[Jeremiah]

Yes I understand YOU people find guidance in the Bible. I'm just saying that I see it as beauty in the writing. As for a passage in the Bible on being Christian, how about YOU find one that states the specifics on being Christian (I would think there isn't one considering the Bible was written well before Christianity was well established as a world religion).

Dirk, I really don't know what to say on that note really. Apparently a male such as yourself "watching me" is totally "heterosexual". Yes I am straight, I have had sexual relations with women (notice the plural). That seems "proof" enough I would say.

[Pastor Isaac Peters]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

As for a passage in the Bible on being Christian, how about YOU find one that states the specifics on being Christian (I would think there isn't one considering the Bible was written well before Christianity was well established as a world religion).

First, I already have. Second, before telling us what evidence we have to present to you, please read this thread.

[Brother Temperance]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Okay first of all it's *Buddhism* not Budhism.

Second of all, every religion has it's faults and violent tendencies. Christianity had the Crusades (where millions of men, women, and children were massacred for the greedy needs of the Church and Kings of Europe), Islam has it's backward traditions and seeming lack of human rights, Hinduism and Buddhism, though very quiet religions, definitely have their violent faults since they are such aged religions.

But even with those faults, each religion is still beautiful in it's own way. Christianity and Islam both have beautiful scriptures and writings, and Hinduism and Buddhism show the beauty of consciousness.

Tosh and nonsense. I'm already fully conscious of the fact that I'm conscious, and if I need to be shown beauty I just glance down and marvel at the firm, commanding, masculine body that God has blessed me with, or leaf through my book of pictures of USAF fighter jets. What does a six-armed elephant demon have to do with beauty or consciousness?

This is neither a slander towards you, nor a stab at your beliefs. I just wanted to make my thoughts known as I acknowledge Buddhism quite highly.

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."
-The Dalai Lama

How do you acknowledge Buddhism? It's either right (clue: it isn't) or it's wrong (it is very definitely wrong, for the record), how does you "acknowledging it highly" change any of that? I acknowledge Buddhism as being a sign from God that we haven't killed enough Buddhists yet, is that what you meant?

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Yes I understand YOU people find guidance in the Bible. I'm just saying that I see it as beauty in the writing. As for a passage in the Bible on being Christian, how about YOU find one that states the specifics on being Christian (I would think there isn't one considering the Bible was written well before Christianity was well established as a world religion).

You seem to be having difficulty with the concept of logic. Which seems more likely to you:
a) God gave us instructions to behave in a certain way (i.e., Christianity), then people started behaving in that way, or
b) lots of people suddenly started behaving in a certain way, then at some point after that, God decided to give us instructions on how to behave that way?
Think about it! Marx wrote his demonic babble (which I'm sure you "find beauty in" as well) well before the Communist conspiracy installed Obama in the White House, does that mean that he didn't state any specifics about being a Communist either?

Dirk, I really don't know what to say on that note really. Apparently a male such as yourself "watching me" is totally "heterosexual". Yes I am straight, I have had sexual relations with women (notice the plural). That seems "proof" enough I would say.

Not really, no. Why would you have sexual relations with women plural? The normal thing to do is just to get married to a woman and have children with her. Sleeping around suggests that you have some kind of fear of entering into a proper committed Christian marriage with a woman. That seems suspicious to me.

[Lisa H]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Yes I understand YOU people find guidance in the Bible. I'm just saying that I see it as beauty in the writing. As for a passage in the Bible on being Christian, how about YOU find one that states the specifics on being Christian (I would think there isn't one considering the Bible was written well before Christianity was well established as a world religion).

Dirk, I really don't know what to say on that note really. Apparently a male such as yourself "watching me" is totally "heterosexual". Yes I am straight, I have had sexual relations with women (notice the plural). That seems "proof" enough I would say.

The Bible is not a piece of artwork to be hanging on the wall to be admired. It is the Word of the Lord to be followed.

If you had read the Bible you would find many passages to your questions

Jeremiah 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

Jeremiah 13:25 This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 Timothy 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan

[BelieverInGod]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

As for a passage in the Bible on being Christian, how about YOU find one that states the specifics on being Christian (I would think there isn't one considering the Bible was written well before Christianity was well established as a world religion).

So you're saying the word Christian isn't in the Bible?

Wrong again, perhaps you should actually crack the book.

