Q and A. Dispelling The Myths And Misnomers Of Christianity.

I see a lot of misinformation on ATS concerning christianity. And decided to take a shot at correcting the misunderstandings and outright disinformation in some cases surrounding it.

So what makes me think I’m qualified to set the record straight regarding christianity? I was a christian for close to 30 years of my life. I have lived, studied, taught, preached, and served as an elder (deacon) in the church. And was what most would call a literalist. Meaning I took the bible literally except where the text dictates otherwise.

My hope is that this will be an ongoing question and answer thread. And that some of the knowledgeable christians at ATS will take this opportunity to help set the record straight on accepted christian beliefs and doctrine. I am quite knowledgeable, but that doesn’t mean I know everything there is to know. And where I don’t know, I will say so. And someone else can hopefully pick up the ball where I drop it. On more complicated questions, I may need a little more time to answer.

This thread is NOT a bash christians thread. Neither is it a pro christian thread. Its purpose is to answer questions, expound biblical concepts, and clear up myths and misconceptions. And for the stated purpose of this thread, the bible is the ultimate authority, since that is what christians look to, and live by. So lets please try and keep things civil, and on topic.

ETA: Even though I said was above. It seems at this point I need to make something very clear. I am no longer a christian.

What is your position on the creation of the universe?
Evolution?

What does Genesis 3:15 mean to you ?

Hi there , thanks for your post. 1 question: is it necessary to have a belief in jesus christ and to accept him so your sins may be resolved to be accepted into heaven or beyond or is it enough just to be a benevolent loving being who accepts god/master creator/love consciousness?
thankyou

reply to post by Klassified


I admire this thread, since it was something I was considering doing as well, but never got the chance to.

Just to see where you stand though, do you agree that many, even in the church today, are under the impression that 'works' get them acknowledged and access into Heaven, instead of being saved by grace, through faith alone?

reply to post by Klassified

And for the stated purpose of this thread, the bible is the ultimate authority, since that is what christians look to, and live by.

A proof-text look-up thread? Hmm . .
A theme that gets tossed around here a bit is the question;
By what standard will our lives be ultimately judged by?

Originally posted by micmerci
What is your position on the creation of the universe?
Evolution?

The bible says God created the heavens and the earth. In Collosians 1:16 is written:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Evolution:
Among christians, this is up for debate. Some believe God could very well have used evolution as a tool. Literalists however, believe man was created as he is today. Genesis 1:26

And God said, Let vs make man in our Image, after our likenesse: and let them haue dominion ouer the fish of the sea, and ouer the foule of the aire, and ouer the cattell, and ouer all the earth, and ouer euery creeping thing that creepeth vpon the earth.

Why do you think so many people that have been raised into christianity or any religion have decided it false and become agnostic or atheist?

reply to post by Klassified


How would you respond to the assertion that the biblical God was a misogynistic, hateful deity based on the scriptures referenced on this site?
My response is that that god doesn't exist, and those hateful, misogynistic laws and commands were penned by men who were the epitome of said traits, not an all-knowing, all-powerful, forgiving and loving "God".
This one should be of especial interest to women who think that the Abrahamic God loves you: "(Deuteronomy 22:28-29 NLT)



If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father. Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her.



What kind of lunatic would make a rape victim marry her attacker? Answer: God."

reply to post by Klassified


So your position is?? That the earth is 6000 years old and was literally created in 6 days?
You stated that you wanted to correct the misunderstandings- in order to accomplish this you have to establish from the onset exactly where you stand on these issues. Do you still take the bible literally? Do you believe that the King James Version is the inspired words of God in English? These are important questions that need to be established early so that it can be ascertained where your answers are coming from.

Originally posted by Godsontoo
What does Genesis 3:15 mean to you ?

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Most christians see this verse as God speaking to Satan. The womans seed being man. (Though some see it as being a prophecy of the messiah). And the serpents seed being the wicked.

What it means to me is irrelevant to the thread.

