Question
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Christianity
I have seen a multitude of Christians on SodaHead of different denominations and walks of life. Many are eager to get God's message out to others, yet I have seen multiple versions of "Christianity" preached. I'm curious to find out what kind of Christianity my fellow Christians think should be taught on SH.
One form of "Christianity" seen on SodaHead could best be described as "Pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by." In this form, God is all-loving, never judges anyone for anything under any circumstances, and everyone gets into Heaven no matter what they do or in what they believe. There is no judgment, no sin, no Hell, and, ultimately, no real need for redemption.
In another form of "Christianity," God is purely vengeful and full of wrath. Here, God is seen as constantly angry and condemning pretty much everyone to everlasting torment in Hell. There is little (if any) discussion of hope for eternal life in Heaven with God, just fire and brimstone.
Another form of "Christianity" emphasizes God is both loving, yet just. In this form, God indeed loves all of us dearly, but His holy nature cannot tolerate sin, and sinners will never see Heaven... Unless they accept His gift of eternal life through Christ's sacrifice. There is a strong emphasis on the danger of sin and Hell, but an equal emphasis on the redemptive nature of a relationship with Jesus.
What kind of Christianity should we Christians be preaching here on SodaHead? Which of these three is most in line with Scripture and thus closest to truth? Which is best to help those who do not yet believe, to save those who are currently in spiritual darkness?
If you believe a fourth (or fifth, or sixth, or seventh, or...) type of Christianity is closer to the truth, please pick "Other" and share with us!
I have tried to make this a balanced poll, so I apologize if I offend anyone. I've tried to give a nutshell description of the three different brands of Christianity I've seen on SodaHead.
Thanks, all.
One form of "Christianity" seen on SodaHead could best be described as "Pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by." In this form, God is all-loving, never judges anyone for anything under any circumstances, and everyone gets into Heaven no matter what they do or in what they believe. There is no judgment, no sin, no Hell, and, ultimately, no real need for redemption.
In another form of "Christianity," God is purely vengeful and full of wrath. Here, God is seen as constantly angry and condemning pretty much everyone to everlasting torment in Hell. There is little (if any) discussion of hope for eternal life in Heaven with God, just fire and brimstone.
Another form of "Christianity" emphasizes God is both loving, yet just. In this form, God indeed loves all of us dearly, but His holy nature cannot tolerate sin, and sinners will never see Heaven... Unless they accept His gift of eternal life through Christ's sacrifice. There is a strong emphasis on the danger of sin and Hell, but an equal emphasis on the redemptive nature of a relationship with Jesus.
What kind of Christianity should we Christians be preaching here on SodaHead? Which of these three is most in line with Scripture and thus closest to truth? Which is best to help those who do not yet believe, to save those who are currently in spiritual darkness?
If you believe a fourth (or fifth, or sixth, or seventh, or...) type of Christianity is closer to the truth, please pick "Other" and share with us!
I have tried to make this a balanced poll, so I apologize if I offend anyone. I've tried to give a nutshell description of the three different brands of Christianity I've seen on SodaHead.
Thanks, all.
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Answered Other (please share!)
That is for the individual to decide. I am not the kind of person to tell anyone who and how to worship. I know where I want to be, I know how I feel and what I need to make me happy and content in my faith. Everyone sees God on a different level...the reason for so many different religions. Everyone has to choose or not choose and find out. I would rather have followed and been wrong, than to not have followed and been wrong. -
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
All this, plus make it known that accepting Christ only truly happens when one turns from their sinnful ways, and strives to walk in His footsteps. All fall short of completely accomplishing this, but being sensitive & aware of ones own sins is one of the signs of the Blessing of His Salvation. Then most certainly-less talk, and more walk! Show those around you that you live with Him in your heart, and walk along His path.
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Well, thanks for sharing your thought, but this poll specifically says "Christians: What kind of Christianity should we be preaching?" meaning it's a poll directed at Christians rather than those who consider God "some supernatural being that has no proof of existence."
