Ask a Christian

[Homie]

No, I think you are thinking of Scientology. The only Bahai actor of whom I am aware is the guy who plays Dwight on The Office.

No I wasn't thinking about Scientology (although I am well aware they have big Hollywood names in their member lists). I was told that the Bahai faith has many rich westerners and showbiz types in their ranks, but I haven't checked it out, I might be misinformed. But judging by what the faith is I would be surprised if it didn't have showbiz names in its ranks. I have no respect for the Bahai faith, but its tenets seem perfect for liberal showbiz types.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

From what little I know (an ex-Baha'i), it actually seems to be much like any religion.

 

[Homie]

From what little I know (an ex-Baha'i), it actually seems to be much like any religion.

Again, I haven't checked it out. But from what I've been told they believe that every holy book of every religion is correct, which is a bunch of bull. They're one of those "lets include everyone, no one is wrong, they are just different. There is no black and white, only greys. Nothing is absolute, everything is relative."

That kind of crowd, which is perfect for liberal, rich, showbiz folk who is searching for meaning (or an image that they are searching for meaning) without joining something solid like Christianity, Islam or Judaism.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Well, they do consider that a lot of religions have a lot of truth, that their claims are correct, but I see that as not particularly worse, or better, than any other religion.

 

[Homie]

Well, they do consider that a lot of religions have a lot of truth, that their claims are correct, but I see that as not particularly worse, or better, than any other religion.

I consider it lame.

I disagree with Islam, but I have respect for its absoluteness, and for the dedication of its followers. How can anyone really be dedicated to a faith like the Bahai?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

I don't know, you should probably ask them, not me.

 

[El_Machinae]

Thanks for the answers regarding Scripture interpretation.

Firstly, I think that Homie seems to be an anomaly with regards to prayer; he does not experience the same 'intensity' of connection that others do. Compare his answers regarding prayer to the others who've answered my question (as well as Homie's experience with his friends, who feel more 'certain' about a spiritual response).

I have a second question; first to Katheryn and then maybe to the group. Katheryn: you've stated elsewhere that Bush is not a Christian, but merely pretending to be one. Now, I know that you've collected information that allowed you to come to this conclusion: observervation of his policies, reading that expose book, etc. However, your statement is rather inflammatory, and I wonder if you've become 'certain' of your position on this matter due to prayer? Would you say that a major portion of your certainty in this is due to an "answer" to your intercessions for him?

 

[Swedishguy]

Do you enjoy posting bible passages?

 

[Red Door]

I consider Bush to be a Christian. He believes in Jesus Christ as the son of the Lord, so he's probably a Christian.

Do you enjoy posting bible passages?

No. The Bible, especially the Old Testament, is not the best source of information about Christianity.

 

[Sidhe]

I consider Bush to be a Christian. He believes in Jesus Christ as the son of the Lord, so he's probably a Christian.

Not a very good one though perhaps?

 

[El_Machinae]

Sorry, that question is directed towards Katheryn; I might have a more inclusive (different) question after Katheryn answers.

 

[GenMarshall]

Do you enjoy posting bible passages?

No. For the same reasons that AlCosta stated.

 

[Quasar1011]

Katheryn: you've stated elsewhere that Bush is not a Christian, but merely pretending to be one. Now, I know that you've collected information that allowed you to come to this conclusion: observervation of his policies, reading that expose book, etc. However, your statement is rather inflammatory, and I wonder if you've become 'certain' of your position on this matter due to prayer? Would you say that a major portion of your certainty in this is due to an "answer" to your intercessions for him?

It's not mine to say whether or not Bush is a Christian. However, he is certainly not acting like one.

Matthew 7:15-20
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

 

[classical_hero]

Do you enjoy posting bible passages?

Of course I do. I use all of the Bible to back up mypoint.

No. The Bible, especially the Old Testament, is not the best source of information about Christianity.

Well then you must disregard what Jesus says because he quote from and aludes to the Old Testament many times.

 

[rysingsun]

Do you enjoy posting bible passages?

yes. i quote it because i consider it highly reliable, unlike my own judgements, which are highly unreliable.

 

[warpus]

yes. i quote it because i consider it highly reliable, unlike my own judgements, which are highly unreliable.

So how do you know that your judgement to use the Bible as a reliable source is reliable then?

 

[El_Machinae]

I thought my question on 'levels of belief' was a good one. Am I wrong? Is there something obviously wrong with it, such that it didn't really get answered?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Interesting question, to be sure; I can't give an answer, largely because I don't believe that faith is "all" that is required.

 

[El_Machinae]

Surely 'sufficient' faith is a requirement? If not for one, then at least the other?

Okay, and on a completely different note: any idea where "the Lord works in mysterious ways" comes from? I thought it would be the default answer for why Christians don't perform miracles through their faith, but it's not in my Bible search engine.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

It is one of lots of phrases and terms that don't appear in the Bible. Like "Original Sin" or "Trinity", I think.