There is really only one way to believe something. And that’s to start believing it. So, all of those who are unsure about Christianity, the only real way to start figuring it out FOR YOURSELF is to give it a shot. Can’t really know something unless you do it yourself, right? Try praying to God, and see what happens. Have an open mind about it. God is there.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” - Jesus
I’ll defend Christianity to the extent that they have the right to believe, and the right to talk about without a rude reception. (Being yelled at, or cussed out, or having their intelligence insulted)
I mean, if someone is pro-choice, they should be able to reflect that opinion and have a discussion on the matter without being insulted by a pro-lifer, and vice-versa, and same concept.
Hmmm…This is going to be fun.
What is? That’s about all I have to say on the matter, people should be allowed to talk about whatever they want, and if it is on a one-to-one basis and someone asks you to stop, stop. If it is a group forum, then it is incumbent on the offended party (if they cannot discuss the matter civilly) to ignore the person speaking.
Relax.
It was just a simple rhetorical statement if anything.
If people want to use proselytism,fine.
hmmm…
did you know that vatican helped prominent Germans escape Germany near the end of World War 2 to south America.?
What is it about Christianity that you’d like to defend in particular? If this is your thread, I don’t think it’s fair for everyone to just attack Christianity from any and all angle. Let’s talk about the atonement, or the virgin birth, or the confusion about whether Jesus was man or God. Those are the things that I find most interesting about it. Most of the complaints that people have with Christians aren’t necessarily tied to their christianity. If we’re gonna defend or attack something, then let’s figure out just what it is that we should be talking about.
There is really only one way to believe something. And that’s to start believing it.
End of discussion…
Side note: If i gave Christianity one more shot I’d fall apart from the holes…
Yes, truth is often harder than ignorance. 
As for the nature of this thread: I am pulling a big ‘huh’.
Let’s do some christian metaphysics. I bet there’s a system out there where we’d find some things that coincide with our other beliefs. Too bad there aren’t many good writers writing about it. The best I’ve read are C.S. Lewis, (i know right!!), and Elaine Pagels. Niether of them seemed adequately coherent to me.
Why God? Seriously. Don’t just tell someone to do something “just because”. Why not the Flying Spagetti Monster? Why not Zeus? Why not Ra, Thor, or Voldemort? These are all just as valid things to believe in.
You are asserting that one should go straight from having no belief to just believing without considering the fact that it might not be REAL. “Just do it” is all I hear from you. “Don’t think, just believe”
Different religions pose different theories about how and why you should adopt their articles of faith. I think each of them at least deserves a thourough understanding. Some may be more analytically sound than others in your eyes. I mean, who knows?
Enter the self-fulfilling prophecy. While this device inescapably colors everyone’s perception to an extent, the “advice” your giving reeks of its less favorable effects; destroy any reasonable consideration against Christianity and then listen. Pray to God and he will show himself, knock and the door will be opened unto you. Of course it will, and if I try hard enough, I can make out the face of the Devil in the collapse of the twin towers, or convince myself that the shadows across the room are in the shape of an impostor. This doesn’t make them real or there at all.
Try praying to a lamp, I say without hesitation that if you did it honestly expecting it to work, then you would be convinced it answers you as a sentient being. The idea of God is man-made and man-sustained.
As for the thorough understanding bit goes, does genuinely experiencing it in full at one point count?
I guess experienceing it could count. But it might be more fun to just deconstruct the best literature on it.
Why not deconstruct IT? Dont focus on what someone else said about it. Tear IT apart.
Hi,
I’ve been around here long enough for people to know where I’m coming from, so I’ll get to the point.
Shalom
Hi Bob 
Point 1 is a widely overarching statement of ignorance and idiosyncratic criteria that is just bound to be wrong.
Point 2 is incredibly arrogant. I believe in no God but myself am very spiritual, I know plenty of people that are the same way too. I would hardly say they are spiritually amputated or unaware, and I wonder at the same time what makes you think you have the authority to proclaim something so absolute?
Point 3 is only true if God does exist. If he does not, it would be the serious discussion of him that is a waste of time and yourself.
(Again without stating my religion)
I agree with Bob’s first point. Whether it be the bible, the Koran, The Book of friggin’ Mormon, anything, I know quite a few people that claim to be devout believers who attempt to quote or paraphrase or breakdown text that have no idea what the hell they are talking about!!!
Also, it seems like the people who are more fervent about their belief and who are quicker to jump to the defense of the same, tend to be the ones that can’t back it up with any knowledge of the actual text.
Please do not interpret these statements as generalizations, even though they kind of are, there are many of the truly devout who could recite the King James Version of the Bible and not miss a single word.
C F,
Not that Bob needs defending, but I’ll do it anyway.
Bob is simply pointing out that people need to look inwardly instead of just blah blah-ing about the superficial crap in religion. Look at all the threads in here and ask yourself how many address spiritual understanding rather than the results of religious practice. Religion can inform spirituality, but it isn’t happening here. Here we dissect spirituality into tiny pieces and re-assemble them so we can be the holders of TRUTH.
You say you don’t believe in God, but are very spiritual. I’ll buy the last part, but you believe in the mystery or you wouldn’t use the word spiritual. God by any other name… Hello Mr. Agnostic. And that is Bob’s point. Looking to our spiritual nature requires a knowing of ourselves and our relationship to the universe. It isn’t to be found in superficial chat about religion.
I guess so, by definition. The only way to really walk to is to start walking. So what?
And I guess you´re unsure about atheism, so give it a shot!
I don´t “know” about murder or rape either, but can at least confidently conclude that I don´t wish to try it myself.
I have, back in the day when I was an impressionable Sunday school goer, eerrr. I may sporadically utter the odd circumstantial plea, but do so metaphorically. There may be some sort of entity “out there”, but never do I assert there must be some such entity. It´s simply one of many possibilities I can choose to entertain from time to time. Maybe you should have an open mind!