and I know he is my savior and that he didn't say or imply any of the bullshyte that you and others keep claiming he said.
Why are many Christians so intolerant of other religions and spiritual paths?
- Thread starter Cliffy
- Start date
and I know he is my savior and that he didn't say or imply any of the bullshyte that you and others keep claiming he said.
Cliffy, As I understand (which may be very little indeed) Jesus does not mention this "unknown". Certainly, God is very aware that people were in other lands unaware of his prohphets, Jesus etc. Yet, as you say people in those other lands knew there was a God. Look at the story of Helen Keller. She was blind & deaf from birth. Her teacher, Sullivan, comes along and eventually Helen has a breakthrough. Understanding and communication are now available to her through sign language. Sullivan while communicating with Helen spells the word GOD in sign language. Helen stops her and says through signing "what is that?" Sullivan explains GOD refers to the One who created us and everything etc. Helen responds by saying, "Oh, that is his name. I always knew he was there but didn't know what to call him."
So, I think some of the accusations of intolerance stem from unknowns. I do not assume those that have never heard the gospel are going to hell.
gerry: Please tell me what it is I am saying that is offending you so greatly? I have said salvation is by faith. Yes, faith in Christ. He is the narrow door.
Some select Bible verses concerning tolerance:
"Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate." (Psalm 101:5 NIV)
'Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?" (Habakkuk 1:13 NIV)
"It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife." (1 Corinthians 5:1 NIV)
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." (Revelation 2:2 NIV)
"Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols." (Revelation 2:20 NIV)
All of these examples of intolerance from Scripture target various types of immorality rather than other religions or spiritual paths, Cliffy.
That's an interesting question. I would argue that we hear the fake Muslim point of view predominantly, presented to us by people who pretend to be real Christians and Jews.
Intolerance is human nature and it can be engendered easily by constant invoking of the intolerant baby eating enemies of god and homeland in most religious groups or in football teams for that matter. Since that same mechanism is responsible for the rise of the west we can count on Christian intolerance any time it's needed to advance the state equaly with any other religion, of course numbers of the faithful and media and education control and cohesive nationalistic infrastructure ensure
the utility of intolerance. It seems the more civilized we imagine ourselves to be the more tolerant we imagine ourselves to be.
The technological rise of the west gave the west the advantage. Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war with the cross of Jesus marching on before. It's the oldest golden oldie, a tune that gets reworked every generation no matter the religion, I think.
We should beware of big religions that cost nothing to join and offer salvation for mumbled faith instead of good works.
Doesn't matter. I believe I will take a page from SLM's book and REALLY stop worrying what others think of me and my Faith. Stop worrying about what these others say.
You didn't mind me quoting Pope Francis, the leader of the world's smallest country (Vatican City) in another discussion thread, Gerry.
gerry, I am really confused. I am under the impression from your writings that you are a Christian. So, I would heartily agree with you that if there is something i said that has troubled your conscience, then shame upon me. Sometimes my communications are like a wild beast of the field. I flap my jaw and do not realize I may have gone overboard. My sincere apologies and i wish to somehow clear up the matter so as not to be a bother to you.
He is the spiritual leader of the entire Holy Roman Catholic Church. Personal wealth is negligible. Unlike Billy Graham
Richest Pastors - The Richest
Apples and oranges, Gerry. One wouldn't expect to find a pope on a list of pastors.
Gerry, I am not sure what you are referring to regarding Billy Graham. That is to say, I do not know what sermons or preachings you may be referring to. I thought he was a pretty straight up preacher - that is to say he preaches forgiveness, grace and mercy to all. And, in regards to those pastors who may pick on or only condemn people - those are the vipers and teachers of the law. Tell them to stick it and walk away. (Ahh - see, I just threw love thy neighbor out the window)
Are these Jesus' words?
"Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the Sons of men.".
Mark 3:28
"Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the Sons of men.".
Mark 3:28
Yes, indeed Spade. Those are Jesus' words. Shall we put them in context?
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
According to your understanding. There are thousands of different Christian sects that have different understandings of the bible. Yours is just one of many.
Wally, are you upset because of the thread or because you have sphincter lock and feel slighted?
Cliffy - we may almost agree. Alert the press.
Common usage/definition of the word sect in relation to mainstream Christian denominations is mostly implying a heretical group. For instance it is considered Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians, and others are considered mainstream. (though some may debate catholicism). These denominations hold the same understanding regarding the Trinity, Diety of Christ, Sinful mankind, God the Creator of heaven & earth, Jesus atoning sacrifice etc. In comparison the Jehovah Witness, Mormon, Christian Science, Armstrongs Worldwide church of God, etc are considered sects (heretical) because they do not hold the aforementioned as biblical truth or they twist scripture to mean something different from its original intent. That is NOT to say if you are a methodist you are saved and if you are a Jehovah Witness you are not saved. I think one walks down a risky path if one follows the teaching of a sect. The reason being, they peddle much false doctrine and hold their adherents in bondage. They give lists of what to do and what not to do to be saved. In mainstream denominations this can also be an obstacle but if the Bible is taught as it was written with comprehension and in context a person is in a better position to hear the true grace filled gospel.
As Jesus said, 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
I sat down with a fellow who was a Christian last night and as far as our conversation went he seemed pretty tolerant. Of course I didn't consult with all those other religions and non religious folks to find out if he was having me on.
I have heard many protestants say Catholics are not true Christians and why but I think I'll wait for cj to pull his foot out of his mouth and put it in his own words.
gerry: some people question some of the Catholicisms teachings. For instance, and i think this is the biggest doctrine that is debated between Protestant & Catholics. Purgatory. Catholics state that Jesus died for our sins, as do Protestants (lutherans, baptists, methodists etc.)
Catholics teach the doctrine of purgatory: Purgatory (Lat., "purgare", to make clean, to purify) in accordance with Catholic teaching is a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.
Protestants believe the Bible teaches Jesus paid the price of our transgressions in full. No work or punishment is required of someone who trusts that Jesus' died for our sins.
Because of this difference, some question the salvation of people who believe in purgatory. I go back to FAITH in Christ. No one knows a person's heart and I don't think we will have to take a theology quiz to gain entrance!
Cliffy - you're really lookin to fry my bass aren't you. For comprehension read the word bass without the b.
Here I thought we were about ready to sign the peace treaty.
Time for this yankee to snooze. My time zone doesnt jive with you fabulous Canadiens.
Until tomorrow. Good Night.
