How We Got To Here: Christianity Version

[VolnJC]

I'm amazed at how popular Christianity still is in this country. Of course you have to look at Constantine, who as emperor, definitely had a major role as most people around the world had no clue who Jesus was. Then other governments saw religion as a way to control the masses. We also are to blame as we are sure our parents and grandparents would not tell us something that was incorrect. But cmon, it's been 2,000 years, isn't it time we moved on?

 

[GoBigOrangeUT]

 

[VolnJC]

I'm not trying to flame..I studied religion in college and have read the Bible, Torah, and parts of the Quran...just don't see how people can take those as fact.

 

[GoBigOrangeUT]

I'm not trying to flame..I studied religion in college and have read the Bible, Torah, and parts of the Quran...just don't see how people can take those as fact.

We all know how this will end. The supporters will say "blah blah blah the bible isn't to be taken literally" and then follow that up by quoting verses from the bible, thus "taking it literally".

 

[Roustabout]

I'm here Huckleberry

 

[volprof]

Most people need order and meaning in their lives.

While secular democracy provides us with a lot of nice things, it can't promise us and our loved ones eternal bliss.

Eternal bliss is the best narrative going, and explains, partially, why Christianity is in fact growing around the world rather than disappearing. In America, not so much, but that's only because our lives have largely become so comfortable. The first sign of mass suffering - real suffering - and people will go back to their old ways, the ones that promise them everlasting life despite suffering, quicker than a Bama fan can get stupid at a football game.

 

[VolnJC]

Most people need order and meaning in their lives.

While secular democracy provides us with a lot of nice things, it can't promise us and our loved ones eternal bliss.

Eternal bliss is the best narrative going, and explains, partially, why Christianity is in fact growing around the world rather than disappearing. In America, not so much, but that's only because our lives have largely become so comfortable. The first sign of mass suffering - real suffering - and people will go back to their old ways, the ones that promise them everlasting life despite suffering, quicker than a Bama fan can get stupid at a football game.

Now that makes a lot of sense...but eternal bliss always just seemed tiring to me.

 

[volprof]

Now that makes a lot of sense...but eternal bliss always just seemed tiring to me.

Well, the "Harp and Halo" version in the New Testament, where everyone does nothing but sing hymns all eternal day, certainly is tiring. The Islamic terrorists definitely have that one beat with their 72 virgins, although I'd much prefer 72 pornstars, but that's beside the point.

But I don't think most Christians really think Heaven is going to be like that. I think they believe it is going to be just a permanent extenuation of their earthly lives, despite what the Bible says. The only difference is that they'll no longer experience bad emotions or suffering. That's certainly how I always thought about it, when I was a Christian. Plus, most people aren't capable of processing things as abstract as "Heaven" and "eternal life," so it's only natural they are incapable of envisioning these as anything but like the only life they have known and experienced thus far - earthly life (minus all the bad things).

 

[VolnJC]

Well, the "Harp and Halo" version in the New Testament, where everyone does nothing but sing hymns all eternal day, certainly is tiring. The Islamic terrorists definitely have that one beat with their 72 virgins, although I'd much prefer 72 pornstars, but that's beside the point.

But I don't think most Christians really think Heaven is going to be like that. I think they believe it is going to be just a permanent extenuation of their earthly lives, despite what the Bible says. The only difference is that they'll no longer experience bad emotions or suffering. That's certainly how I always thought about it, when I was a Christian. Plus, most people aren't capable of processing things as abstract as "Heaven" and "eternal life," so it's only natural they are incapable of envisioning these as anything but like the only life they have known and experienced thus far - earthly life (minus all the bad things).

Yep several have tried..M Scott Peck even tried to explain Hell and Purgatory in his book In Heaven As On Earth...but yeah I don't think most people get past seeing loved ones and streets of gold

https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-As-Earth-Vision-Afterlife/dp/078688374X

 

[Roustabout]

Well, the "Harp and Halo" version in the New Testament, where everyone does nothing but sing hymns all eternal day, certainly is tiring. The Islamic terrorists definitely have that one beat with their 72 virgins, although I'd much prefer 72 pornstars, but that's beside the point.

But I don't think most Christians really think Heaven is going to be like that. I think they believe it is going to be just a permanent extenuation of their earthly lives, despite what the Bible says. The only difference is that they'll no longer experience bad emotions or suffering. That's certainly how I always thought about it, when I was a Christian. Plus, most people aren't capable of processing things as abstract as "Heaven" and "eternal life," so it's only natural they are incapable of envisioning these as anything but like the only life they have known and experienced thus far - earthly life (minus all the bad things).

Where is the harp and halo version in the NT?

 

[joevol33]

As a Christian, my question is why does it bother you so bad what we believe? How does it effect your life that I believe in salvation as the bible explains it, and try my best to live my life pleasing to God? Not saying that in a smart way, just asking why it's so bothersome to start a thread putting down my faith. I have 3 families of Buddhist, one Muslim family, and an atheist in my small subdivision. I don't agree with any of them, but I try to be a good neighbor (and they have been), I've never been to their home shoving what I believe on them, nor have what they believe caused me to start a thread bad mouthing their faith. Again, not fighting, just curious.

