BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Spirituality Religious Superiority

I can understand and respect not pushing our beliefs where they are not wanted.

But, I was referring to the comment that we share our beliefs because we feel inferior about them {paraphrasing}. My point is that as Christians it is part of our faith to spread the word - and cannot be taken separately. I don't share because I'm trying to convince myself, but because it is my responsibility as a Christian to share.

I respect people of other religions - even if I don't agree with what they believe. But it the opportunity arises for me to share with others I will. Note that I said opportunity... I feel like there should be an opening in order for me to share - not to just go preaching at everyone I see. I realize that turns a lot of people off. But if someone asks my view or opinion - I'm sharing!

And because being a Christian is part and parcel of who I am, my religious beliefs are bound to come up in conversations, if nothing else as to why I do or believe as I do.

And as far as knowing it all - no way! Even believing in God and Jesus Christ, I don't understand everything. I don't believe I can - how can I comprehend on the level of God?

I didn't mean that you didn't respect Christians - I said that badly. I had just been surprised at the # of threads questioning Christianity, when in the past it had been a fairly quiet subject on this forum. But there are a lot more vocal Christians posting (as you pointed out) so it makes sense that there would be a lot more discussion all around.

Also, I'm wondering if you are a different "Linda" from whom I have spoken with in the past. "Linda Sue" is the name listed in the past, but yours is "Linda J. Paul", plus I'm pretty sure I remember "Linda Sue" as a blonde! I may be off, but it would explain why you and I don't have the same rapport I remember.

Hi Michelle..

Linda Sue was the past editor for the Spirituality site. I was around a couple of years ago with Bella as the Alternative Medicine editor. I took a break away from Bella for a bit to get my online classes up and running at Universal Class. I really missed writing for Bella, so when the Spirituality topic came up as needing an editor, I jumped back in.

From reading her articles as I was rewriting the site, I would hazard a guess that she is a Christian. Or, at least she holds a strong belief in God. She is now the Poetry editor.

It was interesting to note that while I was rewriting, I found that she and I had totally opposite views of the same subjects. I have always been a Pagan and I recently became a Unitarian Universalist.

I am an ordained Pagan Minister, a Wiccan High Priestess, and a Thealogy vs Theology scholar. I study the history of the Goddess.

I have always been fascinated by belief and religion. I have been fortunate enough to have studied with Seneca Medicine Women, a Mystic Rabbi, Buddhist and Hindu teachers, and a beautiful Muslim woman.

And, the only religion I have ever had difficulty coming to terms with is some forms of Christianity. I like the Gnostic stories a whole lot more than I like the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John versions. I actually get along fine with most Catholics, because they don't tend to feel the need to "spread the word." Either you believe or you don't. I love the Quakers, Methodists, Congregationalists, and most of the other (old time) Christian faiths. Again, either you believe or you don't. You are welcome in their church, but they don't feel the need to try and convert you either.

Spreading the word seems to be a process that is adhered to by Fundamentalist Christians, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses. I can honestly say I have never had a Catholic, Methodist or Quaker tell me that I was bound for Hell. They may think it..lol.. but they don't feel the need to relay that information to me.. and I have yet to have one of them try and "save" me.
And, there are a whole lot of Unitarian Universalists that have a Christian foundation for their belief system.

So, it is not a Christian duty to spread the word according to most Christians.. so to clarify perhaps you should say "some christians believe" rather than all.. since that is not quite true.

Love and Light..

Fair enough.

I am sorry Linda. I meant we as Christians. Not we
as in every person.

Linda, It absolutely is the duty of every Christian to minister the Word of God, some may not do it as fervently as others and some may not do it at all and the Christians who do not do it will have to answer God as to why they didn't do it.

Just because all Christians don't do it, that doesn't mean it is not their duty.

Hi Amadeus.. I took a poll of every Christian who would talk to me today..lol..my fellow employees are all Christians of different denominations.

The three Catholics I talked to said very fervently that it was not their duty to minister the word of God.

The Baptist said it was not her duty to minister the word of God.

The two Methodists said it was not their duty to minister the word of God.

One employee said that she is a Christian, but not of any specific denomination... and she said that it was not her duty to minister the word of God.

There was one person who is a Pentacostal that agreed with you.

So there you have the results of the poll.. Obviously, not all Christians agree with your sentiments.

Love and Light..

Now, I have a question. In the Christian opinion, does every person who is not baptised go to hell? I had a debate about this with a high school friend many years ago. she was (and still is as far as I know) a southern baptist. Her grand-daddy was a minister with that church...anyway, she said every human on earth that was not baptized would go to hell. I asked her if that included children and tiny babies and people in africa or other countries that have never seen a 'white person'...(I supposed that term is politcally incorrect, and I mean no disrespect. People need to relax). She answered 'yes'. It was at that point my 'idealistic' ideas of christianity died. She said it was up to the christian community to do mission and save souls by preaching the gospels. I've never gotten over the idea that she really thought 'fire and brimstone' would befall babies that didn't get baptized. She was trying to convince me to go to an easter revival with her that year.....many, many years ago. I guess she knew I was different before I did. Anyway......sorry folks, I gotta say it....BUNK. Babies don't go to hell because holy water isn't sprinkled on their heads, and I'm not going to hell because I didn't go to that revival with her. I've said it before and I'll say it again; I believe Christianity is based on fear. Fear is a mighty motivator.

Linda, I wish I were as eloquent with my words as you are. You write beautifully. You would have been able to say what I just said unoffensively.

Linda,

I know many Christians do not believe that but that doesn't make it untrue.

It is the duty of every Christian to minister the word of God, the Christians who do not do this will answer to God when He asks them why they didn't.

I am not disagreeing with you that there are Christians who do not do this nor do they believe they have to.

I would give quotes from the Bible to verify this, but what good would that do, if people do not believe in the Bible or believe that it is inspired by God.

Connidee,

In answer to your question about baptism, I refer you to the book of John:

3:3 - Jesus answered and him and said; Verily, verily I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

3:4 - Nicodemus said unto Him; How can a man be born if he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born?

3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

I'm Southern Baptist as well, but I've not been taught the same as your friend.

Every pastor I've had has taught about "age of innocence". It's not to say tht children do not have the sin nature (as we are all born with) but that they do not have the maturity to make that decision, and will not be penalized for that. The same goes for adults that do not have the mental capacity for understanding repentance and contrition.

As far as the physical baptising - that is just an outward symbol of a person's faith. What matters is the decision made to follow Jesus. It is not "mandatory" for going to heaven.

I have no answer for those that have not been given the chance to hear the Word. If someone has not ever had the chance to say "yes" or "no", then it seems to me they would be in the same position as an innocent. Maybe this is where the Catholic belief of purgatory comes in? Here's an article on Purgatory It may not be a typical Baptist belief - but it makes sense to me.