- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
re: How is Christianity different from other religions?
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:40 am to Flats
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:40 am to Flats
There's support for predestination.
There's support for free will.
IMO, I have no doubt free will exists. Nothing makes sense without free will.
As to predestination, God certainly understands all that exists and all that will occur as from his perspective out of time and within eternity, the universe is complete from start to finish. He sees everything and knows everything. The book is complete. But is that really predestination? To me, predestination implies God choses our actions but I believe it is more we chose our actions (free will) but God already knows our choice. That is really not predestination in my opinion despite appearances.
There's support for free will.
IMO, I have no doubt free will exists. Nothing makes sense without free will.
As to predestination, God certainly understands all that exists and all that will occur as from his perspective out of time and within eternity, the universe is complete from start to finish. He sees everything and knows everything. The book is complete. But is that really predestination? To me, predestination implies God choses our actions but I believe it is more we chose our actions (free will) but God already knows our choice. That is really not predestination in my opinion despite appearances.
This post was edited on 9/27/23 at 9:46 am
3
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:42 am to Mo Jeaux
quote:
Every other religion is about works bringing man closer to God.
Not really.
I can tell you have a lot to offer on the topic, so i will move along to another thread
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:46 am to Tigers2010a
I always ask this question when discussing free will:
Define it
On their first attempt, it’s usually some generic definition about being able to do what we want
Then I say “then fly”
At that point I say our freedom in the physical world is bound by our nature, would it not be the same on the spiritual realm? They then refine their definition to “freedom of choice”
To which I ask “why does freedom of choice matter if you don’t know why you really chose in the first place?”
They’ll say “because without choice you can’t love”
So I’ll ask, “so then choice is greater than love or is choice love, in and of itself? Are ALL choices better than or equal to love or just some? If some, define a love choice”?
Depending on these answers I have more I ask to drive them to the realization that most people don’t even know or understand the nature of “choice” or “free will” in the first place.
Define it
On their first attempt, it’s usually some generic definition about being able to do what we want
Then I say “then fly”
At that point I say our freedom in the physical world is bound by our nature, would it not be the same on the spiritual realm? They then refine their definition to “freedom of choice”
To which I ask “why does freedom of choice matter if you don’t know why you really chose in the first place?”
They’ll say “because without choice you can’t love”
So I’ll ask, “so then choice is greater than love or is choice love, in and of itself? Are ALL choices better than or equal to love or just some? If some, define a love choice”?
Depending on these answers I have more I ask to drive them to the realization that most people don’t even know or understand the nature of “choice” or “free will” in the first place.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:49 am to SlowFlowPro
quote:
If you study a lot of Asian religions this comes up a bunch, but, it's curious that a lot of them inject deities over time because it raises questions about why that's so ingrained in humans. Taoism is a very good example of this, because the underline philosophy doesn't really require gods but that religion in particular has become centered around gods and magic over time
Romans 1 answers that somewhat
Paul states that humans have within them the natural belief there is a creator by virtue of seeing creation all around them. He goes on to say, deep within all of us, is some from of innate “law” that tells us what is right and wrong
Yet we deny it anyway
This post was edited on 9/27/23 at 9:50 am
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:51 am to Flats
quote:I agree and recognize that this doctrine of election/ predestination answers a lot of questions people have about who believes unto salvation and who does not.
quote: I was shocked by how much support there is for predestination within the Bible.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Romans 11:7
What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,
IMO, God enables some to believe unto salvation
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:51 am to Tigers2010a
quote:
IMO, I have no doubt free will exists. Nothing makes sense without free will.
I tend to agree, although partially because it's the only option we can do anything with.
Interestingly enough it's the materialistic atheist that has the most trouble with free will. It can't really exist in their worldview.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:00 am to theunknownknight
quote:
Depending on these answers I have more I ask to drive them to the realization that most people don’t even know or understand the nature of “choice” or “free will” in the first place.