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

1 Peter 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

[Jeremiah]

Originally Posted by Brother Temperance

Tosh and nonsense. I'm already fully conscious of the fact that I'm conscious, and if I need to be shown beauty I just glance down and marvel at the firm, commanding, masculine body that God has blessed me with, or leaf through my book of pictures of USAF fighter jets. What does a six-armed elephant demon have to do with beauty or consciousness?
How do you acknowledge Buddhism? It's either right (clue: it isn't) or it's wrong (it is very definitely wrong, for the record), how does you "acknowledging it highly" change any of that? I acknowledge Buddhism as being a sign from God that we haven't killed enough Buddhists yet, is that what you meant?

You seem to be having difficulty with the concept of logic. Which seems more likely to you:
a) God gave us instructions to behave in a certain way (i.e., Christianity), then people started behaving in that way, or
b) lots of people suddenly started behaving in a certain way, then at some point after that, God decided to give us instructions on how to behave that way?
Think about it! Marx wrote his demonic babble (which I'm sure you "find beauty in" as well) well before the Communist conspiracy installed Obama in the White House, does that mean that he didn't state any specifics about being a Communist either?
Not really, no. Why would you have sexual relations with women plural? The normal thing to do is just to get married to a woman and have children with her. Sleeping around suggests that you have some kind of fear of entering into a proper committed Christian marriage with a woman. That seems suspicious to me.

Okay, I didn't want to have to get mean and nasty, or even bring intelligence or logic into the conversation, but you leave me now choice now. You have proven yourself to be a traditional Southern American with an 80 IQ (borderline mentally retarded) and the fascination with guns and killing ever present within you (think of the raven and it's fascination with "shiny objects"...ring a bell - of course it doesn't b/c you don't have the neurons to process that). The fact that you referred to killing Buddhists breaks one of the Ten Commandments "Thou shalt not kill" and many of Jesus' teachings such as "Turn the other cheek", "Treat your neighbor as you do thyself", etc, etc. Honestly Jesus would be ashamed to see scum like you spewing this garbage under the guise of Christianity you misguided, ignorant Southern rat.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Okay, I didn't want to have to get mean and nasty, or even bring intelligence or logic into the conversation, but you leave me now choice now. You have proven yourself to be a traditional Southern American with an 80 IQ (borderline mentally retarded) and the fascination with guns and killing ever present within you (think of the raven and it's fascination with "shiny objects"...ring a bell - of course it doesn't b/c you don't have the neurons to process that). The fact that you referred to killing Buddhists breaks one of the Ten Commandments "Thou shalt not kill" and many of Jesus' teachings such as "Turn the other cheek", "Treat your neighbor as you do thyself", etc, etc. Honestly Jesus would be ashamed to see scum like you spewing this garbage under the guise of Christianity you misguided, ignorant Southern rat.

Dear Godmocking Heathen;

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule of worshiping satan and spitting in Christ's face to post this hateful message. The Holy Bible tells us that we are actually Blessed by your persecution! Thanks for proving that we're right.

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Enjoy hell. I know that Jesus and I can't wait to watch you burn in hell for all eternity. Oh, how we'll laugh at you as you scream in agony! Shout Glory!!

YIC,

--Pastor Ezekiel

[Pastor Isaac Peters]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Okay, I didn't want to have to get mean and nasty, or even bring intelligence or logic into the conversation, but you leave me now choice now.

You have no choice because you have repeatedly demonstrated your inability to answer even the most basic questions asked of you. You have to spew a stream of ad hominem attacks not because we've provoked you into doing so, but because that's the closest thing to a cogent argument that you can construct.

[ManyPaths]

Buddhism IS a peaceful and tolerant religion! There is so much peace and beauty and truth to be had if you would just take the time to read the Sutras!

I have learned so much about myself from the teachings of the Dalai Lama.

And what is this about???

That is so not peaceful and so not tolerant. It must have been you people Gandhi was talking about when he said he likeed Jesus but didn't like all Christians.

[Lisa H]

Originally Posted by ManyPaths

Buddhism IS a peaceful and tolerant religion! There is so much peace and beauty and truth to be had if you would just take the time to read the Sutras!

I have learned so much about myself from the teachings of the Dalai Lama.

And what is this about???

That is so not peaceful and so not tolerant. It must have been you people Gandhi was talking about when he said he likeed Jesus but didn't like all Christians.

