Religion The God Question (continued in Part 2 - link in last post)

god or advanced entity?

  • god

    Votes: 14 40.0%
  • advanced entity

    Votes: 21 60.0%

  • Total voters
    35
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Boston tiger

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I would disagree with that, I think they can easily move pretty damn far to wherever they want, there's no limits to how far they deviate tbh

There are hundreds of cults built around people who call themselves the literal 2nd coming of Jesus, all over the world. Jesus's message has long been whitewashed beyond recognition for most parts of the church. Just have a look at the US Christian churches
True .
 

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Moti

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Yeah not one of the funniest I have ever seen, pretty boring actually. There were some funny ones on a US college site a couple years ago that included some very interesting wardrobe changes including a paper mâché dinosaur.
 

RobbieGray17

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Two words: Critical thinking

That's what makes me who I am, and fundamentally an atheist.

also, re: cults spartanwa

according to the definition, when I went to an AOG church, they were spreading lies, and pressuring people to believe the earth was 6000 years old.

1. Don't believe anything scientists tell you, they're very clever at deceiving you with science.
2. Trust your faith
3. This is what the church fundamentally believes
4. Old Earth/theistic beliefs don't work, and are flawed.
5. IF you want to be involved with the church, you MUST share the same beliefs.

How is this not cultish behavior?
 
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Getz

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Satan and the rebellious spirit beings who followed him have contempt for humankind and know they have only a limited period of time before God calls time on Satan's rulership. Thus in Satan's great anger, knowing his limited time before God finally does away with him, is attempting to drag down with him as many people as possible by turning folks against God, thus making these ones worthy of destruction at God's hand when execution of judgement on Satan's corrupted system and peoples is carried out at what the bible refers to as Armageddon.
This will be rude, and I'm sorry to be so condescending to other people's views.

But read that quote.. How can educated people truly believe that? And how do they expect other people to believe that if it wasn't a story they were told while growing up?
 

Bennett.

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Two words: Critical thinking

That's what makes me who I am, and fundamentally an atheist.

also, re: cults spartanwa

according to the definition, when I went to an AOG church, they were spreading lies, and pressuring people to believe the earth was 6000 years old.

1. Don't believe anything scientists tell you, they're very clever at deceiving you with science.
2. Trust your faith
3. This is what the church fundamentally believes
4. Old Earth/theistic beliefs don't work, and are flawed.
5. IF you want to be involved with the church, you MUST share the same beliefs.

How is this not cultish behavior?
well, that's poor teaching, and if you went to paradise or anything like that, then I don't blame you.
 

Boston tiger

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RobbieGray17

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well, that's poor teaching, and if you went to paradise or anything like that, then I don't blame you.
It wasn't paradise. but was an AOG , let me recheck. Not sure if AOG now, I think they say non traditional but conservative, but that the bible is gods word, and it is truth. The wording to me suggests they are YEC. Not 100% sure, but I remember what I was told.
 
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RobbieGray17

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in any case those places are filled with poor theology, chasing the experience and put on a show rather than share a message!
agreed, they constantly talked about giving and giving and giving, so they could continue to expand the church, and make it bigger and more exciting. Since when did the bible ever talk about that?

I understand from the christian view point, that you need to appeal to the newer generations. But if your goal is to make the people within your church live amazing lives, then you're ******* missing the whole point. And thats what those churches do. They help christians lead amazing lives, and forget about their responsibilities for the non christians, who just need help.
 

Boston tiger

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It wasn't paradise. but was an AOG , let me recheck. Not sure if AOG now, I think they say non traditional but conservative, but that the bible is gods word, and it is truth. The wording to me suggests they are YEC. Not 100% sure, but I remember what I was told.
Some can be pretty brutal. The Open Door Baptist in our town are telling families to cast out there son because he's gay. One lads been banned because he's been listening to Rock n Roll. Hello "Footloose".
 

Bennett.

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Sadly, these megachurches can be as abusive as the catholics! As soon as your life becomes controlled by rote, ritual and reliance on feelings and experience, then the church is straying from what it should be. Jesus was never about feelings, but about genuine service to people, care for the poor and widows and serving God. Not demanding money from people and promising them more and more riches if they would empty their purses. That is evil and sickening and completely abusive and manipulative and it is not real Christianity but a poor facsimile of a feelings based and ear tickling cult.
 

Moti

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Can't find the post but I think Cooldude asked about Acts 2 when we were chatting about giving up all possessions. Happened to be reading the book today and had a closer look.

There are two parts, first it said the believers shared everything they had, indicating together between themselves, and then they sold property and shared with those in need. Sharing would indicate they only gave a part of their resource otherwise it would have said give. Also, in several places in Acts it talks about every believer having every need met, which does not necessarily point to be being poor.

Second is in the fifth chapter, where you referenced the couple that died. Again they focused on sharing but you are wrong with the reason for the outcome.

Then Peter said, "Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!" (NLTse)

I believe that shows that the disciples did not believe that it was compulsory to sell all to give to the poor. Also, the reason they were chastised was due to the lie. I have mentioned this before, the death part is one of I have yet to gain much wisdom on even though various commentaries talk about it being an example.

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Bennett.

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Also, in several places in Acts it talks about every believer having every need met, which does not necessarily point to be being poor.
Just be cautious with that, because needs are different to wants and desires. Needs may well be food and shelter, doesn't necessarily
mean wealth.
 

Moti

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agreed, they constantly talked about giving and giving and giving, so they could continue to expand the church, and make it bigger and more exciting. Since when did the bible ever talk about that?

I understand from the christian view point, that you need to appeal to the newer generations. But if your goal is to make the people within your church live amazing lives, then you're ******* missing the whole point. And thats what those churches do. They help christians lead amazing lives, and forget about their responsibilities for the non christians, who just need help.
I think a Church needs to do all they are commanded. Go and make disciples of the nations includes attracting people then sharing the gospel, and this could be old school or new school, as long as the message is the same. Paul said he is all things to all men (method) to bring people to Christ (message). 1Cor9:19 onwards.

But they need to also heal the sick, cast out demons, feed the poor and raise the dead. Jesus said what you do for the least, you do for him. Any Church that doesn't preach the need to be community focused, is missing the heart of Jesus.

They also need to preach the truth, setting the captives free and yes giving the people of God keys to living a joyful and fulfilling life with the purpose God has for them. That's the whole foot, arm, head discussion.

I have always been told to look at the fruit of the church and it's people. If they live according to God's Word and principles and you can see them reflect them, then that is a good start. I would also add the presence of God but I have only started to recognize it over the past decade.

I have known many from Paradise over the years (Melbourne boy here) and they have been good people with great hearts. Never been to a service though so no real idea of the theology.

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Moti

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Just be cautious with that, because needs are different to wants and desires. Needs may well be food and shelter, doesn't necessarily
mean wealth.
Agreed, would believe they are talking about food, clothes, shelter, that kinda stuff. In that community money would be a low priority, sounds like a less complicated way to live!

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