Ok, I tried not to post here because I am not so particular to "religion" I don't diss it or make fun of it as thats about as bad as condemning gay people...

My math professor majored in Theology and last week we had a heated discussion about it...

My opinion is that since the book is written by man (and it says IN the bible it is written according to god, that he "inspired" man to write it) it could have been and mostl likely was something made up? I mean seriously, is there proof of half the stuff in there?

Anyway, not trying to start another heated discussion, apparently since you "flip" off people you should "repent" because thats considered a "sin".."do unto others as you would have them do unto you" there, im done now Dx; need to get out of this thread >.>;

Originally Posted by Spufflez

Well, I also hate church probably because my father drags me there every weekend. I curse pretty frequently, and I'm sure that I've made fun of people. Religion is whatever you make of it. Remember, God forgives all who have sinned as long as you have forgiven yourself for what you've done. Don't sweat it, nobody could be the perfect Christian.

• I know the feeling ><;;
  
  My mom and dad drag me there every week. It's seriously dreadful for me.
  
  Even my youth pastor in church asked,
  "You seem to not like it here..."
  Since I was sitting in the back of the room listening to The Ramones on my iPod
  And I said "Mmmhmmm. My mom forces me here."
  
  Then he was all shocked ;O
  And said that's not fair.
  And I should want to come there or there's no point.
  But my parents obviously don't see things that way >___>
  
  I ask for forgiveness when I screw up, so that's good.
  But yeah :3
  
  My parents are so irritating xD

Originally Posted by shaggysmule

it depends if you believe in God and TRY to live a good life in Gods eyes. good luck with trying to quit cussing.. I am also trying to stop.. I hope you can do it. :D

• I do believe in God n___n
  
  Hmm, that's true. After all, God is the one who judges you :3. Thanks for the encouragement on not cussing ^___^. I've turned it down a bit. Not completely, but somewhat x)
  
  Good luck to you too on not cussing! <333

Originally Posted by Seiki Nova

Well aren't there varying forms of Christianity? I mean, I'm really an Agnostic, so I can't say I know much about the Christian faith, but I don't think that just because you do those things it classifies you as less of a Christian. I mean, its really a stereotype of the religion that you're thinking of (in my opinion at least) that makes you question your faith. If you believe in what your religion stands for, then that's what you are. Your actions are the things that make you you, and just because you do something that doesn't follow a certain "trend" in your faith, it isn't something you should worry over. My cousins are very devoted Christians, but they'll still cuss you out and do things that are not "Christian-like" according to the church.

The church is really the place that enforces such crap. I mean, the religion is about your faith isn't it? I really think that it is your faith that is determining the person you are in this case, not your actions. And I know this post sounds repetative.. which it kind of is haha, but that's just how I feel about it. The church has too much say in how you should act. I think you should define yourself, and choose for yourself the actions that you take to make you that person. Ignore the norm, break out and be free~

Yeah. There's a lot of religons that are like slightly differed from Christianity but basically the same :3. Lutheran and Catholics are pretty similar I think. I don't know too much about them >___<. But my cousin in Lutheran and he believes pretty much everything I do. Most of the time, I use my own judgement to if I'm doing the right thing or not. I mean, I care about God's opinion on me, not some other human even if he is my pastor. I just hope God outweighs the bad stuff I do in life with the good <333

Yuppers. Churches often try to "rule" over people's lives. But when it comes down to it, it's really the person's decision to follow it. I follow some of it, but not much. They tell me a lot of bull though. Like that since I dress 'goth' (how ironic that they're labeling me when we're not supposed to judge people), I'm a demon worshipper and going to hell -rolls eyes- . They told me to cut down on all the black. Chh`. Yeah right.

Edit: Sorry, I rushed when I typed that. I forgot to add some stuff. I think labeling is riduculous and stupid. I mean, stuff like preps, emos, and goths are such immature things to call people. But the most riduclous part is them thinking I actually care.

Dunno...the fact that you believe in God is proof you're a Christian...

But then again, perhaps you're like half-religious. You don't need to follow every rule, draw every line, to say that you're Christian.

But...try to tone it down a bit...? ^^;

Originally Posted by rindapinda

First... taste of music is totally unrelated. It's what you love, no one should force you into liking one kind of music.

Cursing a lot isn't that big a sin. I have a friend who goes to church, she once said "Oh f*ck, I still have to go to f*cking church tonight". Only then she realised how funny this sounded. My friend is a great Christian, cursing doesn't matter at all!

