a christian theory

[WaterRaven]

I was at my friends youth group at a church, and i had a talk with the pastor. We talked for about an hour on xtianity and other religions (mainly wicca). He told me that God knows everything that has happened and will happen. We got to the pint to where he was saying " God gives us a free will even though He knows we will fail to serve Him" Isnt that kinda not giving them a free will??? Anyway...he was REALLY confusing me and I hated it. I think they (xtians) are so stubborn!!Jeez! They jsut dont leave us alone do they? Well hey, I had to get that off my chest. Has anyone had a similar discussion?? Let me know. Thanx!

Water Raven

[Myst]

First off, I think it needs to be said that your one bad experience doesn't give you the right to bash Christians. If that wasn't your intention I understand. I know it can be frustrating but I just want to remind everyone that that sort of thing isn't encouraged or even allowed here. But I'm sure you know not all Christians are represented by that one guy nor that all Christians are bad because this guy seemed ignorant. :)

Anyway, this is what I would expect if I went to talk to a pastor. Of course he believes his religion is right, and in his eyes there's no other way. You have to remember, how does it make you feel that he thinks you're stupid for your beliefs? Do you want to make other people feel like that? Especially someone who doesn't know any better, or someone that doesn't know you won't go to Hell for being Wiccan? I think we should try to give people who don't understand us a little bit of understanding and respect, even if we don't get it. As far as "they don't leave us alone" - well you chose to go to the youth group and to speak to the pastor right? Did you just expect him to be okay with your beliefs even though he thinks condoning such beliefs means he'll go to Hell?

It can be frustrating and I don't blame you for being upset, but I hope you can get over this and come to terms with others who have different beliefs, even if they can't do that for you.

[Chibi-Fallon]

I have a buddy who loves meddling in my life (sometimes it turns out great other times I want to kill him). He’s a Christian and was very concerned that I wasn’t. Now the underlying issue here is that we’re really good friends and love each other (like friends). So really when you stop to think about it they only love you. That’s why they won’t leave you alone. And that’s not a bad thing, that’s a very good thing in fact. Now with the pastor “care” might be a better word as you don’t know him but still he’s only doing this because in his eyes he wants to make your life... er ... after-life better. So really they only want to make things better for you and in their eyes that’s all. Just think about that next time, it makes it a lot less frustrating.

[WynnJera]

I had a conversation with a Xian about her page and even tho it sounds silly ~ I grew deeper in my faith while talking with her and researching her faith ~ talking to her made me sit and think what do I really belive in and that was a great experience ~ BB ~ WynnJera ~

[MistOfTheSea86]

Show compassion to all those feel the need to show only contempt:)

[Garnet]

I will be having one soon. I've been asked to be godmother for my nephew, & I have to explain to the priest why I left the Catholic church. There are several reasons, but my brother has insisted that I not question the church or its' doctrines in any way.
I can't be 'argumentative, belligerent, or rude', either. *sigh* I feel an attack of 'smart ass-itis' creeping up on me already.

[Djiril]

One thing that I find interesting is that some of these people think that we "know" that they are right.

[Garnet]

That's the main (of many) reason/s I'm not Catholic anymore. I was always taught that simply because I was catholic, I was better than non-Catholics. In 8th-grade catechism, Sister Superior told us that not only were we better than other religions, they all knew it & looked up to us because of it. The she was dumb enough to ask for questions. So I asked "If they know we're better, why aren't they Catholics, too?" Sister, who evidently never thought her words would be questioned, turned red, sputtered for a moment, then told me I was 'fresh', & that I should pray for forgiveness because I had sinned against her. I went home & told my parents "That's it! I'm not Catholic any more." They agreed with me, but made me try a different church first.

[Armitage]

To join the defending parties, my best friend at school is a devout Christian, goes to Youth Group, prayer meetings, all that. She has never told me I was going to Hell, should be saved, or am erroneous in my ways. She neatly avoids bashing it, and I try to tone down the satire. We have incredible talks about religion and spirituality. All groups have their goobers, and their awesome people.

[Myst]

Beyond all stories and complaints, Armitage has neatly hit the truth.