Posted by MrSimons (Post 499251)

Hello, currently and for awhile I have considered myself Agnostic (I think thats the word for it? I believe in a god, but I'm not religious.). Nor do I plan to be religious at anytime in the near future. However I am very interested in Jesus. From what I have heard from others/learned in Church is that following him isn't really about anything regarding religion, or being republican, or hating gays like most media portrays, its just loving God and others, which is what I am interested in.

I think posting this on a religious forum would probably get me the answer I'm looking for better/faster, and with less flaming. But it would mean a little more to me if a fellow Graalian would answer this. So what is following Jesus' teachings about? I don't quite understand the motive, or the reason behind any of it at all. In fact the only thing I can really get out of it is that (based on Christianity) its the only way to heaven. I guess I'm not being very clear on what the question is, but I don't really know how to word it besides "Explain following Jesus".

Any helpful answers are appreciated, thank you (:

Posted by 5hift (Post 499269)

Well here's a tip from me, don't turn into one of those bible-thumpers who are basically controlled by what they've learned from their religion.

Posted by HappyCat123 (Post 499266)

Troll if I've ever seen one

Posted by 5hift (Post 499269)

Well here's a tip from me, don't turn into one of those bible-thumpers who are basically controlled by what they've learned from their religion.

To me, being apart of a religion is mostly having someone or something to look up to. Like a well respected family member.

It's cool and all to believe in that someone/something but when it's running your life, you've gotta chill out.

Now if you happen to be a person that follows their religion like it's the government then good for you. Just remember as human beings, you're entitled to believe in whatever you want.

As long as you don't turn out to be mass-murdering Nazis.

Then we'd have a problem.

Posted by HON3Y BADG3R (Post 499254)

As a Catholic, I love to share my beliefs. Media (and this goes with every religion) warps it into a contreversy. There are also extreemists who actually believe we have to "stone he who sleeps with another man." Guys seriously.. That was thousands of years ago.

I want you to read about the Jesuits. It's purely about loving God and your neighbor.

I wrote about them:

St. Ignatius inspired the world with his Jeusit ideology and lifestyle. From founding the society of Jesus in 1540, it grew from seven to 24,400 members through time. Jesuits are involved in evangilization and apostlistic ministry in 112 countires.
Jesuits all about loving God and your neighbor They are known around the world as educators that try to find God in all things.

Posted by Dawn (Post 499293)

i feel like explaining the ten commandments to you.
but i wont.
maybe.

1.You cannot love something more than god,even food
2.Dont make a one item your idol,and girlishly worship it like,"please give me 5000 dollars"
3.Dont say anything like Omg,Or ohmaigawd in vain.
4.Always go to church on Sabbath day(Sunday)
5.Honor your father and mother,because they decided to put you in this world(Mostlikely)

Posted by MrSimons (Post 499295)

No need, I am actually pretty church active, its just I've never taken the time to explore what it actually means to be Christian.

Posted by CM CM (Post 499302)

Can't wait to see the flame wars started in this thread...

"U DON BELEEVE WIF ME SO U SUK AND SHULD DIE"

"STFU U MENTAL PSYCHOTIC NOOB UR LIKE CRAZY OR SUMTHING LOL GO TO A MENTAL ASYLUM"

Posted by Tyler (Post 499320)

God is one. He is the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Three characteristics, but still one God.

Posted by kenovo (Post 499328)

Hate if you want, but.

Science

Posted by Hadi (Post 499331)

What is the difference between a Christian and a catholic? I've sake many people but they never know :(

Posted by Hadi (Post 499331)

I don't understand how he can be 1 and 3 at the same? I want to hear an explanation since I've never heard an answer or seeked one. I'm not trying to put down the religion, instead I'm looking for knowledge.

Posted by Kay9 (Post 499325)

The trinity makes absolutely no sense.

Posted by Reece (Post 499347)

Part of the idea of religion is that we as people are not supposed to understand and process concepts such as this.

Posted by Reece (Post 499347)

God is regarded as an omniscient, omnipresent being, he's everywhere at once, and is all knowing.

Posted by MrSimons (Post 499251)

Hello, currently and for awhile I have considered myself Agnostic (I think thats the word for it? I believe in a god, but I'm not religious.). Nor do I plan to be religious at anytime in the near future. However I am very interested in Jesus. From what I have heard from others/learned in Church is that following him isn't really about anything regarding religion, or being republican, or hating gays like most media portrays, its just loving God and others, which is what I am interested in.

