I don't believe in God per say but ya gotta love ya some Bible

[OffWithTheirHeads]

My wife considers herself a Christian and has hooked up with some online Bible study course. This morning she comes to me with this passage from Luke 3, and I'll paraphrase.

It seems that John the Baptist is baptising people and they ask him what can they do to get into Heaven. He tells them, among other things,

"He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."

12. Then came also the (RE)Publicans to be baptised and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?"
13. And he said unto them "Exact no more than that which is appointed you."

Now, I'm no Biblical scholor but the message I get from this is basically, if you want to get into heaven, don't take more than your share.

That kind of Christianity I could believe in.

[Angry Dragon]

1. That is why most of the so called 'christians' don't read

their bible, it gets in their way

[truebrit71]

3. ..also why they are called 'cafeteria christians'..they only use the parts that suits their agenda..

..and forget about the rest..Hate gays? There's a verse for that. Give to the poor and stop being a bunch of selfish bastards? There's a verse for that, but it sounds too 'hopey, changey' so we'll ignore it..

[mrcheerful]

5. Oh they read it then cherry pick what fits their mean spiritedness and ignore the stuff

that tells them to deal with compassion or kindness. They like the eye for an eye part and hate the part that tells them to feed, house and clothe the poor or visit prisoners in prisons or forgive trespassers. That is why they quit the religions that preached tolerance and joined religions that preached intolerance and greed.

[Rage for Order]

10. Can you substantiate your claim...?

That 51% of people who self-identify as Christians don't read the bible?

[Angry Dragon]

13. There are two types of Christians

small letter christians
and capital letter Christians

I used the small letter christians
I have no problem with Christians, they actually try to follow the Bible
the 'christians' not so much

By his deeds you will know him

Jesus Christ said that the only way to get salvation was to believe in him AND to follow his examples of true believing.
So the only way to be a Christian was to believe in him and help others.
It is not enough to just say one believes.
Good works will not get you there either, but it does make for a better world, just will not get you to the next world.

So using the Bible it points out who is a Christian or a 'christian'

[Rage for Order]

16. I just see spell-check Christians

I typed it as 'christians', but I got the red squiggly line under it and my OCD kicked in, causing me to right-click on it and accept the change to 'Christians'.

:web:

[Angry Dragon]

17. ...........

[bobbolink]

22. Actually, the most intriguing group is the Red Letter Christians.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

20. I don't know about that but I'd be willing to bet

that at least half of them have no idea how the New Testament came together.

All of the fundies I've met think that somehow "God" wrote it and sent it to the printer somehow. When you ask them what they know about the counsil of Nicea or the counsil of Trent, they just give you this dumb ass George Bush blank stare. And don't even get me started about trying to explain the Gnostic scriptures. Works of Satan! You'll burn in Hell if you even look at them! And then, try to explain to them that most of their ideas about hell came from Dante and their heads explode.

No, sadly, as an athiest, I seem to know much more about Christianity than any fundie I've ever talked to and my whole family is full of them so I've talked to more than a few. Like i said earlier, I'm no Biblical scholar but I've spent enough time trying to understand where Christianity came from and how it evolved to know that what most people try to pass of as Christianity aint.

[bobbolink]

23. Hmmm, I grew up learning all of that and my head didn't explode.

Unfortunately, that was when I still had a memory.

Which item I no longer possess.

I can say the Nicene Creed, but can't remember all the history. Does that mean I flunk? Even if I get the gist of it?

[OffWithTheirHeads]

29. If your head didn't explode, I'm thinking you are not a "fundie"

[bobbolink]

30. bwahahaha.... good guess.

It would really hurt to have my brain surgically narrowed.

:rofl:

[Enthusiast]

51. I have the same experience.

Incredible as it sounds.

[MilesColtrane]

2. But, God wants me to be rich.

The preacher on the TV asking for money told me so.

[demwing]

6. Only rich enough to donate

and the only Church/State separation they want is the one where the state doesn't separate any tax $$$ from the church.

[mikeytherat]

4. Conservative "Christians" want the Ten Commandments posted everywhere, but never The Beatitudes.

Gee, I wonder why:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

mikey_the_rat

[JDPriestly]

9. The fundamentalists claim to be Christians, but they don't really

believe in Jesus message. They prefer the Old Testament to the New - with the exception of Revelations and some passages from the Letters of the Apostles -- which they do not read in historical context.

They call their intellectual dishonesty "faith." That way they don't have to ask themselves it what it is that they are really having faith. It's sort of a mass hysteria.

[Maraya1969]

12. It just occured to me that maybe they are blessed because we help them. "We" meaning the people

who actually do help.

