The Weekly Debate - Religeon

[taylovesthebeatles]

I'd like to take a moment to add a few thoughts after reading some of the other opinions here.

As a Christian, I will be the first to admit that there are many, many "Christians" who truly believe that they understand what it means to believe in God and live a Christian life, but who really give the rest of us a bad name and rap to the rest of the world. It's definitely out there, and I've seen it, which is one of the main reasons I became a Lutheran. So many people have judged me and others for what they see as a lack of "religious responsibility" for lack of a better term. According to these "Christians", other Christians are only considered as such if they go to church a certain percentage of time, have certain political beliefs, contribute to certain charities or participate in proselytising a certain amount, etc etc. Basically centered on works not faith, and anyone who falls outside of their pre-determined "definition" of Christianity is not deemed worthy enough to be a Christian. I am a firm believer that only God knows the true hearts of His people, and it is not our place as humans to judge one another on the strength of their religious faith according to their deeds, especially in Christianity. As I said in my earlier post, there is no need for salvation or for God for the Christian if humanity can make a difference in it's salvation. Truth is, we can't, and no amount of good deeds or bad deeds ultimately decides that. Lutheranism especially makes a huge distinction between Law and Gospel, and this is how that principle is applied-following the Law can only get you so far, but for Lutherans, as for all Christians, it is the Gospel that has the power to save.

I should also point out that the idea of enjoyment in life and living for the moment is not incompatible with Christian teaching by any means. On the contrary, Christians are encouraged to find joy in life, and as I stated before, good works alone will not affect salvation for the Christian. If someone's faith is strong and has a solid foundation, then good works will flow from that, and therefore joy from doing the work of God in their lives, but on their own these good works are nothing. So, any "Christian" who tries to tell you it's not okay to live life to the fullest is being silly.

If anyone has any questions for me, feel free to ask!

[freeringo]

I'd like to take a moment to add a few thoughts after reading some of the other opinions here.

As a Christian, I will be the first to admit that there are many, many "Christians" who truly believe that they understand what it means to believe in God and live a Christian life, but who really give the rest of us a bad name and rap to the rest of the world. It's definitely out there, and I've seen it, which is one of the main reasons I became a Lutheran. So many people have judged me and others for what they see as a lack of "religious responsibility" for lack of a better term. According to these "Christians", other Christians are only considered as such if they go to church a certain percentage of time, have certain political beliefs, contribute to certain charities or participate in proselytising a certain amount, etc etc. Basically centered on works not faith, and anyone who falls outside of their pre-determined "definition" of Christianity is not deemed worthy enough to be a Christian. I am a firm believer that only God knows the true hearts of His people, and it is not our place as humans to judge one another on the strength of their religious faith according to their deeds, especially in Christianity. As I said in my earlier post, there is no need for salvation or for God for the Christian if humanity can make a difference in it's salvation. Truth is, we can't, and no amount of good deeds or bad deeds ultimately decides that. Lutheranism especially makes a huge distinction between Law and Gospel, and this is how that principle is applied-following the Law can only get you so far, but for Lutherans, as for all Christians, it is the Gospel that has the power to save.

I should also point out that the idea of enjoyment in life and living for the moment is not incompatible with Christian teaching by any means. On the contrary, Christians are encouraged to find joy in life, and as I stated before, good works alone will not affect salvation for the Christian. If someone's faith is strong and has a solid foundation, then good works will flow from that, and therefore joy from doing the work of God in their lives, but on their own these good works are nothing. So, any "Christian" who tries to tell you it's not okay to live life to the fullest is being silly.

If anyone has any questions for me, feel free to ask!

Tay, I wanna hold your hand.
Will Kaci and Eejoy join us? Globug too? Lets all hold hands and try to make Heaven on Earth. Who will join us?

[GloBug]

Tay, I wanna hold your hand.
Will Kaci and Eejoy join us? Globug too? Lets all hold hands and try to make Heaven on Earth. Who will join us?

im there u feel my hand. dam i need some lotion my skin is kinda dry. any one got some. i know u ladies do. lol

[taylovesthebeatles]

im there u feel my hand. dam i need some lotion my skin is kinda dry. any one got some. i know u ladies do. lol

I don't have any. You should ask Jeff Dunham.

[GloBug]

I don't have any. You should ask Jeff Dunham.

lol ill do that. thanks