What is a Christian?

[jetrim]

No Cristian Soldier I was not specifically addressing you, nor any church affiliations you may have (as I don't know the specifics of them) It was simply an observation from my interactions with many "born again Christians" whom I've crossed paths with over the years. Not to point fingers, but it has been a quite prevelent theme in my interactions with a variety of Baptist and Penticostal denominations that speaking to God the father is completely off limits - any prayer is to be directed to Jesus, and he'll make sure the Father gets the message - kind of like a restraining order.

[christiansoldier]

Thanks for clarifying, jetrim. :thumbsup:

[Solo]

Again, all your responses are based on the fact that you believe there is one god, and the bible is his word.

If you do not believe that, then your arguements hold no more water than the guy down the street who claims he was abducted and probed by aliens.

To you, any arguement other than your own is false and lies, because you strongly believe what you believe. To someone who believes differently, thier arguement is going to true, and yours is false and lies. It is a matter of personal belief, which is why it is subjective, therefor not an absolute truth, except to those who believe that.

And as far as whether I care why you feel the need to enlighten us, I don't. To me, you are another name on the internet, which is why I can discuss this calmly. Your opinion doesn't influence my life in the least, so it doesn't make me angry or upset to hear you say that you are right and everyone else is wrong.

And, if we are going for the sake of arguement, let's take it this way. Suppose you are wrong, and someone else is right. Then what?

You can't start a discussion, and ask someone to believe "for the sake of arguement" and not be willing to do the same.

I am willing to accept that you believe that there is one god, and thru him you will be saved. I'm happy for anyone who has found something they can believe in that helps to make them a better person. However, I stand by the fact that religous beliefs are a personal choice, and therefor there is no absolute truth, only the truth as you see it.

As far as whether or not we are awake and paying attention, we are. To our beliefs, which everyone is happy to discuss. However, this thread is leaning less towards discussing, and more towards telling.

You are correct that a persons beliefs are their own personal choice. The problem with your assessment concerning truth, is that in your opinion, truth is based on ones perception or beliefs, therefore truth cannot be absolute. With that perception, if you believe that the Twins will win the world series, then they will so it is truth; when in fact, you hope that the Twins will win the world series so that your hope becomes truth.

Truth is not regulated to a mere human's perception, but is in fact real. If God Almighty is real and His truth is revealed in the Bible, then all that believe otherwise are lost and on there way to an eternal condemnation. That is the importance of proclaiming the truth to those in this world. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believes on him will not perish but have everlasting life.

This is a warning from impending condemnation from the love that believers have for those who may not have heard or know the truth; not a ramming their belief down the throats of those who have already hardened their heart to the truth!

If you were the only one on this board, and you gave me the statement that you did not want to hear about the love of God anymore, then I would cease; but you are not the only individual person on this board that the proclamation of God's love is for. God will determine when to "shutup" the gospel from being proclaimed.

[mn shutterbug]

Not to point fingers, but it has been a quite prevelent theme in my interactions with a variety of Baptist and Penticostal denominations that speaking to God the father is completely off limits - any prayer is to be directed to Jesus, and he'll make sure the Father gets the message - kind of like a restraining order.

I've never heard that one. Strange belief.

And, there are also many Catholics who actually pray to Mary, thinking she can be an intermediary, even though she is dead and buried waiting for the end times, like others who have gone before us.

[Loupey]

A false premise always leads to a false conclusion. However, having made your statement, I would kindly ask you to show us the portion of this thread from which you learned that because you are not a Christian (follower of Christ) that you are, therefore, a satanist.

OK, posts 125, 135, 140, 158, 177, 181, 191

Basically you're all saying there is "one God", "through Jesus Christ", "one truth", "believers", ... Are you not saying that there is only one path to Heaven? So all other paths lead to Hell and Satan - isn't this what's being said over and over here?

If you profess to be a satanist, I will most certainly take you at your word. Whom you choose to follow is entirely up to you.

Again, the satanist label is one which was brought up many times previously for those who don't follow the Christian teachings. So, again, I use "your" term to make point the line of reasoning which, for an outsider (or as previously labeled, "unbeliever"), seems rather far fetched to say the least. It was tongue-in-cheek. If I don't believe in your Heaven, what makes you think I believe in your Hell?

But OK, I'll come clean. I'm not really Satan.

[Skyman]

I am with Adina. under strain of scientific rigor most religious discourse crumbles intelligent design and creation as a prime example. As a believer it is in the parts that science hasn't yet answered or can't answer that faith plays a part.

