Why do some or most people take the Bible so literal rather than understanding the messages/deeper meanings that it holds?

[Anonymous]

By literal I mean you have pastors “casting out demons.” You have people calling everything demonic, people that only listen to gospel music because let them tell it secular music will send them and others to hell and it’s like at that point you’re not even being a believer or Christian. Instead you’re just becoming someone who lives out of fear of going to hell and not being accepted by Christ and I don’t know the Bible that well but I do know know Jesus wants us to live, have life abundantly and put him first always. That’s it. It’s not deeper than that. With time you transform and you push away from bad habits/sins and bad things but that’s what grace is for. I feel like with the age of social media, Tik Tok really, everyone is so Christian coded that they miss the point of being a Christian in the first place. Weed smokers, alcoholics, liars, thieves, prostitution will all be in heaven.

[Anonymous]

Ultimately, exploring these questions can deepen your understanding of faith and spirituality. It's about finding a balance between personal interpretation and respecting the diverse beliefs within Christianity. You might find it helpful to watch videos of people who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) visiting heaven and hell. These experiences can provide a normal person's perspective, emphasizing faith, love, and kindness resulting from such encounters, and bringing a deeper understanding of the Bible's profound passages. Randy Kays' channel focuses on these experiences.

Be cautious of pastors who may have personal agendas in their sermons, which can sometimes give off a negative vibe that detracts from the true message of love and acceptance in Christianity.

[FunkyMonkee]

If it's supposed to be so cut & dried simple to understand, why make it so hard to understand?
If you were writing a book like that and you wanted everyone to be able to easily understand it, would YOU include all sorts of bizarre hidden meanings that'd take the average reader millennia to decipher?

[Mach40]

Many people take the Bible literally because they believe it's the direct word of God and should be interpreted faithfully. However, understanding deeper meanings and messages requires considering historical context, cultural nuances, and literary styles used in ancient texts. The Bible contains layers of meaning that challenge readers to explore and contemplate its teachings, which can enrich understanding rather than obscure it. It's a balance between respecting the text's literal integrity and appreciating its profound spiritual and moral insights.

[FunkyMonkee]

@Mach40 It's also a book LOADED with mistakes!! You also HAVE to understand that, when it was being written, it was done so by loads of different people, some of whom were given just one small section to work on because it took them a LONG time to copy in hand what someone else had copied by hand before them, and before them, ad infinitum! And, because of this, they have no context to go by so, they can't exactly figure out what was meant by a bit of bad hand writing from the person that copied it before them. And, quite a few of those "scribes" were working under piss-poor conditions, (very bad lighting and very long hours, weak vision, for example) and a great many of them were only copying what they saw and had absolutely know idea what any of it meant because they could not even read! So, there's GONNA be a LOT of mistakes!!
You're a scribe, you're DEAD TIRED and working in TERRIBLE conditions and have NO CLUE whatever that an N is not an M that wasn't finished and you really don't even care if an S looks like an F so, you just write down whatever the hell you think it is just so you can finish up and get some sleep!! Even Monty Python addressed this in a biblical skit at some point.

[mandyfire98]

You mean you don't believe a human being lived inside the stomach of a whale?

[Mach40]

This is a proven fact, historically its happened many times, do a little research..

[mandyfire98]

It's a proven fact that a human man was just sitting around inside a whale consciously hanging out?

How about men being 900 years old?

How about men dying and then coming back to life 3 days later like a zombie?

How about men talking to burning bushes and the bush talking back. How about a man parting an ocean with a stick?

🙃

[Mach40]

How about I suggest you gain a better understanding of religious counter-talking points instead of flooding the discussion with atheistic, logically twisted talking points, which are full of illogical red herring fallacies! This tactic can derail meaningful discussion by misleading or confusing participants rather than addressing the actual arguments or points at hand.

[mandyfire98]

How am I twisting anything? I'm bringing up actual stories in the bible. The original question was about taking it literally. So I'm presenting things from said book that are often taken very literally. Like a guy who "legitimately" dies and comes back to life 3 whole days later.

