Christianity Thread

[JaybobHoosier 11,954]

The bible was also written 400 years ago in a time when society was completely different.  Women were considered second class citizens for instance.

 

The bible also says you can sell you sister into slavery to pay off a debt (Exodus 21:7), and essentially that foreign slaves are property that can be willed to your descendants (Leviticus 25:44-46).

 

You're free to your beliefs, but the bible says a lot of things that are considered wrong today because the context it was written in.

 

There are some pretty wild stuff in the old testament, which is why there is a new testament.  It is the new teachings of the gospel and of Jesus Christ.  I may not agree with the old testament with some things, which is why I go by the New Testament and the new teachings.   

[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

NOTE: I'm not starting a war here, just curious.

As I've previously said, I'm not religious. I went to church growing up, went to Sunday school & did my lessons. Even from an early age, it didn't make sense to me. It seems like society today says you should be religious, and religion is in almost every aspect of your day in one way or the other. I just don't understand why.

I should say that I'm not an atheist. But I'm also not a believer. If I had the choice of believing in all of that I would choose to believe. I just can't do it. There are too many unknowns in life to base my entire life and thoughts off something that nobody knows the answers to.

I guess the point I am getting to, is of any of you that are religious question what your being told and taught? Is there anyone I could talk to about this that wouldn't freak out at me for all the questions I have? I promise I'm not putting anyone down or anything, I just don't understand how more people don't think the same way I do. If I'm just different, I'm fine with that, I'm just putting this feeler out there to see.

(Jaybob - if this is too far off base, feel free to remove it. I don't want this to get out of hand, I just want to learn and discuss these things.)


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[JaybobHoosier 11,954]

Perfectly fine to put this here, and this is what it was meant for as well.  Like I tried stating in my repsonse to Hwy, this stuff is perfectly fine.  I want it for people having questions about Christianity, and for this religion.  People with other religions can start another thread just like this.  This is for this religion, which is why I didn't label it the Religion thread. 

 

Feel free to message me any questions 41, and I know ParakeetJones is a preacher and is great to talk to.

[JSHoosier 20,695]

There are some pretty wild stuff in the old testament, which is why there is a new testament.  It is the new teachings of the gospel and of Jesus Christ.  I may not agree with the old testament with some things, which is why I go by the New Testament and the new teachings.   

It's still a book that has been re-written numerous times, some of which were purely agenda driven to strengthen the power of rulers.

 

And after some research I found this, which discusses both old and new testament.  It is a lengthy video, but the description has some time points included.

Edited November 19, 2013 by JSHoosier

[JaybobHoosier 11,954]

That's perfectly fine and understand your opinion. All of history has to be taken with a little speculation of perceptional change. You always have to consider who's writing it. However, faith is a big part in any religion, and is required if you truly believe. You can't see it, but you have to have faith. I've seen stuff personally that would make people think and believe more in Christianity.

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[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

One thing about Christianity and religion that I've always found odd ,but never asked anyone about is why they chose their religion.

At this point in your life, I would imagine everyone is pretty set in their religion and beliefs. My question, is how did you know your religion was what made the most sense to you as an individual?

For most people, I would guess they were raised that way. Therefore, say your parents were Jewish, do you think you would have found Christianity or would you be Jewish now?

For such a big life decision, I guess you would think there would be like a speed dating religion class or something so you can see where your beliefs align and then pursue that religion. I know personally, I feel differently about a variety of topics than my parents.


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[CR3AMnCR1MS0N 1,867]

Are you going to Rock & Worship Roadshow, or Winterjam? Hitting both this year (definitely prefer Roadshow). Have you checked out We As Human? By far my favorite album! Love Red, Skillet, Rend Collective, 9 lashes, Disciple. My wife takes our youth group to Ichthus, Alive, or some festival every year :)


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Definitely going to WinterJam... it'll be like the 5th straight year for me :) My youth group might be getting VIP passes!

 

They are also talking about going to the roadshow the next weekend... I'd love to go to both, and they are both cheap so I probably will!  And yeah I have listened to We As Human some, I just don't a lot because usually I listen to what I have on my iPod rather than radio or Slacker/Pandora.