Was there a historical figure who went by the name of Jesus, most certainly. From there though it gets rapidly grey. The bible is the work of many people, not the pure voice of god people may contend. It may contain the words of God (the faith part again) but Just as we cannot truly speculate about the nature of God with any certainty so we cannot rely on the Bible to be the word of God with any certainty (except with faith)

The lyrics from a certain song have been reproduced in this thread.
There is another song that might be worth reproducing:
(the foreword is not my own, however I left it in as it echoes what I am feeling)

This hymn is over 30 years old, but it could have been written this morning. I love what it says: we'll be recognized as Christians -- true disciples of Jesus -- not by our rhetoric or our politics or even the soundness of our theology, but by our love.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

By our love, by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

By our love, by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

[Solo]

Matter of fact, the 19 Arabians who skyjacked 4 airplanes 7 years ago believed in their hearts that they were doing "GOD'S WORK" every bit as much as the bible quoters in this thread do right now. (This does not mean I am drawing any asssociations between the two groups other than the fact that they both have very strong conviction that their choice is the right choice, and everyone else who doesn't see it the same way is damned.)

The simple fact of intent and actions should manifest whether those of the muslim faction are doing "GOD'S WORK" or not. No where did Jesus Christ teach anything other than love your enemies, nor are his followers (Christians) to do otherwise. To make the association between muslim murderers and Christians citing God's Word in reference to there position in a forum thread entitled "What is a Christian?" is paramont accusatory and ignorant. Perhaps the intent of your post is not so, but it lacks wisdom and understanding in comparing the two positions as being synonymous.

[Solo]

I am with Adina. under strain of scientific rigor most religious discourse crumbles intelligent design and creation as a prime example. As a believer it is in the crumbling that faith plays a part.

And where do you place false scientific analysis in your order of what is truth?
How do you determine what is false scientific analysis before it is proven as such?
No such discourse exists whereby intelligent design and creation crumbles; in fact, the humanist model of evolution crumbles when true science addresses what actually occurs and has occurred in the natural world.

[Loupey]

I've never heard that one. Strange belief.

Mike, I'm glad you said that. That's how I feel about this thread in general.

I hope you can appreciate that.


Not picking on you :wink5:

[Solo]

OK, posts 125, 135, 140, 158, 177, 181, 191

Basically you're all saying there is "one God", "through Jesus Christ", "one truth", "believers", ... Are you not saying that there is only one path to Heaven? So all other paths lead to Hell and Satan - isn't this what's being said over and over here?




Again, the satanist label is one which was brought up many times previously for those who don't follow the Christian teachings. So, again, I use "your" term to make point the line of reasoning which, for an outsider (or as previously labeled, "unbeliever"), seems rather far fetched to say the least. It was tongue-in-cheek. If I don't believe in your Heaven, what makes you think I believe in your Hell?

But OK, I'll come clean. I'm not really Satan.

Satan may or may not have a part in all of the false religious systems that are followed today. It is pretty easy to say, "The Devil made me do it." when in fact it was our own poor choice.

Jesus taught that all are condemned already and that God sent his only begotten son to save the world, not to condemn the world. Jesus goes on to teach that those who stand on the truth come to the light and believe while those who reject the truth remain in darkness because they do not want their evil ways shown as being wrong. Read John chapter 3 and tell me your understanding of same.

Thanks,
Solo

[Anbesol]

John 3? A man becomes confused by taking Jesus to his literal words, and Jesus describes those who are filled by the spirit as those who 'don't know where they come from or where they are going".

It must be convenient, having the whole world in a box.

[jgredline]

Wow, lots has happened while I was away. I will catch up tomorrow...
I do want to touch on something skyman mentioned briefly....At the end of the day, if you have put your faith In Jesus Christ, the son of the living God the second part of the triune all mighty God and you are covered by his blood, then you will be saved....I will elaborate more on this later....

As a side note...Every Monday is date night for me and my wife. Today we went to see the movie frie proof... http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
It is one of the best movies I have ever seen...I will admit I spent half the movie shedding tears, but wow...Ironically, much of what we have discussed here, was also discussed in the movie...If anybody here is curious, go see it. It was filled with Gods truth...
This movie had the highest gross per screen showing this weekend making over 6 million from a $500.000.00 dollar film and was never advertised...Simple word of mouth and a little divine intervention....

Blessings all,..

