| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Read this thread with interest... | |
| Posted by: | Laurence Truett | |
| Date/Time: | 20/09/10 19:56:00 |
| Hi Robin... You say 'Don't be silly, Laurence. Faith is defined in the dictionary as "a strong belief in something, especially without proof". ' Well, that is a current dictionary definition and it is most definitely not an accurate description of Christian Biblical faith. Faith - in the Bible terms - is 'being absolutely convinced that God has got the power to do that which He has promised.' Romans 4:21 How? Based on His past revelation and works and on His Son Jesus Christ. Not based on thin air. I understand secularism is masquerading as a social system largely at the moment. However, if you get down to its philosophical roots and the assumptions its based on - it is very disturbing. I love the idea that as a Christian - I can still freely worship God, proclaim Jesus Christ with little or no persecution etc etc. However, the idea that religions who's doctrines and tenets directly oppose each other can be (on a real roots level - not just on a social peace level) resolved by adding a third party who's belief assumption that God does not exist is undergirding the decisions and the practices it makes. Let me illustrate: there are two children who are arguing. One says "circles are round!" The other says "circles are square!" To come to a mature conclusion and end the dispute is for someone to intervene - to investigate the claims of each child and the evidence and then proclaim the correct answer. The child who is wrong should then be encouraged to change their thinking. However, secularism introduces another child into the argument. This child seems to say "Actually circles don't exist at all. But that nots the point. For the sake of peace and quiet, you go to your corner and believe quietly that your circle is square - and you go to the other corner and believe your circle is round. For the sake of peace and quiet - let's all believe different things - AS LONG AS YOU TWO BOTH DO AS I SAY! The quest for truth is squashed. As the secularist already assumes he is right and that the other two are wrong. Your comeback on my comment about the Qu'ranic teaching of killing the infidels was disappointing. You said "I know lots of Muslims and not one of them believes in those things. When you insult other religions, you leave your own faith open to criticism. How much blood do Christians have on their hands - have you never heard of the Crusades? And let's not even discuss the six million Jews who perished because of the Christian mythology that they were responsible for killing Christ. Didn't Christian fundamentalist George W Bush invade Iraq because he thought he was doing god's bidding?" Ok so you know a lot of liberal Muslims who choose to tone down the direct teachings of the Qu'ran. I know quite a few Muslims who would class those people as not real Muslims. However, the difference is - the violance committed by these Muslims is ordained and ordered in the Holy Book itself, in Allah's revelation to Mohammed and also the practices of the main man himself, Mohammed. It is not a misinterpretation of some. I know the history of Christianity has a lot of mistakes in it and some awful atrocities such as the crusades. They were unbiblical and definitely not the sort of actions that true Christians should take part in. However, the violent acts committed in the name of Christianity over the years have been man's failings rather than direct commands form the Bible and God Himself. This is why Bible study and real Christianity should be shouted for and should stand against all false interpretations. Matthew 7:15-23 - Jesus talks directly about this ""Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. *** By their fruit you will recognize them. *** Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. *** Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. *** "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Bush was a politician. Same as Blair - their actions were not because of their faith but because of their greed and personal ambition. |