Defending the Truth - View Single Post

Katczinsky · 10-17-2007, 04:01 PM

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Originally Posted by sgtdmski

First, I answered the question in context. A big deal was made about the comment and whether it was antisemitic. From quoting from both the Old Testament (the Torah of the Jews) and the New Testament, I showed that the remark was not. Both Christ and Paul were Jews. The Christian faith grew out of the conversion of Jews to Christianity through accepting that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. The Torah talks about the Messiah, however, at this time Christ is not accepted as the Messiah by the Jews.

I understand what you did. You merely showed that antisemitism is not just a problem with some Christians, but can also be with the Christian doctrine.

While Christians believe that their religion is true, and that the New Testament bears new and more 'correct' (or in this case, 'perfected') truth as opposed to the Old Testament, Jesus also taught tolerance and respect. I'm not sure attempting to convert others in a condescending tone is exactly following that maxim.

But I guess if you'd rather follow the passages saying it's alright to sell your daughter into slavery or that homosexuality is an abomination, as opposed to practicing compassion and tolerance...then that's your prerogative (unless it breaks the law of course).

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Your suggestion for us to be perfected by making us into atheist is supported by what text? None in either book of faiths.

Fundamentalism at it's best. Tell me, if atheist evangelism were supported by texts that some claim to be divine truth, would it then be okay?

Oh wait, Richard Dawkins said it in The God Delusion; now, like followers of the Bible, our arrogance is impervious to criticism!

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Judaism and Christianity are closely linked and separted by only a single discrepancy, that of Christ as the Messiah. I am not missing the point of Christ's teachings, I hate no one, I do not like sin, I know that I am not perfect and that my redemption comes through my belief that Christ died for my sins and arose. I practice my faith, I do not force it on anyone, however, when asked I will discuss it and when it is challenged I will defend it. I practice charity, humility, and seek my own redemption.

Yes, but I think the point is that saying the world would be better off if everyone were converted into Christians, and that Jews should be 'perfected', isn't exactly practicing 'charity, humility, and seeking your own redemption.'

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Christianity does not wish to cleanse the earth, we wish to change the earth. We preach to non-believers in the hopes of bring them closer to God through his son Jesus Christ.

But, in the Christian perspective (evangelist anyway), wouldn't global conversion be an act of 'cleansing'? Surely you don't mean to say that you don't believe that it is 'better' or 'more true' to believe in Christianity.

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As far as our 2000 year old book, well how many times has that book proven science, history and archeaology incorrect??

None. But, of course, science, history, and archeaology has proven the Bible to be incorrect on many occasions.

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The fact that it is interpretted by man is what has made the Bible at times fallible, however, since man himself is fallible this should come as no surprise.

Indeed, or the fact that it was written by man.

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You know for those that attack Christianity and faith as delusions I feel sorry for you. When you life ends you will be buried and become food for the worms, that is all that you can believe. I on the other hand, believe that there is an afterlife, I have something to strive for, to make myself prepared for, and to look forward to one day obtaining. What do you have?????

More arrogance about the alleged superiority of your claims about ultimate truth...or are you just practicing humility?

I would tell you what I have, but I'm afraid I would sound much like yourself in my opinions (in terms of arrogance). The most I will say is that, I myself find enough comfort in what I believe; and in any event, even if I did not find any comfort, I still would not believe in fantasy just for that end.

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At its beginning Christianity was a fringe religion, however, it spread despite being persecuted and often killed for their beliefs. That is the one fact that is always so difficult to overcome. Paul, Peter, Bartholomew, James, James the Just, Judas (Not Iscariot), Matthew, Philip, Simon, Thomas, and Matthias all died because of their beliefs. All they had to do to live was to testify that Christ did not rise from the dead, yet all choose to die for the belief that he did. Tell me, are you so certain of your beliefs that you are willing to die for them??? They were, so what does that tell you?

dmk

I'd rather live for my beliefs. But, believe me, Christians are far from having a monopoly on being persecuted and killed for their beliefs. Especially when compared to atheism.