence to going to church... I know its not right, but i still do it, and i dont know why.

[latingirl]

Originally posted by chosenfool

on my part, im the seed that fell on thorny bushes - the cares of this world hve suffocated my growth. its sad on my part, but yeah, though i know of it, ive come to accept that i am FAR from living a Christian way of life.

That's what I'm talking about. Grace...and A LOT of mercy.

Please, can I be real here?? I went from a girl who had one of those homie/lover/friends and we use to get our freak on all the time!!! Now, because I love God so much and I believe He is always with me, I just couldn't do that to Him. Not that I haven't come close, cause this same homie/lover/friend got out of prison last year and it was one of the most difficult times in my Christian walk. Men are definately my weakness, especially tall, fine, chocolate, handsome...mmmm, mmm, mm....oh, where was I. I also met this fiiiiinne guy a year after I became a christian. Another temptation. So I know all about feeling like I'm not walking the walk.

But 1 John 1:9 says "if you confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness. God is reaching out to you with open arms saying...you just don't know. I long for my son, uh...Chosenfool, to talk to Me and just allow himself to be in My presence and I will heal him and help him conquer whatever he's going through that keeps him from Me.

You just gotta make the choice again just like you did when you were first saved. Cause you know what life is like without Him, wouldn't you rather be with Him and Him with you?

LG

[OC]

Please allow me to free-will for a minute here -

I'm of a more simple belief - that "Chrisitanity" simply means "a belief in Christ". To me, (this is my own point of view and I intend no criticism) the Bible is so open to interpretation - and thus, so is God's word - that it's more of a guidebook than anything else.

My philosophy is simple - do the right thing, cause no harm to others, and be a good person.

All of this is of course open to still more interpretation. This is ultimately what religious beliefs should be - up to the individual.

"Make not thyself the judge of any man." - I admit I have some trouble with this one. I will NOT stand by and watch a crime be committed if I have a choice, religious beliefs be damned. But also, if a man no longer wants to be a part of a childs life when he discovers he's not the father... Where to draw the line? Still more interpretation. And who shall judge me?

I keep quiet on a lot of topics because my convictions are not "conservative" - rather the opposite. I tend to think of my convictions as being "true" rather than anything else. But then if I didn't think they were "true" then I couldn't very well call them "convictions" then could I?

Anyway... all of this because of the word "conservative".

-OC

[YanksFanRy]

I'm not sure I should add this but...

I'm a Conservative Jew, does that help?

(meaning the sect of Judaism, not my political views)

[brainsmile]

Originally posted by overclocked
I'm of a more simple belief - that "Chrisitanity" simply means "a belief in Christ".

-OC

Unfortunately that's not enough biblically speaking. I am not judging but by God's standards we all fall short. Believe isn't enough. Satan believes Christ exists so do the demons ... but they won't be going to heaven.

[latingirl]

Originally posted by overclocked
Anyway... all of this because of the word "conservative".

-OC

Well, actually, you should see "why get married"...

I posted to a new topic cause that thread was getting long and confusing, at least to me.

That's your perogative. That's what you believe and that's fine and you should speak up whether your views are conservative or not conservative. JUST GET READY TO GET BLASTED ON!!!!! kahkowww!!

Not for real...

[latingirl]

Originally posted by YanksFanRy
I'm not sure I should add this but...

I'm a Conservative Jew, does that help?

(meaning the sect of Judaism, not my political views)

I don't know what you mean. Are you saying because you are a different religion and conservative?

Well, that's hard to answer for me because I believe we worship the same God. I worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus was a descendant of David. Our religions are the same except I'm not waiting for a messiah, my messiah has already come (Jesus) and I am under the new covenant of grace by faith. Jews believe to be under the old covenant (of justification by works, hence the rituals, the only eating of kosher foods, etc.

[nickel]

i vote there should be a separation of church and gotapex

[latingirl]

Originally posted by brainsmile


Unfortunately that's not enough biblically speaking. I am not judging but by God's standards we all fall short. Believe isn't enough. Satan believes Christ exists. That's all I'll say.

Brain-I totally agree with what you are saying and I totally feel you. But if they ain't christians, they certainly won't understand that:

Originally posted by brainsmile
Satan believes Christ exists.

You have to explain yourself, homie.

Imagine yourself as a non-believer and try to explain this to yourself, first. That's what I try to do. I don't have to think that far back 'cause I haven't been a christian all my life.

[hapoo]

Originally posted by overclocked

My philosophy is simple - do the right thing, cause no harm to others, and be a good person.