Red Herring? How is it a red herring? I'm literally discussing the stories in that book. One of those being the entire crux of it.

So to the original OP that posted the question, this isn't derailing any conversation at all. It's 100 percent what she's talking about. I think you just don't have an argument to prove it's real so it's back to "well it's faith, but it definitely all happened word for word"

[mandyfire98]

"logically twisted" guy parts an entire sea with a wooden stick.

😂

[Mach40]

A red herring is a logical fallacy where irrelevant or misleading information is introduced to divert attention from the main topic. In your response, referencing Jesus' resurrection as akin to "coming back to life like a zombie" and characterizing Jonah's experience in the whale as "hanging out" inside could be seen as examples of this fallacy. These interpretations don't accurately reflect the deeper historical real life events when this has happened, , theological or narrative significance of these stories as understood in religious contexts. Engaging in accurate research and understanding of these narratives is crucial in discussions to ensure clarity and constructive dialogue.

[Mach40]

These interpretations don't accurately reflect the deeper historical real life events when this has happened, , theological or narrative significance of these stories as understood in religious contexts. Engaging in accurate research and understanding of these narratives is crucial in discussions to ensure clarity and constructive dialogue.

[mandyfire98]

There's no accurate historical data around Jesus Christ dying and resurrecting. Zero evidence of this resurrection. So tell me how one should research something that can't be proven.

These stories shouldn't be taken literally because they didn't happen. Because most of them break every natural law there is.

[Mach40]

To engage in a meaningful debate, it's essential to understand both the religious teachings and the evidence presented within that framework. This includes studying historical documents, theological interpretations, and scholarly perspectives on these topics. Without delving into these areas, it can be challenging to fully grasp the beliefs and arguments of those who adhere to these teachings.

[mandyfire98]

So when engaging in religious debates you should maybe come into the debate with facts backing up how these stories are true or else you are just saying "I read it so it definitely happened."

However you shouldn't present any historical fallacies as accurate when no proof can be presented to back up such claims.

The original question was discussing if biblical stories should be taken literally. Examples of those biblical stories were presented and a discussion on whether they should be taken literally was taken place. My arguments were presented to show that they are just stories and didn't happen in real life.

You disagree but never backed up your side with any evidence at all to prove these stories existed in the real world. You just keep trying to talk around the subject instead of actually debating it. You've yet to actually even try. You talk of historical fallacies over and over but there's no historical proof to Jesus dying and coming back to life 3 days later.

So, if you please. Historical accuracies, if you will? We wait with baited breath

[Mach40]

there are references to Jesus in secular historical texts from the ancient world that contribute to our understanding of him as a historical figure. For instance, Tacitus, a Roman historian of the early 2nd century AD, mentions "Christus" (Latin for Christ) and his execution under Pontius Pilate in his work Annals. Josephus, a Jewish historian of the 1st century AD, references Jesus in his Antiquities of the Jews, including the Testimonium Flavianum, which discusses Jesus' crucifixion and his followers. Additionally, Pliny the Younger, a Roman governor and writer of the early 2nd century AD, writes about Christians and their worship practices, indirectly mentioning Jesus.

[Mach40]

just did maybe you should do more research before you come to the debate not knowing facts..

[Mach40]

I'm done for now, your wasting my time with non sense..

[mandyfire98]

There is no single shred of any real evidence Jesus was crucified and resurrected. None. So keep talking around the discussion and not actually providing facts.

We are waiting.

[Mach40]

you bound to lie, and claim there isn't when there is evidence i just posted above, your playing games, stop bothering me..

[mandyfire98]

Nonsense says the guy who believes in a guy parting a sea with a stick 😂😂

A guy literally arguing he can prove people saw Jesus rise from death after 3 days and go up to heaven. Come on man.