Hating your church is exactly the same. My friend doesn't like to go to church either, unless her crush is there. Then she's very eager to go. You don't have to like visiting your church or anything.

And the seven sins... everyone commits them. I mean, you can't help being envious of someone, and I personally think nothing is wrong about being proud when you deserved it. You shouldn't try to express them too much, that's all. If your friend has a higher grade than you, don't go shouting "I hate you, I should've had that grade", but keep it to yourself a little.

And making fun of people is okay, as long as the people you're making fun of are okay with it.

What makes a Christian? I think it isn't about praying every day or going to church, never lying or not being jealous of someone, I think it's about truly believing in God.

But the most important thing is: let your heart lead you! Don't let anyone tell you you're not a Christian at all! You get to decide that!

---

Personally, I'm an Atheïst, but I truly, deeply respect people who are religious. I think it's amazing that a person can have that much trust in something that hasn't been proven.

And what's there to lose? I mean, if there is a god (shouldn't be capitalized because I'm not specific), then you're doing everything right. If there isn't, well, then it was for nothing, but you can never be sure, right? You won't be punished for it in your next life anyway, because if there isn't a god there most likely won't be a next life. ;D

Fer sure :3

• They don't force me to not listen to the music I life. I mean, they can't change my love for the music I'm into. Obviously, I won't be blasting it from speakers around them but I like it and there's nothing they can really do about it n____n
  
  Yeah, I say that a lot ><;;
  "Oh shiit. I have church tomorrow D<! I hate it there!! Dumbasses..."
  Basically because I really do. Haha xD. I have a friend like that too, she only goes because her crush goes to that church. If it wasn't for him, she would probably hate it too =3
  
  It actually turns out that when I really thought about it, I've committed all seven of the sins at one point or another >____>. But that's just being a human I guess -shrugs- .
  
  Well sometimes it's friendly joking around. But sometimes I'm seriously brutal <___< >____> . I have quite the reputation as a major bitch. But that doesn't matter if they think I am or not, no one's opinion is of much value in defining myself. Like this thread even, I just like to hear viewpoints ;3
  
  Yeah, faith, belief, and love for God are most important. It's the basic foundation for Christianity. Without it, you got nothing.
  
  Ehh. I let people think what they want of me. I let them hate me. Love me. Whatever, it doesn't really matter to me either way. I just don't see why it should. If they think I'm Christian, then alright. If they think I'm not, then it's still fine by me.

Originally Posted by lena

Christian: a person who believes in Jesus Christ; adherent of Christianity.

I don't see how sinning makes you any less of a Christian...

Side Note: Nice crown n___n. It's very pretty <333

• Yeah, if you believe in Jesus Christ then you're basically a Christian. But then you have to love and trust him too I believe =3
  
  Ehh, I don't know. It doesn't really make you a better Christian but just a better person I guess -shrugs- . But sinning too much just isn't a great habit to have ><;;

Before I move on, I'd like to clear up some things ^___^

• No, I do not let the church rule my life and control my every move xD. That'd be kind of scary X.X , I live by what I think God would think is alright. Not by what anyone in my church says it right. They're just normal people >___<. Yes, even the pastor. I think he's just a guy who tells us about God. He isn't God. But whatever.
  
  I've gotten to be slightly better x]. I haven't flipped someone off in a long time, I don't swear (as often), and I haven't gotten into any physical fights. Not lately. I mean, I give the occasional slap to the face, or kick in the stomach...But those are just me and my friends fooling around. We're just like that =3

But yeah, I just wanted to say that now so that I don't have to repeat myself and there's no confusion. Okay, thanks! <3

No one's perfect.

I have a mouth like a sailor. But that's me. Oh well.

I'm an atheist anyway. Religion is too constriction, and to me, it feels like fiction.

Your religion does not define you as a person. Your actions define you... if you want to act like that, or do that is your choice and it makes you who you are.. it doesn't make you a non-christian.

You know, some people who are Christian really annoy me(I'm one by the way) they think things like, if you don't go to church, you're not a Christian, or if you do this or don't do that. it's like, every moment of the day we have to think of god, and that's just unrealistic.

Originally Posted by xX Nightmare Angel Xx

Yeah. The bible wasn't written by God. It was written by people, just by humans. But, God took place in some of the events in the bible.

Paul said in Timothy II 3:16 that scripture is"god-breathed" meaning that the holy spirit inspired the writers to write what he wanted them to.

