I’ve been receiving a lot of push-back here on the Forums. I need to know: Is my unwavering stance on the absolute authority and truth of Christ as revealed in the Bible bothering anybody? I’d appreciate it if you explain your answers.
Sorry, I promise that I’m not trying to come off that way. The reason I put the poll out there is so that I can see why everybody is resisting me so much and how I can change my approach. You see, I don’t have much experience with communication and I’m trying to get better. That’s one of the reasons I joined the forums. @Historyprof, my stance on every topic I replied on will be the same until the day I die. I only reply to topics that I have formed a Bible-based stance on. I stay silent when I don’t. I also pray before responding to anything, although my approach could be better. By the way @Historyprof, you mentioned Paul but failed to mention Peter, James, John and Andrew the fishermen. Thanks for the feedback everybody. Keep it coming. God knows I need it.
The way you phrase your posts tend to give the impression that you are the authority on scripture and the will of God, and any disagreement with you is Satan inspired.
Your disdain for “ego booster” educational credentials is exasperating, since even the apostle Paul sat under teachers/ and was for his time a highly educated man.
I know you are very young, and maturity is part of the issue along with educational levels and life experience, and in a few years you may think about your posts and be a bit mortified that you posted harshly and inaccurately as you do now. You are at a point in life where you should be the student-not a teacher to adults.
If you get to the point your posts irritate me to the point of anger, I will just block you. I think you mean well and are not just trolling, so I hope I don’t feel the need to do that.
Try not to be so sensitive. Participation in forum discussion requires some degree of thick skin. If you are seeking absolute agreement on all points of theology, I recommend starting your own cult rather than a discussion forum. Secondly, if you are concerned about how you come across-- without knowing anything about you, I get the impression you are what might get classed as a home-schooled fundie. (not that there’s anything wrong with that) -It’s only a problem if you make it so.
@Historyprof hits the nail regarding the impression you give. You’ll discover in time, that there are many perspectives that differ from your own, and that everybody has an opinion on almost any topic including scripture. Just try to loosen up a little and enjoy your time here. Think of it as a coffee shop where conversations can be had, rather than a pulpit or podium to preach from.
Peter, James, Andrew, andJohn who learned directly at the feet of Jesus ? Grown men with life experience? The highly skilled tradesmen? The book of Psalms and Proverbs are clear on that matter.
No, it won’t. Your ultra fundamentalist approach will crash down when you are a bit older and exposed to more Christians you will meet, and your knowledge of biblical languages and ancient history advanced- if it does. You will, as thousands of Fundies before you, see your error and either deconstruct and reconstruct your beliefs, or give up altogether.
And Christianity is a religion. Born over three thousand years after Hinduism.
While there are core teachings I have held to throughout my life, there are others that have formed and reformed as I’ve studied God’s Word and allowed my sword to be sharpened by the iron of other men and women who held different positions than I.
I am thankful for the opportunity to continue grow in faith and knowledge.
Try more grace in your discussions and listen more. The point is not to win the topic, but to seek understanding as a group of fellow Christians.
Jesus demonstrated grace and truth perfectly and we can strive for it. When the woman was caught in adultery, He could have pointed out the law and condemned her but instead he said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” He spoke with truth and grace.
I recommend a little book called “The Grace and Truth Paradox”, by Randy Alcorn.
Actually, I value education. I believe that if anybody has a chance to get a good education, they should go for it. I also believe that people should be lifelong learners. My GPA is currently 3.75 and I’m trying to either keep it there or bring it up. I’m just saying that formal education isn’t necessary to be used by God. I completely disdain ignorance just as you do.
What!? Christianity is not a religion! It’s Jesus Christ! It’s the Truth! My dad loves to ask people this question: “What is the difference between Christianity and all the other religions?” The answer is: Christianity shows power; the other religions just claim power.
Christianity is the world’s most popular religion, with over 2.4 billion followers. It’s an Abrahamic monotheistic religion that originated in the 1st century AD in Judaea and the Roman Empire.