It all boils down to why God created man and is free will essential to that purpose.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:06 am to Shamoan
Christianity is different because, with proper biblical understanding of what Christianity is and what it isn’t, it takes the attention off of man’s good works, and puts it solely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price for man’s sin debt he owes. Faith in that finished work of Christ is the ONLY thing that can grant us salvation, and that invitation is to ALL, regardless of your past or present situation. Its grace alone, in faith alone, and in CHRIST alone. That’s why it’s called the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The price has been paid. It’s now up to you to pick who you will serve.
Although forever misinterpreted as Christianity because of the ignorance of men to God’s word, which allowed devious people to manipulate the sheep under the guise of Christianity, the truth of the matter is, the treasure of Christianity is not in Rome, or the Southern Baptist Convention, or in any other man created institution, but the wealth is in the Kingdom of God, not seen but everywhere around you. It is found in the works of His people for those who cannot pay it back, and those works are not toward salvation, but a reflection of the Kingdom of God within them from a spiritual rebirth, a renewal of the mind, and the habitation of God within their hearts, the only temple there is anymore.
God’s Will is this…. That you would believe upon Christ alone, repent of your own self righteousness and ability to earn salvation through your works as the Pharisees also did likewise, and trust in Him, beginning a new relationship with the only one who can save you from your own demise here and the hereafter.
The issue from Genesis to Revelations has always boiled down to two mindsets. One is God’s word, and the other is Adam’s word. You will undoubtedly choose one to believe in, but one results in life, and the other in death. It’s that simple.
Although forever misinterpreted as Christianity because of the ignorance of men to God’s word, which allowed devious people to manipulate the sheep under the guise of Christianity, the truth of the matter is, the treasure of Christianity is not in Rome, or the Southern Baptist Convention, or in any other man created institution, but the wealth is in the Kingdom of God, not seen but everywhere around you. It is found in the works of His people for those who cannot pay it back, and those works are not toward salvation, but a reflection of the Kingdom of God within them from a spiritual rebirth, a renewal of the mind, and the habitation of God within their hearts, the only temple there is anymore.
God’s Will is this…. That you would believe upon Christ alone, repent of your own self righteousness and ability to earn salvation through your works as the Pharisees also did likewise, and trust in Him, beginning a new relationship with the only one who can save you from your own demise here and the hereafter.
The issue from Genesis to Revelations has always boiled down to two mindsets. One is God’s word, and the other is Adam’s word. You will undoubtedly choose one to believe in, but one results in life, and the other in death. It’s that simple.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:09 am to Mid Iowa Tiger
quote:
Christianity is the only one whose deity walked the earth.
Jews and Muslims claim this same deity, but reject Jesus. Yahweh Elohim “God” walked through the garden of Eden in the cool of the evening searching for a naked and ashamed Adam and Eve. Yahweh sat down with Abraham and ate some of his curds, milk, and calf. Yahweh wrestled with Jacob all night, and cheated by punching Jacob in the nuts, but Jacob still won. According to the Book, the LORD God has a body and has walked on the earth, and Muslims and Jews believe that.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:11 am to Mo Jeaux
quote:
Because no other religions have martyrs?
it was a response regarding western salvation and to a higher degree, western privilege via Christianity. Some of the most robust, theologically sound, churches are actually trending away from western centers, as cultural and social issues have become a perversion of the message.
its not surprising that the more culture infiltrates the church, the less we become a mirror of what we espouse to be, as many nonbelievers point out.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:15 am to Flats
quote:
Interestingly enough it's the materialistic atheist that has the most trouble with free will. It can't really exist in their worldview.
Why is that?
And on the subject of materialism, have you sold all your possessions, given away your 401k and investments, to wander around and preach about god like Jesus wanted? Remember, it’s easier to thread a camel through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:24 am to Squirrelmeister
the quran describes Jesus ('Isa) as the messiah, details his miracles (breathing life into clay and forming a bird, healing the sick and blind, detailing the purity of Mary, who has her own chapter in the quran). Muslims certainly do no reject Jesus. there is a mosque in bethlehem facing the believed site of his birth where a christian church resides.