I'm not saying the stories aren't good stories and teach good lessons but they didn't happen. It's a book. It's fiction

[mandyfire98]

That's your evidence that Jesus came back from the dead after 3 days?

[mandyfire98]

😂😂😂 good lord lol

[Mach40]

90% of earth believes in the paranormal, you a out caste..

[Mach40]

tell does God exist? yes or no!

[mandyfire98]

I'm fine with that.

[mandyfire98]

Lol.

[Mach40]

See you know, you don't know what your talking about as a aithest! Your illogical!

[mandyfire98]

I don't? Lol so I talk about things that are natural that are proven backed by facts. You literally deal with what's in a book that is as naturally believable as Lord of the Rings. Lol.

[mandyfire98]

Logic is thinking a snake told a woman to bite an apple and be thrown out of paradise? A snake talked to a woman?

I'm illogical? 😂😂

[Mach40]

Again, before I answer your illogical error filled fantasies all day, its your turn to answer mine, does God exist? yes or no aithest!

[mandyfire98]

Nope Believer, a magical God doesn't exist.

[mandyfire98]

Error filled fantasy. 😂😂😂 You believe in fantasy not me. Angels and demons are fantastical not natural thongs on this earth lol.

[mandyfire98]

*things

[Mach40]

Prove to me that God does not exist; if you can't, then your concept is flawed from the start.

[Mach40]

The burden of Proff is on you!

[mandyfire98]

Not how that works. You believe in the unnatural. You believe in something that breaks every law of man and physics in general. I believe in facts and things that are real and natural. You say fairy dust, I can show you water, you say angelic beings with wings that can fly, I show you human beings that walk around and talk and you can touch.

So the burden is on you to present an invisible being to the rest of us. Because what we believe in we can prove. We can touch, we can see, we can talk to and hear it talk to us. Everything I believe in I can physically prove in front of you. It's you who can't present your beliefs in front of me.

So the onus will always be on you to prove these things beyond faith. Because faith isn't anything. It's not tangible, it's not a calculation.

[mandyfire98]

Difference is... You believe... I know.

[Mach40]

💔 I hate to break it to you, don't blame shift subjects, kicking the can down the road, you posted posted God does not exist, with out proving it!

[mandyfire98]

And he doesn't because none of us have seen any proof at all. It's about physical evidence and you have none.

[Mach40]

If you can't prove it, you don't know! Facts 💯

[mandyfire98]

Read that to yourself now 😂😂😂

[Mach40]

Yep, Thats the crack in aithests logic. Your foundation is flawed 💯

[Mach40]

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again.

[mandyfire98]

Humpty Dumpty huh? You believe in him to, I suppose?

Is it also on me to prove Humpty dumpty isn't real? 😂

[on_my_knees]

@Mach40 Yeah Ok, Mr Logical. Have you not heard of an appeal to ignorance? Your argument is that you can't prove that God doesn't exist, therefore God must exist. Go back to critical thinking school.

[Mach40]

The nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the consequences of accidents or misfortunes that cannot be easily rectified. It illustrates the idea that once something is broken or damaged, especially beyond repair, efforts to fix it may prove futile. The rhyme can also be seen as a metaphor for irreversible situations or the fragility of safety and stability

[Mach40]

@on_my_knees You defending her flawed aithestic logic 💔 lol.. Let her defend herself, she needs to learn the truth!

[mandyfire98]

So one is only a metaphor but the other is true even though the proof behind both is equally the same? Interesting.

[mandyfire98]

So it's faith only? You have faith in God but not Humpty.

[on_my_knees]

@Mach40 The truth is not in the form of a condescending, disrespectful jerk.

[Mach40]

The burden of proof lies on the one making a positive claim. In this case, she asserts that God dose not exists, it is up to her to provide evidence or reasons to support their claim.

