The Challenge of Baiting Anti-Christian and Similar Threads for Believers

freedom7
You have to keep in mind that we feel beyond compelled to preach the gospel because once you give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ you have a new spirit in you that tries to become Christ like.

You have to keep in mind that the purpose of this site is notfor proselytization of any religious belief system. If a person can't control their preaching, they don't belong here. This is a site for fact finding, not for blindly believing whatever is written in 'holy books' or blindly believing whatever is being preached.

When I first had an 'indwelling' of the Holy Spirit and I caught the Fire ... I shoved my beliefs in everyones face and I was 'religion' 24/7. I probably turned off a ton of people with my intensity and my lack of objectivity. It's a phase that people go through before they settle in. But just remember ... this isn't the place for preaching. It's for fact finding. Sometimes the facts run counter to what is written in the bible or the qu'ran or whatever. And stating those facts aren't 'baiting' posts ... it's just stating facts.

reply to post by FlyersFan

However, the definition of the Religion, Faith and Theology forum has always been "talk about all things spiritual and discuss your own faith-based experiences".
So doing that, at least, is legitimate on that sub-forum.
That definition involves people offering positive threads about their own beliefs, rather than negative threads about the beliefs of others.
(Yes, it also prevents Christians from offering Muslim-bashing or atheist-bashing threads)

FlyersFan

freedom7
You have to keep in mind that we feel beyond compelled to preach the gospel because once you give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ you have a new spirit in you that tries to become Christ like.

You have to keep in mind that the purpose of this site is notfor proselytization of any religious belief system. If a person can't control their preaching, they don't belong here. This is a site for fact finding, not for blindly believing whatever is written in 'holy books' or blindly believing whatever is being preached.

When I first had an 'indwelling' of the Holy Spirit and I caught the Fire ... I shoved my beliefs in everyones face and I was 'religion' 24/7. I probably turned off a ton of people with my intensity and my lack of objectivity. It's a phase that people go through before they settle in. But just remember ... this isn't the place for preaching. It's for fact finding. Sometimes the facts run counter to what is written in the bible or the qu'ran or whatever. And stating those facts aren't 'baiting' posts ... it's just stating facts.

I couldn't agree more.

Conspiracies in Religions is certainly the worst place to post grievances against critics of religions.

I don't have to explain why, the answer is very obvious

DISRAELI
the definition of the Religion, Faith and Theology forum has always been "talk about all things spiritual and discuss your own faith-based experiences".

True.

Unfortunately it doesn't turn out that way. It's always a bash fest. The religion discussion forums are always a problem. Every site I've ever been on. This one is no different.

Example - someone starts a thread about Noahs Ark and that they believe it. Then others get on the thread and post proof that Noahs Ark didn't happen. Then people get uptight and say it's 'Christian bashing' to post the facts, but really it's just people posting facts. And then religious people start calling others 'atheist garbage' (yes, I've actually seen that) and other names because they don't believe in Noah ... and nonreligious people start calling others 'blindly ignorant' because the religious people won't accept facts. It's constantly a meltdown.

So preaching religion here, at a conspiracy site, doesn't work ... even in the forum it's supposed to work in.
This site is dedicated to fact finding. Preaching any kind of 'holy book' type religion doesn't work here. IMHO

I think you have to look at the people ATS attracts and the nature of Forums in general, if everyone on here agreed with everything that was posted it would be pretty boring! However, the aspect that really annoys me is the tone used by hardcore atheists in such debates. The condescending attitude and the misplaced confidence in their own views, based on the infallibility of modern day science demonstrates a closed mind and a laughable naivety. With their blinkers firmly in place they cant even see the unimaginable possibilities that stem from discoveries made by their own holy trinity (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) every day.
Most Christians have doubts, we need an open mind in order to follow our path and pursue the truth.
Atheists are totally sure there isn't a God. Most think they know precisely how the universe, life and consciousness came about or they have "faith" that science will provide the answers to everything.
The way I see it is, unless you are that confident about the creation and nature of existence, if you accept that there is a 1 in 99999999999 chance that god is out there, then the least you can possibly be is agnostic, unless your ego is gets the better of you.
Ultimately, I dont think the choice is between faith in God or atheism, can only really be agnosticism or....da,da,daaaaaa! GOD!

reply to post by FlyersFan

Closing the religion forum would not solve that problem. All the negative stuff would just cross over to "Rant" instead (I've seen it happening already) and only the positive things would disaappear.
My approach has been to try offerring a more positive counter-example.

As far as this thread is concerned- i've seen threads which had deliberately provocative titles, and content to match, and that may be what the OP is thinking of. In answer to his question, ignoring them rather than taking the bait mught be the best solution.

freedom7
Hey JimmyX you said here

"so why would a member here on ATS even bring the subject of religion. you should know by now the very nature of ATS members is that they are extremely skeptical. "

You have to keep in mind that we feel beyond compelled to preach the gospel because once you give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ you have a new spirit in you that tries to become Christ like. So the more we grow to love God the more we find ourselves uncontrollably wanting to spread the good news, to speak the truth to all, and to love unconditionally.

