Search results

While composing a response post on another thread (obviously) it occurred to me the benefits I received from my religious upbringing. I spend plenty of time talking against it now, but only occasionally speak to the benefits. Others may have taken a similar path. Started in one place and...

--- PARODY --- Person #1: Receive the free gift of eternal life. Person #2: No thanks. Person #1: I said it was free. Person #2: There must be some strings attached. Person #1: Well, of course. Person #2: It's not a free gift then, right? Person #1: You had better take it... or else! Person...

Peter was a disciple told to feed Jesus' sheep. In this case, the disciple is the leader and the sheep are followers. (being cared for) John 21:15-17 NIV When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you...

Maybe you went forward. And you prayed the prayer. You received Jesus. Now what? Or perhaps you took a different route to connect with Jesus? Now what? Let's focus on the idea of receiving Jesus. What does it mean? Below is a key verse to work from. John 1:11-12 NIV He came to that which was...

The Gospel according to St. Matthew, the Gospel according to St. Mark, the Gospel according to St. Luke, the Gospel according to St. John... ... the Gospel according to St. SteVen. (hey, why not?) What's your story? What has God taught you through your unique life experiences? ]

A follow-up to this previous (short-lived) topic: https://www.christianityboard.com/threads/absolute-truth-do-we-know-what-it-is.63543/ Absolute truth - Do we know what it is? Jesus said to Pilate, "... the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the...

Deconstruction is a very scary word to most Christians. Granted, it sound destructive and harmful. When I discovered some deconstructing Christians, I felt as if I was going through a similar process. So, the word didn't bother me too much. I did feel that some of them had taken it too far...

Religious institutions, particularly the churches of Christianity, provide a sanitized sterile environment. A bit like a petri dish in a lab, in which church culture can safely grow. But, tribe members don't live in the bubble. So they have to travel outside eventually. They may surround...

This point causes me a massive amount of cognitive dissonance. (something most won't admit) The gospel and the New Testament narrative unravel when these things aren't literal. - The geologies are meaningless. (or in serious error) - Who wrote the Books of Moses? (and when) - If Adam wasn't...

James VI/James I’s Love Life: The British King whose Lovers were Men — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history James VI of Scotland (later also crowned James I of England) is a king of some ambiguity: he was both intellectually wise...

One partner for life? What you get you are stuck with. Was she raised in the church? Probably thinks sex is evil. Isn't that what we were taught? I'm not advocating sexual promiscuity, but what can we make of this? In the church we destroy sex with our religious views. Discuss. ]

Follow-up to the topic: https://www.christianityboard.com/threads/is-lying-a-violation-of-the-ten-commandments-no-well-maybe.61575/ The common understanding is that "taking the Lord's name in vain" is what we have labeled "swearing", that is using the word "God" as an expletive. But is that...

Doctrinolatry - tribalism and division in the Body of Christ A follow-up to my Bibliolatry topic. Doctrine becomes an idol when it is used to support tribalism and cause division in the Body of Christ. Since doctrinal unity is impossible, allowing others to hold their own doctrinal opinions may...

I was asked a question recently about why I am still in the church? Good question. This led to me thinking about the larger subject of taking a stand. What does that look like? Or what could it look like? Over the years I have known many individuals that have taken issue with the church and...

AND your definition of God's purpose in justice defines the character you are assigning to Him. We can say that God is both loving and just without demeaning His good character. His justice CANNOT negate His love. - And his love CANNOT negate His justice. Therefore, the purpose of God's...

What do you make of this report? https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/19/politics/louisiana-classrooms-ten-commandments/index.html?Date=20240619&Profile=CNN&utm_content=1718827102&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter ]

Watch this short Connor Franta testimony video to help understand what it is like to deal with this issue. Make note of where the sexual attraction came from. Coming Out Coming Out: One Year Later If you are wondering about me, read the OP for this topic below, thanks...

This was the "Why only us?" question I had to grapple with as a young adult. Is it true? Heaven is only for Christians? What does that even mean? ]

Faith is not required to believe a certainty. How much energy do we expend attempting to promote salvation as a certainty? All the reams of apologetics to make the mystery of faith appear to be a certainty. Were we saved by grace through certainty, or saved by grace through faith? ]

Jesus said to Pilate, "... the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" - John 18:37-38 NIV Still a good question. Absolute truth - Do we know what it is? ]