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Originally posted by Smooth operator:
No I don't get it. I haven't condemned anyone, and I have not used those words. I do believe in hell, but I don't go around preaching it, and I haven't preached on this forum, although I have mentioned repentance which I think is a good philosophy even if you are atheist.(you can skip the ask for forgiveness part since you don't believe in God)
Ah, so quick to judge. Good thing the final vote is not yours. And belief in God is irrelevant..."even demons believe..."
Cookey will get a good chuckle; I'm not eligible for the atheist club.
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Cookey referred to humanism as her "religion". I simply pointed out that humanism is a belief system in which one serves their own self interest.
I'm curious as to the source of your definition. I often believe "Christianity" to be a belief system in which people serve their own self interest.
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I find it interesting that humanist people try to claim that they are so much more "enlightened", and believe they came up with the philosophy of serving one's fellow man themselves.
Perhaps you are simply a noob to this forum. I find "christians" almost uniformly taking the high ground because they uttered an incantation. "I say this in love," it typically goes, "but you're going to hell."
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Sorry to disappoint, but Jesus and his disciples were already preaching and teaching this over 2,000 years ago. Actually secular humanism does not teach serving one's fellow man, but simply serving one's self.
Again, you're wrong on both sides. There are selfish christians and selfish atheists. There are both noble christians and atheists. Were there no unselfish acts before Christ arrived on the scene?
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I applaud humanist who wish to do so, but what they are doing is following Christian principles laid out by Jesus, and written down by his disciples. Try reading the New Testament with an open mind, and you will find Jesus taught love, forgiveness, gentleness, patients, meekness. Do you remember when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples? He was teaching humility and serving. Exactly what do you have against these teachings????
Actually, I have nothing against these teachings; simply how some self-professed "christians" manifest them. A profession of faith and a dunking does not make one a christian. A profound change in the heart is what sets one apart. What is that change in the heart? The desire to live an extraordinary life; a life of service and sacrifice; a belief in something greater than yourself. But these are not
uniquely christian traits. They live, often quietly, in the hearts of many. One would believe, as you tell it, there were never any unselfish acts of service done prior to the events in what is now Israel some 2000 years ago. That assertion is ludicrous.
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Quite frankly, I get tired of being condemned for my Christian beliefs by people who are misguided as to what Christianity is, but Jesus said that it would be this way, so I count it all joy when you, cookey, and others attack me. I will continue to give you a reason for the hope that is within me
Likely as frustrated as I get when people who believe themselves to be christians act like many on this forum tend to do.
There are two things I'd like you to consider: First, no one was ever beaten and dragged kicking and screaming into the family of God. Threats of eternal punishment are useless on someone who does not have the same belief foundation that you seem to have.
Second, your faith deserves rigorous self-examination and tough questions from time to time, lest your faith falter.
If you can't deal with an honest atheist without resorting to threats, namecalling, or losing your temper your faith is shaky, indeed. You should probably ask yourself if his (not hers, btw) questions or comments may just strike a little too close to home.