I think posting this on a religious forum would probably get me the answer I'm looking for better/faster, and with less flaming. But it would mean a little more to me if a fellow Graalian would answer this. So what is following Jesus' teachings about? I don't quite understand the motive, or the reason behind any of it at all. In fact the only thing I can really get out of it is that (based on Christianity) its the only way to heaven. I guess I'm not being very clear on what the question is, but I don't really know how to word it besides "Explain following Jesus".

Any helpful answers are appreciated, thank you (:

Posted by kenovo (Post 499328)

Hate if you want, but.

Science

Posted by Hadi (Post 499366)

We are supposed to understand BUT there is only so much humans can understand. So miracles and such were used to prove things like this. There is also proof in the books god sent down.

Posted by CM CM (Post 499391)

A lot of the things in the Bible are not scientifically possible. But God can do anything, and the reason we keep believing even though we don't have much evidence is our faith.

One of the things I love most about my religion is how many gospels and passages leave me pondering and confused. Not because I'm confused on how something can be possible, but I am usually confused about the meaning of a phrase or gospel. Here's one that left me pondering for a while:

Posted by Hadi (Post 499331)

What is the difference between a Christian and a catholic? I've sake many people but they never know :(

Posted by HappyCat123 (Post 499403)

Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholics. Christianity includes Protestants and Catholics and most of those groups that generally have the believe that there's one god, jesus is our savior, etc etc.

Posted by Reece (Post 499347)

Agnosticism pretty much means you're open minded, that you're not disregarding the idea that there is a god but not actively believing it either.



Part of the idea of religion is that we as people are not supposed to understand and process concepts such as this. God is regarded as an omniscient, omnipresent being, he's everywhere at once, and is all knowing. We can't understand some of the things that is written, but we have to accept it.

Posted by Colin (Post 499430)

Dawn, Reece was right here is the definition:

a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.

Posted by Platinum (Post 499357)

The trinity is God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit;
God is the Creator, Christ is his son (whom he sent down to earth and paid for our sins), and the Holy Spirit is what Christ left behind so he is still with us.

I'm agnostic, but as I've been to an Anglican school my whole life I suppose you could call me a Christian. Jesus preached about loving god and loving your neighbour. One of his most famous stories is the Good Samaritan, which explains the basis of Christianity.

I'd be happy to teach you more if you're interested.

Posted by Colin (Post 499423)

Since we've got a religious thread here, any other Buddhists?

Posted by Kay9 (Post 499447)

That's the thing. Jesus never once claimed divinity or said to worship him. The basic concept of the trinity is not even in the bible. "You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you ' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father,*for the Father is greater (meizon) than I." John 14:28. How can Jesus be god if he himself says there is someone who is greater.

Posted by Tyler (Post 499320)

God is one. He is the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Three characteristics, but still one God. A glorious mystery. An example would be an egg shell, the egg white, and the egg yoke is just one egg, but has three different characteristics. God created man, but man rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. God had a plan to redeem man. God came to Earth as Jesus (part of the holy trinity: the father, son, and the holy spirit). Jesus was born of a ****** and lived a sinless life. He was crucified on a cross in payment for man's sin.

On the third day after his death he raised from the dead and conquered sin and death. There is nothing that man can do on his own works to save himself. He needed God to take punishment for his own sins. In order to be saved you have to freely accept Jesus' gift of salvation. Once someone has been saved, they have truly accepted Jesus Christ as their lord and savior, they will follow Jesus out of love and appreciation for him. An example from the Bible, "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, NOT as a result of works that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). Another example from the Bible Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except by me" (John 14:6). A third example from the Bible is, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The next step after being saved is to find a Bible believing church that believes in God as the trinity (the father, son, and holy spirit) and believes that salvation is from grace through faith and not of works. You can't earn your way to heaven. God did it for you once and for all. God offers a gift, but God does not force his gift on anyone because man is given free will. A true Christian is grateful that they have been saved and they want to obey God's commandments out of love and gratefulness.

I hope this helps!

Posted by Hadi (Post 499331)

Seriously, what are you trying to say?
Religion definitely has a lot of science involved.

