Funny how many Christian's show their true colors just for questioning them. Christian's can't stand it when you have the audacity to question them on anything.
This is the dynamic it creates, though. You tell people "this is the only belief system that's right" and it becomes egocentric. Questioning isn't viewed as a chance to clear things up but instead as a chance to push people down.
As far as your first statement goes, I really couldn't care less. I never thought much of you so your opinion of me is pretty much unimportant to begin with.
Twice now I've questioned someone in here for their words and rather than merely explaining they felt a need to make personal attacks.
This coming from people who claim to follow a belief that teaches patience and humility.
And yes, before another attempt to discredit me happens in retaliation I did have the same problem at times. Which only reinforces my belief that following God changes nothing.
There are plenty of dregs in Christianity. And some wonderful people as well. But the same can be said for the world. There is no real distinction. And I've been seeing that a lot over the years here.
Where have I said that questioning it is not allowed? You seem to refer to this alot. Can you show me?
The reason I said I would not take your advice pertaining Christianity is I truly believe you to not be a Christian. So when you give me advice on such I will take it with a grain of salt.
The reason for me not taking your advice, majority of it is that I believe you are not a Christian. The second part is, you are straw manning me.
I will break down your statement.
Is not a persons faith a journey? Yes, but journey to where?
Periods of strong faith and periods of doubt? This is true, there are ups and downs as you said. But where is the line to how far down one can go before you question their heart?
Can't it simply be a persons journey and part of their story and not be so generically labeled as deceived by the world? No, this cannot be. I was an atheist. Was it part of my journey? Yes, but I was deceived by the world. Just because it is part of your journey does not mean everything you do is correct.
Your determination to push her into a role you've deemed I am not pushing her into a "role". I asked questions and said what I believed... I did not choose this as THE "role", it is what God says...
The only option speaks more to you, than her. There is only 1 way to God... There is not many... Christ talks about being like the world... I did not make this up as a "role". Do I fall into this myself? Yes, I smell of the world in a lot of aspects.
But let's take your advice, just encourage them, and let them go their path without anyone saying anything different... You are a perfect example, how has it worked for you? According to your own words not very well...
And I also, currently, am not sure where I stand in terms of what I believe, after nearly 30 years.
Reactions went be too bad, though there's always the scripture slingers. And I got told I lacked faith when I posted on questioning God. But most people were supportive.
So since you don't like "scripture slingers" intellectualize your thoughts on this.
How can it be beneficial to encourage those who say that the bible is not the full truth, that religion is about feeling not fact, and avoid the bible for any real answers?