Well, seems like the missionary post won’t die. There’s a new comment by Shane, and here’s a key snippet:
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“I have invited many people to discuss this topic, and the fact is that most people are uneducated in their opinions. I don’t say this to disrespect anyone, but in a world of information-flow at our fingertips, we are sadly lacking in critical thought. We are offended at the idea that someone else might know better, that we might be wrong, that what I’ve been taught is flawed.
I am a Christian. I believe that there is only one way to heaven, and that is not through doing good deeds, being nice, making amends, or being ‘religions, but is by accepting Jesus Christ (the perfect, holy, and willing sacrifice) as our personal satisfaction for payment of our sins. I invite anyone to converse with me on this, and maybe we can seek the truth together.”
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Sigh. OK, here we go.
- “Uneducated in their opinions?” In whose judgement, yours? A bit on your high horse, aren’t you?
- I’m not offended in the slightest by someone knowing more than I do. The thing is, there’s no way to say who knows more when it comes to religion.
- As for you believing that there’s only one way to Heaven, great, good for you. Maybe you should look up the definition of “belief” again. There’s no way for you to prove that your way is the right way. What’s that? You say you DO have proof? OK, let’s go over what you have to offer.
1. The Bible = Useful tool, yes. The word of God, maybe. Still not proof that only one way is the right way.
2. The holy spirit inside you = Erm, lots of religions have a similar concept. Sorry, not proof.
3. You speak in tongues/have healed or been healed/felt a calling to minister = Not proof, just evidence of man’s enduring desire to make experiences more meaningful.
You see, it’s impossible to have a conversation with an evangelist. You try to bring up historical and logical points, and all they want to do is tell you that they have to spread the Gospel because a pink unicorn visited them and dropped off a personal invite to Heaven. (ok, I made a bit of that up) Talking about religion defies the very notion of critical thought, Mr. Shane. That’s why it’s an intensely personal experience, because it’s about belief, and things that can’t be proved, and mysticism, with a little bit of theater thrown in for effect. ‘
Frankly, the very idea of being re-born makes me laugh. Seems like a lot of the born-again Christians took that as a great opportunity to start racking up mortal sins again, you know what I mean?
And the last thing – “Don’t be so “right” that you lose your justification.” I’m not claiming to be right. I believe that the mystery and love of God is far beyond the ability of us mortals to understand, and I try to keep an open mind concerning all religions as practiced by individuals.