[bobbolink]

25. hmmm, not so much. YOU who do the helping are blessed... the poor are blessed

because they then know what it is to live more simply, and to have to depend on others, rather than having the illusion that they don't need anybody.

Just my take.... I'm not a priest.... don't even play one on TV. ^_^

[bobbolink]

24. "The meek are getting ready."

:hi:

[Enthusiast]

52. Glenn Beck said

that righteousness thing smacks of social justice.

[Motown_Johnny]

7. Argh, you put in Republicans where Tax Collectors should have been

You know that the (R)s will just distort this to mean they should cut taxes even more. Then a couple lines later John says to be content with your wages.


Maybe we should look for a better Bible quote



I kinda go in for Matthew myself, for example:


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%20%2025&version=NKJV

^snip^

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”





More good stuff there, trying to not break any rules about how much I can copy.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

34. Sorry, like I said, I'm not a Biblical scholar but I like Matthew a whole bunch

especially the part that says that when you pray, don't go up to the alter and beat on your chest but go into a closet and do it quietly, like you really mean it and are not doing it just for show.

[lector]

8. Christianity

THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT IS NEITHER !

[DCKit]

11. Many seem to be stuck on "As it is on Earth, so shall it be in Heaven"...

They figure if they die wealthy and privileged (regardless of how they got there), God and St. Peter will turn a blind eye at the gate.

That crowd makes the "42 virgins" crew look sane by comparison.

[justiceischeap]

14. Obviously your wife has a different bible than all the others christians

I think the other folks only have bible's with the hate in it. All the good stuff has been stripped out.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

37. good God, I'm glad I got a copy of the good one

[GeorgeGist]

15. Sounds like ...

Socialism.

[bobbolink]

26. Bingo.

[L0oniX]

54. +1

[Rabblevox]

18. I'm not a Christian, but some of the most radical activists I've known have been people of deep...

religious faith. But these, oddly enough, tended to be people who read the entire bible, not just the parts that suited them. And most of them were fiercely smart, independent thinkers.

It's just not in me to buy the package, but those who find the courage and wisdom in their faith to fight war, poverty, and injustice have nothing but my deepest respect and gratitude.

I do get tired of the pretty incessant "Christian beating" I see here sometimes.

[RevStPatrick]

19. As per response #13 above...

What happens here is "christian beating. Not "Christian beating."
Big difference!

[bobbolink]

27. Completely agree on all your points. I'm not there either, but there are many I respect deeply.

:applause:

[OffWithTheirHeads]

35. I'm sorry that you see "Christian beating" here As I said, my wife consideres herself a Christian.

I look at the enormity of the universe and think that you have to be really nieve to think that there are not things going on out there that we can't comprehend. Is there a "God" as presented by so many of the religions currently popular on this planet? I seriously doubt it.

My wife finds comfort in her version of Christianity. I don't begrudge her that. If it gives her comfort, so be it. Would you call her a "cafateria Christian?" I would. She picks out the parts of the Bible that work for her and tries to live by them. Fortunatly for me, they are the same parts I am comfortable with. Feed the hungry, cloth the poor and don't stuff your beliefs down anybody's throat.

This works for her and frankly, it's not my business to tell her that she is wrong, I mean really, I don't know, it just, intellectually does not work for me.

As for "Christian beatings" here, ya gotta admit that , as a group, most Christians are not real tolerant of other opinions.

[Mimosa]

39. Such generalisation makes me take long breaks from D.U.

I don't disagree with the O.P.. But it was guaranteed to bring out the half-informed and the biased to post prejudiced opinions nobody here would stomach if directed towards jews, Muslims or any other religion.

I needed a break anyway.

[bobbolink]

40. You had me there, and then you have to do the putdown in the last sentence.

Could you please tell me when Christians on DU have injured you in that way?

[bobbolink]

21. She's reading the King James perversion????

:+ That's a good way to reveal your age. :hi:

If you like that passage, you'll love the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 25!

Seriously, so many people hate everything Christian, but have no idea what is actually in the Bible, especially the new testament.

So, where's that coat you're going to share? :rofl: :yourock:

[OffWithTheirHeads]

36. Do you need a coat, seriously, I'll send you one.P.M.me

[OffWithTheirHeads]

38. again, if you really need a coat, PM me. I am fortunate enough thAT

I REALLY CAn give some away.

[bobbolink]

41. Aw, that is really sweet. I was kidding-- the reference to the coat thing in the verse you

posted.

Now, if you could make the smoke from the fires go away.....