I curse a lot
The Bible says "you shalt not swear on God" not "You shalt not swear"

I get into (physical contact) fights
Although that's not good, it is not an actual sin, it's just something that should be avoided.

I love metal music
That is DEFINATLY not a sin.

I hate my church with a burning passion
Fair enough, if you have a bad church. I like my church, but there are others I hate.

I lie more than you could ever imagine
O.K...yeah, this is a sin...but it's human to sin sometimes...

I commit two of the seven deadly sins
These are a made up Catholic thing - they are not in the bible.

I make fun of people
Although wrong, not a sin.

You do sin, but not half as much as you think you do. And all human's sin, it doesn't mean you're not a Christian.

well i dont particularly think christians are or have to be perfect..i think its such a huge misconception..and anyways..i consider myself christian but i dont participate in a denomination so to speak though i was raised catholic until i had a choice...i believe in freedom of faith..one should be able to believe what they want to believe and practice how they want to..it shouldnt be structured so much..i dont believe you have to go to church in order to go to heaven or be a good christian..i believe that if you follow your own judgments and do what you believe is right and try not to do so much wrong that you can consider yourself what you title yourself..christian or otherwise

Originally Posted by wizardharri

Paul said in Timothy II 3:16 that scripture is"god-breathed" meaning that the holy spirit inspired the writers to write what he wanted them to.

-strongly agrees even if it's a bit off topic- The bible is an inspired book from God. Yes they were just humans but their words were not. It is about the only book to keep is purist meaning from it's first writings.

Originally Posted by Rvaya

-strongly agrees even if it's a bit off topic- The bible is an inspired book from God. Yes they were just humans but their words were not. It is about the only book to keep is purist meaning from it's first writings.

then what about all the political influence on the bible and all the left out text..the bibles we read from today are far from complete and have been rewritten from translations..whose to know what was truely written from way back when..i dont believe everything that is written in it..but thats my own belief system and im not saying its not a good thing to gain inspiration from cause there are a lot of good moral stories in it..and it provides much hope..

I base labels purely off of what people believe. I certainly wouldn't consider you a strict or particularly 'good' Christian, but you still are one. Then again, labels have never meant much to me. I was born and raised Roman Catholic, I now occasionally attend a Baptist church with my mother, and I consider myself very much an Athiest. xD

Originally Posted by Abis

I base labels purely off of what people believe. I certainly wouldn't consider you a strict or particularly 'good' Christian, but you still are one. Then again, labels have never meant much to me. I was born and raised Roman Catholic, I now occasionally attend a Baptist church with my mother, and I consider myself very much an Athiest. xD

isnt athiest a label...i really dont understand what it means to be an athiest..do you just not believe in god or a higher power of any kind..do you believe that your body just is buried and you rot in the ground and your soul goes no where? i would really like to know the basis of being an athiest..i believe alot of people call themselves that without even knowing what it all means..so i was just wondering if anyone has a true factual definition of what it means to be an athiest..

This should help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism

Originally Posted by Eimi

isnt athiest a label...i really dont understand what it means to be an athiest..do you just not believe in god or a higher power of any kind..do you believe that your body just is buried and you rot in the ground and your soul goes no where? i would really like to know the basis of being an athiest..i believe alot of people call themselves that without even knowing what it all means..so i was just wondering if anyone has a true factual definition of what it means to be an athiest..

An atheist (such as myself) believes in no religion whatsoever. Most of us believe in scientific facts and such.

Originally Posted by Queen Fool

An atheist (such as myself) believes in no religion whatsoever. Most of us believe in scientific facts and such.

ok..what are the views on afterlife? i believe in a lot of scientific facts as well hence why i think the bible and creation of life are mainly stories..but i do believe in an after life..and i believe that christ was real person and savior and i believe in a higher power so i guess thats what sets me more into the christian category than athiest...

I only have one question for you:

What the fuck does metal music have to do with Christianity?
:?

Originally Posted by Rvaya

This should help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism

I dont believe most of what wiki says..since its edited by people and can sometimes not be completely factual

All it takes to be a Christian is believing Christ is the son of God who died for our sins, believe it or not. You can do whatever crimes you want and still pray to God and be considered a Christian.

At my college, there was actually a guy handing out fliers that said, "Are you Bad enough to be a Christian?" It was all about how we need to admit that we are sinners before we can ever get close to God.

I'm an agnostic. 8)

And uh I guess it all depends on if you consider yourself to be one.

And you don't have to go by your default religion if you don't truly follow it.