[Skyman]

And where do you place false scientific analysis in your order of what is truth?
How do you determine what is false scientific analysis before it is proven as such?
No such discourse exists whereby intelligent design and creation crumbles; in fact, the humanist model of evolution crumbles when true science addresses what actually occurs and has occurred in the natural world.

I posted in haste and have rephrased my words, however imagine a person who doesn't believe in the bible. To them Genesis is stupid. Many Christians who believe the bible is the word of God also don't believe in Genesis as a true account (lets not get into which version) of creation.

I am attempting to separate two belief structures (evolution and creationism) and straddle an argument without using the language of either (harder than you would think) but the are not mutually exclusive and yet to many the ideas of one preclude the ideas of the other. I cannot provide analysis to back up Evolution to a creationist nor can I convince a Darwinian that Creation has its merits.

I can pose questions like? why would God put dinosour fossils in the ground and not refer to them at all in the Bible?
Or If the universe started with the Big Bang, what caused the Bang?

The problem is that the Mind learns naturally to group things and discard the bits that don't fit. For example what is a chair?

It has four legs, a seat and a back and you are supposed to sit on it.\
So then three legged stool cannot be called a chair, yet most people would group it with the chairs (whilst ignoring the fact that it doesn't really fit) The more obtuse a concept, the more readily we ignore the bits that don't easily fit.

[Frog]

So, I left Friday morning for an infrequent trip with my disabled wife.
Thanks it was a great three days, especially since she was able to enjoy it.
I came back to this thread in hopes of finding unification and have only found division.
No where do I find an attempt to understand points of view.
Some are pulling their biblical quotes out and using them to justify themselves as if the bible is the word of God when The Word of God is a living word seen in all His creation and in every person and experience we have. The bible is not a science book but a revelation of Spiritual truth.
Then others are not leading those mis-lead ones to understanding but condemning and making no attempt to understand or accept. Maybe different people with different backgrounds need different outlooks, eh.
I am very sad that such a discussion has turned into a debate and rivalry.
I see no evidence of the Love of Christ here.
I'm sticking to the photo related forums and non religious based off-topics.
Peace be with you!

[jetrim]

The simple fact of intent and actions should manifest whether those of the muslim faction are doing "GOD'S WORK" or not. No where did Jesus Christ teach anything other than love your enemies, nor are his followers (Christians) to do otherwise. To make the association between muslim murderers and Christians citing God's Word in reference to there position in a forum thread entitled "What is a Christian?" is paramont accusatory and ignorant. Perhaps the intent of your post is not so, but it lacks wisdom and understanding in comparing the two positions as being synonymous.

You missed the point entirely. It boils down to this, other MEN have told you a story, you chose to believe it with all your heart above and beyond all else (keeping in mind that the new testiment so often quoted as the specific guidline for salvation wasn't even commenced until some 70 odd years after the crucifiction of Jesus, in a language you probably don't understand.)

These muslim murderers chose to believe a totally different story with all their hearts, and they think your story is pure rubbish, just the same as you think the Koran is. There is the distinct possibility that both books are pure rubbish.

Just because you are absolutely sure you are right, doesn't mean you actually ARE right.

If's it's accusitory, so be it, but there is a reason it's called faith. You can share your beliefs (anyone, not just you personally) but you can't definatively proclaim that there is only one road to heaven, because you you don't KNOW it to be true, you only believe it because someone else convinced you to believe it. Others have not been convinced and may well never be convinced.

[Solo]

You missed the point entirely. It boils down to this, other MEN have told you a story, you chose to believe it with all your heart above and beyond all else (keeping in mind that the new testiment so often quoted as the specific guidline for salvation wasn't even commenced until some 70 odd years after the crucifiction of Jesus, in a language you probably don't understand.)

First of all, I didn't miss the point at all. You were associating those that stand upon the Word of God and His love with those who stand upon the Words of a man and his hate.

Secondly, I had men tell me the gospel of Jesus Christ for twenty-eight years to no avail. I did not believe them one single time. Until the Spirit of God revealed His Word to me, and impressed upon me that I may never get another opportunity to believe before I would pass from this life and be judged, I did not believe. I humbled myself at that moment, got honest with myself and before God Almighty, and believed.

Finally, the Word of God and the teaching of Salvation through the redemption of the blood of a sacrifice is all through the books of Moses and the Prophets. The teachings of Jesus were taught immediately beginning on the day of pentecost 10 days after Jesus ascended to the right hand of God the Father. The book of Acts reveals the many that were saved in the days, weeks, months, and years after Jesus rose from the dead.

BTW, I understand the Greek language of which the New Testament books were written.

