To Believe or Not To Believe? (SHOW RESPECT, OR RISK A BAN)

[Feenix]

I think so too. Some people - mostly young people in high school/college - prize sex as the most important thing in their live where others do not. When I go to church I rarely see high school/college age participants. Mostly all the young people are well over 25 and over. Many of them are already done with the college life and are already married. I do think young people that are still in school don't like the sex rules of the church, such as no sex before marriage. But it is what it is. I doubt the Church will ever change when it comes to that, and they shouldn't.

I think this is kind of a simplistic way of viewing it. The "sex rules" of the church are repressive and cruel. When young people reject these rules, it doesn't mean they prize sex, it means they know how harmful the rules can be.

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

True...that is a relevant topic...IF it's in regards to people who are already Christian. It's not really a topic if it's in regards to people who are not religious.

uhh, is this thread only for discussion on Christianity?

can't you be religious and not be Christian?

I think that a lot of people believe in god because they're scared of hell and of death.

I prefer to live like this is my only life and I have to make it worthwhile. Heaven to me is a life well lived.

I think the belief in a God comes with personal life experience. It could be psychological, but from what I've been through it's hard for me to believe that there is no metacosm to the macrocosm and microcosm.

Showing respect doesn't mean valuing a religion I don't follow or a god I don't believe in. You have to get past this idea that people are disrespectful if they criticize your religion.

I agree with you, however, if you (and when I say 'you' here I don't mean you personally but just anyone who does so) criticize something about a certain religion just because you don't understand why it is a part of the doctrine in the first place, then you come off as offensive imo.

 

[Feenix]

criticize something about a certain religion just because you don't understand why it is a part of the doctrine in the first place, then you come off as offensive imo.

What do you mean by this?

 

[Greens]

I hope you're not serious.

We have literally mountains upon mountains of evidence for the Holocaust, including people who actually experienced it. There's no denying that the evidence for Jesus is scarce compared to that.

 

[Apollo]

Anyway this topic has become more about sex that than what to subject of the topic is about ha. Did anyone catch the CNN special "Finding Jesus"? I missed it last week and yesterday. Did not know it was a weekly thing. I assume it's gonna run through Easter?

Yeah it will run well into Easter. It does talk about controversial topics though such as the gospel of Judas and Mary. So it may not be for every Christian. I know my Uncle probably won't watch it because of that. But I find it all very interesting.
The episodes include
1. The Shroud of Turin
Is an ancient linen cloth bearing the image of a crucified man the very shroud that Joseph wrapped Jesus in?

2. John the Baptist
Who was the real John the Baptist? An investigation of a relic believed to be a bone from his finger uncovers proof of John's powerful legacy.

3. The Gospel of Judas
Does an ancient codex discovered in an Egyptian burial cave answer why Judas betrayed Jesus? Premieres March 15 at 9pm ET/PT.

4. The Secret Brother of Jesus
The discovery of an extraordinary 2000 year-old burial box brings to light the remarkable story of Jesus' brother James. Premieres March 22 at 9pm ET/PT.

5. The True Cross
Are pieces of the cross Jesus died on still in existence today? The incredible legend of the True Cross is investigated. Premieres March 29 at 9pm ET/PT.

6. Mary Magdalene
Could ancient texts preserved in the sands of Egypt shed light on the nature of Mary's relationship with Jesus? Premieres April 5, Easter Sunday, at 9pm ET/PT.

Even if you missed an episode they repeat it on Sundays. CNN dedicated 4 hours last night to the finding Jesus. They may also have it on CNN or Comcast on demand to stream

http://www.cnn.com/shows/finding-jesus?sr=about_cnn_finding_jesus

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

What do you mean by this?

I was talking about eating food with some friends one time and pepperoni on pizza came up, and I said na I can't eat that. And one person said "oh what? that's stupid! and bla bla bla..." instead of asking why pork is forbidden for consumption.

I was talking about going to church with some friends one time and I mentioned how all the men have to sit separately from the women. And one person goes "That's weird. That's really weird..." instead of asking why men and women have their own places to sit during Jumma.

I was talking to my friend over lunch and there were lots of girls with hijabs around and he says, "why are all those girls dressed like that? they don't have to..." without knowing what the purpose of it is or being curious about it, and failing to realize that yes they don't have to wear it but do so because they choose to

 

[Feenix]

I was talking about eating food with some friends one time and pepperoni on pizza came up, and I said na I can't eat that. And one person said "oh what? that's stupid! and bla bla bla..." instead of asking why pork is forbidden for consumption.

