Questions

[BibleOnly]

I agree with these statements but they are very west-centric. I do believe that there are plenty of other religious writings that have survived as long, the Bible is highly regarded because it was the pretend religion of a state that never really followed it, and twisted it beyond recognition. The SDA loves to hate the Catholic Church, as if it's the only one to get it wrong, but, they are the reason we have the Bible. I don't think the Catholic Church preaches or offers salvation, but God used them to bring those writings to us, and it's through their actions that the Bible is embedded in our society as it is.

I follow Christianity because God answers with proof.

[phkrause]

OA I loved your testimony the last time I read it, on one of the threads here, it still brings tears to my eyes. I always love when someone comes to Jesus. I'm not sure I've ever read anything like that from other world religions. That doesn't mean that's never happen, but I've never read that.

[phkrause]

I follow Christianity because Jesus Christ conquered death and the grave. He brought people back to life. He himself died and arose from the grave 3 days later. None of those other no gods, buddha, mohammed, etc. have anything to say comparable. Eye witnesses lived and worked and ministered with Jesus and wrote down what they saw and experienced. Those writings survived miraculously today as the bible. I don't know of any comparable religious writings that are as critically acclaimed or recognized as valid and truthful as the bible.

Its an experience like no other, whenever I read the story of Jesus' death and resurection. But what really tears me up is what he had to endure before they actually crucified him. What other supposed leader of there religion went through the same.

[BibleOnly]

While I maintain that the difference is that God offers proof, I also agree that it seems odd that anyone would invent a religion where the leaders are to be 'the servants of all'. Man made religion is more like the Catholic Church where power and wealth go to the leaders, than to a religion that imposes rules of morality on ALL, including the leaders, and says our treasure is to be in heaven.

Who would invent something like that ? I am sure some Eastern religions come close, but, not to the same degree. And, of course, the difference there is that God gives evidence to the individual.

[M. T. Cross]

5. Why should I accept the Christian philosophy over Buddhism, Shinto, Islam, Hindu, Asatru, Neo-Druidry, Helllenism, Kemetisism, or any other religion?

One way I would answer this question is just to say my own personal reason/s.

There are a few scripture verses which I feel help explain my reasons for choosing Christianity, over other religions. My reason would not necessarily have to be your reason, but atleast it gives you a little more insight into the Christian end of things here.

My spiritual journey spans over many years, and many different roads. Even when I was studying witch craft, and certain new age religions; I knew there was some sort of "truth" and "Divinity;" out there. But I just kept stumbling into one road block after another.

I will pick out one non-christian religion to illustrate what I mean. You see; I had severe burns to a large percentage of my body years ago. It took a terrible toll on me in many ways. One therapist dude wanted to do past life regression stuff with me to help me deal better with it all than I was, and this led me to research reincarnation. It really really bothered me that I would be "reincarnated," only to suffer those horrible burns. I could not get around that at all. And I just kept thinking, "Wow, what on earth will I be reincarnated from/into next?

During the 7 years in and out of hospitals for burn treatments, there was a particular nurse who looked after me, mostly on the night shift; and she had some kind of quality to her character that I could actually recognize, from descriptions of Jesus I remembered having read in a Bible once. And so to me; Christianity was more than just a logical choice, it was something I could see in other people, and still see in them.

The Bible verse that has really spoken to me during all of this was Micah 7:8..."even while I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light unto me." At night, in the hospital; the pain was always at it's worst. The silent, faithful presence of that nurse, holding my hand, (and likely praying for me too), is a little light in the dark that I still see today.

I know that this same "light" can be had by others. And so in a nutshell; this summarizes one of my reasons for saying people should choose Christianity over all of the other religions.

[M. T. Cross]

Ok.

First Overaged, thank you so much for telling that incredible story. It both brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my soul.

So whats my arguement?

None. I don't have one. I probably could find one, cause its always possible to find one, but I don't want to. I don't want to because that is a compelling story that convinces me that the Christian God works in peoples lives. That he can be there for you, that he has that love. That is what I see Jesus to be. A compassionate caring deity that can be a pillar of strength for his followers. Your story offers as close to proof as one can get in spiritual matters.

That however leads me to PK's point.

I have known people that follow other deity with very similiar stories. Particularily followers of Celtic and Nordic deity.

So how do I answer that?

(yes OA this is a cut and paste from one of our conversations LOL)

My answer to question 5 is similiar to what your Grandma said. Which one a person picks is not as important as their intent in picking it.

People seem to make a religious choice based on 3 things.

1. A crutch

2. Power

3. An honest search for truth and goodness.

I think God, the Divine, whatever is likely more interested in #3 than anything else.

I think this life is a GIFT. I really think we honour that gift by living life. By enjoying its beauty and by getting pleasure from it. Pleasure of course can be gotten from things that are not so good as well, but again that comes back to intent.

[Overaged]

Ok.

First Overaged, thank you so much for telling that incredible story. It both brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my soul.

So whats my arguement?

None. I don't have one. I probably could find one, cause its always possible to find one, but I don't want to. I don't want to because that is a compelling story that convinces me that the Christian God works in peoples lives. That he can be there for you, that he has that love. That is what I see Jesus to be. A compassionate caring deity that can be a pillar of strength for his followers. Your story offers as close to proof as one can get in spiritual matters.

I appreciate hearing this. I have only told the tip of the ice-berg for my story; but I would add for now that if anyone could find an argument in all this; it would be me. It is almost unreal what has happened to me. The constant and terrible pain and suffering for years...But I made my choice for Jesus for more reasons than one...this has to be continued later as I am short on time. What I am really happy to see is your picture of Jesus now, as a result of even just this little bit of my story. There is a Biblical verse which speaks to that point, but it has to wait till I got more time...