Christianity Defined.

Wheatfield · 12-20-2011, 04:45 PM - **2 Likes**

The belief that a cosmic Jewish Zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree.

djc737 · 12-20-2011, 05:05 PM - **1 Like**

Or simply the belief that it is better to give than receive, love than be loved, ... It is too easy to get lost in all the metaphysical mumbo jumbo. It's all about the message. Other than that, it is quite easy to shoot apart any ancient belief system.

SteveM · 12-20-2011, 05:45 PM

I watched an interesting show on PBS last night which expressed the difference, or polarization between Christians and non-Christians, and more specifically, two separate factions of Christians.

Christianity is defined for some as being compassionate, helpful and accepting of others. I can't say that I am extremely religious, but I like this form of Christianity. Somehow there is a segment of Christians that seem to be opposite from this vision of Christianity. This group is drawn towards hate based on someone's sexual orientation etc. This, to me, is anything but Christian and I think this is why so many are walking away from Christianity.

redrockcoulee · 12-20-2011, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by djc737

Or simply the belief that it is better to give than receive, love than be loved, ... It is too easy to get lost in all the metaphysical mumbo jumbo. It's all about the message. Other than that, it is quite easy to shoot apart any ancient belief system.

That can also describe people who knows nothing about Christianity as well. Potlatches were the extreme example of better to give than receive and it was Christians who outlawed it. I find this type of definition as in some ways offensive as by defining this religion in those terms it implies that the others do not believe in this at all, I am fairly confident that this was not your intent by the way.

wlachan · 12-20-2011, 07:13 PM

True Christians offer unlimited love and support until you are determined could not be converted. My own take is that religions are powerful tools for the rulers, but addictive drugs for those who follow. Studying their accumulated wisdoms makes you smart, dig deep into their belief can make you numb and dangerous.

JohnBee · 12-20-2011, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by wlachan

True Christians offer unlimited love and support until you are determined could not be converted. My own take is that religions are powerful tools for the rulers, but addictive drugs for those who follow. Studying their accumulated wisdoms makes you smart, dig deep into their belief can make you numb and dangerous.

When one establishes his or her definition of Christianity by the book(pun intended) than the outcome usually changes. For example... based on the example set by Jesus, we could say that true Christian(by definition) would not extend conditional love toward others regardless of their position or intent.

lesmore49 · 12-20-2011, 07:57 PM

Some say they believe in God, but not in organized religion. Some may wonder why Christians need someone (priest, pastor, etc.) to define your beliefs.

djc737 · 12-20-2011, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by redrockcoulee

That can also describe people who knows nothing about Christianity as well. Potlatches were the extreme example of better to give than receive and it was Christians who outlawed it. I find this type of definition as in some ways offensive as by defining this religion in those terms it implies that the others do not believe in this at all, I am fairly confident that this was not your intent by the way.

Yes, that is quite true. I think it is the hallmark of anyone who has risen above the base desire to take care of yourself. As was stated by another poster, it exemplifies one large branch of Christianity. The other side has lost the difference between being Christian and an American Capitalist. God does not bless us so we can spend more on ourselves.

Anvh · 12-20-2011, 08:44 PM

Originally posted by redrockcoulee

That can also describe people who knows nothing about Christianity as well. Potlatches were the extreme example of better to give than receive and it was Christians who outlawed it. I find this type of definition as in some ways offensive as by defining this religion in those terms it implies that the others do not believe in this at all, I am fairly confident that this was not your intent by the way.

When you look at relegion you see it's mostly about power.
It's just rediculous to see how many battles are fought in some gods name and how it's used to make some actions right.
I'm not saying religion is bad, it can be wonderful but sadly it has been misbused a lot over time.

When you look at some indian believes, you see a lot less blood shed and for most their way of living seems far more balanced.
i'm more inclined to go with those than most other believes.
so i think atheisme is better but it's something for yourself to decide though.

I just live my life the best and earnest i can, in most ways this comfirm with most comon believes.
So even if there is a god and he's great as everyone says i doubt he would throw me to hell only because i didn't believe in him.

About relegion it's strange in a way that there are a lot more atheist in Europe than in America, does anybody know how that comes?

wlachan · 12-20-2011, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by Anvh

About relegion it's strange in a way that there are a lot more atheist in Europe than in America, does anybody know how that comes?

Because in America, religions are very profitable business due to the huge # of population which never set foot outside their own soil to see the real world out there.

riff · 12-20-2011, 09:08 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Wheatfield

The belief that a cosmic Jewish Zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree.

Makes more sense then the official story on 9/11.

jsherman999 · 12-20-2011, 09:38 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Wheatfield

The belief that a cosmic Jewish Zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree.

