what is christianity?

[stephofthenight]

so im supose to be a christian...i get that. i go to church on sunday and wendsday i get that. but some of the debates on here make me realise how shallow my knowladge of "my" faith is. so can someone simply explain christianity and what it means to them? like the basis of the belifs and all...i would realy apreciate it.~steph~

[weepingforloman]

Christianity is the belief that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and Redeemer of humanity, the fulfillment of the Old Testament/"Hebrew Scriptures." It is based upon several key beliefs (someone tell me if I miss something important): 1. God created the earth, and created it in perfection. 2. Humans
"fell" into sin, after being tempted by the devil (some would argue that the devil does not exist, but I think he does) 3. Sin means that we all deserve Hell, because we have broken God's command (also, keep in mind that we are made in the image of God, so the smallest bit of wrongdoing is the same as dishonoring God severely, and so actually does merit punishment) 4. God slowly revealed Himself to a group of people called the Israelites through the means of prophets (beginning with Abraham, continuing until a period of long silence--the prelude to Christ's arrival) 5. God promised a messiah to redeem Israel (through the prophet Isaiah. The Israelites had conflicting theories on what that "redemption" would be) 6. God caused the virgin Mary to conceive a child called Jesus, who was the Son of God and God the Son incarnate (hence "Incarnation") 7. Christ was perfect, and died to redeem us, functioning as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity (God had accepted offerings of animals and other things before, for forgiveness of individual sins) 8. Christ returned from the dead 9. Christ will come again to bring about the judgment of all people, and ultimately, a new heaven and a new earth 10. Those who "die in Christ" (the apostle Paul's words) will be resurrected at the end of times. Hope that was helpful.

[stephofthenight]

1. literal 7 days or what? if he created the day and night in the middle then how does he know how long it took?
2. animal sacrifice is a satanic ritual...followed by god?
3.how do we know that the bible wasn't mistranslated by the imperfect people who wrote it and have changed it thru the century
4. why doesn't god continue to speak to us...is it because it seems like money has become the new god?

~steph*anie~

[weepingforloman]

1. You're absolutely right, there is no possibility for the literal seven days, but I don't think that rules out that God created the world as it is (I don't believe in evolution).

2. Animal sacrifice is, currently, a Satanic ritual, but that was not the original meaning. The people would sacrifice their own animals (in a merciful way--they broke its neck so it would go faster, I think some of the Satanic things involve torture) and offered it to God because it was them giving up something valuable. It was a gesture of trust and thanks to God, but it was also used to atone for sins. We don't sacrifice animals now in Christianity because Jesus was a perfect sacrifice, additional ones are not needed (and because PETA would probably kill us, lol).

3. We don't, but it's a matter of faith. We believe that the Holy Spirit guided the writing and translation of the Bible, because God would not allow His Word to be misused. Also, the New Testament is the best documented ancient book (we have more copies of it than any other, and the copies we have are closer to the original writing date than any other).

4. God still may speak to us, bot not in exactly the same way (in Revelation we are sternly warned not to add to Scripture, but individuals can still reveal some truth--Martin Luther King is considered by some to be a prophet, the Protestant Reformers may have been divinely inspired, and other figures as well). It's possible that it has something to do with the lack of faith in this generation, but in Scripture, God sends prophets at times of moral chaos, so I think it cannot be that.

[stephofthenight]

ok it does NOT include torture of the animal unless ur into the wiccan thing, which as of the 13 it is midsummer so there is alot going on right now...just random pointless fact. basicly u lay a live animal on an alter, tied of course and u to a single upside down cross on their stomach, u can knock the animal out or muzel it but it has to remain silent, and u do the incent thing and all withthe summoning circle and well u get the point... martin luther king a prophet i want no part of, im a southren girl what can i say...

as for evolution its weird but my biology teacher as a progresionary evolution thery he wrote, and i kinda belived it. well i dont t hink we came from monkeys...thats retarded and who made the monkeys? but, everything is like a level thing mosty adaptation from point one to point two... like beetlles in a joungle, on the floor thye are one way, up a layer, and all, but canopy level they look completly diffrent. seth marable if u ever look it up he works at the smithsonian in washington now

[weepingforloman]

I apologize for my lack of knowledge on all things Satanic (lol). Seriously, I didn't know that. I don't personally think MLK was a prophet, but I do think he was right to ask for equality. The adaptation thing is the most common argument, but isn't it just as possible that God (who is a heck of a lot smarter than us) made them that way because He knew it would work?