I think thats the most important thing. Not everyone will follow the religion you do. I've met some pretty bad muslims in my day and i've met some awesome atheists, and i'd prefer to spend time with the atheist over the muslim any day. I feel very lucky to me muslim just as latingirl probably feels about christianity, but i would never discriminate against anyone based on religion, only on character.

My 2 cents

[latingirl]

Originally posted by nickelback
i vote there should be a separation of church and gotapex

Well, I'm a justice in the Supreme Court of GotApex and I say that your request is "riduculuss" uh, "ridiculeouse".

[latingirl]

Originally posted by hapoo

My 2 cents

Can I get a discount?????


(okay, you know I'm JUST KIDDING!!!)

[nickel]

Well, I'm a justice in the Supreme Court of GotApex and I say that your request is "riduculuss" uh, "ridiculeouse".

not in the united states of america sister

[latingirl]

oh

[latingirl]

Originally posted by DarkFury
Ladies... Um... nevermind...






/me pulls up a chair ala "Undercover Brotha" to watch this action.

Say it, Darkman, don't be "skerred"...

[SonyGuy]

I think there are a lot of good views and beliefs being said in this thread. Some I don't agree on, but hey, everyone has their own belief.

My philosophy is simple - do the right thing, cause no harm to others, and be a good person.

That's actually a good philosophy, although it can suit itself to many religions and walks of life.

I believe in God, I believe Christ died for my sins, but I don't confess to be a devout Christian because I'm not walking the path I should just as Nanotech and Chosenfool have basically said. I'm what many Christians refer to as a "backslider"...

[Markel]

Originally posted by nickelback
i vote there should be a separation of church and gotapex

Well, considering that Apex invited us all to his church (for a pancake breakfast) on Easter, I think you vote is overruled.

[Showtime]

I dont mean any disrepect. Let me play devils advocate.

I doubt people would be so open in these forums to hear someone telling them they need God and that God needs them to obey him if
it didnt come from a female that us guys assume is "hot."

Theres a few spouting off against religion and I can appreciate Lg expressing her views, but lets be for real.

Many of us was raised around the church and whatnot.
I don't think I need to be reminded but maybe i do. I also can be judgemental.

I am tired of these fake Christians.
Some are Christian til the right(wrong) guy or girl comes along and "corrupts" them. Some are very judgemental of fallen people til they also fall.
Some want to make Christianity the cool thing.

From what I've read Christ wasn't cool. He worked hard at construction(carpenter), which made him like one of the guys(strong/rugged).
The exact opposite of these pretty boys/brats I see at church and on TBN(dont get me started).
He was raised with carpenters and later took fishermen as his crew. Those were the same cursing, girl chasing men that do those jobs nowadays.

He was intelligent without being condescending. He listened to his parents.
Made it through his teenage years etc. before starting his ministry. He never sinned. He was sincere and true. He died for people who hated him.

If you believe or not His is an amazing journey/story.

Christianity has become soft and I want no part of it in its current condition. I am unable to be a true Christian and don't like when people try to force ideals on me that they don't follow.

Good luck in your mission Lg.
You sound sincere and your spirit can't be denied.

-jel

[craziepanda]

Originally posted by the jello is jigglin


From what I've read Christ wasn't cool.

what kind of cool do you mean?

cool...like He's not quite the moderm culture's view of cool...

or

cool...like He's a good dude

judging by everything you said i'm guessing it's the first definition of cool i'm referring to, but i just wanna make sure.

LG: what do you mean by that brain has to explain himself when he says satan believes in Christ? for the non-believers or those who just aren't as familiar with the Bible?

well, to explain in that context, i think brain just meant that a pure belief in the existence of Christ, His death, and His resurrection does not mean that you are a christian. for example, satan, who i wouldn't be surprised if he had a more thoroughly knowledge of the Bible than all gotapexers combined, would know that this happened as well. however, to be a christian means to accept this fact into your life, and because of what Christ did, you would confess to God that you accept this and allow Christ to be Lord over your life....to start a loving relationship with God. the pastor who frequently speaks at my church uses a term which i personally believe is a good way of representing these people are "Jesus followers," because i think that christians and Jesus followers could be two different identities. professing christians who kill abortion doctors to stop abortion might not quite be a Jesus follower, because i've never read or heard Jesus kill anyone to stop them from commiting or assisting in sins. He only taught, rebuked and forgave.

speaking of forgiveness, forgive my errors...i just drove 8 hrs through the night from SD to SF bay area...so tired...and i'm here reading forums

[NuTs62]

Originally posted by the jello is jigglin
I dont mean any disrepect. Let me play devils advocate.

