September 8th Open Ice

Actually, no, because I can’t save anyone, not even myself. Only Jesus can do that.

The Southern Baptists were just a prime example. Is all. That attitude can be inherent in a lot of other churches, but the most predominant one I’m seeing is in South Baptist Churches.

Also, the Christian definition of the heaven and hell thing is actually defined clearly in terms of what it really is. Heaven is being in the eternal presence of God. Hell is being outside that presence. So if you can see it from my side, it’s really a choice for you what you want to do. I am not better than you in any way. I have decided to commit my life to being in God’s presence, that’s all.

However, I AM inviting you to come into that presence. It’s your call to accept or deny, and God will honor your choice. I witness because Jesus compels me to witness. If you come around, then God and I will be glad. If you don’t, then, again, I’m sorry, but I will honor your decision (and in a respectful way, not pitying way). But in the end, this whole being saved thing has nothing to do with me, or any other Christian. It’s between you and God.

God did not say “I love only the Jews” or “I love only Christians.” He said he loved ALL. So there is no way I can be better or worse than you. In fact, that whole “I’m better than you” mentality was so detrimental that Jesus tore into the Pharisees for thinking that way. So if there is any sort of attitude of “I’m better than you” in Christianity, know that Jesus himself was the first to condemn it. In fact, those with that kind of attitude will probably be judged the harshest for ignoring what Jesus called them to be and to do.

Goes back to the “Those of you who would be first, must be the least among your brethren.”

We’re not here to rub in your face the threat of damnation, at least I hope not!!! We’re also not here to judge, because, again, we’re in no position to or else we’d be hypocrites. Yes, i know that doesn’t stop individual people or even groups from judging, but as a church, we don’t. That would go against everything I stand for and the church stands for. Nor are WE here to save you. Because we can’t. All Christians are here to do is to announce that not all hope is lost, and that there is a way to God (if you believe in Him that is), and that God would like to invite you into his presence. That is the Great Commission given by Jesus to his followers. Spread the Good News. Not use fear tactics to force conversions, something the Roman Catholic church put to great use unfortunately.

I used to work in retail. Certain items, in my opinion, should be tacked on with an extended warranty, like laptops, because there is a decent percentage that fail. One of my former co-workers got fired for using fear tactics to get customers to buy the warranty. While they DID buy the warranty, it made the store look bad because it showed a lack of respect to the customer as well as the store that prized customer service. What we’re supposed(key word) to do is explain what the extended warranty is, explain the benefits, and let you decide what to do.

That’s exactly the same idea Jesus told us to do.

Again, I’m trying to clear up some confusion between what’s understood about Christians and what Christianity actually is. That’s all my responses really are, so that we can agree or disagree after everyone is on the same page.

I’m not here to offend. As you can see, I AM very passionate about this topic because of what being a Christian has done for my life, and I feel it’s my duty to clear up some misunderstandings. But in no way am I here to offend.

I will agree with Sean in that many so called Christians have colored the way Christianity is viewed that it seems like it has become a very self serving, potentially negative faith. All I’m trying to do is to show that despite those people, Christianity in and of itself should be viewed in a positive light. I mean it’s called Good News. There has to be a reason why it’s called that or else it’d just be hogwash.

That’s all. Bed time.

Even Sarah Palin came out with a Tweet ( that is how she makes her regal pronouncements ) asking him to “stand down”.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

Sean shouldn’t have been coveting that ass.

…That covet a certain ’Mule", especially in the playoffs!

My life philosophy is basically enjoy every fleeting moment as much as you can while always doing your best to respect the people around you. Basically do unto others with a little carpe diem thrown in.

I don’t believe in God so I don’t follow anything God says. Especially since the bible was written by men and men are flawed. I do think a lot of the teachings in the Bible, and all other religious texts are important and lots of them I try to emulate. But to me it’s those commandments are silly. As I said if you believe then I respect you for not taking the lords name in vain. It’s just not a big deal to me that I don’t.

but what if you’re a masochist?

No

But my roommate did. Seminary school at Regent College. And I’ve learned a lot from the guy.

One of the best ppl you’ll ever meet Christian or no.

I think George Carlin said it best