Jesus is mentioned in the quran 23 times by name.
muhammed is mentioned only 4 times.
they reject the trinity and that Jesus died and was resurrected, but was raised to heaven instead.
Jesus is mentioned in the quran 23 times by name.
muhammed is mentioned only 4 times.
they reject the trinity and that Jesus died and was resurrected, but was raised to heaven instead.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:34 am to Squirrelmeister
quote:
And on the subject of materialism,
I swear, it's as if you've never engaged in any sort of conversation about these topics at all. That's not the materialism being discussed in this context, mensa.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:55 am to Thundercles
quote:
There are religions all over the world whose believers are just as fervent as Christians. We just happened to be born in a mostly Christian nation, but most places of worship all over the world teach their people to live good lives and be kind to others. A philosopher described the situation well: "When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you'll understand why I dismiss yours."
Jesus Christ as God incarnate, walked the earth in mortal flesh. He taught the people about the righteousness, grace and mercy of the Creator. He was mocked, scourged and crucified for the sins of mankind. After His death, He was placed in a tomb and on the third day rose from dead. Christ defeated death as He told His apostles and members of the Sanhedrin He would. Christ was seen by hundreds of witnesses before a ascending to the right hand of Father.
Christ is as alive today as He was over 2000 years ago.
This brief summary of Christ’s life is remarkable, but what’s truly remarkable was the promise Jesus Christ gave to all the world.
“For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
There is only one true Creator. No other religion/faith gives the blessed assurance Jesus Christ gave mankind through His teachings that are well documented in the Bible.
This post was edited on 9/27/23 at 12:11 pm
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:58 am to theunknownknight
quote:
At that point I say our freedom in the physical world is bound by our nature, would it not be the same on the spiritual realm? They then refine their definition to “freedom of choice”
I like that I do believe we are given a limited free will within thd parameters/bounds set by a sovereign God. Then when you see the evil that is allowing for some exceptions, it can be disheartening, but it can’t take away from his sovereignty, unless you know more than him.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 11:04 am to Squirrelmeister
That passage isn’t saying there is something wrong with riches, it was directed towards an individual for a specific reason. Also the culture had a different view of the rich, that is, they must be in God’s favor, versus out culture which tries to taint anyone that has riches.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 11:10 am to Bass Tiger
quote:
Bass Tiger
AMEN
quote:
There is only one true Creator. No other religion/faith gives the blessed assurance Jesus Christ gave mankind through His teachings that are well documented in the Bible.
And you can absolutely put your trust in scripture and the word of God therein. It is without question the only thing that has the ability to actually change the heart of man for those who seek God through it. It is a spiritual book and powerfully active to re-unite man with his Creator God, who longs to have a relationship with man, enough so that He would sacrifice His only Son to do so. If that’s not love, then there I can’t image what else is, and for a perfect God to sacrifice Himself through His only Son, all God and all man, is absolutely mind boggling.
If man would just reach out in a mustard seed of faith, God is faithful to meet them.
quote:
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelations 3:20
Posted on 9/27/23 at 11:22 am to Shamoan
quote:
they reject the trinity and that Jesus died and was resurrected, but was raised to heaven instead.
Agree. The topic was deity walking on the earth. Muslims reject Jesus as a deity.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 11:29 am to Flats
quote:
I swear, it's as if you've never engaged in any sort of conversation about these topics at all. That's not the materialism being discussed in this context, mensa.
Care to answer my question on the free will subject, and back up your claims with supporting details, rather than post nonsense?
Posted on 9/27/23 at 11:37 am to Mike da Tigah
quote:
The issue from Genesis to Revelations has always boiled down to two mindsets.
Revelation. It’s a singular word.
Page 6 of 7
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News