I must wonder at times what deep psychological, and dependency issues would make a person leave multiple misspelled comments on one article at a time. Now up to this point I have been very good about how I address certain religious sects and belief systems. I have tried to remain objective in my rational approach to an irrational subject. I must ask my other readers to comment and tell me if the following is true. According to the Fundamentalist, my writing (utilizing my freedom of speech) is, “…constant slandering and intense provocations. Atheists are discgruntled peole wit serious insecurities. At least I know where I am going in life now and after life here on earth. God bless you sir.”
At least I am blessed by them- which surprisingly does not seem to mean a whole lot, I would assume they are (as the bible would say) Pharisees who simply act the part but obviously do not walk it.
You see I know Christians, real live people who do not act in a manner, which portrays militant actions against anything they do not understand. The true Christians I know are the one reason I have not turned to outright slander of something I truly feel is nothing. According to the Fundamentalist “Lee Strobel. A renowned writer of sorts with much more credibility and experience than yourself (no offense intended). However, he too spewed this trash until, one day he woke up and realized there was another explaination to the who, what, why, when, where, and how of religion. He actually proved there was indeed a God and He very much does exist.”
However, what seems to be evading this poor being is that proof (as a term) consists of the following definitions taken from Merriam Webster. “A: the cogency of evidence that compels acceptance by the mind of a truth or a fact B: the process or an instance of establishing the validity of a statement especially by derivation from other statements in accordance with principles of reasoning.” Reason shows me a simply problem with believing only one religion, there are thousands of current religions and hundreds of various gods. Islam is the fastest growing modern religion and is slated to outgrow Christianity very soon, which will take away their one big argument for the validity of their belief system, which so many people would not believe if it were not true. That is reason, and logic – my logic and reason shows one outcome, within 500 to 1000 years Christianity will be no more than a pipe dream and there will be yet another religion growing up to overtake Islam. So when the Fundamentalist claims that some individual “proved” God exists, can they actually prove it using something other than a personal emotional decision?
Finally, I will address one last post from the Fundamentalist, “You know Scripture reletively well. I havn't read one book on atheism. Why? Because I am secure in my belief in God. He has confirmed many truths in my life and performed even more miracles for myself and my family. I also don't read books on atheism because I don't need to know anothers view on disbelief, I once had my own. But then God saved me from myself and I am forever indebted to Him for that. So why are you reading the Bible again?” They have placed several ideas in this post; the first idea is that they are willfully ignorant of anything outside of their very narrow belief system. The second is that they believe I have recently taken up reading the “Bible” again, whereas this is a false presumption. I never stopped; I just added more holy books, historical references, and the use of facts to the mix. I like reading the bible, I have said this many times- it is a fun fiction.
Now I will ask the fundamentalist to answer just one of the many questions I have asked, do you truly feel you are better than I as a person am?
Comments
I think the "fundamentalist" moniker says it all. There are fundies of every religion (and non-religion, I would imagine) that are out to harass everyone of every other choice.
You'd be amazed at some of the vicious emails and comments I receive via my blog.
You're right. It is counter-productive to insult someone during the course of a civil conversation. And to end it with "God Bless You" seems very hypocritical. It's amazing how many people use the name of their Lord to excuse such behavior.
As a Christian, I tell you that God loves you even though you don't acknowledge His existence. Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. I do not judge you, but will try to share God's message with you. God created Christianity, man created religion. Jesus said, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." He's not "a" gate, but "the" gate. No other religion can guarantee eternal life. Jesus also said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." ~ John 14:6
We are not better than anyone as people. Everyone is a child of God. He extends His grace and salvation to anyone interested in the taking. God's nature is much more omnipotent than ours, thus His absolute deity and sovereignty. But He is also understanding and generous with His intention for all of us-eternal life through His son, Jesus Christ and a life of fulfillment and enjoyment while here on earth.
Thus, each of us has the same worth or place of value in the Kingdom of God. This is one more attribute which makes Him so amazing. He is not a sexist or racist God. These are all creations of man and our carnal and sinful nature.
This leads me to my next part of value or self-worth. As His children, we are entitled to realms not even the angels can reach. Henceforth, one reason for Lucifers fall directly following his pride instead of just letting God be God. After falling, Lucifer became Satan and angels became his demons. Lucifer or God's second in command of heaven's hosts, was a treasured or valued devine being in God's Kingdom. Due to his pride and envy of God's omnipotence and absolution as the Almighty Lord of Lords, Satan was cast down to earth to attempt and have dominion over the human race. However, true to His Word, God will never leave us nor forsake us otherwise called Jesus Christ. It was through Jesus Christ and only Jesus Christ by which we are able to permanently remain children of God.
But we must make that decision of choice. We must accept our own inefficiencies and weaknesses and choose or admit that we need God to run our lives. We must take that step into our walk with God.
So, to answer your question, we are all important to God but not all of us will receive His grace. That seems to be a huge stumbling stone for man. Who is better than the other? Am I better than you? You see, this is man's pride or sinful nature. When we start comparing our self-worth or importance, we step right into the realm of Satan. We (most unknowingly) have taken the "bait of Satan!" We have fallen right into his trap which he deceptively sets for us. If he can cause our own fall, he thinks he has won us. Satan is all about winning, being better, being higher, and everything that falls under pride and selfishness. He is epitemy of pride.
It is not about what "religion" is the right religion. It is all about hidden agendas, subliminal messages, desensitization, and underlying means. All of which are tools of Satan. He doesn't care about how you think you are getting to the "afterlife", he only cares about getting to you or tripping you up on the way there. By any means he can.
Those of us who do not receive God's grace don't receive it because we don't think we need it. I am not out to convert anyone. Actually, you will not find one post about converting or forcing Christianity on anyone. It wouldn't matter even if I did, if a person is not willing, they won't recieve! Period! Like one commentor stated, we are just giving different views. We wouldn't be true Christians if we didn't mention something about Christianity. I am simply letting you know that disbelief or unbelief or atheism or however you paint your picture, it is all insecurity.
I am only saved through my savior, Jesus Christ. It is by HIS actions that I am able to live. It is by Him and Him alone that I am who I am. God makes everyone. Its up to them how they want to change. If they wish to remain controlled by Satan or if they wish to be free from this burden. Being free from Satan and being free from ourselves is being a Christian, not judging or condemning others.
Enjoyable back and forth, Jesse. You should consider writing it up in comic book format. You've already got one of the key components: an arch-nemesis, "The Fundamentalist". Now, if you had a costume and a super power, you'd have the whole 9 yards. <g>
Keep up the good work. Great essay!
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