I doubt people would be so open in these forums to hear someone telling them they need God and that God needs them to obey him if
it didnt come from a female that us guys assume is "hot."

Theres a few spouting off against religion and I can appreciate Lg expressing her views, but lets be for real.

Many of us was raised around the church and whatnot.
I don't think I need to be reminded but maybe i do. I also can be judgemental.

I am tired of these fake Christians.
Some are Christian til the right(wrong) guy or girl comes along and "corrupts" them. Some are very judgemental of fallen people til they also fall.
Some want to make Christianity the cool thing.

From what I've read Christ wasn't cool. He worked hard at construction(carpenter), which made him like one of the guys(strong/rugged).
The exact opposite of these pretty boys/brats I see at church and on TBN(dont get me started).
He was raised with carpenters and later took fishermen as his crew. Those were the same cursing, girl chasing men that do those jobs nowadays.

He was intelligent without being condescending. He listened to his parents.
Made it through his teenage years etc. before starting his ministry. He never sinned. He was sincere and true. He died for people who hated him.

If you believe or not His is an amazing journey/story.

Christianity has become soft and I want no part of it in its current condition. I am unable to be a true Christian and don't like when people try to force ideals on me that they don't follow.

Good luck in your mission Lg.
You sound sincere and your spirit can't be denied.

-jel

please excuse me if any part of what i say is incoherent. Its around 3:40am as I'm typing this so bare with me.

I agree whole-heartedly with what you've said, with exception of the first comment.

I wasn't raised as a Christian. I actually started learning in my latter years of High School. Its been about 2 years 7 months and 1 day since I've accepted Christ. And about what you've said about "fake Christians", I agree with you there. Thats what made me disappointed, and made me not want to be a part of it.

Now I must admit, since I've become Christian, I've tried my best to attend church, but thats not what its about. The church is within a person. You don't need to attend church to be Christian. I admit that I still swear on occasion, and I sin quite a number of times. We're human, none of us are perfect. And we must acknowledge that. It can be as "cool" as however people want it portrayed, I don't care, as long as the underlying message is still kept in tact.

I don't go around imposing my beliefs on people. Thats what I don't like, and I'm sure many others don't. But if someone comes up to me and asks me about it, I feel its perhaps my calling, to do the best I can and answer that call. I don't know much about it, and I can't convert anyone, but its up to the person to decide. Thats how I came about becoming Christian. I was given the opportunity to learn, without the pressure of acceptance. Given the choice to choose it or not, thats what made my decision special, and thats what anyone and everyone who wants to learn, should be given the choice. Not having Christianity stuffed down their throat. There are, in my words, "bad apples" in every group of people. You can't judge 'em all by the actions of a few.

I don't like how it is now, if it was my choice, i'd get rid of whatever system that may be in place for churches. That by no means mean that I don't believe, because again, the church isn't a building, its within us. If you're sick of it, I'd say don't go to church. But deep down, if you believe in it, don't let some bad apples ruin it for you.

[topane]

Originally posted by overclocked
PMy philosophy is simple - do the right thing, cause no harm to others, and be a good person.

Nothing wrong with that, amigo.

[brainsmile]

Originally posted by overclocked
My philosophy is simple - do the right thing, cause no harm to others, and be a good person.

I believe that's more humanism in doctrine

[Cantacuzene]

I try to be the best person I can be, but there are some parts of Christian dogma I think are ridiculous. I don't think it matters to God one bit if people drink alcohol. This was most likely a human morallity added into the Bible by men to help control people's wild ways in the old days.

In reality why should God up in Heaven give a crap if some kid on Earth has a drink on a Saturday night? It all adds to the "holier than thou" attitude most hardcore Christians carry with them that makes even people who are religious, but not extremists, hate having them around.

The other thing I find funny is that the people who are most intolerant and most hardcore are people who are recent converts from a "bad" lifestyle previously. I've been a believing Catholic my whole life but I don't sit there and preach to my agnostic or athiest friends the way some of these 'two week christians' do with their WWJD bracelets. That stuff angers me, because these people treat religion like a fad.

