However, I'd like to clarify something. "Turn or burn" is not a choice. No matter how much you dress it up, twist it, or neatly place it between platitudes. That's like saying the child being abused by a trusted adult has a choice.
Many I know disagree, but I'd challenge you to consider how to bring people to Christ without hanging hell over their heads. Try to comment on this blog without hanging it over mine. If you have to drop the "H" bomb while sharing your faith, or the "You don't know what happens after you die" line, all it shows me is that your particular brand of faith is founded on fear. Your "god" doesn't have anything better to offer than a veiled threat.
I love faith. I LOVE people of faith. But it seems to me, there's a version of "Christianity" in America today that has substituted the character of Christ with the character of the devil, and called it good.
I love faith. I LOVE people of faith. But it seems to me, there's a version of "Christianity" in America today that has substituted the character of Christ with the character of the devil, and called it good.
"Do this or burn forever" is not a choice. Love wouldn't insist it is.
I agree.
ReplyDeleteThe church of America is a train wreck I will grant you that.
ReplyDeleteWell written and thought provoking. :)
As you know, the subject of hell has been something I've contemplated for the last several years. My current question is, "How can a loving God force those who hate him to live with him for eternity in heaven?"
ReplyDeleteThe Bible is vague on hell, other than to say it is separation from God for eternity after this life ends, and it is highly unpleasant. You know I like that one preacher on YouTube who speaks on the subject... forget his name, though.
@Bob - Glad to know you :) Thank you for the comment.
ReplyDeleteAlright ladies, you've officially distracted me from cleaning my kitchen, rightly so.
@Christina - Clearly I agree and thank you :)
@Elise - To your current question. Honestly, I'm not sure anyone hates God. They may hate his PR, what people do in his name, his followers, or simply not know and/or believe he exists. But none of those could be classified as hating him. They may even hate what the Bible says about him in some respects, but that's not hating him. Being intellectually honest and saying you don't know something, is hardly hate. Personally, that's where I fall. And falling into the category of honestly not knowing, causes many Christians to question someone's eternal security. You know me, and where I am. If I'm honest, then I say on some level I'm scared of hell. If I continue to be honest, I say that it's because I was brain washed at such a young age, that those belief systems became a part of my subconscious and I never had the opportunity to truly choose for myself. If anyone reading wants to discuss early childhood development, we can. If something has it's foundation on fear, then for me it ruins everything else. It spoils the authenticity of everything that is built on top of it. If I'm to choose a path, if my children are to choose a path, the foundation has to be pure, genuine, and authentic. Fear is just not a good enough reason. In fact, people can be manipulated into some crazy sh@t when they're afraid.
You know me, I love having open dialogue, so feel free to continue the conversation. Or not, either way.
Greg something or other.... East coast, big church. I can't remember his name either.
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