shart1780
Rock n' Roll Doggie
maycocksean said:
Well, see that's just it. When you're used to one VERY CLEAR understanding of the Bible it's hard to comprehend how anyone else could possibly have a different interpretation. There are many people in my denom who are confident that they can take on just about any other Christian in a head-to-head on what Scripture says and come out the "winner." And they wouldn't say it's a matter of "personal interpretation" they'd say it's a matter of correctly understanding God's word. Personally, I don't care much for that approach, but I'm just saying my denomination is about as conservative as they come when it comes to taking the Bible as the word of God.
I'll explain why I don't believe in an eternal hell later, either in a seperate thread or in this one.
In the meantime let me ask you two questions.
1. Do you not consider Catholics Christians?
2. Why is not believing in an eternal hell a "dangerous" belief?
You're right, it is hard for me to comprehend. I try, but it's hard. I don't think it's hard because I'm "close-minded", though. I think it's hard for me to undestand because it doesn't line up with the Bible in a logical way. If Jesus says He is The way, the truth and the light, doesn't that mean it's so? I don't see how anyone can take it any other way, and I've listened to many arguments as to why they believe there are more ways to Heaven.
I don't believe completely contradictory interpretations of the Bible can be correct. That's just illogical. Like I said, there are things in the Bible that aren't black and white. Should I tithe? Should I honor the sabbath? I don't do these things as I feel they're not clearly encouraged in the NT. I do have friends that follow such traditions, and we're completely cool with eachother despite our disagreements. Neither of us believe that those are of paramount importance to the Christian faith.
Now, in comes what I believe are the undeniable truths of the Bible, the most important of which is the core idea of Christianity, that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven (as well as the only mediator between us and God. I'll get to that later). Of course there's the ten commandments and various teachings of the gospels as well. There are many beliefs I hold that I consider fundamental truths of the Bible that I canstantly get flack for. i.e. that God is against homosexuality (there goes what was left of my reputation on this site), drunkenness, have a mouth that's constantly spouting obscenities... the list goes on. I believe that these commandments are clearly stated in the Bible. Many people have seemed to convinced themselves and others that alot of these things are acceptable as a child of God, which I think is completely against God's will.
Now back to the idea of differences of interpretation. Like I've said, I do not believe that there are multiple truths to issues in the Bible. I don't believe God's will is for all of us to read His word and walk away with differing views. Yes, it will happen sometimes and it is ok, but I believe it is only ok when it pertains to the grey areas of the Bible (the areas that vary from person to person and situaion to situation) or possibly the areas of less than paramount importance (I'm not gonna assume someone someone isn't a Christian because they have a small problem with a foul mouth).
If some of these "big" laws of the Bible are disobeyed can the person still be a Christian? Of course. That's why Jesus died on the cross for us. Through His grace we are able to break free of the law and rely solely on His grace (thank goodness). The issue of when you can judge also comes in. This seems to be a hot button issue among almost everyone these days. No one wants to be judged, simple as that. It needs to be understood that the Bible is actually 100% OK with Christians making judgments about others as long as it's done RIGHTEOUSLY. If my friend Mike decides to fornicate on a regular basis and doesn't seem to feel guilty about it I can righteously judge him. The truth is that you can judge those who lead consistently sinful lifestyles, and the Bible supports this. Now, if there was no black and white law in the Bible, and if it was a matter of interperetation, why would God tell us to judge anyone, ever?
A true Christian will not want to lead a sinful lifestyle. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit.
I'll hold out on typing more until later... wow!
And to answer your questions...
I believe some Catholics are Christians and others aren't. First thing is, just like any religion there are A TON of poeple who just tag along claiming that they're such and such religion but lead lifestyles that are completely out of line with the teachings of their religion (Jesus didn't die so we could shamelessly throw our sins at the cross). Second, there are alot of beliefs that the majority of Catholics hold that I think are in complete contradiction to some of the fundamental teachings of Christ. I'll address the biggest one. :
I see alot of idoletry in the Catholic Church. Jesus teaches in the gospels that He is THE ONLY mediator between us and God, yet many catholics require that you pray to human beings, some dead, some alive. Now, I can fully acknowledge that Mary must have been a truly amazing woman, but she was still just that, a woman! The Pope is just a man (hides head). I truly believe that this is a huge case against Christ's precence among the religion.
And onto the Hell isue. First of all I believe the notion that there is no Hell cheapens Christ's death. He cmales it clear in many verses that His sacrifice was meant to save us from Hell and to give us a chance to spend eternity with Him. The Bible does not teach that if our name isn't found in the Book of Life that we will be cast into an eternal sleep, it says that we'll be cast into the Lake of Fire, where there will be eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. Scary? Heck yeah!
We need to come into a personal relationship with Christ not only to try to gain peace and balance in our life on Earth, but to save ourselves from Hell. This statement doesn't bode too well among many people,they say that following a religion just to save yourself from Hell is horrible, but I disagree. I have a really hard time with sin. Heck, everyone does(Hopefully less so than me me ). Now, if I thougt my sins would go unpunished I truly would have a much, MUCH harder time doing what I know is right. The thought that there is no punishment for our sins is NOT an incentive not to sin, but an incentive to go against our fleshly desires when it is more convenient. Unfurtunately, Hell is a very big part of God's teachings.