[latingirl]

Wow, so much to address...here goes...

nuTs: Welcome to the "family"!! That is so BEAUTIFUL!! Don't be discouraged about what others do cause you know what, we ARE all human. Just like Donnie McClurkin says in his song "We fall down": "a Saint (another word for believer) is just a sinner who fell down, and got up". You just have to always think back to what made you make the decision for Christ in the first place. The ONLY thing that keeps Christian (this is MY opinion and experience) from "backsliding" is just constantly reminding ourselves that God truly does love us, He IS truly UP THERE (I know when I'm overwhelmed with the cares of this world, I begin to doubt that) and He is truly ALWAYS with me. For me the fact that God is my Heavenly Father just blows my mind. I'm His baby girl and a Daddy isn't going to let anything happen to His baby girl. My real father was a cholo, drug dealer and addict, pimp, beat my mom, etc. He would come around, call me his "little lady" and promise this and that and then never show up for months. My life with mom (because she had her own issues)and my step-father (who was once my father's best friend) was horrible and I always wondered what it was about ME that didn't make my real father say "I got a beautiful daughter and I need to change my life, for HER. So I could take care of her and be there for her". It definately affected my relationships with men, to say the least.

Now, I embrace the fact that the bible says that if we are in Christ Jesus, we have a RIGHT to be called CHILDREN of God. That He will be a mother and a father to us.

See, God is a PERSONAL God. He takes us as we are and then touches us where WE need to be touched and Hugs us where and when we need to be hugged. So my advice is to ask yourself who you need Him to be in your life, because He is the great I AM. He called Himself I AM to say that He is everything you need. Then instead of being discouraged about what other people/"christians" do or say, you can pray that they have a relationship with Him that you do.

Believe me, I have been through A LOT with church folk, my old pastor divorced his wife and then re-married several days after the divorce was final, and in my current church my choir director rudely singles me out and I think its a race thing (I recently switched choirs because of this, everyone knows she has issues so this is being addressed), etc. I KNOW what its like to be disappointed with Christians. If I didn't have the strong relationship with God that I do, if I looked at imperfect (to say the least) people instead of HIM, I wouldn't be a Christian.

[Jihforce]

Originally posted by brainsmile


I believe that's more humanism in doctrine

Perhaps you are right. Then again, every religion teaches us similar concepts. That's the overall picture. That is what makes each religion equal. I find it annoying when people come to me all "righteous" about how their religion is better than whatever I believe in.

I have to agree with Nuts on this one (wow 2 in a row! ) Religion shouldn't be forced. It is more valuable to oneself if its accepted on their own terms.

Cantacuzene, I gotta hand it to you, you pretty much took those words out of my mouth. (well, most of the words anyway).

[latingirl]

Originally posted by craziepanda

LG: what do you mean by that brain has to explain himself when he says satan believes in Christ? for the non-believers or those who just aren't as familiar with the Bible?

I just meant that many non-believers don't believe in the devil in a literal sense AND that, in my experience, when you make a statement like that (cause I've done it several times before), a non-believer will really take it personal. I've had someone misunderstand me and then we got into this argument cause he got mad that I was implying that he was a devil or like the devil.

I wasn't criticizing at all. I totally understand where Brain was coming from. I just don't want a fight breaking out!! =)

[latingirl]

Originally posted by Cantacuzene
The other thing I find funny is that the people who are most intolerant and most hardcore are people who are recent converts from a "bad" lifestyle previously. I've been a believing Catholic my whole life but I don't sit there and preach to my agnostic or athiest friends the way some of these 'two week christians' do with their WWJD bracelets. That stuff angers me, because these people treat religion like a fad.

Originally posted by Jihforce
Cantacuzene, I gotta hand it to you, you pretty much took those words out of my mouth. (well, most of the words anyway).

Um, Jih, I thought you thought "generalizations" were "weak"???

[latingirl]

Originally posted by DarkFury

I thought that was... "Skurrrred".


Hey... watchin' girls go at it beats most stuff goin' on anyday.

Yeh, you wish....DarkHomie.

[Jihforce]

Originally posted by latingirl

Um, Jih, I thought you thought "generalizations" were "weak"???

Yup, that is why I said I agree with most of the words he said. Not all. It is true that most intolerant Christians I have met are the most hardcore ones. But they aren't all like that. Just MOST of the ones I've met.
Then there are the ones who aren't, like my fiance's dad. He is pretty hardcore, but he's tolerant of my views and respects me for them. He realizes that he doesn't have to agree with my views, to respect them. The same goes with my bother-in-law. He's a devoted Catholic and he respects my views. He educates me in the ways of Christianity when I ask him to, but doesn't condemn me for not following God. I could go on and on.