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Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
The Character of God requires balance to be truly Loving on all counts. This is denoted in the Hebrew word, Chesed, which is best rendered in English as Loving-Kindness...for love that does not punish wrong is really not kind, and justice that punishes too much is not kind either.
Therefore, central to both Love & Justice is the desired outcome of Kindness. The Bible tells us that this "Chesed leads us to repentance." :) -
Answered God is all-loving, never judges, and everyone's going to Heaven no matter what.
We create our own heavens and hells right here on this planet, this material plane. Through many births (reincarnation) we work out karma until we become God-realized. Jesus said, "Ye are gods". -
However, Jesus did. Read in the Gospels when He was with His disciples and was suddenly transformed. It has to do with Elijah (or Elisha) when Jesus told His disciples that the prophet had come again but know one recognized him. Then the disciples knew he meant John the Baptist.
Marky :o) -
No, He didn't. Elijah is still alive; he never died (remember, he was taken away in a chariot of fire?). We saw him on the Mount with Christ and Moses.
Jesus was being metaphorical when He said Elijah had returned and was John the Baptist. People die once and face judgment, period. That's why it's crucial for people to choose Christ here and now-- because there are no second chances. -
We definitely can agree to disagree. I was not attacking you; I was explaining what the Bible teaches by referencing Scripture. I did not call you names or call you stupid or anything; I was just explaining what mainstream Christianity has to say on this topic. Sorry if you felt attacked, it was not my intention. Bless you.
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Thank you for your response. I do not want to have any hard feelings toward anyone here nor do I want them aimed at me. I believe this should be a safe haven in which we can express our beliefs and respect the beliefs of others.
"The only thing I know for certain is that I know absolutely nothing for certain."
God Bless,
Marky :o) -
OK, phew, I didn't want you to think I was mad at you or trying to disrespect you. By no means. The only people I get mad at are those who harass me or try to intimidate me on SH because I believe. I am always willing to talk to people like you who are respectful and polite and open to discussing faith!!!
And that's a cool quote by the way, Marky. :) -
It is a beautiful site to see that you are in God's Word enough to know exactly what you are writing about Shirkie! I did not see it as an attack either. You were only leading someone into the correct account of what is written & taught in His Word. God Bless You for not being fanatical or snide by any means.
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Answered Other (please share!)
I believe god understands our imperfections. He knows we are not perfect and that any denomination that claims to be the only one that will get you to heaven is badly mistaken. I think there will be a lot of people that will go to heaven no matter what church they attend. I also think it possible to go if you attend no church at all . He knows you from the inside. He is the only judge. Not a pastor in a building. I dont think there is a hell either. Only the one we are in now. If you dont do what you are meant to do on this earth and are a horrible being. I think the soul dies along with the body. No type of after life what so ever. Just dead and forgotten. That to me,is the most horrible thing that could happen. -
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
Another form of "Christianity" emphasizes God is both loving, yet just. In this form, God indeed loves all of us dearly, but His holy nature cannot tolerate sin, and sinners will never see Heaven... Unless they accept His gift of eternal life through Christ's sacrifice. There is a strong emphasis on the danger of sin and Hell, but an equal emphasis on the redemptive nature of a relationship with Jesus
AND THATS THAT....in my eyes...
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So you like my description there? :) It took me a while to formulate the exact words I wanted to get across regarding what I believe Scripture teaches is true Christianity... Not watered-down happy-sappy stuff nor overwrought angry and vengeful stuff... But TRUE Christianity, the mercy AND the justice, sin AND redemption, salvation AND being lost, Heaven AND Hell. You can't emphasize one set of these (mercy, redemption, salvation, Heaven) without emphasizing the other (justice, sin, the possibility of being lost, and Hell). Neither can you focus on only the negatives. It's all one great, exciting, and inspiring package.