I was talking about going to church with some friends one time and I mentioned how all the men have to sit separately from the women. And one person goes "That's weird. That's really weird..." instead of asking why men and women have their own places to sit during Jumma.

I was talking to my friend over lunch and there were lots of girls with hijabs around and he says, "why are all those girls dressed like that? they don't have to..." without knowing what the purpose of it is or being curious about it, and failing to realize that yes they don't have to wear it but do so because they choose to

Er, okay.

Just a question, do you know why pork is forbidden? Or why men and women are separated?

 

[Greens]

I was talking about eating food with some friends one time and pepperoni on pizza came up, and I said na I can't eat that. And one person said "oh what? that's stupid! and bla bla bla..." instead of asking why pork is forbidden for consumption.

I was talking about going to church with some friends one time and I mentioned how all the men have to sit separately from the women. And one person goes "That's weird. That's really weird..." instead of asking why men and women have their own places to sit during Jumma.

I was talking to my friend over lunch and there were lots of girls with hijabs around and he says, "why are all those girls dressed like that? they don't have to..." without knowing what the purpose of it is or being curious about it, and failing to realize that yes they don't have to wear it but do so because they choose to

Hmm. I've been ''that'' person when conversing with my Muslim friends, lol. I guess it's just a matter of testing the waters, because they don't mind when I respond like that.

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

Er, okay. I don't see where anything I said falls under those categories.

Just a question, do you know why pork is forbidden?

yo, I thought I made it clear that when I said 'you' I didn't mean that YOU personally meant those things, but just as a rebuttal to someone who does what you suggested (criticize religion or a focal point of a certain religion)

I agree with you, however, if you (and when I say 'you' here I don't mean you personally but just anyone who does so) criticize something about a certain religion just because you don't understand why it is a part of the doctrine in the first place, then you come off as offensive imo.

but anyways, the short answer to why pork is forbidden is that it is extremely unhealthy. there's a process for having halal and kosher meat but the physiology of the pig itself eliminates it as a valid choice for food.

In fact, I had a conversation with someone once about pork being forbidden even in the Bible, and his response to that was "Oh well breaking a minor rule is not a big deal..." - if you ask me, consumption of a meat that's forbidden isn't exactly not a big deal but there you have it. Pork is forbidden in Christianity as well but not taken as seriously.

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

Hmm. I've been ''that'' person when conversing with my Muslim friends, lol. I guess it's just a matter of testing the waters, because they don't mind when I respond like that.

word. not all of my non-muslim friends do it but for those that do and when they do, I don't throw a hissy fit over it. but in the back of my head I'm thinking "umm.." well you know. lol

 

[Greens]

but anyways, the short answer to why pork is forbidden is that it is extremely unhealthy. there's a process for having halal and kosher meat but the physiology of the pig itself eliminates it as a valid choice for food.

Why is pork singled out? Aren't a huge number of foods unhealthy? Why not just make a rule that says "Thou shalt not eat unhealthy foods."

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

Why is pork singled out? Aren't a huge number of foods unhealthy? Why not just make a rule that says "Thou shalt not eat unhealthy foods."

that's a problem within the communities themselves. like, I shouldn't be eating McDs because it's not 'halal' even though it's 'beef' and 'chicken'. but it's hard to find halal food without an outrageous price. it's a whole debacle within the communities, man.

 

[Howlett]

Why is pork singled out? Aren't a huge number of foods unhealthy? Why not just make a rule that says "Thou shalt not eat unhealthy foods."

Because at the time people were getting really sick from it because they didn't know how to store it and cook it, so someone said to ban it for safety concerns and tell everyone it's a religious thing.

It's not a problem anymore.

 

[Feenix]

So why are men and women separated?

 

[Feenix]

Because at the time people were getting really sick from it because they didn't know how to store it and cook it, so someone said to ban it for safety concerns and tell everyone it's a religious thing.

It's not a problem anymore.

Interesting. It makes sense.

I like Hitchens' chapter about why "Heaven Hates Ham." He was talking about how the things that are the tastiest are always prohibited.

 

[Apollo]

Very true.