[Mach40]

I get your point about Humpty Dumpty! It's true, we don't believe in Humpty Dumpty because there's no evidence for a talking egg. With God, it's a bit different. Some say they have evidence like experiences or historical accounts. But you're right about burden of proof—it's on those making positive claims. If someone says 'God doesn't exist,' they need reasons too. It's about evidence, not just faith. Let's keep the conversation respectful with out changing the subject.

[mandyfire98]

Sure I get that but it's also I personally feel on the person that is claiming the unnatural to provide proof as well.

If a person believes in everything that is physical that we can see, touch, feel, taste, experience, talk to, listen to and the things there are actual proof of existence, then someone comes along and believes in things that can't be touched, felt, seen, talked to, experienced, listened to, the unnatural and supernatural, shouldn't that person provide the proof? Since that belief is the one that is breaking all the laws of science and everything we know to be true.

Like I said I think the Bible has some great morals and lessons involved. I think those lessons are a great help to society overall. I personally just think they're great lessons only. I think they're metaphors and fables to help people be better.

Just my personal take on it. I'm never going to convert a believer just like I'll never be converted. When God himself walks before me, then I'll believe.

[Mach40]

@mandyfire98 👍 Sure, at some point, if you feel led to know if God is real, ask Him directly. Simply say, 'Lord, if you are real and you are the God of the Bible, reveal yourself to me in my lifetime. Take a personal approach to encountering the existence of God.

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

Oh, as I fall @on_my_knees to pray, (because god doesn't hear you if you're not on your knees) I'll tell you, according to occultists such as Rudolf Steiner, men lived hundreds of years not in a literal way as a single organism but their ego wasn't stuck in a body. In fact higher spiritual beings substituted the human ego at some point. But nmes such as "Noah" could be given to multiple generations, a Noah would vividly know all the memories of his father and grandfather too, it's not a name thing but spirituality was different.

We even see the name thing remaining in some countries today, your father's name serves as a (second) middle name. To some, it used to be the last name. For example, Putin's father is Vladimir, so Putin's full name is V. (first name) Vladimir-ovich, P. (Last name) where "ovich" means that it's a member of.

The mystery of golotha is a cosmic event that was symbolized by various "saviours" resurrecting like zombies, but it has more to do with astrology than churches.

Damn this thread is long I won't look at the other replies.

[on_my_knees]

@Cogk_Of_Atlantis That's quite an interesting and non-literal interpretation, thank you for reading between the lines. But please don't misunderstand my screen name. It refers to the act of kneeling before a Goddess.

[Mach40]

@cogk_of_atlantis Please do a little objective research on each point made🤣
Noah is a figure who transcends cultural and religious boundaries, appearing in various forms across many ancient texts and traditions worldwide. Known primarily from the Hebrew Bible's Book of Genesis, Noah is depicted as the righteous man chosen by God to survive a great flood sent to cleanse the world of wickedness. He diligently builds an ark to preserve his family and pairs of animals.

Beyond the Bible, similar flood narratives exist in other cultures, such as the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, where Utnapishtim builds an ark to survive a deluge. In Hinduism, the story of Manu similarly involves a catastrophic flood and the construction of an ark to ensure the survival of life. These parallels suggest a shared cultural memory or archetype of a global flood and a survivor who preserves life through divine guidance.

Noah's story resonates as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and the divine promise of protection amidst cataclysmic events. His presence in diverse religious texts underscores his enduring significance as a moral exemplar and a beacon of hope in times of trial across human history.

[on_my_knees]

@Mach40 @cogk_of_atlantis I have news for the both of you. Feminine deities were worshiped as world protectors, saviors, and creators of the cosmic order since before Noah was even a mere sperm in his slave daddy's ball sack.

[Mach40]

dude you have the iq of a toddler..

[Mach40]

Mesopotamian Flood Myths:

Epic of Gilgamesh: The story of Utnapishtim and the flood, which predates the biblical account of Noah's Ark.

Indian Subcontinent:

Matsya Avatar: In Hinduism, the god Vishnu takes the form of a fish to save Manu, the first man, from a flood.