You want to worship false prophets

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

[ManyPaths]

Originally Posted by Lisa H

You want to worship false prophets

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Whatever, not everything in the Bible is true. There is a lot of beauty truth in the Bible, but there is a lot of beauty and truth in other holy books as well. And the Dalai Lama is not a prophet. He doesn't claim to be anything other than a human, and he doesn't talk about god. He's a nice guy with good advice.

[Lisa H]

Originally Posted by ManyPaths

Whatever, not everything in the Bible is true. There is a lot of beauty truth in the Bible, but there is a lot of beauty and truth in other holy books as well. And the Dalai Lama is not a prophet. He doesn't claim to be anything other than a human, and he doesn't talk about god. He's a nice guy with good advice.

How dare you mock the Lord and his Word in the Bible. The Bible is always true because it came from the Lord.

Stop following false prophets and start following the True God.

Jeremiah 13:25 This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.

[Benedict A. Davis]

Originally Posted by ManyPaths

Whatever, not everything in the Bible is true. There is a lot of beauty truth in the Bible, but there is a lot of beauty and truth in other holy books as well. And the Dalai Lama is not a prophet. He doesn't claim to be anything other than a human, and he doesn't talk about god. He's a nice guy with good advice.

This is an unusual introduction there stranger. In fact this isn't even the right folder but I will be glad to show you the way. When you get there please tell us all about yourself, how and why you came looking for us,etc. I also sent you a couple of really ointeresting links, you should read them.
Noobs read this.

Your rights are listed here.

Make an Introduction for yourself.

[Rev. Jim Osborne]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Okay, I didn't want to have to get mean and nasty, or even bring intelligence or logic into the conversation, but you leave me now choice now. You have proven yourself to be a traditional Southern American with an 80 IQ (borderline mentally retarded) . . . you misguided, ignorant Southern rat.

I am astonished by your prejudice and racism. Why do you judge people simply because they're a different race, religion, or live in a different part of the world than you? Why do you hate Southerners so much?

You should be more tolerant towards others instead of spewing such hateful speech.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

I've been witnessing to slopes for years now, and I can tell you they just don't get Christianity. Certain Christian terms or phrases that you might use while witnessing to a Buddhist may have a completely different connotation for them. For example, you wouldn’t want to suggest to a Buddhist without much explanation that they should accept Christ and be ‘born again’. To the buddhist, being born again equals a failure. Buddhism teaches that through a cycle of rebirths you can reach Nirvana, therefore being born again may confuse them and give them a negative view of what accepting Christ means. You might use the term ‘new birth’. Explain to them that by accepting Christ we are born as a new person spiritually and are saved eternally. It isn’t a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one.

Also, be careful when explaining that we are saved through Grace. The Buddhist has been taught that you must work for anything good. They feel to attain something as desired as "nirvana," one must practice meditation, observe the required rituals, live a life free from wrong desires and actions, and perform many other traditions and works. The idea that salvation is a free gift will seem very foreign to them and perhaps too simplistic and illogical. It will take time for them to understand God’s love and forgiveness, and to accept their own inability to resist sin. Explain that salvation is not a gift handed out to anyone, there is an action on the part of the seeker, but the value of the gift is found in God’s love for us. Spend a lot of time reading the Bible with them to help them understand this concept.

When explaining Christ’s crucifixion and the role it plays in salvation, don’t be surprised if Buddhists find this idea abhorrent. They may ask “How can an all-powerful God allow himself to be killed in such a humiliating way?” There may also be a cultural barrier if the person you’re speaking with is of Japanese descent. To them, Jesus’ death on the cross possesses none of the qualities they admire in their society, such as serenity, strength, and honor. Point out to them that Christ is a living God and He conquered death. His death paid the price for our sins. Christ died for us because He loves and cares for us. Only a God who has suffered as He had can identify with our inner torments; only a God who really cares for us would allow himself to be so cruelly afflicted; and only a God who truly is God could rise from the dead and give eternal life to those who follow Him. Paul prophesied that some would stumble over the cross in Galatians 5:11. We are also instructed not to be ashamed of it.

