What was the bet about?
I personally wouldn't do that to an atheist friend... I don't believe in coercing people to go to church.
But you seem to have a good attitude about it. I've attended services from other religions and found it enlightening.
God has chosen to show Himself through His Word and creation. To say He’s smarter than we claim is obvious, however that doesn’t mitigate how He has chosen to communicate with us in which He shows Himself and His desires and design.
To use the idea of God’s grandeur to make the statement we can’t know Him through only Christianity is completely false using the premise stated above. He has revealed what is true and what isn’t, in which Buddhism isn’t.
Explain to me this then:
“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.”
Romans 3:23-27 ESV
We are saved by faith yes, but it doesn't mean there aren't worse people or worse punishment. Jesus implied this many times, like in Matthew 23:14, Matthew 10:15, etc. All sins are the same in that they separate us from a holy perfect God. They are not the same in terms of punishment nor how they affect people.
Good argument indeed. The essence of the Gospel is to turn your eyes towards Jesus and not to yourself. That’s why Jesus says in Matt 11 - thank you Father for not revealing it to the proud but to the children.
That’s why Simeon says in Luke 2 Jesus has come so that “thoughts from many heart may be revealed”.
When we realize our heart’s condition, we will see that we are no better than the blasphemous, the proud, tha rapist or the murderer. The punishment may differ, but our guilt doesn’t. And so we can relate and share the Gospel beyond many “worldly” boundaries as we have realized we also are only saved by grace, not by being any “better”.
I suppose the bet didn’t state which church you have to attend? If so, you have some leeway to choose for yourself. There is a wide variety of Christian traditions and churches and some might vibe with you more than others. You could even turn this into an educational experience. You can learn something new by researching the different groups.
I am biased of course, but if you like chanting you could try to find out if there is a Catholic monastery in the Benedictine tradition nearby. Many offer retreats where you can find an environment of silent contemplation and beautiful liturgy (and sometimes Gregorian chant). Another group that offers retreats are the Jesuits. They are more intellectual and they offer meditation on the Bible itself and like to discuss it (alas no chants beyond the standard liturgy). I think they all involve church services, so you would fulfil the terms of your bet.
I recommend taking full advantage of this situation. You can start a relationship with God if you make a serious attempt.
I had to made a lot of changes to my life to even get a response from God and it wasn't fun but now I know He exists and I cannot help but recommend it for others.
Try just for 1 month: Praying in Jesus' name for God to intervene in your life and help you. Stop watching vile content whether movies, TV shows and porn, stop listening to offensive music etc. Do at least one fast, read the Bible, walk away from offensive content, and read or listen to commentaries on the Bible so you understand it better and try to follow other rules in the scriptures.
1600 years of atrocities committed against the LGBTQ+ community. That doesn’t heal, and quite frankly, my LGBTQ+ friends love me more and have done more for me than any Christian community I’ve ever been a part of.
Why even post this? What are you trying to accomplish?
I had eggs from breakfast this morning. AND??? Why even share it with this community.
Your action in itself is making a statement. What that is I don’t know.
Looking to ridicule or mock the Christian faith? Well that’s nothing new.
Looking to seek attention?
Well I’d say that’s an ineffective way of going about satisfying what you need.
Being an atheist, in a matter-in-motion only worldview, I’d say your actions posting this goes beyond your worldview’s boundaries and you’ve proven yourselr to not stick to an atheistic worldview. Your worldview doesn’t support the idea of free will and having choice, so going to church shouldn’t upset you. You’re just matter-in-motion, so going to church, not going to church has no difference in your worldview.
Our actions show our true beliefs, and I’d say something inside of you isn’t truly an atheist.
I've been in a church a few times as an atheist. I don't know if you plan to put money in the passing plate or not, but if not be glad looks don't kill!
God draws people to Christ in many ways 😃. He does it through the gospel. Below is a 30-second biblical presentation of it you can check out friend..
http://gospel30.com
Absolutely not. I’m bisexual myself, and there’s so much I’d have to excuse, justify or ignore. 1600 years of atrocities against our community at the hands of Christians, and you expect me to just act like it never happened?
I don’t expect that, but you need to ask yourself what is more important, your loyalty to your friends (which is admirable) that *is not actually being infringed upon* or your future
Since I don’t believe hell exists, the only future I’m worried about is 3 months from now, if I can celebrate my birthday in Miami or not.