Ancient Greece:

Deucalion and Pyrrha: A myth where Zeus sends a flood to punish humanity, and Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha survive by building an ark.

Native American Cultures:

Hopis: The Hopi have a story of a great flood that wiped out humanity, and a few people and animals survived by floating on reed rafts.

Pacific Islands:

Maori: The Maori have stories of a great flood where only a few people and animals survived in canoes.

China:

Great Flood Myth: Chinese mythology includes stories of a great flood during the reign of Emperor Yao, and his successor, Shun, was chosen for his virtue in dealing with the aftermath.

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

@Mach40 huh? What do you think "atlantis" means if not civilization now under water?

Noah, the righteous man, became Cock-ah, the insatiable cock-crazed sinner. And his mission? To survive a flood of cum, a deluge of dicks, and an onslaught of soul-torturing orgasms.

Cock-ah, a man with a thirst for forbidden fruits, found himself face-to-face with Satan's throbbing member, a cock so massive it put the Tower of Babel to shame. Satan, with a devilish grin, grabbed Cock-ah by the throat and forced his uncircumcised, veiny cock down his throat. Cock-ah gagged, his eyes watering as the tip of Satan's cock rammed against his tonsils. "Suck it, you righteous fuck," Satan growled, his balls slapping against Cock-ah's chin.

As Cock-ah choked on Satan's cock, he felt a sense of religious ecstasy. The taste of pre-cum and hellfire filled his mouth, and he moaned in sinful pleasure. Satan's cock was a vessel of corruption, and with each thrust, Cock-ah felt his soul being tainted, his morals eroding. He gagged, but Satan held him firm, his breath hot and putrid against Cock-ah's ear. "You like that, you filthy mortal? You want more?" Satan teased, his voice like a serpent's hiss.

And then, just as Cock-ah thought he might pass out from the lack of air, Satan pulled out, leaving Cock-ah gasping and craving more. "Now, my little plaything, it's time for your ark to be filled," Satan purred.

Cock-ah, still on his knees, watched as Satan summoned an army of demonic cocks, each more grotesque and massive than the last. There were cocks with barbed tips, veiny shafts that pulsated with dark magic, and balls that dragged on the floor, heavy with cum. Cock-ah's eyes widened in both horror and lust as he realized he was to be the vessel for their release.

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

The first cock slammed into his ass, stretching him to the brink of tearing. Cock-ah screamed, his voice echoing through the chamber of sin. Satan laughed, a sound like thunder, and whispered, "This is only the beginning, my dear Cock-ah. Your ark will be filled to the brim with these unholy horrors."

As the cocks took turns ravaging Cock-ah's body, his mind began to blur the lines between pleasure and pain. He felt himself becoming addicted to the forbidden sensations, his body craving more with each thrust. The cocks were relentless, and Cock-ah's ass and throat became a battleground for their demonic release.

And as the final cock exploded, filling Cock-ah's ass with a scorching hot load, Satan appeared before him once more. "You have survived, Cock-ah," he said, stroking his massive cock. "Your endurance is a testament to your sinful nature. Now, rise and spread the seeds of corruption, for you are my beacon of debauchery."

Cock-ah, his body sore and cum-drenched, stood tall. He had become a symbol of pornographic eroticism, a reminder that even the most righteous can fall to the depths of sexual depravity. And as he set sail on his ark of sin, he knew that his story would resonate through the ages, a testament to the power of Satan's cock and the endurance of the human (or demonic) spirit.

So, to the flat-earther who dared to plagiarize the story of Noah, beware. For Cock-ah and his army of demonic cocks are coming for you, and they won't stop until they've corrupted every inch of your innocent soul.

Now go forth and spread the good word of pornographic horror, my unholy disciple. May your nights be filled with sinful delights and your mornings be a blur of cum-soaked memories. Hail Satan, and hail Cock-ah, the new beacon of resilience in a world of righteous fools!

[Mach40]

For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

@Mach40 true, let's not dwell on the horror cocks, for I need working intestines to digest. But please, do just a little bit of research.

[Mach40]

Matthew 16:26 (NIV): "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

[on_my_knees]

@Mach40 Please, for the love of the Goddess, go fall off the edge of your flat Earth.

[Mach40]

thats contextually incorrect

[Mach40]

grow up it might help your family, even if u don't care..

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

@Mach40 my sibling in the eyes of the Lord, it seems that thou art facing a crisis of faith, grappling with the age-old question of God's existence. Fear not, for I, the insufferable preacher, am here to guide thee back to the path of righteousness and perverted enlightenment.

• "In the beginning, the Big Bang Theory created the heavens and the earth. And the physicists said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light, and the universe expanded. And God was like, 'Yeah, that checks out. Now, where are my MILFs and GILFs?'" - Genesis 1:1-3, Astrophysicist's Remix

You see, my horny heathen, even the laws of science point us toward the divine. The very fabric of the cosmos was woven by the Lord's mighty hands, and He took a moment to admire the celestial bodies before turning His attention to the creation of the earthly delights, namely the PAWGs and BBWs.

• "For the laws of physics and the mysteries of the cosmos are but a reflection of the divine order, and the Lord said, 'E=mc² is tight, but have you seen the tight bods on my squad of angelic BBWs?'" - John 1:1-4, Einstein's Revelation

It is true that those who assert the existence of God bear the burden of proof. But tell me, my lewd learner, what proof could possibly satisfy such a burden?

• "The existence of God cannot be proven by mere mortals, for His ways are mysterious and His form is that of a kinky camgirl, whose true face is hidden behind a paywall." - Romans 1:19-20, Camgirl Chronicles

You see, my lascivious listener, God's existence transcends the realm of empirical evidence. It is through faith and the interpretation of His divine signs that we come to know Him.

• "And the Lord said, 'Thou shalt not require signs to believe in Me, for I am a jealous God, and also, I'm kinda shy when it comes to showing My face. But I'll send you some thicc ASMR whispers and tingly sensations as a sign of My love.'" - Deuteronomy 6:15-16, ASMR Edition

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

However, let us not forget the negative burden of proof that falls upon those who claim God does not exist.

• "For the atheists who proclaim, 'God does not exist,' I say unto you, 'Prove it, ye non-believing naysayers.' For it is easier to believe in the divine than to explain away the miracles of the universe and the abundance of BBWs and PAWGs." - Matthew 11:22-23, Sassy Comeback Remix

My curious cat, the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Just because we cannot prove God's existence through scientific methods does not mean He is not there, watching over us and judging our coom jar collections.

• "For the Lord worketh in mysterious ways, and His presence is felt in the orgasmic shudders of a BBW reaching climax and the blessed relief of blue balls finally being emptied." - Isaiah 45:7, Blue Balls Bible

In conclusion, my titillating theologian, keep your faith strong and your coom jars even stronger. The burden of proof is a complex matter, but it should not deter us from believing in the divine.

• "And lo, the non-believers shall say, 'Prove to us that God exists.' But thou shalt respond, 'Prove to me that He doesn't, ye faithless fappers.' For the Lord is a vengeful God, and He shall smite thee with a drought of MILFs and GILFs if thou continueth to doubt." - Revelation 3:15-16, MILF Famine Edition

So, my horny heretic, repent and embrace the divine comedy that is the universe, for the Lord works in mysterious ways, and He has a wicked sense of humor.

• "Let the atheists be damned, for they know not the joy of worshipping a God who created the universe and also has a kinky foot fetish. Their loss, our gain, more PAWGs for us." - Corinthians 5:6-7, Foot Fetish Edition

Amen, and may your coom jars overfloweth with blessings.

[Mach40]

When you need me to have you prayed for, even if its aids, let me know.

[on_my_knees]

@Cogk_Of_Atlantis @Mach40 May the Goddess look upon you with those piercing eyes that see into the very depths of your souls. May she bind you in a crucifix position, suspend you by your wrists and ankles, leaving you utterly naked and without sexual gratification.