These muslim murderers chose to believe a totally different story with all their hearts, and they think your story is pure rubbish, just the same as you think the Koran is. There is the distinct possibility that both books are pure rubbish.

Many believer many different beliefs concerning various gods and philosophies. There is One God and after wandering around with various beliefs, God himself opened my eyes to the truth, and it is He that teaches me. One day, perhaps, you too will gain the witness of God Almighty within you so that you can understand this amazing truth.

Just because you are absolutely sure you are right, doesn't mean you actually ARE right.

I claim that everything that I speak that does not align with the Word of God is a lie. God is right and all men are liars.

If's it's accusitory, so be it, but there is a reason it's called faith. You can share your beliefs (anyone, not just you personally) but you can't definatively proclaim that there is only one road to heaven, because you you don't KNOW it to be true, you only believe it because someone else convinced you to believe it. Others have not been convinced and may well never be convinced.

I know the truth of God's Word and the truth that there is only one way to the Father in heaven, for the only begotten son Jesus Christ taught this truth. If Jesus Christ is wrong, then I too am wrong. If Jesus Christ is Truth, then you are wrong and hard-hearted and among the many that are on the road to destruction.

Just a friendly warning to get your house in order for the time of Jesus Christ is at hand.

[Solo]

So, I left Friday morning for an infrequent trip with my disabled wife.
Thanks it was a great three days, especially since she was able to enjoy it.
I came back to this thread in hopes of finding unification and have only found division.
No where do I find an attempt to understand points of view.
Some are pulling their biblical quotes out and using them to justify themselves as if the bible is the word of God when The Word of God is a living word seen in all His creation and in every person and experience we have. The bible is not a science book but a revelation of Spiritual truth.
Then others are not leading those mis-lead ones to understanding but condemning and making no attempt to understand or accept. Maybe different people with different backgrounds need different outlooks, eh.
I am very sad that such a discussion has turned into a debate and rivalry.
I see no evidence of the Love of Christ here.
I'm sticking to the photo related forums and non religious based off-topics.
Peace be with you!

It is wonderful that you have had a great three days on your trip with your wife, and that she also enjoyed it. I pray that you and your wife continue to enjoy each other more and more as time goes on.

The Word of God is alive and living. Jesus Christ is the Word of God, and He has said that the heavens and the earth will pass away, but His word will never pass away.

It is unfortunate that the Word of God divides men into two groups; believers and unbelievers. Because man would rather live his life apart from the righteousness of God, they tend to covet the darkness where their life of sin will not be manifested as such.

How nice it would be if sinners would seek God Almighty, recognize the truth of God's Word, study it for correction and instruction in righteousness, and walk according to its teachings. Instead we would rather live in our sin, and oppose those who speak of such things as God's Word.

The truth of God's Word divides those of the truth and those of the lie. Jesus taught that He did not come to the earth to bring peace, but to bring division. His baptism brings division between the believers and the unbelievers as history has recounted time and again.

49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened 34 till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Luke 12:49-53

37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43 So there was a division among the people because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. John 7:37-44

[Skyman]

It is unfortunate that the Word of God divides men into two groups; believers and unbelievers.

How nice it would be if sinners [are you refering to people who don't hold with your beliefs as sinners here?] would seek God Almighty, recognize the truth of God's Word [your paradigm of God's word], study it for correction and instruction in righteousness, and walk according to its teachings [there have been plenty of occasions in history where people have been sent for correction and instruction - mostly to support dubious causes]. Instead we would rather live in our sin [again by your paradigm of sin], and oppose those who speak of such things as God's Word.

The truth of God's Word divides those of the truth and those of the lie [there we go with the paradigm - this statement means nothing to those who do not believe you]. Jesus taught that He did not come to the earth to bring peace, but to bring division.[again with the literal readings, as i said earlier I read this to mean that living a Christian life will be a struggle not that Jesus (who was the epitomy of a pacifist) sought to create division and strife] His baptism brings division between the believers and the unbelievers as history has recounted time and again. [I don't think the crusades were very Christ like]

Can you see how your arguments can be construed as insulting to those who don't follow your paradigm. Just because you believe that you are right (and by extension righteous) does not make it so. You forget The third group, those who do not believe the bible is the literal word of god but the philosophical word of god

[Didache]

I'm with frog - see you in critique and viewfinder. At least I can say I tried. However, all it amounts to is people shouting and nobody listening.

Cheers
Mike

[jetrim]

First of all, I didn't miss the point at all. You were associating those that stand upon the Word of God and His love with those who stand upon the Words of a man and his hate.