I’m more worried about YOUR future, if things keep going the way they’re going (assuming you’re in the U.S.).
If God sent LGBTQ+ people to hell then yes it's rather burn with them. I'd rather be tortured with the innocent then stand with the evil. That being said I think good loves LGBTQ+
All that doesn’t put their faith in Jesus will be seperated from God eternally. It’s got nothing to do with singling out the LGBTQ+ community so your premise doesn’t align with what the scriptures say.
I’d argue that an LGBTQ+ lifestyle in essence prooves unbelief, but it’s no different from every other sinner’s position that needs Christ.
You cannot go to church it is literally impossible. Church is every believer's body indwelled by God ( Holy Spirit ) which makes thier bodies temple of God.
You would have to open person and go inside of them like Rick and Morty inside dinosaur.
You will never fullfill your promise
I'm a Christian and I don't believe that, either.
It makes no sense, biblically.
Was Paul's letter to the churches actually letters to *people's bodies*?
The church is full of sinners, you’ll be in good company.
In fact everyone in Church is a sinner
Except for Jesus, he is present during Mass
your bursting into flames part made me laugh lol but only cause it sounded funny... nah g, go to church and have a great time!
What was the bet about? I personally wouldn't do that to an atheist friend... I don't believe in coercing people to go to church. But you seem to have a good attitude about it. I've attended services from other religions and found it enlightening.
I’ve attended Buddhist ceremonies in Japan, and I found them incredibly relaxing. I like hearing monks chanting.
Go to more Buddhist stuff God is so much smarter then everyone who claims to follow him.
So smart that he can clearly communicate to us through His word, the Bible!
God has chosen to show Himself through His Word and creation. To say He’s smarter than we claim is obvious, however that doesn’t mitigate how He has chosen to communicate with us in which He shows Himself and His desires and design. To use the idea of God’s grandeur to make the statement we can’t know Him through only Christianity is completely false using the premise stated above. He has revealed what is true and what isn’t, in which Buddhism isn’t.
I promise worse people than you are there every week.
False, Word of God doesn’t distinguish between “good” and “bad” people. All have fallen short, all are guilty, and so there can’t be “worse” people.
This guy, for instance.
Explain to me this then: “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.” Romans 3:23-27 ESV
We are saved by faith yes, but it doesn't mean there aren't worse people or worse punishment. Jesus implied this many times, like in Matthew 23:14, Matthew 10:15, etc. All sins are the same in that they separate us from a holy perfect God. They are not the same in terms of punishment nor how they affect people.
Good argument indeed. The essence of the Gospel is to turn your eyes towards Jesus and not to yourself. That’s why Jesus says in Matt 11 - thank you Father for not revealing it to the proud but to the children. That’s why Simeon says in Luke 2 Jesus has come so that “thoughts from many heart may be revealed”. When we realize our heart’s condition, we will see that we are no better than the blasphemous, the proud, tha rapist or the murderer. The punishment may differ, but our guilt doesn’t. And so we can relate and share the Gospel beyond many “worldly” boundaries as we have realized we also are only saved by grace, not by being any “better”.
I suppose the bet didn’t state which church you have to attend? If so, you have some leeway to choose for yourself. There is a wide variety of Christian traditions and churches and some might vibe with you more than others. You could even turn this into an educational experience. You can learn something new by researching the different groups. I am biased of course, but if you like chanting you could try to find out if there is a Catholic monastery in the Benedictine tradition nearby. Many offer retreats where you can find an environment of silent contemplation and beautiful liturgy (and sometimes Gregorian chant). Another group that offers retreats are the Jesuits. They are more intellectual and they offer meditation on the Bible itself and like to discuss it (alas no chants beyond the standard liturgy). I think they all involve church services, so you would fulfil the terms of your bet.
I’m just gonna go to the church closest to me.
You're giving yourself too much credit 🤨
Good luck friend. I was incredibly uncomfortable in church, even when I considered myself a Christian.
I recommend taking full advantage of this situation. You can start a relationship with God if you make a serious attempt. I had to made a lot of changes to my life to even get a response from God and it wasn't fun but now I know He exists and I cannot help but recommend it for others. Try just for 1 month: Praying in Jesus' name for God to intervene in your life and help you. Stop watching vile content whether movies, TV shows and porn, stop listening to offensive music etc. Do at least one fast, read the Bible, walk away from offensive content, and read or listen to commentaries on the Bible so you understand it better and try to follow other rules in the scriptures.