Buddhists do not believe in heaven or in an eternity anywhere for that matter. They believe that by following the teaching of Buddhism strictly and leading a perfect life they will escape a cycle of rebirths and cease to exist. This end to the soul is called Nirvana. It might seem hard to believe that anyone would look forward to a gift of nothing, but it’s important to understand that family traditions, an attachment to earthly pursuits and worldly pleasures, and a strong disbelief in God can blind them to how much better the hope Christ gives us is. Use your personal experiences and your own life as an example of the hope they can have. But, also keep in mind many Buddhists will look at Christians who are wrapped up in worldly things as an example of Christianity and they may not understand how people so focused on their earthly lives could really believe in a better place. Explain to them that some people have fallen short, while others are true to God’s calling, but all who repent and seek God are forgiven. We have a loving God.

When witnessing to a Buddhist, be prepared for spiritual warfare! We can always expect to be attacked when we’re sharing our faith. Satan never wants to see us succeed. But, spiritual warfare may be especially intense in this case because Buddhists participate in idol worship, the veneration of the spirits of deceased ancestors, and ceremonial rituals for the purpose of appeasing evil spirits. If they are actively interacting with evil spirits, we can expect to be attacked. As Christians, we need not fear evil. Explain to the Buddhist that we don’t need to appease evil spirits because we have power over them through Christ. Jesus already won that battle, and we can resist them, and cast them out as Christ did. Use examples from the Gospels of Jesus and His disciples doing just this. I John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (evil spirits), because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Most importantly, love them. You have an opportunity to share with them the greatest gift they could ever receive, a relationship with Jesus Christ. Share the love of Christ with them in what you say and how you treat them. They have been deceived and they need your help. In Deuteronomy 10:19 God instructed the Jews saying, “And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.” We should also love those who are different from us while not being afraid or ashamed to share the hope that is within us.

[Jeremiah]

Originally Posted by Rev. Jim Osborne

I am astonished by your prejudice and racism. Why do you judge people simply because they're a different race, religion, or live in a different part of the world than you? Why do you hate Southerners so much?

You should be more tolerant towards others instead of spewing such hateful speech.

You speak of tolerance? Your religion is up there (if not surpassing) Fundamentalist Islam with intolerance. One of you talked about KILLING BUDDHISTS! Excuse me having a biased against Southern USA, but that is where most of you people are located, and that is one of the most uneducated places ON EARTH. I tried to be understanding, but when I get called out for "worshiping a demon chink" (Buddhist wasn't Chinese dumbasses), than I have a problem with that. Yes yes yes I will go to "hell" and I hope I do so I won't have the displeasure of seeing your ridiculous faces for all eternity. And no, neither Gandhi nor the Dalai Lama are "prophets" and they do not speak of God, they don't think it necessary for finding inner peace (meaning that you can, or don't necessarily have to believe to find that path). Yes you'll give me Bible passages that say "otherwise" - good for you. I really feel sorry for your kids - a shame they won't actually know what our SPHERICAL Earth is really about.

[Pastor Isaac Peters]

Thanks for demonstrating my point about your use ad hominem attacks. Perhaps if you studied the King James Bible, you'd learn about Christ's love and be more loving yourself.

[Bobby-Joe]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

You speak of tolerance? Your religion is up there (if not surpassing) Fundamentalist Islam with intolerance. One of you talked about KILLING BUDDHISTS! Excuse me having a biased against Southern USA, but that is where most of you people are located, and that is one of the most uneducated places ON EARTH. I tried to be understanding, but when I get called out for "worshiping a demon chink" (Buddhist wasn't Chinese dumbasses), than I have a problem with that. Yes yes yes I will go to "hell" and I hope I do so I won't have the displeasure of seeing your ridiculous faces for all eternity. And no, neither Gandhi nor the Dalai Lama are "prophets" and they do not speak of God, they don't think it necessary for finding inner peace (meaning that you can, or don't necessarily have to believe to find that path). Yes you'll give me Bible passages that say "otherwise" - good for you. I really feel sorry for your kids - a shame they won't actually know what our SPHERICAL Earth is really about.

You believe in Heliocentricism. Pathetic.

[Jeremiah]

Originally Posted by Bobby-Joe

You believe in Heliocentricism. Pathetic.

Yes I'm sure it is. B/c we haven't been out in space yet.....oh wait we have!!

Ohhhhh you guys actually think the world is flat!! Where are the corners/edges then? Please enlighten me.

[Billy Bob Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

I really feel sorry for your kids - a shame they won't actually know what our SPHERICAL Earth is really about.

Do you teach your children to believe everything they hear?