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I know a little about Mormonism, but could you explain the difference between the Gospels in the Bible and the restored Gospel? Is the restored Gospel what's in the BoM or is it in another set of your Scriptures?
I know your beliefs are complicated and interesting, but I'd love to hear your explanation of what the restored Gospel is because I know lots of us would be very curious to know. In a nutshell!! :) -
The Gospels in the Bible are just four books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and I assume you knew that.
The Restored Gospel consists of the teachings of Jesus Christ as they were taught from the days of Adam onward. In fact, the true teachings were restored a number of times. You may be familiar with the concept of Dispensations. Knowledge of Christ was had in the Old Testament times in spite of the lack of it being preserved in the Bible. The New Testament testifies to it. Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. (Hebrews 11:24-27) The Gospel in its fulness was lost again when the Apostles and Elders were martyred and there was no one left on earth with the authority to carry on. The Roman Church had no real authority, and the Protestants who later broke away had none either, so they resorted to claiming authority from reading the Bible, but the Bible was only the written word of God. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. His Gospel was restored in its fullness by Him, line upon line, and precept upon precept, to Joseph Smith around the year 1830, and it is preserved today and will not be taken from the earth until He comes to reign in righteousness. -
So why were certain things changed since 1830? I always wondered about these as just a few examples...
In 1830, 1 Ne 13:40 said "the lamb of God is the Eternal Father" and after 1837, it said "the lamb of God is the son of the Eternal Father." Similarly, in 1 Nephi 11:21, Jesus was referred to as "the Eternal Father" then in later editions as "son of the Eternal Father."
Sounds to me like that was some Trinity talk before it got changed after 1837...
Then, maybe nitpicking but, originally In Mosiah 21:28; Ether 4:1, King Benjamin was referenced, but it should have been Mosiah since Benjamin was dead at that time.
Also, why is about an eighth of the BoM copied directly from the KJV (1611AD) when it was alleged to have been written some 1200-2000 years before the KJV existed? I couldn't ever really figure that out when I was reading the BoM for myself.
Also, I can't get past the whole "skin of blackness" cast upon sinners in the BoM, but once they repented, they became "white and delightsome." Wasn't that the justification used to keep Blacks out of the church until a few decades ago? And that they're still not allowed to hold the Priesthood? Or is my information wrong?
PLEASE, please correct me if I have anything wrong here. I hope you know I'm genuinely trying to learn more about Mormonism since I've got a Mormon church three blocks away and it'd be nice to know more about what they (you) believe in. I did sit in on a service once several years ago when I was w...So why were certain things changed since 1830? I always wondered about these as just a few examples...
In 1830, 1 Ne 13:40 said "the lamb of God is the Eternal Father" and after 1837, it said "the lamb of God is the son of the Eternal Father." Similarly, in 1 Nephi 11:21, Jesus was referred to as "the Eternal Father" then in later editions as "son of the Eternal Father."
Sounds to me like that was some Trinity talk before it got changed after 1837...
Then, maybe nitpicking but, originally In Mosiah 21:28; Ether 4:1, King Benjamin was referenced, but it should have been Mosiah since Benjamin was dead at that time.
Also, why is about an eighth of the BoM copied directly from the KJV (1611AD) when it was alleged to have been written some 1200-2000 years before the KJV existed? I couldn't ever really figure that out when I was reading the BoM for myself.
Also, I can't get past the whole "skin of blackness" cast upon sinners in the BoM, but once they repented, they became "white and delightsome." Wasn't that the justification used to keep Blacks out of the church until a few decades ago? And that they're still not allowed to hold the Priesthood? Or is my information wrong?
PLEASE, please correct me if I have anything wrong here. I hope you know I'm genuinely trying to learn more about Mormonism since I've got a Mormon church three blocks away and it'd be nice to know more about what they (you) believe in. I did sit in on a service once several years ago when I was writing a paper on Mormonism for a religion class I was taking, but it was so long ago that I don't really remember much of it, or too much of the convo I had with the Elder.(less) -
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
moderated...