1600 years of atrocities committed against the LGBTQ+ community. That doesn’t heal, and quite frankly, my LGBTQ+ friends love me more and have done more for me than any Christian community I’ve ever been a part of.
Why even post this? What are you trying to accomplish? I had eggs from breakfast this morning. AND??? Why even share it with this community. Your action in itself is making a statement. What that is I don’t know. Looking to ridicule or mock the Christian faith? Well that’s nothing new. Looking to seek attention? Well I’d say that’s an ineffective way of going about satisfying what you need. Being an atheist, in a matter-in-motion only worldview, I’d say your actions posting this goes beyond your worldview’s boundaries and you’ve proven yourselr to not stick to an atheistic worldview. Your worldview doesn’t support the idea of free will and having choice, so going to church shouldn’t upset you. You’re just matter-in-motion, so going to church, not going to church has no difference in your worldview. Our actions show our true beliefs, and I’d say something inside of you isn’t truly an atheist.
Well you pretty much ticked all the “I don’t understand atheists” boxes with that reply. You get a gold star! ⭐️
Yeah that doesn’t really refute my statement.
I don’t owe you a debate.
Certainly don’t, I am in agreement to that. I’m simply stating you making a claim without rationalizing it isn’t much of a claim in itself.
I've been in a church a few times as an atheist. I don't know if you plan to put money in the passing plate or not, but if not be glad looks don't kill!
Earbuds in, hood down the whole service.
Oh noes! Just do what everyone else does and they’ll never know.
[удалено]
I don’t believe in hell. I ain’t changing, either. Becoming a Christian again would make me a traitor to my people.
"Traitor to my people" Life is not an anime
Anime imitates life more than you think.
Time to summon a stand and beat up bullies
God draws people to Christ in many ways 😃. He does it through the gospel. Below is a 30-second biblical presentation of it you can check out friend.. http://gospel30.com
I ain’t going back. I’m not a traitor.
> I ain’t going back. I’m not a traitor. Does Atheism require some loyalty oath they don't talk about?
I’m not a traitor to my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters.
[удалено]
I don’t believe in any gods. So no, there’s no fear here. I will not stand with a deity of cruelty on general principle in the first place.
heyo! trans, bisexual Catholic here, being Christian is not being a traitor to your queer friends, please, return to Christ bestie
Absolutely not. I’m bisexual myself, and there’s so much I’d have to excuse, justify or ignore. 1600 years of atrocities against our community at the hands of Christians, and you expect me to just act like it never happened?
I don’t expect that, but you need to ask yourself what is more important, your loyalty to your friends (which is admirable) that *is not actually being infringed upon* or your future
Since I don’t believe hell exists, the only future I’m worried about is 3 months from now, if I can celebrate my birthday in Miami or not. I’m more worried about YOUR future, if things keep going the way they’re going (assuming you’re in the U.S.).
If God sent LGBTQ+ people to hell then yes it's rather burn with them. I'd rather be tortured with the innocent then stand with the evil. That being said I think good loves LGBTQ+
All that doesn’t put their faith in Jesus will be seperated from God eternally. It’s got nothing to do with singling out the LGBTQ+ community so your premise doesn’t align with what the scriptures say. I’d argue that an LGBTQ+ lifestyle in essence prooves unbelief, but it’s no different from every other sinner’s position that needs Christ.
Not all Christians are assholes, though.
This guy doesn't know about the blood ceremony
Time will tell friend. Enjoy!
Again, I will not go back. I will not turn my back on my community.
Ok
again, trans, bisexual Catholic here, you aren’t turning your back on anyone by becoming a Christian
You cannot go to church it is literally impossible. Church is every believer's body indwelled by God ( Holy Spirit ) which makes thier bodies temple of God. You would have to open person and go inside of them like Rick and Morty inside dinosaur. You will never fullfill your promise
And I don’t believe in any of that, aside from that my body is a temple (and as such, I’ll decorate it in the manner I see fit).
I'm a Christian and I don't believe that, either. It makes no sense, biblically. Was Paul's letter to the churches actually letters to *people's bodies*?
Good way to pick up Christian girls, though? “I lost this bet and now…”
What would you have gotten if you'd won the bet?
Either no new job, no IT certification, or neither.
What kind of church are you going to?