Not to get into a debate about things that are of no concern here.. But I am very strongly against this notion of “speaking in tongues”, and claiming that they are extra special message from God.

Falling down and what not, is not what Christianity is about. The role of the spirit (according to Jesus, and the rest of the NT(and OT)) is to show us to Jesus. It is not so that we can flop down on the floor and “experience” ‘gods’ awesomeness. No, that is just false religion feeding our emotional need to be special.

I’m not saying that those who do such things are not Christians, I’m just saying that they are confused and not understanding the point of the Holy Spirit.

Beside, you are an example of how “damaging” these acts of “the spirit” can be. It’s just chaos and scares new comers away.. Not the church God designed at all

But, I won’t deal anymore with that subject. Just so that you know where I’m coming from.

My folks are both Christians, and thankfully, they have always taught me that Christianity is not something you inherit from your parents, but a relationship you need to establish on your own. No one else can do it for you.

So, I was quite lucky in that regard.
To answer you question about the Christian motto ..
A biblical response is that we are sinners saved by grace, and that it had nothing to do with us. We can’t save anyone else, and we can’t save ourselves.
We can tell everyone about Jesus, and what he has done for each of us, but we can’t “win” them over, only point them in the right direction.

Because in the end, it is a relationship they must establish.

Hope that clarifies up somethings from my side, and how I see “Christianity”. People might call me old school, and too conservative. But in the end, I believe what the bible says, and if people have an issue with that, they should take it up with the author.

I can promise you I am not trying to win you over, simply because I don’t have the power to do it, however the Bible does encourage Christians to share the gospel with others, but again at the end of the day the choice still remains yours. I am sure your wife has told you the same

My parents aren’t religious, I suppose you could call them new age, they believe all good people go to heaven and there is no such thing as hell…and also that there is a possibility of coming back in another life.. so I guess its a mix of many religions/ideals. I guess that’s probably why they didn’t have a problem with me being a witch…as long as I was a good one! HA HA

Nice to meet you too Simon, who I am now guessing I know too! How random – if you knew me as a person this is very out of character for me!

Good luck with your search/curiosity, I can only pray that your curiosity will lead to something meaningful.

I guess what I’m saying is that the “sitting on the fence” is not through lack of trying nor through ignorance. The fact that I read and comment on this blog also doesn’t mean that I’m unsatisfied in my choice but more interested in why other people choose it because it makes no sense to me.

And of course you are trying to win me over, its the Christian motto isn’t it?

Quick question mumblingchristian and zoe : What faith do your parents follow?

Nice to meet you Zoe, if you are the Zoe I think you are.

Simon

I agree with you that if people are only being “religious” to cover their bets, then the only person they are fooling are themselves.

Okay so that was my 5c worth Hope you get better soon!

The bible being historically true is up for debate but I’ll save that for a later debate.:-)

I think my headline might be a bit misleading.
The article was more to show that each religion is unique, and because of this only one can be right.

So yes, taking the four listed religions and shoving them in the same room would potentially spell disaster.

So, the question/investigation one must do is to find out which one if any of them is true? And is there a litmus test that one can do?

Unfortunately no litmus test exists, but like part 1 indicates, the bible is historically true. And if what the bible say is true, then that in itself should make you wonder if Jesus was more than just a man?

The problem with today’s view of Christianity is that peoples perception of Jesus and who he was, compared to the Jesus of the bible is so far apart that it starts to make Christianity look like a man made pile of goo.

If people had to go back to the gospels, and people were to investigate the true Jesus, they might find that the claims he made are more believable when it isn’t tied down with hidden political and sociological agenda’s.

And it includes all the “fine” print.. ie : You will suffer as a christian, and life doesn’t get easier! And he won’t magically heal you if you have enough “faith” etc..

Anyways, the only way to truly know if what the bible claims is true, is to study it
See how from the OT God has planned this. That since the beginning of time everything was geared towards one moment in history

Just a break down of the four gospels :
Matthew : Main aim is to show the Jews that Jesus is the promised king
Mark : Show that Jesus is the servant and savior
John : Jesus is the son of God
Luke : A historical biography of Jesus said to be of the highest level (according History Professors in Oxford)