Questions about christianity, I have answers.

Ok, I expect this forum to get rather bogged down (could be wishful thinking) but I will try to answer any and all questions you have about christianity. For repeat questions be prepared for a repeat answer. Once you post please give me some time to do a bit of research so that I may best answer your question. I am hoping that this will be a learning experience for me as much as I hope it will be for you. If any christians have answers to questions that I do not have please feel free to jump in.

If I decide to be a Christian, how will I know which parts of the bible to take literally and which not to?

All of it.

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Originally Posted by Mes Tarrant

If I decide to be a Christian, how will I know which parts of the bible to take literally and which not to?

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Well while we wait for his response I'll share mine. None. None of it can be proven literally. Sure there may be some parts that have actually happened, but thats defeats the purpose of bible. Its not a history book, but a book of wisdom.

If someone says that God spoke to them and told them to write another book that is supposed to be included in the bible, how will we know whether or not he is delusional? Is there a reliable test we can use? And if so, can we apply that test retroactively to the existing books of the bible?

Do Christians believe that all non-Christians go to Hell? Or would they be given a chance to repent after death, in his presence?

Also is it good deeds or believe in Jesus that allows a Christian to enter Heaven? Is it both or is it just believe in Jesus?

One more, many Christians argue that Atheists are less morale as they have no Ultimate consequence for their actions. As in if your a horrible Christian you will go to Hell but an Atheist has no responsibilities. However would you not agree that the reverse is true. Surely Atheists are good people because they respect life and want to be kind and generous, rather then Christians who obey Gods Commandments because they are told to and some because they fear punishment, so they are not doing it because they are good people in themselves, it's more like an Ultimate parent is making them behave.

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Originally Posted by Mes Tarrant

If I decide to be a Christian, how will I know which parts of the bible to take literally and which not to?

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I hate to sound crazy but I take all of it literaly and would naturally suggest you do the same. The only part that I think could be slightly figurative is the book of revelation.

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Originally Posted by cuddleyperson

Do Christians believe that all non-Christians go to Hell? Or would they be given a chance to repent after death, in his presence?

Also is it good deeds or believe in Jesus that allows a Christian to enter Heaven? Is it both or is it just believe in Jesus?

One more, many Christians argue that Atheists are less morale as they have no Ultimate consequence for their actions. As in if your a horrible Christian you will go to Hell but an Atheist has no responsibilities. However would you not agree that the reverse is true. Surely Atheists are good people because they respect life and want to be kind and generous, rather then Christians who obey Gods Commandments because they are told to and some because they fear punishment, so they are not doing it because they are good people in themselves, it's more like an Ultimate parent is making them behave.

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Generalization. :roll:
First of all I actually think you and me will have the same fate. Some Christian theologians have 'adopted' alternative beliefs such as conditional immortality and universalism, such I have. I accept the Jewish doctrine of Hell which explains a sort of Purgatory where one is judged based on his or her life's deeds, or rather, where one becomes fully aware of one's own shortcomings and negative actions during one's life. This can be the final moments of death, etc. If you are going to make some assumptions on what "every" Christian believes in do some research. Type in Hell in wiki.

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Originally Posted by Lucid_boy

I hate to sound crazy but I take all of it literaly and would naturally suggest you do the same. The only part that I think could be slightly figurative is the book of revelation.

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Do you think an Atheist would suddenly literally in the bible? I have been grown up Christian, and take it as a Philosophy which can be linked through science.

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Originally Posted by skysaw

If someone says that God spoke to them and told them to write another book that is supposed to be included in the bible, how will we know whether or not he is delusional? Is there a reliable test we can use? And if so, can we apply that test retroactively to the existing books of the bible?

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I don't think that their is really a test, and no matter what some would find them delusional. I think that the person claiming these things and writing the book would have to have other proof, even then it would just be most likely that a new sect would be formed, similar to the way mormonism was created.

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Originally Posted by Dreamworld

Do you think an Atheist would suddenly literally in the bible? I have been grown up Christian, and take it as a Philosophy which can be linked through science.

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No, I don't but I was just answering the question.

Can I have anal sex with my brother when I'm a Christian?

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Originally Posted by skysaw

If someone says that God spoke to them and told them to write another book that is supposed to be included in the bible, how will we know whether or not he is delusional? Is there a reliable test we can use? And if so, can we apply that test retroactively to the existing books of the bible?

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Originally Posted by Lucid_boy

I don't think that their is really a test, and no matter what some would find them delusional. I think that the person claiming these things and writing the book would have to have other proof, even then it would just be most likely that a new sect would be formed, similar to the way mormonism was created.