Makes North Korea sound like a theme park!

magkelly · 12-20-2011, 10:49 PM

I've heard that definition before and I thought it was too funny and rather sarcastically accurate. Christianity the religion to me is nothing but yet another Risen God cult. No different than the ancient people worshiping say Osiris or Tammuz. No offense, but that's how I see it and that's coming from someone who's actually read several versions from cover to cover and studied them and taken college level courses on the Bible et all.

Believing there is something more powerful out there than we seem to be, I guess I can get that but the whole bended knee worship Him thing. That's just not for me. I'm not living back 2000 years ago. I wasn't raised to monotheism, to follow some jealous Middle Eastern Sky God and the teachings of a Holy Book. My parents believe in a God being sort of but they pretty much left it up to me as to what I wanted to believe that way. They encouraged me to study as many religions as I wanted and to pick one or not as I chose. In the end that's what I did. I chose none actually.

There are teachings in almost every religion on the planet that I think have some worth, but in the end they're all mythology. Silly humans just forever trying to explain the unknown. Me, I'm just going to BE. I'll try to keep an open mind as to what might happen after I die. I'll live my life each day as best I can, try to be as decent a person as I can manage and that's about it. That's enough, all anyone can ask of me, I think.

Anvh · 12-21-2011, 01:33 AM

Originally posted by magkelly

There are teachings in almost every religion on the planet that I think have some worth, but in the end they're all mythology. Silly humans just forever trying to explain the unknown. Me, I'm just going to BE. I'll try to keep an open mind as to what might happen after I die. I'll live my life each day as best I can, try to be as decent a person as I can manage and that's about it. That's enough, all anyone can ask of me, I think.

And nothing more should be asked i think of someone.

I agree with most points but not with the first part of what i quote off you, i think you're forgetting the physological aspect.
For some it's a guide of a way off living not something to explain the unkown.
But don't go overboard please, it's just a book afterall...

Don't know if someone saw the documentry Jesus Camp?
topdocumentaryfilms.com/jesus-camp/

Anvh · 12-21-2011, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by wlachan

Because in America, religions are very profitable business due to the huge # of population which never set foot outside their own soil to see the real world out there.

A history teacher once told me that religion was invented by the rich to opress the poor.
When you start to think about it and look things up you'll see some connections.

I'm not saying it's 100% true or always true but it has been used in such a way, for example big companies helping by donating money to build a church or to a preacher to infliunce him. If you've the church by your side then workers are less likely to revoke afterall...
Luckely this is all history, i hope...

12-20-2011, 04:45 PM - 2 Likes	#1
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,986	Christianity Defined. The belief that a cosmic Jewish Zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree.

12-21-2011, 01:33 AM	#14
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by magkelly There are teachings in almost every religion on the planet that I think have some worth, but in the end they're all mythology. Silly humans just forever trying to explain the unknown. Me, I'm just going to BE. I'll try to keep an open mind as to what might happen after I die. I'll live my life each day as best I can, try to be as decent a person as I can manage and that's about it. That's enough, all anyone can ask of me, I think. And nothing more should be asked i think of someone. I agree with most points but not with the first part of what i quote off you, i think you're forgetting the physological aspect. For some it's a guide of a way off living not something to explain the unkown. But don't go overboard please, it's just a book afterall... Don't know if someone saw the documentry Jesus Camp? topdocumentaryfilms.com/jesus-camp/ Last edited by Anvh; 12-21-2011 at 10:25 AM.

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12-20-2011, 05:05 PM - 1 Like	#2
djc737 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South jersey outside of Philly Posts: 281	Or simply the belief that it is better to give than receive, love than be loved, ... It is too easy to get lost in all the metaphysical mumbo jumbo. It's all about the message. Other than that, it is quite easy to shoot apart any ancient belief system.

12-20-2011, 05:45 PM	#3
SteveM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,294	I watched an interesting show on PBS last night which expressed the difference, or polarization between Christians and non-Christians, and more specifically, two separate factions of Christians. Christianity is defined for some as being compassionate, helpful and accepting of others. I can't say that I am extremely religious, but I like this form of Christianity. Somehow there is a segment of Christians that seem to be opposite from this vision of Christianity. This group is drawn towards hate based on someone's sexual orientation etc. This, to me, is anything but Christian and I think this is why so many are walking away from Christianity.

12-20-2011, 06:00 PM	#4
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	Originally posted by djc737 Or simply the belief that it is better to give than receive, love than be loved, ... It is too easy to get lost in all the metaphysical mumbo jumbo. It's all about the message. Other than that, it is quite easy to shoot apart any ancient belief system. That can also describe people who knows nothing about Christianity as well. Potlatches were the extreme example of better to give than receive and it was Christians who outlawed it. I find this type of definition as in some ways offensive as by defining this religion in those terms it implies that the others do not believe in this at all, I am fairly confident that this was not your intent by the way.

12-20-2011, 07:13 PM	#5
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	True Christians offer unlimited love and support until you are determined could not be converted. My own take is that religions are powerful tools for the rulers, but addictive drugs for those who follow. Studying their accumulated wisdoms makes you smart, dig deep into their belief can make you numb and dangerous.