It doesn't matter that many ATS members are sketpical. That's the defining point between having a relationship with God and having his holy spirit in you, v.s following a bland religion full of rules. it's spirit v.s flesh.

The flesh will always give up and seek to satisfy it's own pleasures and stay comfortable, complacent and not spread the word. The new spirit in you comes from God, and because God loves all of humanity and will stop at nothing to spread the truth to the ENTIRE world, you do the same. It just flows naturally because the spirit is willing.

You can't ever forget many of us Christians were once so skeptical too! We've seen we serve a God that breaks down the strongest foundations of stubbornness, pride, confusion, resistance . We serve a God that accomplishes impossible feats, so we are not fazed by skepticism. We understand it's a by product of being a human being, but the light will reveal all in the end.

While this might hold true for the majority of Christians who adhere to what they had been taught, there is another side of the coin.

Revelation speaks of a star that fell from Heaven and unto him was given the keys to the pit.

That time is near and what it amounts to is in essence "no more Mr. nice guy.

A person had to become evil to end evil. Notice the past tense ...

The problem is that people seem to think going to war means conventional.

Jesus is all the arms we ever needed. The only thing holding judgment in check is a dwindling hope for all others.

Those who fuel the outrage are also doing the bidding of the Lord by fueling the anger ( hearts waxing cold) and it gets easier every day to write the entire world off.

We can't serve two masters and quite frankly, I stopped trying to bring others to God a long time ago. In this day and age people should already know what is righteous and what is evil. ... or who is what.

Jesus said it Himself... if Satan's house were divided it cannot stand.

... judgment is already here, its just that it isn't totally manifesting immediately but is as it should be, incrementally

DISRAELI

In answer to his question, ignoring them rather than taking the bait mught be the best solution.

Hear hear!

Religions, faith and theology section is always a good and even a better alternative if one does not like too much religion critics.

I am a Christian myself but my unorthodox views make me a critic of the mainstream or Orthodox Christianity.

Quadrivium
reply to post by BO XIAN

 

S&F Bo for a well thought out op.

Perhaps, when we run across an insulting Christian post or one we know is trolling, we should try and put ourselvea in that persons shoes.
Many people in their heart of hearts know that Christ is king. Yet they also feel that to serve Him would mean giving up to much of themselves or too much of the things they like to do. Therefore they lash out at those who are not afraid to answer the call.
Many are jealous of the relationship many Christians have with God. That jealousy leads to bullying.
I honestly believe that the farther a person runs from God the more He hardens their hearts toward Him. They do not understand that by accepting the gift, the price that Jesus paid, they are not losing or giving up anything. They are gaining everything!
Just my thoughts on your op,
Quad

But you are not putting yourself in that person’s shoes. You are projecting your beliefs on them. Saying that “Many people in their heart of hearts know that Christ is king” is something you believe, but it’s not true. Speaking for myself, I simply do not share your religious outlook.

FlyersFan

DISRAELI
the definition of the Religion, Faith and Theology forum has always been "talk about all things spiritual and discuss your own faith-based experiences".

True.

Unfortunately it doesn't turn out that way. It's always a bash fest. The religion discussion forums are always a problem. Every site I've ever been on. This one is no different.

I think religion bashing threads/posts in Religion, Faith, and Theology section can be reported to the mods and have such posts removed.

I may have done it once or twice, can't remember. But most of the time, posters in Religion and theology are too nice to make such reports to the mods.

reply to post by 0zzymand0s

I don't have any beef with those who are actually "Christ-like."

There is no one comparable to Christ.

reply to post by DISRAELI

However, the definition of the Religion, Faith and Theology forum has always been "talk about all things spiritual and discuss your own faith-based experiences".
So doing that, at least, is legitimate on that sub-forum.

Good point, and i have often thought Christians should be able to debate the Bible and Christianity, or the specifics of the topic without atheist calling them out, and derailing the topic,

It isn't just Christians either, metaphysical topics are not what they once were, anything beyond physic gets trolled.

reply to post by BO XIAN

Though . . . I think, usually, the understanding so many have on the other side is quite shallow, cursory, glib, greatly flawed. Interestingly . . . even some who have evidently lived as a "Christian" and studied it extensively somehow end up sounding like they've never had more than a shallow EXPERIENCE of Christ. That's more than a little mystifying, puzzling.

Exactly, somewhat the point I made on another topic if someone debating the Bible doesn't even reference the Bible or have any Biblical knowledge whatsoever, their agenda is obvious, I have seen points made by atheist that have no bases in the text, the Bible can be so complicated.