[stephofthenight]

yeah its possible i guess. i realy dont k now...the satanic thing...ur better off in innocents and ignorence that crap is stupid pointless yet addictive

[weepingforloman]

Just like lots of stupid pointless things.

[stephofthenight]

true...and all against god that i can think of kinda couinidental

[dan020350]

so im supose to be a christian...i get that. i go to church on sunday and wendsday i get that. but some of the debates on here make me realise how shallow my knowladge of "my" faith is. so can someone simply explain christianity and what it means to them? like the basis of the belifs and all...i would realy apreciate it.~steph~

I was about to ask that question. there are many doctors you will read what they believe. Me I am not a doctor so believe me or not, chrisitianity means follower of christ seeking wisdom and do the will like christ ( love thy neighbor)

the end

[Tamara.R]

I just want to make the comment that believing in evolution does not mean that you are not christian. Im a christian and i believe that God created the Earth but i believe that evolution occurred, I believe it was directed by God. There is too much evidence for people to just swipe the idea of evolution under the carpet. I've been studying evolutionary biology and the amount of evidence in favour of evoluton is immense. This does not however sway my faith in God in the slightest. I'm not trying to slight anyone elses beliefs i just wanted to put the oter point aross. It is not wrong to be a christain and believe in evolution.

[kathycf]

ok it does NOT include torture of the animal unless ur into the wiccan thing, which as of the 13 it is midsummer so there is alot going on right now...just random pointless fact. basicly u lay a live animal on an alter, tied of course and u to a single upside down cross on their stomach, u can knock the animal out or muzel it but it has to remain silent, and u do the incent thing and all withthe summoning circle and well u get the point... martin luther king a prophet i want no part of, im a southren girl what can i say...

as for evolution its weird but my biology teacher as a progresionary evolution thery he wrote, and i kinda belived it. well i dont t hink we came from monkeys...thats retarded and who made the monkeys?

Wicca is not Satanism, nor is any sort of animal sacrifice typically condoned.

Does this involve human or animal sacrifice? Absolutely NOT! Hollywood to the contrary, blood sacrifice is not practiced by modern followers of Wicca or Druidism. There may be some people who THINK they are practicing Wicca by performing blood sacrificing, but this is NOT condoned by reputable practitioners of today's neo-Pagan religions.
Source. (http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/1614/Celtwicc/Wicca/Wicca04.htm)

The first sacrifice I want to take on is animal sacrifice. Recently I was reading a book on general Wicca (I like to keep informed on what new people entering the Craft are reading), and it talked about how Wiccans and Neopagans don't practice animal sacrifice and how the general concept was wrong.
The author of the above quote (http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usct&c=words&id=6416) (who is not representative of Wiccans, btw) goes on to discuss his own personal views of animal sacrifice being postive, which I disagree with, being an animal lover.

Regarding evolution...whether one believes it or not is I guess not what I am addressing. Each of us must believe as our conscience directs us in the matter. However, evolution does not state that humans are descended from monkeys. Actually, it is more correct to state you disagree with the idea that humans and apes had a common ancestor millions of years ago. The two branched off into seperate directions long ago...

Again, you must believe as your conscience directs you,I am not telling you what to believe. I am trying to correct a misconception you appear to be holding about evolution.


So, let me state a little somethign here in eye catching color. I am not being rude nor hostile, I am being courteous and would appreciate being treated in the same manner.This is just a general comment, not directed at anybody in particular. :)


I just want to make the comment that believing in evolution does not mean that you are not christian. Im a christian and i believe that God created the Earth but i believe that evolution occurred, I believe it was directed by God. There is too much evidence for people to just swipe the idea of evolution under the carpet. I've been studying evolutionary biology and the amount of evidence in favour of evoluton is immense. This does not however sway my faith in God in the slightest. I'm not trying to slight anyone elses beliefs i just wanted to put the oter point aross. It is not wrong to be a christain and believe in evolution.
I think that is a very good comment Tamara. I often see the hand of God in science. Of course not literally, but I think you know what I mean. :D To me, the biological process of say, how a child grows in the womb is a small miracle in and of itself.

