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The Immortal Ramirez · June 29th, 2005, 08:06 AM

Mike,

Just got in this morning and haven't read your post above (from last night). But, I have some things to chew on for a while. I will be leaving in 10 minutes and out until about 4 today.

First of all, there is nothing I can say here that can convince you one way or the other about Christianity. As you know, I too am a Christian. Because you can not come to an intellectual decision on Christianity. It takes a leap of faith. You have the ability, but the decision to make that leap is each persons decision. The closest I have found to an intellectual case for Christ is just that... "A Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel (sp?). He's an attorney who shows the evidence of Christ is who He said He is. Read it, please.

I cannot explain everything - no one can. If they say they can, they're trying to sell you something. Examples...'why do bad things happen to good people' I have my hypothesis and beliefs, and I will share them later (not enough time or space now).

You talked about other historical data that shares the same information of the Bible. This also strengthens the validity of the Bible - instead of just brushing it off as written by a bunch of people trying to control the masses... once again. big discussion for another time.

Two main differences between Christianity and every other religion that is out there (that I've seen or heard of): 1) all other religions have us seeking the god(s), while Christianity is the only religion that has God seeking us and wanting to have a relationship with us; 2) all other religions dictate the only way to 'heaven', avalon, happy hunting grounds, etc is through 'works' (what you have to do to 'earn' entrance), while Christianity is the ONLY religion where the only way in is by 'grace.' Accepting Christ.

As per the hypocrisy, it kept me away from Christ for 15+ years. I grew up Lutheran and turned my back on Christ due to the hypocrisy of many 'religious' people. However, I later understand a little more. If you recall Genesis (Eden), Adam and Eve failed to obey and fell from grace - and the world fell with them. This is not the world or people God created. We have that sin nature in us always because of Adam. However, if you accept Christ into your life, there is a new spirit in you. Note, however, I did not say the other one left. It's still there too. Imagine a large glass. when we were born, we were born into sin (pour in yellow water about 1/2 way). Then, if we accept Christ, He enters us as well (pour in 1/2 cup of blue water. The water turns green and this is how it is - we have BOTH natures in us (Christ and sin). The problem is, we have to CHOOSE to live as Christ and deny the sin nature that is in us. Not all people can do that long term. It's much easier to allow your sin nature to take over. It is at this point that people turn toward THEIR wants and needs and agendas, rather than Christs. And, that's when non-believers see only the bad and say "see, I knew Christians were full of it."
In addition, as a believer, I know there is spiritual warfare going on. If I believe in Christ and God, then I also have to accept the Devil is real and lurching (not like in the movies). Do you think he would not want to put a new believer 'back in line' and away from Christ. Is he not the prince of lies, temptation and deceit? The media also looks for Christians to 'fall' and blasts them for it - but other than Mother Theresa and a few others, they NEVER talk about all the blessing and good things that millions of believers do - why? It's not sensational to do the right thing and help out others. It sells when a pastor has an affair, etc.
Finally, now I really gotta go. Christianity is based on Love. as someone stated above, love the sinner, hate the sin. People strong in their walk understand and do this.
More later. I look forward to reading your above comments - hope I didn't repeat anything of anyone else and replying to your questions.

By the way, hey Jim! How ya doing?

June 29th, 2005, 08:06 AM	#22
The Immortal Ramirez PredsFF.com Portal News Reporters Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,210	Re: Theology Discussion? Mike, Just got in this morning and haven't read your post above (from last night). But, I have some things to chew on for a while. I will be leaving in 10 minutes and out until about 4 today. First of all, there is nothing I can say here that can convince you one way or the other about Christianity. As you know, I too am a Christian. Because you can not come to an intellectual decision on Christianity. It takes a leap of faith. You have the ability, but the decision to make that leap is each persons decision. The closest I have found to an intellectual case for Christ is just that... "A Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel (sp?). He's an attorney who shows the evidence of Christ is who He said He is. Read it, please. I cannot explain everything - no one can. If they say they can, they're trying to sell you something. Examples...'why do bad things happen to good people' I have my hypothesis and beliefs, and I will share them later (not enough time or space now). You talked about other historical data that shares the same information of the Bible. This also strengthens the validity of the Bible - instead of just brushing it off as written by a bunch of people trying to control the masses... once again. big discussion for another time. Two main differences between Christianity and every other religion that is out there (that I've seen or heard of): 1) all other religions have us seeking the god(s), while Christianity is the only religion that has God seeking us and wanting to have a relationship with us; 2) all other religions dictate the only way to 'heaven', avalon, happy hunting grounds, etc is through 'works' (what you have to do to 'earn' entrance), while Christianity is the ONLY religion where the only way in is by 'grace.' Accepting Christ. As per the hypocrisy, it kept me away from Christ for 15+ years. I grew up Lutheran and turned my back on Christ due to the hypocrisy of many 'religious' people. However, I later understand a little more. If you recall Genesis (Eden), Adam and Eve failed to obey and fell from grace - and the world fell with them. This is not the world or people God created. We have that sin nature in us always because of Adam. However, if you accept Christ into your life, there is a new spirit in you. Note, however, I did not say the other one left. It's still there too. Imagine a large glass. when we were born, we were born into sin (pour in yellow water about 1/2 way). Then, if we accept Christ, He enters us as well (pour in 1/2 cup of blue water. The water turns green and this is how it is - we have BOTH natures in us (Christ and sin). The problem is, we have to CHOOSE to live as Christ and deny the sin nature that is in us. Not all people can do that long term. It's much easier to allow your sin nature to take over. It is at this point that people turn toward THEIR wants and needs and agendas, rather than Christs. And, that's when non-believers see only the bad and say "see, I knew Christians were full of it." In addition, as a believer, I know there is spiritual warfare going on. If I believe in Christ and God, then I also have to accept the Devil is real and lurching (not like in the movies). Do you think he would not want to put a new believer 'back in line' and away from Christ. Is he not the prince of lies, temptation and deceit? The media also looks for Christians to 'fall' and blasts them for it - but other than Mother Theresa and a few others, they NEVER talk about all the blessing and good things that millions of believers do - why? It's not sensational to do the right thing and help out others. It sells when a pastor has an affair, etc. Finally, now I really gotta go. Christianity is based on Love. as someone stated above, love the sinner, hate the sin. People strong in their walk understand and do this. More later. I look forward to reading your above comments - hope I didn't repeat anything of anyone else and replying to your questions. By the way, hey Jim! How ya doing?