SQ_Crazies wrote: I understand how "it works". Don't worry, I'm more educated on the topic than most who would be sitting in this thread with my stance right now. I also understand that religious people aren't used to questioning things.

Series62 wrote: Like this; If F.K. sincerely accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, he would then begin studying God's word, the Bible, and realizing the sinful condition of his life, choose to live as a straight, heterosexual man, obeying the commandments of God! He would "abide" by the word of God!

Series62 wrote:

SQ_Crazies wrote: I understand how "it works". Don't worry, I'm more educated on the topic than most who would be sitting in this thread with my stance right now. I also understand that religious people aren't used to questioning things.

As a Christian man, I learn by questioning so as not to remain ignorant. Before I accepted the Lord's salvation and as a result of, I ask questions to clarify what the Bible teaches. Through study, research and prayer, those questions have and will continue to be answered.

My religion is founded on my personal relationship with Jesus. Because I know that the Bible is true, I won't allow the whimsical conversation of non-believers to sway me from that truth!

SQ_Crazies wrote: I'm not a non believer, I think the Bible sends a great message.

SQ_Crazies wrote: Um, no not exactly. I'm saying that first of all you shouldn't have "accept" Christ. Learning of Jesus Christ is comparable to learning of Adolf Hitler if you follow what I'm saying. All you can do is accept the history. I'm saying his word has been interpreted by thousands and thousands of people--who is right? How can you tell someone else they're wrong? How can you prove that what you believe is more true than what someone else believes when it's all based on faith?

I mean, in the words of Joe Rogan, I'll go to church with you if you'll smoke a joint with me and look through a telescope.

Religion is fine, I'm a firm believer of everyone being free to have their own beliefs. Organized religion is just a moneymaker and it causes more problems than it solves. I think religion should be a personal matter and in that case, believe whatever you want.

Series62 wrote:
Con alma: "Are you suggesting that if a person accepted Christ they wouldn't want to begin studying His word??"

NO. If you really accept Christ, you will develop a desire to learn of Him and live by His word! Otherwise, like SQ, you're just a non-believing reader who think it's a book with a great message!

cbus4life wrote: My only question is...at one of the Christian churches i grew up in, we had a gay pastor for awhile. One of the most loving, Christ-like people i've ever met.

How does that work?

So much inconsistency in Christian thought...

I mean, i've attended numerous churches where gay people are welcomed and their lifestyle is not considered a sin.

I know young gay men and women who are active in bible-study, and in the day-to-day activities of their church. They are accepted wholeheartedly, and are truly wonderful Christians.

Just confused, i guess.

SQ_Crazies wrote: Right, but you can clearly tell who is just towing the company line here.

And I disagree, who is wrong doesn't matter to the person--no one is wrong, that's the point I'm making.

Series62 wrote:
To love Christ is to denounce and turn from your sinful way of life in all it's forms.

If you are openly living in a sinful lifestyle and serving in the church, and the pastor is allowing such behavior to exist in the church, then what is done will only serve to weaken the position the church in the community.

The Bible teaches that men will come "preaching to itching ears", that is to say that they will preach what people want to hear in lieu of what they need to hear. They are obviously not teaching the truth of the Bible and there are consequences to be realized in that. Read Revelations 22:18-19.
Especially so if that pastor was "called" by God to minister His word.

God is a God of love, patience, grace, mercy and forgiveness. But woe unto those who knowingly wrongfully minister His word!

Con_Alma wrote: Where a person might be wrong and often are is in their own beliefs versus another's.

Con_Alma wrote:

SQ_Crazies wrote: Right, but you can clearly tell who is just towing the company line here.

And I disagree, who is wrong doesn't matter to the person--no one is wrong, that's the point I'm making.

I agree that no one is wrong regarding their own path or journey of interpretations. Where a person might be wrong and often are is in their own beliefs versus another's.

On day we will truly see who was correct.

SQ_Crazies wrote:
Exactly, you enter the world alone and you leave it the same way. If you hold such high beliefs based on faith then it is wrong to question someone else's faith--faith is an individual thing, not a collective one. It doesn't and shouldn't (though it does) matter what others believe.

SQ_Crazies wrote: No, it isn't.

So...you listen to a guy lecture and then read from the book he lectures from and combine that knowledge to form your beliefs. You're pretty well rounded huh?