I just had a most interesting conversation. The person I was talking with was wondering, why can't we all live and let live. Especially concerning religion. I must admit I had a hard time answering her. The best response that I could come up with is, that most other religions believe that humans are either basically good or can become so through their own methods. I informed her that sense humans are not basiclly good then their ultimate goal is impossible to attain. She said in response said that, for instance, the Budists believe that through reincarnation they can eventualy become perfect. My response was that they could not pove it. (Wrong answer.) She said nobody can "prove" what they believe, it is just a matter of faith.
I agree, to a certain extent, but what do you say from there? I know there is a intellegent and reasonable answer to this question, but to just say "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" is not it. I feel like I should know the answer, but it is not coming to me at the moment. If you would like to share your thoughts on the subject, please do.
Post Scriptum: We started out talking about the war in Iraq. But really and truly you can not address the right and wrongs in war without addressing what you believe about God. Because ultimately, that is what it comes down to.
9 comments:
Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. It is just hard for me to articulate it sometimes.
In the first paragraph you said "To say in Christianity that we should just live and let live would 1)show no love to others b/c we wouldn't be giving them the truth that could bring them to joy and eternal life though it might be along a tough road, and 2)we would be completely denying our faith." That is true, but how do you say that to someone who does not believe the way you do, I mean without offending them? (If that is possible). I suppose you should wait till they ask. But even then it is hard to say it in love. You know, without seeming stuck up or rude.
I guess there is not a one-answer-fits-all. Maybe I should do as the Bible says and pray for the words to speak. It's so simple yet it seems so hard. Probably because I think I know best and have all the answers. Oh boy, have I got a lot to learn. :) I'm so glad there's grace.
This will be my first year doing mock trial, but I hope to at least go to state, perhaps even Nat.'s. We'll see.
Wow, four years is along time. You must've learned a lot. If you have any advice you would like to share please do. Did you ever go to Nat.'s or state?
Sure, I would definitly appreciate an invatation. It is so cool that you guys have a Bible study. From what you post, it's seems very genuine.
Just curious, but to which denomination do you belong?
Thanks again for taking time out of your busy day to comment on my blog.
I know some Calvinists. I've noticed they were very fluent in their beliefs and how to defend their faith. I agree with some of their beliefs, but like you said, you can never completely agree anyone.
Thanks for the advice. Did you ever win at Nats? That's really awsome that you've been twice. The group that I'm joining won back-to-back at Nats. The past couple of years they went to state. Last year I tag-alonged with them to state. It was a blast! What was your team called that went to Nats? Ours was FCA Red.
So what are you doing now that you are graduated? It says on your profile that you want to be a missionary to China. Have you started learning their language yet? I hear it's pretty hard to master. Out of curiosity, why China? Out of all the places you could go what makes China stand out?
I is very sorry, but I can not give out my email address. Thanks for understanding. Would you care if I commented on your posts though, like give my opinion and ask questions and the like? :)
I don't know what Barak said b/c I didn't have time to read it all but whatever it was I'll bet it was right on. The bottom line is that God is worth being magnified as THE TRUTH not just a truth. Not only that but His glory demands it. Faith is not a geometry problem in which there are multiple ways to get a right answer. Truth is true whether or not we accept it. And the living and letting live thing? We have to rely on the Holy Spirit to open people's eyes. Your friend is going to continue accepting other religious views untill Christ shows brings change. Pray that truth will make itself known in this persons life. And what is truth? Christ is the truth the way and life, no man can come to Life but through Him.
Try to steer away from name-claiming. We need to be taged as Christ's not Paul's, Calvin's, Wesley's, Luther's, or whoever else was an incredible limb in the body.
That's so cool that you met our team! It's a small world after all...
Yan, you are are right about me being a homeschooler, but I haven't ever heard of those curriculums. I have heard of Bob Jone's University though.
Have you ever read any of the YWAM biographies?
Greeting Caedmon!
Glad you could join us.
I totaly agree with what you are saying. I was trying to find out where you guys are coming from that's all. I meant no offence. You probably could not specifically classify me either, except like you said, as a Christian. I go to a non-denominational church.
That's okay. I believe I knew what you were saying. You mean the church in general not any specific church. Don't feel bad, I did not take it personaly.
It's kind of like a name to represent an idea.
It's kind of hard to converse on here. It is pretty easy to misconstrue what someone is trying to say.
I hope it doesn't look like that's what I was doing, if it does.... my apologies. I know Barak's heart and would never try to twist what he's meaning. Beacause I agree with Calvinism so much its easy for me to wave his banner and forget that the only thing I should be claiming and boasting in is the cross of Christ. Besides this all seems pretty perifial to what the original discussion was on. My sincerest.
It is hard to descuss anything pertaining to the Bible in any depth without going into doctrinal beliefs. It's like trying to eat a blueberry muffin and picking out all the blueberries. It can be done, but it is pretty doggone difficult. Besides, to eat it with all of the blueberries makes it real interesting.
I know you believe what you believe probably just as much I do. That is a good thing. So don't beat yourself up for knowing what you believe. I think we can talk about our different beliefs and learn from each other. Not that either of us would try to "prove" the other one wrong, just say what we believe. I hope that makes sense and that I'm not beating a dead horse, (which I probably am, for some reason I tend to do that).
Post a Comment