"Ask a Christian!"

[Cforcerunner]

Thought I would start a fun new thread where atheists can freely ask what and why I believe what I believe. And although I can not promise my answers will satisfy everybody, I will give an honest answer to an honest question. I don't know how limited the scope of discussion will be, but I ask that the questions be as specific as possible, and there may be many questions that I simply don't know the answer to, sorry.

Also, I am aware of the different "brands" of Christianity which can become a loaded term, but it will be much more constructive to focus on the more fundamental and universally understood beliefs.

Don't be shy to ask! 

[Stevil]

What church do you belong to?
Do you believe all (morals) that you are taught by your church?

[AnimatedDirt]

This thread ought to be interesting.  I already see an issue answering the first question... "all"

[Cforcerunner]

What church do you belong to?
Do you believe all (morals) that you are taught by your church?

I go to a southern baptist church, as well as a nondenominational church in atlanta. But would not box my beliefs in a denomination's tradition.

And as far answering your second question, I simply don't know "all" morals taught within my church, or all of their theological stances. However, I will say that  I am not a big fan on how baptists choose to "dodge the question", when it comes to issues of speaking in tongues or prophesy in today's times. And I am still doing personal research to draw my own conclusions on those issues. However, I believe in their overall emphasis on global missions and enjoy the pastor's style of preaching.

[Stevil]

I go to a southern baptist church, as well as a nondenominational church in atlanta. But would not box my beliefs in a denomination's tradition.

And as far answering your second question, I simply don't know "all" morals taught within my church, or all of their theological stances. However, I will say that  I am not a big fan on how baptists choose to "dodge the question", when it comes to issues of speaking in tongues or prophesy in today's times. And I am still doing personal research to draw my own conclusions on those issues. However, I believe in their overall emphasis on global missions and enjoy the pastor's style of preaching.

That is a great answer.
Do you think the bible is for personal interpretation and hence accept that others interpretations is neither wrong nor right but personal?
Would you consider the bible more as a guide book rather than a rule book?

[DeterminedJuliet]

I have a question!

What's your first recollection of "believing"

[Cforcerunner]

That is a great answer.
Do you think the bible is for personal interpretation and hence accept that others interpretations is neither wrong nor right but personal?
Would you consider the bible more as a guide book rather than a rule book?

No, I believe the bible to be inspired by "God" and objectively teaches why men and women are placed here in the external world, as well as their purpose in life. And although it can be interpreted in many different ways, I believe there is a core, consistent, metaphysical illustration of God's love for mankind, as well as salvation through His son.

As far as the bible being considered a "guide" or a "rulebook". I would lean toward "rulebook" in the sense of objective authority, however, I don't believe Jesus would condone morality as a strict set of do's and dont's. He has called man not his servants, but friends.

[Stevil]

As far as the bible being considered a "guide" or a "rulebook". I would lean toward "rulebook" in the sense of objective authority

Are all Christian churches aligned with this "rulebook" or some or one or none?

[Tank]

Why aren't you a Muslim?

[Cforcerunner]

I have a question!

What's your first recollection of "believing"

Haha, that is a long story! I will post on how I came to believe when I have more time. Thanks for asking 

[Cforcerunner]

As far as the bible being considered a "guide" or a "rulebook". I would lean toward "rulebook" in the sense of objective authority

Are all Christian churches aligned with this "rulebook" or some or one or none?

Once again, I can't speak for all Christian churches/denominations. I am sure there are a diverse number of churches that have very sound theology according the scriptures, as well as many who claim to be Christian and yet deliberately follow nothing in Christian doctrine. All I can say is some follow scriptures more closely than others. But I am a big fan of nondenomination as Jesus did not acknowledge denomination among disciples.

[Cforcerunner]

Why aren't you a Muslim?

The same reason I am not mormon. I believe joseph smith/muhammad claim to be subsequent prophets following Jesus' revelation, as they highly condoned the person of Jesus. I found Islam to be confusing in this sense. They revere muhammad as the last and greatest prophet, yet Jesus is still found during the end of days? They created mandatory rituals when Jesus said days of the law were already fulfilled?

If someone here could represent an islamic belief system to me in a persuasive manner, I am all ears. My research of Muhummad simply did not compel me as the revelation of the divine as Jesus did.

[fester30]

Since you mention speaking in tongues I have a question.  If speaking in tongues is the least of all gifts, why does this gift get so much emphasis in the more southern denominations?  Why, as a gift, is it something that people attempt to attain?  Doesn't make sense.

[Gawen]

It is obvious that you believe in an afterlife where you will sing praises unto the Almighty for ever and ever, amen.
My question is...what did you do before you were born?

[Cforcerunner]

Since you mention speaking in tongues I have a question.  If speaking in tongues is the least of all gifts, why does this gift get so much emphasis in the more southern denominations?  Why, as a gift, is it something that people attempt to attain?  Doesn't make sense.

That's a good question. According to what Paul assumes in 1 Corinthians  it was routine in the early church for someone to speak in tongues and to have someone interpret it. Some kind of apparent praises toward God in an unknown language. And as you said, he also mentions that this gift is not a significant one.

I don't believe tongues are popular in "southern" denominations that I am familiar with at least. Being part of a southern baptist church, they simply don't acknowledge speaking in tongues and try their best to ignore it when they can. The denomination which tongues is most prevalent today is certainly the pentecostal. I have even observed someone speaking in tongues in the middle of the service in a manner not consistent with Pauline account. Paul insists speaking in tongues should be performed in orderly conduct, not in a dramatized fashion that it is so often depicted nowadays.

Okay, now to answer the other question directly. I don't know why many would attempt to speak in tongues. As scripture would interpret the event as some sort of involuntary praise to God in an unspoken language, that's all I can tell. However, I plan on reading on current views of contemporary theologians, and see if I can come up with a better answer after that.