They are just parroting what they have heard.

In most cases, the title alone is more than enough to cause me to roll my eyes, shake my head and move on. The kind of discussion that these baiting threads generate usually has no real value, and for a Christian to engage in them would be to simply line up and let the attacks begin.

If you enjoy that kind of vitriol, have at it. I prefer to generally stay away since nothing I say is going to change the tenor of the thread in any way.

That being said, there are plenty of kook "Christians" that post on this site as well, and their thread titles and content only invite further attack in my opinion.

As can be seen already in this very thread, the attackers are going to attack regardless of the message contained. They read the word "Christian", and come in ready to antagonize at every opportunity. (I'm not referring to all of the unbelievers that have commented here, some of you have made valid points that can be discussed and worked with; I'm referring to those that everyone notices as blatantly antagonistic towards Christians).

Speaking for myself, it simply isn't worth it to bother getting involved; I have plenty of things in my regular life that give me headaches, I don't need to add to that by engaging the ignorant and purposefully hateful.

BO XIAN
reply to post by rupertg

 

I don't know who Bill Hicks is . . . however . . .

Forgiveness IS always in order and crucial.

. . . for those who want to be forgiven, for sure.

Bo, when ya think it is getting to intolerable, always remember, they crucified Christ.

Friday, 20 December 2013

The world media is increasingly losing interest in the foreign-fueled war still raging in Syria between the Assad regime and an assortment of Islamist rebel groups backed by the Obama administration, Sunni Arab dictators, and European powers. For embattled Syrian Christians, though — most of whom tried to stay out of the conflict — reports suggest the situation is deteriorating quickly, with over 1,200 documented murders so far, and almost 500,000 forced to flee their homes to escape the escalating violence and ruthless persecution. The real numbers are probably even worse.
www.thenewamerican.com...
Experts say the end goal of many jihadist rebel groups is to eradicate Christianity in Syria as part of the effort to create a fundamentalist Islamic state. Even factions of the Obama-backed “Free Syrian Army,” receiving vast amounts of Western aid under the guise of supporting supposed “moderates,” have been implicated in the anti-Christian atrocities by refugees cited in media reports. Like in Iraq following the U.S. government’s “regime change” operation, the Christian minority in Syria — about 10 percent of the population — could face potential extinction as Western powers continue to shower arms and support on Islamic rebels

When Americans are starting to agree with Putin, Huston we have a problem.
voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com...

The stage is set.

reply to post by ProfessorChaos


When you take into consideration the persecution of Christians in the middle east, I certainly wouldn't want to be one that incites more persecution.
six degrees of separation, blood on my hands

reply to post by BO XIAN

Bo, I haven't read the myriad of responses you have gotten to this thread as of yet. I just wanted to answer your OP from my perspective as one who was of the faith for many, many years. The answer is simple.

Christians were commanded to let their light shine before men, and to preach the gospel. That's it. Nothing else.

You don't have to defend God's existence. You don't have to defend the existence of Jesus. You don't even have to defend yourself. All you need do is live your faith in a manner worthy of the God and savior you believe in, and let your life and words be a testimony of him. You are witnesses for him. What does a witness do? They testify to what they have seen.

This was the problem with many Christians when I was on the street witnessing to people about Christ. They all wanted to defend their faith, and argue theology. They wanted to defend the bibles authenticity. It's not about any of that. It's about living a life pleasing to god, glorifying him in your body, and sharing your testimony with those who don't know him. Period.

Anything else is wasting "talents".

Take it for what it's worth. But remember Balaam's donkey.

Stormdancer777
reply to post by ProfessorChaos

 

When you take into consideration the persecution of Christians in the middle east, I certainly wouldn't want to be one that incites more persecution.
six degrees of separation, blood on my hands

Though certainly not anywhere near as barbaric in nature as that in the Middle East, persecution of Christians has been going on here (in the U.S.) for quite awhile. It's only a matter of time before it becomes socially acceptable to treat Christians in the same manner here in the good ol' U.S.

A hopeless outlook? Yep. I call it as I see it.

reply to post by ProfessorChaos


I happen to think you are correct, it is only a matter of time, but sometimes I keep silent on this aspect of this issue on the forum because of the atmosphere it creates.

jimmyx
for all of you constant religious whiners...it's not what you believe, nobody cares. it's what religious people have tried to do with that belief. go to your churches, pray and sing, speak in tongues, go through all the rituals you want. that is not the point, and most of you know that already.

Is that so? Maybe you can explain to me then why someone found it necessary to go so far as to hack my account and post anti-christian rhetoric under my name in just such a thread as the OP is referencing? What was that? an effort to liberate me from my own archaic, outmoded bronze age belief system? Was it an altruistic act veiled as an invasion of my privacy and dignity?

The OP is 100% correct.