 

[SWIL]

eternal bliss makes about as much sense as 72 virgins...

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

As a Christian, my question is why does it bother you so bad what we believe? How does it effect your life that I believe in salvation as the bible explains it, and try my best to live my life pleasing to God? Not saying that in a smart way, just asking why it's so bothersome to start a thread putting down my faith. I have 3 families of Buddhist, one Muslim family, and an atheist in my small subdivision. I don't agree with any of them, but I try to be a good neighbor (and they have been), I've never been to their home shoving what I believe on them, nor have what they believe caused me to start a thread bad mouthing their faith. Again, not fighting, just curious.

I hope you have your flame suit on. Just prepare yourself.

 

[apevol]

I hope you have your flame suit on. Just prepare yourself.

Its not nice to call Joe a flaming rihtard

 

[joevol33]

I hope you have your flame suit on. Just prepare yourself.

Haha, I know. I just don't get why it bothers people. I like the op, and other posters who don't believe, but just never have understood why it bothers some people so bad that others believe. They have a right to feel that way, just as I have mine.

 

[joevol33]

Its not nice to call Joe a flaming rihtard

Truth!

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Haha, I know. I just don't get why it bothers people. I like the op, and other posters who don't believe, but just never have understood why it bothers some people so bad that others believe. They have a right to feel that way, just as I have mine.

You know what is ironic and hypocritical at the same time about some of those who dont believe? Those same people get angry when everyone cannot have their autonomy to do what they want. Like marry who they want, use whatever drug or whatever. But when it comes to believing in God? Well thats stupid and anyone who believes that way should not.

 

[VolnJC]

As a Christian, my question is why does it bother you so bad what we believe? How does it effect your life that I believe in salvation as the bible explains it, and try my best to live my life pleasing to God? Not saying that in a smart way, just asking why it's so bothersome to start a thread putting down my faith. I have 3 families of Buddhist, one Muslim family, and an atheist in my small subdivision. I don't agree with any of them, but I try to be a good neighbor (and they have been), I've never been to their home shoving what I believe on them, nor have what they believe caused me to start a thread bad mouthing their faith. Again, not fighting, just curious.

I think people can do what they want..the problem is that many want our laws to mimic their beliefs. You feel like you should be free to worship do you also believe a woman can do what she wants with her body?

 

[volbeast33]

I think people can do what they want..the problem is that many want our laws to mimic their beliefs. You feel like you should be free to worship do you also believe a woman can do what she wants with her body?

That does not just involve religion.... Every single American wants laws based on what they believe to be right or wrong including yourself.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

I think people can do what they want..the problem is that many want our laws to mimic their beliefs. You feel like you should be free to worship do you also believe a woman can do what she wants with her body?

She can do whatever she wants with her body. Legalize prostitution for all i care.

Now the baby in her belly? She has no right to kill it. It should have the same rights she does. JMO of course.

 

[joevol33]

I think people can do what they want..the problem is that many want our laws to mimic their beliefs. You feel like you should be free to worship do you also believe a woman can do what she wants with her body?

Pretty much what Marcus said. Let her do as she wants with her body, but that doesn't include killing another living being. And I felt that way long before my church going days.

 

[Carl Pickens]

As a Christian, my question is why does it bother you so bad what we believe? How does it effect your life that I believe in salvation as the bible explains it, and try my best to live my life pleasing to God? Not saying that in a smart way, just asking why it's so bothersome to start a thread putting down my faith. I have 3 families of Buddhist, one Muslim family, and an atheist in my small subdivision. I don't agree with any of them, but I try to be a good neighbor (and they have been), I've never been to their home shoving what I believe on them, nor have what they believe caused me to start a thread bad mouthing their faith. Again, not fighting, just curious.

Because one time at Sunday school someone said something condescending to them and they've never gotten over the butt hurt

 

[VolnJC]

Because one time at Sunday school someone said something condescending to them and they've never gotten over the butt hurt

I said nothing demeaning in my post other than I don't understand how people still believe. People sing of a peaceful loving God...apparently haven't read the Old Testament...dude was pretty vengeful in the old days before changing over in the NT...and also the church has changed with the falling numbers...you don't hear the fire and brimstone preachers anymore..."you are going to Hell if you don't believe"...the last time we visited they were giving out gift cards to whoever had the best attendance

Even with the World Wars...God is still the all time leader in kills
Dwindling In Unbelief: How many has God killed? Complete list and estimated total (Including Apocryphal killings)

 

[Septic]

I said nothing demeaning in my post other than I don't understand how people still believe. People sing of a peaceful loving God...apparently haven't read the Old Testament...dude was pretty vengeful in the old days before changing over in the NT...and also the church has changed with the falling numbers...you don't hear the fire and brimstone preachers anymore..."you are going to Hell if you don't believe"...the last time we visited they were giving out gift cards to whoever had the best attendance

Even with the World Wars...God is still the all time leader in kills
Dwindling In Unbelief: How many has God killed? Complete list and estimated total (Including Apocryphal killings)

Uh Oh.

 

[VolnJC]

Uh Oh.

Too soon? Should I hold that post another 2k years? Many on here complain about government school indoctrination...good grief look what we have been taught to believe at church