12-20-2011, 07:23 PM	#6
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by wlachan True Christians offer unlimited love and support until you are determined could not be converted. My own take is that religions are powerful tools for the rulers, but addictive drugs for those who follow. Studying their accumulated wisdoms makes you smart, dig deep into their belief can make you numb and dangerous. When one establishes his or her definition of Christianity by the book(pun intended) than the outcome usually changes. For example... based on the example set by Jesus, we could say that true Christian(by definition) would not extend conditional love toward others regardless of their position or intent.

12-20-2011, 07:57 PM	#7
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,349	Some say they believe in God, but not in organized religion. Some may wonder why Christians need someone (priest, pastor, etc.) to define your beliefs.

12-20-2011, 08:01 PM	#8
djc737 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South jersey outside of Philly Posts: 281	Originally posted by redrockcoulee That can also describe people who knows nothing about Christianity as well. Potlatches were the extreme example of better to give than receive and it was Christians who outlawed it. I find this type of definition as in some ways offensive as by defining this religion in those terms it implies that the others do not believe in this at all, I am fairly confident that this was not your intent by the way. Yes, that is quite true. I think it is the hallmark of anyone who has risen above the base desire to take care of yourself. As was stated by another poster, it exemplifies one large branch of Christianity. The other side has lost the difference between being Christian and an American Capitalist. God does not bless us so we can spend more on ourselves.

12-20-2011, 08:44 PM	#9
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by redrockcoulee That can also describe people who knows nothing about Christianity as well. Potlatches were the extreme example of better to give than receive and it was Christians who outlawed it. I find this type of definition as in some ways offensive as by defining this religion in those terms it implies that the others do not believe in this at all, I am fairly confident that this was not your intent by the way. When you look at relegion you see it's mostly about power. It's just rediculous to see how many battles are fought in some gods name and how it's used to make some actions right. I'm not saying religion is bad, it can be wonderful but sadly it has been misbused a lot over time. When you look at some indian believes, you see a lot less blood shed and for most their way of living seems far more balanced. i'm more inclined to go with those than most other believes. so i think atheisme is better but it's something for yourself to decide though. I just live my life the best and earnest i can, in most ways this comfirm with most comon believes. So even if there is a god and he's great as everyone says i doubt he would throw me to hell only because i didn't believe in him. About relegion it's strange in a way that there are a lot more atheist in Europe than in America, does anybody know how that comes?

12-20-2011, 08:53 PM	#10
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by Anvh About relegion it's strange in a way that there are a lot more atheist in Europe than in America, does anybody know how that comes? Because in America, religions are very profitable business due to the huge # of population which never set foot outside their own soil to see the real world out there.

12-20-2011, 09:08 PM - 1 Like	#11
riff Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,408	Originally posted by Wheatfield The belief that a cosmic Jewish Zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree. Makes more sense then the official story on 9/11.

12-20-2011, 09:38 PM - 1 Like	#12
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Wheatfield The belief that a cosmic Jewish Zombie who was his own father can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically tell him you accept him as your master, so he can remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree. Makes North Korea sound like a theme park!

12-20-2011, 10:49 PM	#13
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	I've heard that definition before and I thought it was too funny and rather sarcastically accurate. Christianity the religion to me is nothing but yet another Risen God cult. No different than the ancient people worshiping say Osiris or Tammuz. No offense, but that's how I see it and that's coming from someone who's actually read several versions from cover to cover and studied them and taken college level courses on the Bible et all. Believing there is something more powerful out there than we seem to be, I guess I can get that but the whole bended knee worship Him thing. That's just not for me. I'm not living back 2000 years ago. I wasn't raised to monotheism, to follow some jealous Middle Eastern Sky God and the teachings of a Holy Book. My parents believe in a God being sort of but they pretty much left it up to me as to what I wanted to believe that way. They encouraged me to study as many religions as I wanted and to pick one or not as I chose. In the end that's what I did. I chose none actually. There are teachings in almost every religion on the planet that I think have some worth, but in the end they're all mythology. Silly humans just forever trying to explain the unknown. Me, I'm just going to BE. I'll try to keep an open mind as to what might happen after I die. I'll live my life each day as best I can, try to be as decent a person as I can manage and that's about it. That's enough, all anyone can ask of me, I think.

12-21-2011, 01:38 AM	#15
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by wlachan Because in America, religions are very profitable business due to the huge # of population which never set foot outside their own soil to see the real world out there. A history teacher once told me that religion was invented by the rich to opress the poor. When you start to think about it and look things up you'll see some connections. I'm not saying it's 100% true or always true but it has been used in such a way, for example big companies helping by donating money to build a church or to a preacher to infliunce him. If you've the church by your side then workers are less likely to revoke afterall... Luckely this is all history, i hope...