[Cogk_Of_Atlantis]

@on_my_knees wait, does she follow the left hand path? Will there be inverted pentagram and the baphomet?

[Anonymous]

What deeper meanings, it is a scam and always has been.

[Mach40]

90% of the world believes in the paranormal, just because you have a opinion doesn’t mean its correct. Its just a opinion

[ProbablyClueless]

For the same reason that a bunch of people just accept whatever the media tells them without questioning it: it's convenient. It gives them a sense of comfort to know something or someone else is calling the shots.

It takes away their responsibility.

[normalice]

What Christians actually want above all these days is power. So they will interpret or take literally any scripture that justifies any power grab or condemnation of any who tries to stop their power grabs.

[Mach40]

I understand your concern about power-seeking interpretations in Christianity, such as the prosperity gospel. While some focus on material success, many Christian organizations emphasize humility, compassion, and serving others. Christianity is diverse, with varying beliefs, so exploring teachings centered on love and community from different pastors could offer a broader perspective. Don't settle for prosperity teachers; there's much more to Christianity. Keep searching and exploring different perspectives.

[Asker]

@Mach40 I agree. I think the ultimate personal goal for me and being a Christian is to build my faith stronger in Christ. That’s all. I’m not looking to be or present myself to be a perfect saint trying to force my views of what a “valuable” or “Real” Christian is on to everyone else. I don’t think any of it should be rooted in “You shouldn’t be doing this.” Or “You shouldn’t be doing that.” “God doesn’t like this and he doesn’t like that.” “Stop doing etc etc etc. It’s demonic.” “Satan has control over your life.” All of that extra stuff seems so manic and rooted in fear. Almost like saying “I’m perfect In Gods eyes and this is how I made myself perfect in Gods eyes so you’ll do well to listen to me.” Lol like no. I always say Good works won’t get anyone into those gates. Just live your life, acknowledge God for who he is, put him first or at least try to and all will play out the way it should on your journey with him.

[normalice]

@Mach40 I don't deny that there is that element but the sad fact is that element doesn't have the ability to stop the power grabbers from taking over their religion. Christian nationalism is the worship of unimpeachable power but often using Christianity as a disguise or excuse (though there are definitely atheists who worship power in exactly the same fashion, but subscribe to a bunch of grievance myths instead of a creation myth) - and Christian nationalism has pretty much taken over the republican party. This wouldn't be an issue except that people who call themselves Christians overwhelmingly lean republican, thus indicating that Christianity is dominated by those who worship power, not a loving savior.

[Asker]

It definitely has taken over the Republican Party. They’re literally trying to run the country based off their power grabbing views of the Bible and with that will come misuse and twisting of the Bible. Which it what makes it easier for them to use it for control and power.

[normalice]

Yeah, it is unfortunate. I was raised in a religious house and know it could do good things for people, but sadly the sort of con artists that will seize any opportunity to take advantage of other people's good will have pretty much established a stranglehold on religion. This not only corrupts the message but also exposes how powerless that good will always was, and so makes it impossible for someone like me to believe any of it, if the people pushing it are obvious con artists.

[Mach40]

Chats reply:

I understand your perspective on how power dynamics can distort the essence of Christianity. It's unfortunate that some individuals and groups misuse religious beliefs for political ends, leading to a skewed perception of what it means to be a Christian. However, it's crucial to recognize that these tendencies do not define Christianity as a whole. Many Christians emphasize values like love, compassion, and humility, seeking to live out Christ's teachings in their daily lives.

Rather than focusing solely on the negative aspects, exploring different interpretations and practices within Christianity can reveal a broader and more balanced understanding. Ultimately, personal faith and a sincere effort to live according to Christ's teachings are what define a meaningful Christian journey. Let's continue to seek and promote the true essence of Christianity amidst these challenges.