[CR3AMnCR1MS0N 1,867]

There are some pretty wild stuff in the old testament, which is why there is a new testament.  It is the new teachings of the gospel and of Jesus Christ.  I may not agree with the old testament with some things, which is why I go by the New Testament and the new teachings.   

I get what you are saying here, I just would like to make the point that the Old Testament is not WRONG.  However, there are some OT practices that we do not have to do anymore because of Jesus fulfilling them permanently when he died and rose again.  For example, the priests of the OT making sacrifices again and again, but after Jesus died and rose again, he became the ultimate and permanent sacrifice. (Hebrews 9)

 

As for things changing according to society, we see an example of it with why Hebrews were not allowed to eat pork, but why we can now.  In ancient times it would have been unsanitary to eat pork because the pigs carried diseases that could not be cleansed/kept out of the pig (The Bible also talks about God making animals clean in Acts 10).  Now we have processes to sanitize the pigs making them safer to eat. There are a lot of OT laws that were set to protect the Israelites rather than just to be crazy rules. 

 

I'm not saying these things to argue, just trying to give a little advice and answer what questions I can.

[JaybobHoosier 11,954]

One thing about Christianity and religion that I've always found odd ,but never asked anyone about is why they chose their religion.

At this point in your life, I would imagine everyone is pretty set in their religion and beliefs. My question, is how did you know your religion was what made the most sense to you as an individual?

For most people, I would guess they were raised that way. Therefore, say your parents were Jewish, do you think you would have found Christianity or would you be Jewish now?

For such a big life decision, I guess you would think there would be like a speed dating religion class or something so you can see where your beliefs align and then pursue that religion. I know personally, I feel differently about a variety of topics than my parents.


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That's a great question 41!  I grew up in a very religious home, and actually got out of it during college because I wanted to party.  This past summer at church camp, I gave all of that up.  I grew up in a home where drinking, smoking, and cussing is not allowed.  I didn't smoke or curse, but drank.  For the longest time, I felt something was missing in my life and felt that drinking was not for me.  It wasn't that I was brought up in it, it's because I felt like God was telling me it was wrong.  (Now, I'm not saying drinking is wrong, but for me and my walk with God, it is). 

 

For me, I grew up and still believe the same stuff as my parents did.  41, to answer your question, I would choose Christianity.  I am biased though towards my religion.  I've studied Confucious, the Qaran, Jewish, and a few others.  (Sorry if the wording is a little off, I'm starting to get stuff finished here at work)  I think what is best for you is to read up on the different styles of religion.  One thing you will find is there are a lot of similarities amongst them.  I would recommend the New Testament if you read up on Christianity.

 

I do say I choose Christianity, but I basically mean "what the bible says."  To me, that is all that matters.  If you do what the Bible says, and do not go away from its context and twist it for your own purpose, you are set.  Everyone has their own interpretation of the Bible, and that's extremely common because the wording can get confusing.  Just search what you feel is right.  I do ask that you go on your true feelings, not wants.  To me, that is what is a big problem in this world.  People don't go by the Bible's true meaning, but go off what they want instead of what God wants. 

 

I hope this helps, I tried doing this while at work.  I can explain further easily if need be.

[Parakeet Jones 3,812]

Good to see you start this thread back up, Jaybob.  It's always nice to see who I have more in common with here than just IU basketball.  

 

Speaking of things Christianity related, I am seriously considering skipping the IU vs. O$U game on Saturday to do sermon prep.  I know when it comes time for the game I'll watch and prep later, but it might help my attitude remain a little more Christlike if I don't have to watch that defense.  

[JaybobHoosier 11,954]

I get what you are saying here, I just would like to make the point that the Old Testament is not WRONG.  However, there are some OT practices that we do not have to do anymore because of Jesus fulfilling them permanently when he died and rose again.  For example, the priests of the OT making sacrifices again and again, but after Jesus died and rose again, he became the ultimate and permanent sacrifice. (Hebrews 9)

 

As for things changing according to society, we see an example of it with why Hebrews were not allowed to eat pork, but why we can now.  In ancient times it would have been unsanitary to eat pork because the pigs carried diseases that could not be cleansed/kept out of the pig (The Bible also talks about God making animals clean in Acts 10).  Now we have processes to sanitize the pigs making them safer to eat. There are a lot of OT laws that were set to protect the Israelites rather than just to be crazy rules. 