Originally posted by Q:1984A:1776
reply to post by Klassified

 

How would you respond to the assertion that the biblical God was a misogynistic, hateful deity based on the scriptures referenced on this site?
My response is that that god doesn't exist, and those hateful, misogynistic laws and commands were penned by men who were the epitome of said traits, not an all-knowing, all-powerful, forgiving and loving "God".
This one should be of especial interest to women who think that the Abrahamic God loves you: "(Deuteronomy 22:28-29 NLT)



If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father. Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her.



What kind of lunatic would make a rape victim marry her attacker? Answer: God."

The New Living Translation doesn't say rape. Nor does any translation that I know of.

Christianity is a collective of different beliefs, most similar and some different, all based to some degree on the bible. Often, Generalizations are made based off the beliefs held by the majority of "Christians"; IE: "Christians think innocent people deserve eternal suffering for not believing". Generalizations do not apply to all Christians though, just like stereotypes don't apply to all people who fall into whatever label you put into them.

Anything more than that, and you're talking about your own beliefs and interpretations. A very general belief held by many, even if you disagree, isn't a misnomer.

Though I agree people trying to critically decide on the bible should look at it. And hear the conclusions of people who put thought into it, instead of judging solely by the 'opiate for the masses' form of Christianity. They should also try to understand and interpret on their own.

I don't know, it just doesn't seem right to me for you to claim you're in a position to decide what's real and what's myth about Christianity as a whole. I can totally understand taking topics such as the Trinity, or hellfire, and explaining why they "Aren't christian", but they aren't actually "Myths about Christianity".

Maybe it's just your wording. It just seems too pretentious for me.

-
Sorry, carry on.

Originally posted by symogums
Hi there , thanks for your post. 1 question: is it necessary to have a belief in jesus christ and to accept him so your sins may be resolved to be accepted into heaven or beyond or is it enough just to be a benevolent loving being who accepts god/master creator/love consciousness?
thankyou

edit on 30-6-2011 by symogums because: (no reason given)

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins

Christians believe you must accept Christ as the propitiation for your sins, or you are lost. Good works will not save you. Neither will benevolence.

Originally posted by Lionhearte
reply to post by Klassified

 

I admire this thread, since it was something I was considering doing as well, but never got the chance to.

Just to see where you stand though, do you agree that many, even in the church today, are under the impression that 'works' get them acknowledged and access into Heaven, instead of being saved by grace, through faith alone?

Yes. They have been sorely misled by the leadership in the church in some cases. And are still trying to practice works, and the law for salvation.

reply to post by Klassified


In order to correct misunderstandings and disinformation it is necessary to relate what these things mean to you. After all you stated that you have 30 years of dealings in these areas, so naturally people will be looking to you for guidance and answers.
You have taken on a huge undertaking here and I wish you luck. To extinguish division and misunderstandings, your answers need to be direct and concrete; not "Christians are divided on this" or "some feel this". It needs to be black and white if you are taking an authoritative position.

Originally posted by jmdewey60
reply to post by Klassified

 

And for the stated purpose of this thread, the bible is the ultimate authority, since that is what christians look to, and live by.

A proof-text look-up thread? Hmm . .
A theme that gets tossed around here a bit is the question;
By what standard will our lives be ultimately judged by?

I'll let the bible answer that. Those who accept Christ, and the new covenant:

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Those who live by the old covenant(old testament) and try to justify themselves by the law and good works:

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

Originally posted by mb2591
Why do you think so many people that have been raised into christianity or any religion have decided it false and become agnostic or atheist?

I am trying to keep my own opinion out of this as much as I can. But I believe it's for two reasons. False teachers in the church. And some like myself, studied themselves right into atheism.

so by the christian system a person who lies cheats uses others for their own benefit accepts jesus all is forgiven and go's to heaven and some poor person born somewhere where they never hear of a church or jesus but helps everyone sacrifices personal benefits for others and promotes love in the world go's to hell.... great system

Originally posted by Klassified

Originally posted by mb2591
Why do you think so many people that have been raised into christianity or any religion have decided it false and become agnostic or atheist?

I am trying to keep my own opinion out of this as much as I can. But I believe it's for two reasons. False teachers in the church. And some like myself, studied themselves right into atheism.

You studied into atheism?