[Mach40]

I agree with chat, if you have questions ask chat..

[Mach40]

Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns about false prophets who appear outwardly righteous but bear bad fruit through their actions. He teaches that true faith is reflected in the genuine fruits of love, compassion, and humility. Similarly, in Matthew 23:1-4, Jesus cautions against religious leaders who preach righteousness but do not practice it themselves. These passages emphasize the importance of discernment in recognizing authentic faith from mere outward appearances or hypocritical teachings. As Christians, it's crucial to evaluate leaders and teachings by their consistent demonstration of Christ-like virtues, rather than by empty claims or manipulative agendas. Ask chat if you have questions..

[normalice]

When people with those tendencies take over the reigns of Christianity, they are making the point that it does define Christianity if not as a whole then certianly near enough to make no difference. The absolute moral authority of a god is the linchpin that allows a religion to function and those who are twisting religion to their ends are proving that absolute authority is not only powerless but completely replaceable with their own will and ~99% of those who call themselves Christian will do nothing to stop it.

And its impossible not to focus on the negative aspects when those negative aspects are actively ruining lives - again, with those who claim to be in it for the love powerless to stop it.

[Mach40]

Its a matter of personal perspective, Many Christians earnestly strive to live out Christ's teachings and oppose such misuse of faith. It's a call for all believers to uphold the true essence of Christianity by actively promoting justice, compassion, and integrity within their communities, resisting those who would tarnish its reputation through self-serving actions.

[normalice]

You say "many," but it's simply not enough to overcome the many who abuse the name of God for power. You don't have to convince me of intention as I'm well aware. You need to convince me with results.

[Mach40]

Believing you're always right can be limiting; it stifles growth. Open-mindedness, on the other hand, allows for continuous learning and development, even when we're wrong. It's the key to personal and intellectual growth.

[normalice]

Yes, but how are you going to convince the Christian nationalists who have taken over Christianity of that?

[Mach40]

It's tough to change the minds of Christian nationalists who've taken over because they're really focused on power more than the kindness and humility Jesus taught. Maybe we can show them what being a Christian is really about by being kind and caring ourselves. It's about loving others and not just saying we're right all the time. Maybe if we show them how Jesus wanted us to act, they'll see a different way to follow their faith.

[MackBoy]

Nobody follows Christianity much and the Old Testament is the correct book to follow because it is being altered and made into New Testament. That is why the priest don't advise their people to recite every page of Bible daily. western countries used Christianity as a weapon and invaded some countries in Africa. All the Christian has to do some research and compare Old Testament with New Testament.

[Mach40]

Christianity draws from both the Old Testament, offering foundational history, laws, and prophecies, and the New Testament, which details Jesus Christ's life, teachings, death, and resurrection, forming the core of Christian beliefs.

[Mach40]

Despite debates over centuries regarding textual transmission and translation of the Old and New Testaments, efforts aim to preserve their integrity rather than alter them. The New Testament fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

[Mach40]

Throughout history, Christianity has been intertwined with politics and culture, sometimes resulting in the misuse of religious authority for colonization or conflict. It's crucial to differentiate Christian teachings from actions of those claiming to be Christian.

[MackBoy]

@Mach40 it contains statements which contradicts the new testament and which curses the Jesus as well

[Mach40]

The Bible is a complex collection of texts written over centuries by various authors, and interpretations can vary widely. However, the New Testament is generally regarded by Christians as the fulfillment and continuation of the Old Testament, rather than a contradiction. Could you specify which parts you find contradictory or concerning?

[DrPepper12]

This is what we need.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

God's word is written in 3 forms of language which is plain literal, symbolic and poetry.

Anyone with a reading skills and depending on the context should know what form of literature they are reading.

[Seppel]

I think the bible is a bunch of fairytales that isn't meant to have a meaning

[Mach40]

Everyone has a opinion, it doesn't mean it's correct. Many peoples opinions are incorrect. My opinions are aithests are full of major objective errors..