 

I'm not saying these things to argue, just trying to give a little advice and answer what questions I can.

 

Oh no, I wasn't saying the Old Testament is bad or wrong, but just some of those things that did happen is stuff we think is wrong now. For example, in Genesis when the two daughters got their father drunk and then........ you know. Just an example of the things that went on before Jesus Christ and the New Testament.

[CR3AMnCR1MS0N 1,867]

Oh no, I wasn't saying the Old Testament is bad or wrong, but just some of those things that did happen is stuff we think is wrong now. For example, in Genesis when the two daughters got their father drunk and then........ you know. Just an example of the things that went on before Jesus Christ and the New Testament.

Ummm... I'm pretty sure that wasn't right then either...

[MrYuk 208]

I was brought up in a STRICT catholic family, I hated it, because it was so strict. Yes I am a strong believer in Christ, but I've lost all faith in "organized religion." So, now if I want to go to "church" and talk to god, I go to HIS church....the woods, the lake, or somewhere that isn't tampered with by man. I was always taught not to question if there is a god, just have faith in him. I don't judge or hate on non believers because everybody is entitled to their beliefs, nor do I push mine on them, there is one so-called religion that I am strongly against, but I won't go into that here, but if you follow me on twitter I'm sure you already know all about that. lol

[JSHoosier 20,695]

I was brought up in a STRICT catholic family, I hated it, because it was so strict. Yes I am a strong believer in Christ, but I've lost all faith in "organized religion." So, now if I want to go to "church" and talk to god, I go to HIS church....the woods, the lake, or somewhere that isn't tampered with by man. I was always taught not to question if there is a god, just have faith in him. I don't judge or hate on non believers because everybody is entitled to their beliefs, nor do I push mine on them, there is one so-called religion that I am strongly against, but I won't go into that here, but if you follow me on twitter I'm sure you already know all about that. lol


Yuk

Kind of how I am about Scientology.  When you're "religion" is created by a science fiction writer, it's full of crap.

[Hwy 1 2,053]

Can someone explain to me why it is that Christians, Muslims, and Jews all worship the same God but can't keep from killing each other or not even stop it amongst themselves. 

[JaybobHoosier 11,954]

Ummm... I'm pretty sure that wasn't right then either...

 

Yeah, I can't get my words right. I believe fully in the Old Testament, just a little different for my tastes. Dang, I can't get on here what I mean to save my life. I feel like it's coming out right, but when I go back and read it I'm contradicting myself. Oh well, it happens.

[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

I was brought up in a STRICT catholic family, I hated it, because it was so strict. Yes I am a strong believer in Christ, but I've lost all faith in "organized religion." So, now if I want to go to "church" and talk to god, I go to HIS church....the woods, the lake, or somewhere that isn't tampered with by man. I was always taught not to question if there is a god, just have faith in him. I don't judge or hate on non believers because everybody is entitled to their beliefs, nor do I push mine on them, there is one so-called religion that I am strongly against, but I won't go into that here, but if you follow me on twitter I'm sure you already know all about that. lol

[MrYuk 208]

Kind of how I am about Scientology. When you're "religion" is created by a science fiction writer, it's full of crap.

ok make that TWO "religions" I am against lol

[All_Hoosiers 873]

I really like this thread.

As for me, I'm a believer, but not the most devout Christian ever. I'm human like everyone else and don't feel like I'm a better person than non-believers.

I treat everyone the same, no matter what or who they worship, or even if they worship at all. Because it's impossible to fully grasp, I have questions myself about how God can be real, but I do believe He is real.


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[OliviaPope40 6,703]

I tried to read The Da Vinci Code and I saw the movie and I couldn't wrap my head around it and it was the same way with Angels and Demons.