I don't think it's been disputed here or elsewhere that the Bible was inspired by God but written by men - The exact same claim Islam makes about the Koran. (and the same claim still that Judaism makes about the Talmud).

Secondly, I had men tell me the gospel of Jesus Christ for twenty-eight years to no avail. I did not believe them one single time. Until the Spirit of God revealed His Word to me, and impressed upon me that I may never get another opportunity to believe before I would pass from this life and be judged, I did not believe. I humbled myself at that moment, got honest with myself and before God Almighty, and believed.

I am truly happy for you, even though you've been eirily non-specific in your illustration.

Finally, the Word of God and the teaching of Salvation through the redemption of the blood of a sacrifice is all through the books of Moses and the Prophets. The teachings of Jesus were taught immediately beginning on the day of pentecost 10 days after Jesus ascended to the right hand of God the Father. The book of Acts reveals the many that were saved in the days, weeks, months, and years after Jesus rose from the dead.

BTW, I understand the Greek language of which the New Testament books were written.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but were not Moses and the Prophets MEN and therefore inherently falable?

If you understand Greek (which many of us, including myself don't) you are uniquely qualified then to enlighten us as to which of the 25+ versions of the Bible currently in print is the correct translation of the original texts! Care to comment or hazzard a guess as to why self professed men of God who wrote all the other trnslations would have the pure audacity to change the word of God?

Just a friendly warning to get your house in order for the time of Jesus Christ is at hand.

My house is as much in order as is humanly possible, thanks.

[adina]

Adina - the OP is "What is a Christian" not "What is a Wiccan", hence the discussion is properly based around Christian beliefs, which are Bible based.

Surely that is not so difficult to understand.

Now, here is a question for all who actually profess to be a follower of Christ:

Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him. Do you know Peter's answers? Do you know Jesus' replies? What are your thoughts.

Yes, the original discussion what "what is a christian" and then turned into "this is what is right, everything else is wrong". So what you are saying is that you can tell us we are wrong and going to hell, but we can't offer alternate views? Which means the original post wasn't meant for discussion, it was meant to preach and attempt to convert, which means this is the wrong forum, and you should have extended an invitiation to your christian forum to anyone who's views you want to hear, in other words, to those who argree with you.

It's actually very easy to understand. You are not interested in discussing anything that does not fall in line with your beliefs.

[adina]

You are correct that a persons beliefs are their own personal choice. The problem with your assessment concerning truth, is that in your opinion, truth is based on ones perception or beliefs, therefore truth cannot be absolute. With that perception, if you believe that the Twins will win the world series, then they will so it is truth; when in fact, you hope that the Twins will win the world series so that your hope becomes truth.

Truth is not regulated to a mere human's perception, but is in fact real. If God Almighty is real and His truth is revealed in the Bible, then all that believe otherwise are lost and on there way to an eternal condemnation. That is the importance of proclaiming the truth to those in this world. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believes on him will not perish but have everlasting life.

This is a warning from impending condemnation from the love that believers have for those who may not have heard or know the truth; not a ramming their belief down the throats of those who have already hardened their heart to the truth!

If you were the only one on this board, and you gave me the statement that you did not want to hear about the love of God anymore, then I would cease; but you are not the only individual person on this board that the proclamation of God's love is for. God will determine when to "shutup" the gospel from being proclaimed.

Okay, I'm pretty sure I never asked you to shut-up. You stated your views, I stated mine.

As far as the Twins, are you saying god is the equivilant of a sports team? Or baseball is a religion? Because I'm pretty sure I said that religious beliefs are a personal choice, therefor the truth is subject to your beliefs.

[adina]

This is a warning from impending condemnation from the love that believers have for those who may not have heard or know the truth; not a ramming their belief down the throats of those who have already hardened their heart to the truth!

If you were the only one on this board, and you gave me the statement that you did not want to hear about the love of God anymore, then I would cease; but you are not the only individual person on this board that the proclamation of God's love is for. God will determine when to "shutup" the gospel from being proclaimed.

Could you clarify this? Are you saying that you specifically joined this board in order to warn those who don't know or haven't learned the truth? Are you really only here to tell us about the love of god?

Because I'm pretty sure this is a photography board. And I'm pretty sure the off-topic section was created for those who actively particiapte in photography discussions to share non-related things with the photographer friends they made.