I don't even bother with CNN. Most of those "history channel" things are disappointing to say the least.

I'm looking forward to checking out A.D. on NBC this Easter,though.

A.D on NBC looks really good I will definitely watch it on Easter. I am thrilled that there has been a rise in Christian themed programing this year. Finding Jesus on CNN, Killing Jesus on Nat Geo and now A.D The Bible Continues on NBC.

 

[Warhammer]

Why is pork singled out? Aren't a huge number of foods unhealthy? Why not just make a rule that says "Thou shalt not eat unhealthy foods."

Tradition.

If we religious people (Islam, Judaism, Christianity, etc) thought critically about things and began to rationalize why we do and do not partake in certain things, life would be simpler and a little better. For me personally, there are so many things about Christianity (specifically Protestantism) where I think "Why do I do this?", "Why don't I do this?", or "Why is this necessary?" It makes me seem kind of like a renegade in certain aspects, but that shouldn't matter anyway. Norms shouldn't regulate my belief or connection to my God or deity.

A.D on NBC looks really good I will definitely watch it on Easter. I am thrilled that there has been a rise in Christian themed programing this year. Finding Jesus on CNN, Killing Jesus on Nat Geo and now A.D The Bible Continues on NBC.

I'm excited for that as well. I didn't even know they were doing a sequel until I saw an ad after the Super Bowl. The Bible was well done.

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

So why are men and women separated?

to avoid any possible distraction.

however in Mecca, they're not separated

 

[ShadowBoxer]

I think so too. Some people - mostly young people in high school/college - prize sex as the most important thing in their live where others do not. When I go to church I rarely see high school/college age participants. Mostly all the young people are well over 25 and over. Many of them are already done with the college life and are already married. I do think young people that are still in school don't like the sex rules of the church, such as no sex before marriage. But it is what it is. I doubt the Church will ever change when it comes to that, and they shouldn't.

The church I attend ( Wave Church in Virginia Beach, VA) is full of young people, in fact it kinda has a rep of being like a hipster type of church lol. There are older people 40 and older that attend of course, but the young people influence (18-30) and younger middle and high school kids. I am 27 and been apart of the young adult ministry for the three years I been at the church.

All my friends who are married that attend the church waited until marriage to have sex. They weren't damaged or oppressed by waiting. Like I mentioned a few times before, most christians come out BETTER for waiting. The bonds with their significant others is stronger. Sex with your soul mate is all you need. Pre martial sex in my opinon just leads people comparing various sexual partners to one another and could lead to worse issues, like porn addiction, lusting after the wrong kinds of people etc. And again, what the bible teaches about waiting for sex has sound reasoning behind it, which I also went depth about on previous posts. But I am not gonna get back on that topic again.

 

[DarkSentinel]

Why is pork singled out? Aren't a huge number of foods unhealthy? Why not just make a rule that says "Thou shalt not eat unhealthy foods."

I'm sure there's bacon in heaven.


There better be.

 

[Greens]

I'm sure there's bacon in heaven.


There better be.

Nothing but canned foods in heaven.

 

[DarkSovereignty]

Nothing but canned foods in heaven.

Canned foods and twin beds for the unmarried couples.

 

[Human Torch]

A.D on NBC looks really good I will definitely watch it on Easter. I am thrilled that there has been a rise in Christian themed programing this year. Finding Jesus on CNN, Killing Jesus on Nat Geo and now A.D The Bible Continues on NBC.

Yeah.I've always thought a good film on the Apostles or Paul in general would be great. But they tend to fall back on the usual Bible stories for adaptations.

One would think Paul was worthy of a big budget film,since he wrote over half of the New Testament. But, I think they avoid it for fear of another "Passion of the Christ" controversy when dealing with the actual biblical account.

 

[Apollo]

I'm excited for that as well. I didn't even know they were doing a sequel until I saw an ad after the Super Bowl. The Bible was well done.

I really liked it too. I really hope this new series expands deep into early Christian history and what happened in the years after Jesus. Not many people are familiar with what happens during that time. The Bible series touched on part of it, like with Paul, but there is still so much history to tell about early Christianity to make the series really fascinating.

 

[Feenix]

I wish they would dabble in different religions. Filming documentaries about Christianity gets boring after a while. It's like they're trying to stir **** up. I just don't care anymore.

It's been done. There's so much more interesting history.