Posted by Kay9 (Post 499447)

That's the thing. Jesus never once claimed divinity or said to worship him. The basic concept of the trinity is not even in the bible. "You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you ' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father,*for the Father is greater (meizon) than I." John 14:28. How can Jesus be god if he himself says there is someone who is greater.

Posted by Vivid* (Post 499395)

Dude,I've been waiting for a thread like this for a very, very long time.
Let me get started, sorry, I, Myself am A Christian (Hence Christ-ian)
Jesus, As said in the Holy trinity is "Father son Holy Spirit" meaning they are "one" that really sounds weird, and A pastor of mine said It is one of the hardest things to understand, But, Jesus, I'm sure you know the whole story, died On a cross for our sins, because he was perfect (meaning followed all Ten Commandments. Jesus, if you accept him as your savior, you are saved, to do this do the ABC's of Christ. (Please Click the Link I have Found)
Now, The Bible. (I Read, A simple Holy Bible) States, No matter what sin, As long as you believe in Jesus, you are saved. The bible is basically your message from God, read it for help, Pray also. However, the one sin that cannot be forgiven is stating you are not a Christian, when you are (why the Jews in the holocaust could not simply say they were not, and, Turning away from God (Example: says God I don't Want you in my life anymore, like that (Idk why you would say that, just saying) Anyway, people also, get confused thinking believing in God gets you to heaven, remember, JESUS is the one to believe, Remember, God is real, And God is Jesus (his son) but the way to Heaven is through him.
Good Luck Mr.Simons, If you wish to become a Christian P.M. Me anytime, It would be an honor to help. :3



The "Creation of world made by God" as stated in Sir. Vivid III Facts of Life Book ^.^
Try to watch the new(ish) Movie Called "God's Not Dead" A movie about a college Professor Who is atheist And Wants a Young Christian Student To write "Gods Dead" On a piece of paper, but he refuses. The student then must make arguments and debates in from of the 80 student class of wether or not God Exists, as a Christian, the student uses Gods help to do this, and Uses Quotes and Parts of old peoples sayings to civilly fight the Professor. he finally gets the professor to say "Yes,YES I HATE GOD" then Then the boy states, "How can you hate someone that doesn't exist"? Then he gets into a story about how his Mom dies when he was little....In the end the Proffesor accepts God. (I'm not going to fill in the details, I missed a lot, just so You can enjoy the movie if you choose ;)

Now, sorry I forgot, to say, But The difference between Catholics and Christians is, Catholics have a lot more rules ( some Good, don't get me wrong) but, Catholics, believe in God, But they don't believe in Jesus, There are MANY, different religions, but Christian seems to be the most popular and known in America (We have missionaries at your local church who go to other countries to try and save others)
Now, if you've read all this, You know about what it is to be a Christian. Good Luck. God is Good.

Posted by Colin (Post 499423)

Since we've got a religious thread here, any other Buddhists?

Posted by Dawn (Post 499428)

agnostic means that u think there is no proof of god and him existing since it is based on a book that someone wrote,which people believe in somehow.there may be a god,but most agnostic people dont know if god is real or not,since we cant time travel YET.

Posted by Google

a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.

Posted by CluTch (Post 499577)

Isn't there a definition where you don't believe of God but you can't really disprove of one?

Posted by CluTch (Post 499580)

It's an agnostic atheist.

I definitely see it now. Okay, anyways. Simon you should try to take most time to look into Catholicism. It's worth while. If you don't have the time, read like, one chapter of the bible each day. It's not really hard.

Posted by Latte (Post 499608)

The goal of spirituality isn't just reaching Heaven or becoming a better person. It's to have a full, happy, healthy life. Religion tends to associate with a community of spiritual people-- but just having spirituality, a personal independent belief in God, is perfectly good too. Following your journey and accepting God's will as your own is what makes you a believer in Christ.

Posted by GOAT (Post 499332)

one of the big differences is that Christians dont believe in praying to saints and the ****** mary while Catholics do.

Posted by CM CM (Post 499391)

A lot of the things in the Bible are not scientifically possible. But God can do anything, and the reason we keep believing even though we don't have much evidence is our faith.

One of the things I love most about my religion is how many gospels and passages leave me pondering and confused. Not because I'm confused on how something can be possible, but I am usually confused about the meaning of a phrase or gospel. Here's one that left me pondering for a while: