Which one is the right one?

[Beelzebaby666]

Originally Posted by hvp05

It sounds to me like you ought to (and want to) take a class on religion and philosophy rather than seek to join one.

Did it.. Myself, an 8 year old woman and eventually another 20% of the class left before the end of the semester...

I was sorely disappointed. It was all watching movies that had nothing to do with the text and taking notes on what the Prof. rehashed from the reading.

NO dicussion, nothing

[RadioPatrol]

Originally Posted by jenbengen

I believe the Jewish community does not have a New Testament (correct me if I am wrong), because they feel like Jesus is not the one intended to come and save everybody and they are still waiting for that to come along. ??

Yes they are still waiting on the Messiah .....

[camily (Premo)]

Jews for Jesus seem to be the closest to right actually.
Check them out.
Jews for Jesus - http://www.jewsforjesus.org/

[Beelzebaby666]

For the record...

I'm not looking to join up or be converted... I asked a simple question and most of what I got was....

Go to church.

Buy the book.

Seek guidance from a priest.

That's not what I asked for, but is was what I expected.

[itsbob (Premo)]

Originally Posted by camily

Churches don't charge you that either.

Really?? What do you have to pay for a tithe to be considered a good Christian worthy of salvation.. and able to enter the kingdom of heavan??

You saying there ISN'T an entrance fee or a cover charge??

Or are you saying your church wants more than 10%

[Beelzebaby666]

Originally Posted by itsbob

Really?? What do you have to pay for a tithe to be considered a good Christian worthy of salvation.. and able to enter the kingdom of heavan??

You saying there ISN'T an entrance fee or a cover charge??

Or are you saying your church wants more than 10%

I remember my ex telling me how hard it was to watch his mother work so much to support them, then cry at night because she couldn't afford the 15% she "wanted" to give.

Why does the church cost so must to support?

Because it's a business, in the business perpetuating it's existence under the pretense of selling you salvation.

[itsbob (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Beelzebaby666

I remember my ex telling me how hard it was to watch his mother work so much to support them, then cry at night because she couldn't afford the 15% she "wanted" to give.

Why does the church cost so must to support?

Because it's a business, in the business perpetuating it's existence under the pretense of selling you salvation.

"If you tithe first, and put your faith in God, your bills will get paid, your children will get fed."

But first and foremost, before you pay your rent, or your electric bill, or go grocery shopping to buy formula and diapers.. pay the church first! (on your before tax income.. the REAL faithful pay 10 - 15% on their Gross income, the less faithful pay on their NET)

[Beelzebaby666]

Originally Posted by itsbob

"If you tithe first, and put your faith in God, your bills will get paid, your children will get fed."

But first and foremost, before you pay your rent, or your electric bill, or go grocery shopping to buy formula and diapers.. pay the church first! (on your before tax income.. the REAL faithful pay 10 - 15% on their Gross income, the less faithful pay on their NET)

This is precisely why my ex lost his faith in the church... He could not see how it was beneficial for his mother to suffer over not being able to pay for religion.



I'm going to post my response to a PM I got on this thread... I guess this says it all:

"So now that I'm not interested in becoming a Christian you don't care to discuss it further.

I care because I'm trying to validate what my assumptions are and don't care to tread on what someone believes without first knowing where they are coming from..

The thread proved one thing to me... Christians don't seem to be able to agree on their own religion.

Why do Christians feel the need to recruit? Ninety percent of my PM's on this subject have been efforts to bring me to the religion.

Is following the only way to understand?"

[awpitt (Premo)]

Originally Posted by itsbob

"If you tithe first, and put your faith in God, your bills will get paid, your children will get fed."

But first and foremost, before you pay your rent, or your electric bill, or go grocery shopping to buy formula and diapers.. pay the church first! (on your before tax income.. the REAL faithful pay 10 - 15% on their Gross income, the less faithful pay on their NET)

Is it 10% of your gross paycheck or 10% of your worth. I heard the term "self worth" used before. That could mean cash, in-kind donations of materials or time, or talent that can be donated to the church. One might not be able to afford to fork over cash to the church but they might be a good handyman and be able to donate time and talent by helping to maintain the building and grounds of the church. That has cash value.

[migtig]

Originally Posted by Beelzebaby666

Christians don't seem to be able to agree on their own religion.

Why do Christians feel the need to recruit? Ninety percent of my PM's on this subject have been efforts to bring me to the religion.

Is following the only way to understand?"

Oh come on. I didn't try to recruit you. I actually shared information that I have found through doing my own research and seeking out classes and instruction in my free time. And I am not part of any diabolical cult. Though there were a few times when....

Anyway, again, Christianity is based on the New Testament.

The New Testament, if you actually sit down and read it, has the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus taught in "parables", which encouraged his followers to think and interpret his teachings in the way that best suited them.

Therefore, since there are so many interpretations, there many choices in a Christian church. But like ANY religion, it has to feel good to you to be right for you.

No, you don't have to join a Church and be a follower to understand the basic tenats and principles. And no you don't have to be a follower to seek further study and clarification. However, you do have to truly pursue a path towards educating yourself and take the time to immerse yourself in it. You can't wash your hands of something and say it's all wrong, cause you didn't even give a chance. However, you won't learn anything if you aren't open minded.

I could also say that ANYTHING you choose to give to, whether time, money, etc. has to be something that you personally feel good about doing, otherwise you wouldn't do it just cause somebody said so. Some people want to give and share, not just with their churches, but to the world in general. If you send out something positive, you get something positive in return. And that's not just a Christian belief. I see that in Hinduism, Taoism, Buddahists, and even Greenies.