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Yes, yes, and Yes. Especially in Europe there were “Conversos” - Jewish converts to Catholicism. They were given choices to leave Europe, convert to Catholicism, or be burned at the stake.

Wow. Words cannot express just how terrible that is. Nor can it express how counterproductive and counterintuitive that is to the actual teaching of Christ. Shameful does not begin to describe it. You’ll get no defense from me.

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You’re right - just because it was spread and propagated by evil terrible actions of Christians doesn’t mean Christianity is false. Rather it’s the historical and scientific falsehoods and irreconcilable contradictions that demonstrate the religion’s falseness.

Come on man- you know that’s not what I said. That’s your perspective , not mine. I respectfully grant your position, as the horrific acts committed in the name of Jesus Christ are indefensible. What I contend, is that true belief in, and true love for Christ cannot be attained through subjugation. Rather, that these acts, if they were accepted practices of Christianity, and were reflective of the teachings of Christ, would cause more rejection than acceptance. And, therefore, if this was an accurate representation of Christianity- then Christianity most certainly would have failed in the absence of force.

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You mentioned the “endurance and rapid growth” of christianity. I merely pointed out that if that used to be the case, then it is no longer the case, with a poll as evidence.

I offer a firsthand, eyewitness account- to the contrary of your poll. I have visited several churches in the past year- and they are bursting at the seams with new congregants. These are churches that faithfully preach the Word of God- from the Bible, to the congregation. The churches that are suffering notable losses are the ones that have strayed from, or attempted to soften/water down the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Significant loss? You can argue it isn’t significant but I’m happy you can see that it is not enduring and rapidly growing at least. A massive downward trend in the double digits of percentage to me is significant.

Sure- those numbers are significant. But, where are they going? According to the study in question, less than 5% of the population is or has become atheist. The vast majority of people who are leaving the church, are not abandoning their faith in God.

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The poll is anonymous. I think your assertion of fake Christians now showing their true colors on anonymous poll is a bit of mental gymnastics on your part to trick yourself into believing that Christianity’s ranks are decreasing

You are entitled to your opinion. I am merely offering a possible explanation, based on firsthand knowledge, in the absence of explanatory information from the study.

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quote: There is no neutrality in belief. In order to lack belief in something, you must lack any knowledge of it whatsoever.

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So to hold true to your own logic, I’d like to hear about your thoughts on Muhammad (pbuh). You don’t simply lack belief in the Quran, but you positively believe it’s all made up I guess?

You guessed right, my friend. But, you failed to understand the point of the original statement, and engage the concept: Just as I actively believe that there is no Santa, and Islam is a false religion- you actively believe that the Christian God does not exist, and that Christianity is a false religion. Actually… originally I believe you stated quite emphatically that there is/was no God at all. You have, since then, altered your approach- to admit to a certain extent of agnosticism in regards to the existence of a God, and focus more on your belief that the Christian God does not exist, and Christianity is/must be false. Kudos to you for recognizing the unintelligibility of the atheist position. I’m honored to be with you on your journey from atheism to agnosticism.

As far as my reasons for believing that Islam is false, I will let William Lane Craig spell it out for you. I hope you read the entire article, as his brief treatment of the Trinity is pretty good. There are many differences between Islam and Christianity. But first and foremost is that Islam denies the deity of Christ. That’s a deal breaker for me baw.