Do you know why I believe Christianity isn’t a religion? Because it’s the only uh ‘religion’ that’s based on a relationship with someone. All the other religions are not.
Your argument is invalid. Paul was an “ultra-fundamentalist Jew” before he became a Christian. When Christ came into his life, he became an ultra-fundamentalist Christian; a Holy-Spirit-Guided ultra-fundamentalist. Just read the book of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, etc. Besides, what’s the most important thing to remember when you’re solving a math problem? The fundamentals. I’m willing to change only if someone can provide solid, biblical evidence that I’m wrong. Otherwise, I stand firm in my beliefs.
And my response to that is the same as it was to @MrE
Your argument is invalid. Paul was an “ultra-fundamentalist Jew” before he became a Christian. When Christ came into his life, he became an ultra-fundamentalist Christian; a Holy-Spirit-Guided ultra-fundamentalist. Just read the book of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, etc. Besides, what’s the most important thing to remember when you’re solving a math problem? The fundamentals. I’m willing to change only if someone can provide solid, biblical evidence that I’m wrong. Otherwise, I stand firm in my beliefs.
I’m a really stubborn person; I don’t change my views on anything unless someone can give a really(x9999) really good reason to. In my book, a really good reason comes directly from the bible; not someone’s 'personal interpretation. Like I said, I’m always willing to change; I just need a reason.
You do not think you are personally interpreting the Bible? You think stubbornness is a good thing?
Your original question has been answered. You had a choice to humbly learn from the answers given by people mature in the faith. You have refused. You have chosen to argue instead of learn.
On the contrary, I think that this is a bad time to employ my stubbornness. I’m just saying that I want a solid biblical reason why I shouldn’t be an ultra-fundamentalist and that I’m asking for it because I can be stubborn; I’m trying to outsmart my weakness. @GentleAndLowly offered really good advice, and I intend to follow it. @Fritzpw_Admin also offered really good advice (apart from the Paul issue that is) and I intend to follow that as well. But you, @Historyprof, on the other hand failed to answer the question; you’ve done nothing but criticize me. If you’re going to do that then at least tell me what to do instead. Respectfully, please stop taking shots at me and offer me some sound, helpful, biblical advice. Thank you.
On the contrary. You asked if you are bothering anyone. You were given insight as to how your posts could bother people, particularly unbelievers and new believers. Everyone, including myself, has been rather gentle with you since you are a new believer (2 years) and your youth. It sounds like you may be a bit sheltered. One of the downfalls of homeschooling.
Instead of building bridges to unbelievers, your method burns them down. Please understand that. Cultivating a garden that feeds folks works much better than tossing rocks at them. IF your goal is to see people become believers.
You’re doing it again! I need advice; not criticism. I mentioned that my GPA is 3.75, right? Well, I might have failed to mention that that’s a miracle. I’m terrible at finding the main ideas, yet somehow God opens my eyes and lets me see them. But when it comes to everything else, I just don’t see them. That’s why I’m asking you to show me what to do instead; I don’t know what to do instead. I’m asking for help, not criticism. Help me please! I’m trying to become as effective for Christ as I can. All due respect, Your method of ‘help’ is not helpful. “Please understand that. Cultivating a garden that feeds folks works much better than tossing rocks at them.”
Like I said, I’m always willing to change; I just need a reason.
I need advice; not criticism. I mentioned that my GPA is 3.75, right? Well, I might have failed to mention that that’s a miracle. I’m terrible at finding the main ideas, yet somehow God opens my eyes and lets me see them. But when it comes to everything else, I just don’t see them. That’s why I’m asking you to show me what to do instead; I don’t know what to do instead. I’m asking for help, not criticism. Help me please! I’m trying to become as effective for Christ as I can. All due respect, Your method of ‘help’ is not helpful. “Please understand that. Cultivating a garden that feeds folks works much better than tossing rocks at them.”