Thanks... that means a lot to me! :yourock:

[Brigid]

28. Check out Matthew 23.

It goes something like this:


"Alas for You" from the musical "Godspell"

Alas, alas for you,
Lawyers and pharisees
Hypocrites that you be
Searching for souls and fools to forsake them
You travel the land you scour the sea
After you've got your converts you make them
Twice as fit for hell!
As you are yourselves!

Alas, alas, for you
Lawyers and pharisees
Hypocrites that you are
Sure that the kingdom of Heaven awaits you
You will not venture half so far
Other men that might enter the gates you
Keep from passing through!
Drag them down with you!
You snakes, you viper's brood
You cannot escape being Devil's food!
I send you prophets, and I send you preachers
Sages in rages and ages of teachers
Nothing can mar your mood

Alas, alas for you
Lawyers and pharisees
Hypocrites to a man
Sons of the dogs who murdered the prophets
Finishing off what your fathers began
You don't have time to scorn or to scoff
It's getting very late!
Vengeance doesn't wait!
You snakes, you viper's brood
You cannot escape being Devil's food!
I send you prophets, and I send you preachers
Sages in rages and ages of teachers
Nothing can mar your mood

Blind guides, blind fools
The blood you've spilt
On you will fall!
This nation, this generation
Shall bear the guilt of it all!

Alas, alas alas for you!
Blind fools!!

[bobbolink]

31. Ah,haven't heard that song for a long time. Thanks!

:yourock:

[Rabblevox]

46. Here's the recording of the 2000 Broadway revival. Agreed, brilliant song....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux4UrJDHyAo

[LAGC]

32. ALL Christians cherry-pick the Bible to suit their political views.

Ask liberal Christians how much stock they put in the Old Testament. Yet its still included, part and parcel of the Bible... anti-homosexuality and all. Can't get away from it.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

42. As my fundie brother started quoting me old testament I was asking him

wasn't the new testement the "Good News!" Seems to me that if you believe in the old Testamint, that makes you a Jew. The new testamint, "The good news!" seems to refute the old testament. Well, what the hell do I know? It's all bullshit with the sole purpose of keeping you subserviant to some non existant "higher power" that translatrs into obeying your corporate master.

[RagAss]

43. It's comical. ......

The mystery to me has always been why American Jews are not more vocal about the witless, so called Christians in this country interpreting the Old Testament. Perhaps they enjoy the comedy.

[66 dmhlt]

33. Photo destined to drive Teabaggers Bonkers

Pres. Obama and his family visit the cloud-shrouded "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio

[caliguy]

44. so...

According to a 2007 Pew poll, the number of "non-affiliated" Americans was 16.1%, up from 8% just one decade before. This number is nearly 25% in the under 25 age group. And 55% of those who self-identify as "atheists" are under 35. So yes, the trend is that America is getting less religious and more and more young people in particular are turning away from religion

[LAGC]

45. I really hope I live long enough to see an (openly) non-religious President.

I'll know our society has truly evolved when we're able to tolerate that kind of diversity.

[ChoralScholar]

47. Here's another one the conservatives like to ignore:

Matthew 25:35 (KJV)

35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

-------------------------------------

That's pretty crystal clear to me.

[Rabblevox]

49. Unfortunately, most liberals ignore this one as well. /nt

[bobbolink]

50. Exactly.

[Lorien]

58. You don't know any liberals

We're the ones fighting to keep all of the social programs.

Come to Lake Eola in Orlando and see who risks arrest by feeding the poor. Hint: they often wear tie dye and serve organic meals...and none of them drive a late model vehicle.

[Rabblevox]

59. thank you for your smug, self-satisfied, and ignorant response. /nt

[Obamanaut]

48. per se nt

[LynneSin]

53. These Fundie Christians are actually followers of Paul, the first Fundamentalist 'Christian'

And those that follow Paul treat his word like it was the word of God, even though Paul was never prophesized in the old testament - Jesus was. Paul was simple one of thousands of men who spread 'Christianity' after the death of Jesus, but Paul's message mirrors more of the old testament.

When Jesus was asked what the great commandments was he said to love your God and obey the 10 commandments (which really are just common sense rules a civilize society pretty much follows anyways). The old testament isn't the laws we should live, it's the history of how we got to Jesus.

[L0oniX]

55. I'm going to kick Pauls ass when I see him.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

56. Oh good job LynneSin!

In one sentance you have provided an explination of the difference between the old and new testiment that is more clear and concise than any I'd ever heard.

[Bragi]

57. Only for believers

For us non-believers, there isn't a lot of difficulty distinguishing old and new testaments.

The old testament is a collection of stories documenting the history of the Jewish people.

The new testament is a series of officially-sanctioned accounts about a Rabbi named Jesus, who may or may not have existed, as approved by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.