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So why don't you find all of the existing texts suspect? Shouldn't all of their authors be held up to the same scrutiny? Is there a reason they are more believable than any new person who might come along?

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Originally Posted by cuddleyperson

Do Christians believe that all non-Christians go to Hell? Or would they be given a chance to repent after death, in his presence?

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It depends on who you ask, I am of the kind that thinks that all people who don't believe in God go to hell. I think the bible pretty much spells that out.

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Originally Posted by Korittke

Can I have anal sex with my brother when I'm a Christian?

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Its your choice, but not recommended.. :shock:
the bible itself said a marriage should be between a guy and a girl, but thats just marriage.

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Originally Posted by Dreamworld

Its your choice, but not recommended.. :shock:

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What are recommended sex practices?

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Originally Posted by cuddleyperson

Also is it good deeds or believe in Jesus that allows a Christian to enter Heaven? Is it both or is it just believe in Jesus?

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Once again it depends on who you ask, I think most christians believe that belief in God is enough to get you into heaven although thier are groups who believe that it is through good deeds. As for the last part of your post about morality and wich group has better morals I think that both sides have there own people. Their are some really nice, good christians out there and there are some really good Atheists out there. It is not really a matter of wich group you are in, as both groups have some really bad people in them as well.

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Originally Posted by Korittke

What are recommended sex practices?

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A man and women. Its the only way you can produce life. But if you are not producing life go ahead and anal your brother.

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Originally Posted by Korittke

What are recommended sex practices?

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I am pretty sure a man and a woman can do whatever they want together as long as they are married. Animals, threesomes, that sort of thing isn't aloud. This is one of those questions that varys between groups of christians.

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Originally Posted by Lucid_boy

I am pretty sure a man and a woman can do whatever they want together as long as they are married. Animals, threesomes, that sort of thing isn't aloud. This is one of those questions that varys between groups of christians.

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Well its not stated in the bible.

How do you explain, neglect, or nullify the inherent contradictions throughout the Bible and Christianity's Theology.

A few examples:

God being omniscient/omnipotent, yet we have free will.

Jesus being part of God, yet the he and the disciples clearly distinguish themselves from God.

God being omnibenevolent, yet sending people to Hell.

God being omnibenevolent, yet creates the possibility of evil and sin.

Etc.


Also, how does Christianity justify or neglect fear tactics that are used as conversion? Christianity claims to be peaceful and just, yet:

9 Crusades, along with a plethora of other crusades which I don't know the names for.

Fire and brimstone preaching to incite fear among listeners.

The use of Hell as a reason to become Christian. (Join or you'll burn in Hell)


How do you explain the ignorance and uncertainty of representation and interpretations of the Bible and preachings? Such as, some people take the Bible as metaphoric, and some preach that it must be taken completely literally. Whichever way, some passages clearly state out things that must be done, that can not possibly be interpreted as a metaphor. Such as instructing that if a woman has sex before marriage, she must be stoned on her father's doorstep and the approval of slavery.


Can you explain why the Church condones science, without making Christianity seem fake? Science disproves fundamental concepts and beliefs of Christianity and the Church. (The Church says that the Earth is flat, evolutionary evidence, cloning and stem cell research, carbon-dating, etc.) I think that this will be hard, because the obvious answer is to keep the Church in power by neglecting the followers of knowledge that contradicts Christian Theology.


Will I go to Hell for being Agnostic and anti-religious? (I would like both your answer, and the prevalent answer of the Church and Christian community as a whole.)


Will a Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Taoist, or any other person of a religious descent aside from Christianity go to Hell? (Same)


Can morals exist outside of God's command, and is God's word the only source of morality and standard for creation of civilized law?


Did dinosaurs co-exist with humans? If the died because of the flood, why didn't Noah get baby dinosaurs onto the Ark?


Do homosexuals go to Hell?


And finally, Why are you Christian? No bullshit answers.

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Originally Posted by Lucid_boy

I am pretty sure a man and a woman can do whatever they want together as long as they are married. Animals, threesomes, that sort of thing isn't aloud.

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Lame. Sorry, but your religion sucks.

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Originally Posted by Korittke

Lame. Sorry, but your religion sucks.

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I agree that it can be lame, it does limit options.

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Originally Posted by Lucid_boy

I agree that it can be lame, it does limit options.

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Originally Posted by Korittke

Lame. Sorry, but your religion sucks.

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There are unlimited options. Nobody should be scared in the bible.

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Originally Posted by Lucid_boy

I hate to sound crazy but I take all of it literaly and would naturally suggest you do the same. The only part that I think could be slightly figurative is the book of revelation.

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So you take the whole murdering your neighbor if he does so-and-so as sound advice?