[stephofthenight]

ok having spent 3 years as a satanic cult member and another 2 in wiccan religion...i do know they are not conected, they both do use animal sacrafice though, as i have been involved in a few,(not proud) but honestly the books that you are reading u may want to check out the auther and all, because if he doesnt practice then he knows not the old customs that are passed down, -steph-

[kathycf]

Well, I have been interested in and studying about paganism and Wicca for about 13 years now. While I agree animal sacrifice may have played a role in ancient times, Modern Wiccans and Neopagans do not condone this type of thng.

But at any rate, this subject is not germane to the topic at hand, which is "What is Christianity"...so let's respectfully agree to disagree, ok? Hope you are well, steph...:)

[stephofthenight]

eh sure. we agree to disagree! but u should become a member of a clan to realy understand...

[mtpspur]

Weepingforloman did an excellent job expressing the doctrines of the Bible. I would add that to be a Christian is to experience them firsthand. Over the years I have become more acquainted with sin then holiness which is why I have a need for the Saviour anyway. The Christian basically spends what life they have enjoying the company of God and by obeying his commandments (in a spirit of love not lip service) the Christian finds himself
and life is a never ending wonder when seen thru the Creator's eyes. Anyone can and should read the Bible but to have it have no effect is a tragic loss to the soul.

[stephofthenight]

ok. i could see that. but when i read the bible it realy hasnt an effect...so i guess its tragic...im sorry but its true. i pray to god to help me take from the bible what i need to, read levitics, or psalms, then go party or whatecer and not feel bad about it...maybe im just a sinner

[Pendragon]

Well, I have been interested in and studying about paganism and Wicca for about 13 years now. While I agree animal sacrifice may have played a role in ancient times, Modern Wiccans and Neopagans do not condone this type of thng.

But at any rate, this subject is not germane to the topic at hand, which is "What is Christianity"...so let's respectfully agree to disagree, ok? Hope you are well, steph...:)Trust me on this Kathy. Steph knows what she is talking about. And she is also right in that you may not want to know the rituals too closely.

And Steph, I don't care how much they told you this could never be forgiven, that once in a Satanic cult was forever lost, the blood of Christ was the one sacrifice that was once and for all.

They were first called Christians at Antioch, because they saw the life of Christ in them. To be a Christian is to act and live as Christ would have you live.

Still praying.

Pen

[stephofthenight]

thank you. i dont think that they ever told me it would never be forgiven, its just some of the things they incouraged.

[Pendragon]

thank you. i dont think that they ever told me it would never be forgiven, its just some of the things they incouraged.OK. It is common enough to use that as a strangle hold on converts, especially young ones, when they go through initiation to tell them once you are in and take part in the rituals, your soul belongs to Satan, and nothing can change that because you made a contract with the devil. But Satan is a fallen angel, and had to have God's permission to even touch Job. To underestimate Satan's power is foolish, but "greater is he that is in you (Jesus) than he that is in the world (Satan)"

God Bless.

Pen

[chorn]

...but some of the debates on here make me realise how shallow my knowl[e]dge of "my" faith is. So can someone simply explain Christianity and what it means to them?Try watching Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ". Forget religion for the duration. Then think counter-revolution to the [Roman] revolution. The cruelty, the savagery, the brutality, crucifixion.

Think politics. That [counter]-revolution changed the world forever.

Then maybe forget duration for the religion.

[stephofthenight]

i have indeed watched the passion of the christ, and it didnt do anything for me

[Redzeppelin]

i have indeed watched the passion of the christ, and it didnt do anything for me

You might consider rewatching it and pretending that what Christ went through was actually meant for you (because you actually were guilty) and He stepped in and said "Let me do that for you - I want you to be free, and you are now innocent of all charges - and I'll do this for you because there is nothing more important in this world than that you be able to live forever with me. And I love you."

[stephofthenight]

ok i will try that.