I do wish this wasn't necessary, but I think it is. On the one hand, I feel the new rules are valid, if only to allow a place where people can criticize Christianity without feeling inhibited by the evangelicals and other hard liners. But I can also feel for those Christians who only want to discuss their religion in order to delve more deeply into it. But I'm still not too keen on bible study, but that's preferrable to prostelitizing among people who really, really don't want it, and see this website as an escape from the rigid lockstep of social pressure. I hope you get some response, cause if the Christians boycott this forum, it's their loss. My bottom line is that Christians need to keep to themselves if this world is to ever have some peace, which has been sorely lacking the last 2,000 years. Anyways, I don't expect to be posting much here.
I have made an observation.....why does everyone attack christianity, but nothing else? I am glad that this was made.....so that those who do want to talk about it can without having to defend themselves from criticizers.
Turn it around... Why does Christianity attack everyone? From Crusades to Televangelists they attack everyone who isn't Christian. Why won't Christians stay amongst themselves instead of getting in everyone else's faces? I could go on, but this isn't the forum for it...
I totally agree. On all points you just made. I am a Christian, but not a conventional one. I am ashamed at what people have done in the name of Christ, and I really hope that I can somehow change the negative connotations that surrounds Christianty by example, because it really is a beautiful religion that's about love and forgiveness. It just frustrates me, you know. And I do believe that pushing Christianity (or any faith by that matter) on others is THE WORST possible thing to do.
I agree with you too. There are many like you who are frustrated and ashamed at what their religion has inflicted upon the world in the past and present. This is exactly the kind of response I've been looking for all this time. Some kind of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT from Christians of the damage done in the name of Christ over the past millennia. That's ALL IT TAKES to start the healing, and for a NEW BEGINNING to take hold among the Christians here and around the world. But REFUSING to admit and accept SOME responsibility individually and collectively will DOOM any future Christianity has. One of my biggest gripes is that Christians in general refuse to own up to anything! Just cause they hear "you're forgiven" they think that means they don't owe anything to anyone, and they can continue their destructive influence on the planet. Now is the time for all "good" Christians to start their religion from scratch, without a hierarchy, without dogma, without even a physical church. If you could do that you could really "conquer" hearts and minds, by just focusing on the teachings of Christ and ONLY the teachings of Christ (his own undiluted, uninterpreted words, such as they are.) The first and most important thing, imo for Christians to own up to, and to take responsibility for, and to change as soon as possible, is the leadership they helped elect in America. Bush & Cheney must go, and it's every Christian's duty to point out how they have NOT followed Christ's teachings and have done a disservice to Christians and Americans with their actions in office. Until Christians unite and call for the resignations of those they put in office, they get little to no respect in my book, and from most THINKING Americans who aren't sheep.
Skip and dolly dagger, good discussion...I can't add much, as you've expressed my own thoughts very closely.
Yes, thank you Skip. Thank you for allowing a place for a safe "out" from your new rules. It does seem a little strange to segregate away the place where people can actually discuss the heart of the religion, and allow the haters full reign in the main area. But it is probably the best practical solution, given what has gone on in the main area. Thanks again.
and Skip...for the record......i am so anti-bush....i saw evil written all over his mug the day he began to run for office...back in (was it 2000?) It is people like him who make me wanna hide my face (and faith). but i want to say, that there are plenty of people in christianity who abhor that man...... for example, Jim Wallis is a great ambasador to liberal christians like myself.
AMEN!!!!! I feel ya one that one. Perhaps someday pholks will realize that the overly vocal "attacker" types are a small minority of Christians and are wolves in sheeps clothing. A true Christian doesn't attack but instead tries to demonstrate Gods love to those around them and do their small part to brighten the corner where they are.
Thank you Skip (and Jesus) for this site, where I can get some constructive feedback on my own tentative ideas without getting bashed by bible thumpers or their opponents. I'm in 100% agreement with the views expressed above, especially Skip's about the need to oppose the so-called Christians (aka Pharisees) who are doing such a piss poor job of running the country, or trying to. I also appreciate the ability to walk on both sides, going over to the rougher part of town on the main site for adventure. The non-sanctuary part is still educational, and I don't find the rules too inhibiting.