Because normally, when the only posts that someone makes are selling something, they are deleted as spam. I'm starting to get the impression that you don't actually care about contributing anything photographically, and just joined to sell your religion, in which case, about 9 pages ago, this turned into spam.

I guess that goes to show, not everyone is upfront as you think they are. All this time I was under the impression that you had joined for the purpose of learning and sharing more about photography, and that there just happened to be a religious thread that caught your attention.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some ocean front property to buy in Arizona.

[Solo]

I don't think it's been disputed here or elsewhere that the Bible was inspired by God but written by men - The exact same claim Islam makes about the Koran. (and the same claim still that Judaism makes about the Talmud).

The claim will remain, and the proof is available as to which claim is true to all who come to the light. You can choose Mohammad, Jesus, or the one who claims to be God coming around the corner. Those who choose Jesus will see, while those who do not cannot.

I am truly happy for you, even though you've been eirily non-specific in your illustration.

Thank you for being truly happy for me, even if it is in an eerily insidious fashion.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but were not Moses and the Prophets MEN and therefore inherently falable?

You are correct in your assertion that Moses and the Prophets were MEN, but incorrect in your assumption that they were falable while inspired by God in writing and proclaiming God's Word. Was Jesus a MAN, and was Jesus falable? If so, what part of Jesus' teachings were in error?

If you understand Greek (which many of us, including myself don't) you are uniquely qualified then to enlighten us as to which of the 25+ versions of the Bible currently in print is the correct translation of the original texts! Care to comment or hazzard a guess as to why self professed men of God who wrote all the other trnslations would have the pure audacity to change the word of God?

The English Translation of the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts is essential in providing the English speaking population an understandable version of the Scriptures since few English speaking people speak Hebrew and Greek. These translations from the original languages into English were made so that people could read the Scriptures in contemporary English. The first English Translation was made a little over 600 years ago.

The translation of the Greek New Testament is an arduous task, and is such so that the most precise translation of the original manuscripts do not alter the message. The words may be updated to the most contemporary usage of the day, but the message remains the same. The King James Version was translated in 1611 by 47 scholars, and has been the most reliable translation for over three centuries. The New American Standard version was translated by 58 scholars in 1971, and is said to be the most exact English translation available today. The New International Version was translated in 1978 by over 100 scholars, and is an "open" style translation.

Other English Translations are not translations at all, but are paraphrases. These paraphrases tend to lean toward the author's understanding of the Scriptures as opposed to the translated correspondance of the original texts. The Living Bible is one such paraphrase. Another paraphrase would be the Jehovah's Witnesses New World translation which is not a translation at all, but a combination of translation and sectarian paraphrase.

Another list of English translations are called Study Bibles. There are many study Bibles today, and they tend to use the most widely used translations such as King James, New International, New American Standard, etc.

A list of all of these translations are available for review on the internet pages. Keep in mind that the English word use may change, and the grammatical structure may change from one translation to the next, but the message remains intact.

My house is as much in order as is humanly possible, thanks.

Good.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15

[Solo]

Could you clarify this? Are you saying that you specifically joined this board in order to warn those who don't know or haven't learned the truth? Are you really only here to tell us about the love of god?

I have perused this board for a couple of years now, but have not registered until late. Your off topic thread of What is a Christian interested me so here I am. I posted a photograph that I have taken with an off the shelf Koday EasyShare DX6490 in the photo critique thread the other day, but as yet have no responses. I have had many more responses in this thread!

Because I'm pretty sure this is a photography board. And I'm pretty sure the off-topic section was created for those who actively particiapte in photography discussions to share non-related things with the photographer friends they made.

If you would rather that I not be a part of this discussion, then let me know, and I will politely move on.

Because normally, when the only posts that someone makes are selling something, they are deleted as spam. I'm starting to get the impression that you don't actually care about contributing anything photographically, and just joined to sell your religion, in which case, about 9 pages ago, this turned into spam.

The topic concerning this particular thread is, What is a Christian?; and the forum is Off-Topic. If you read my posts in this thread, it is in answer to other posts; and is also giving insight into a real Christian's understanding of truth. It is not my intention to change anyone's mind on what they believe, but to provide this thread with the truth from a Christian's perspective.

I guess that goes to show, not everyone is upfront as you think they are. All this time I was under the impression that you had joined for the purpose of learning and sharing more about photography, and that there just happened to be a religious thread that caught your attention.

True. I was as up front as possible in this thread as I stated that I feel that there are some things more important than photography, but that photography is also an interest to me.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some ocean front property to buy in Arizona.

Now that is being up front and honest! :wink5: