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Discussion: The Christian thread.
Member Since: 9/9/2012
Posts: 512
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Let's get to the real T: Why don't churches have to pay taxes? Why do churches get tax exemptions? If there's a separation between church and state, why are some churches state funded yet (at the same time) tax exempted?
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 8,579
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Quote:
Originally posted by deadautumncrow
Let's get to the real T: Why don't churches have to pay taxes? Why do churches get tax exemptions? If there's a separation between church and state, why are some churches state funded yet (at the same time) tax exempted?
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Same reason charities are tax exempt. I have never heard about a state funded Church
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Member Since: 3/6/2014
Posts: 1,407
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Pretty surprising to see a Christian thread here tbh!  Nice to meet you all! I grew up with a strong faith thanks to my upbringing during my childhood years. Definitely thanking each and everyone of my family members for instilling a strong faith within me. Also, I'm truly grateful that I grew up without having any judgement towards other religions or any kind of sexual preference, thanks to my family members teaching me to not judge others since young. I still go to church every week, so yeah 
Anyway, lemme catch up with all these conversations.
One of my favorite bible verses that I can think off on the top of my head is John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It just shows that he had so much love for the world and definitely inspires me to do the same each day, by giving the same love each day. I can't think of any other bible verses at the moment because I've not touched the bible in a very long time (which I know I should). I think this thread would inspire me to begin reading the bible again.
My favorite quote from a saint is by St. Francis of Assisi, where he said: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury; pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy." Somehow, this quote always seem to appeal to me every time.
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Originally posted by Ozzy8923
And Jesus did ACTUALLY exist. He was a real person and historians (non-religious ones included) attest to that. Obviously whether or not he was the actual son of God is where I can understand where people have doubt...as for me, I haven't really thought it through completely. I read a story back in freshman year that theorizes that Jesus did all that stuff we read in the Bible to give people some hope of a happy afterlife to ease their suffering/pain on Earth, but that he was just a normal human being. It seemed reasonable and I pondered on it for a few days but it hasn't really manifested into anything since then. |
I have to agree with you on this. In recent years, there has been proof to prove that he certainly did exist. I've seen a documentary of Jesus' veil, where a bunch of scientists found the veil and was sent to investigate whether the veil is real or whether it is just faked/forged by someone. I can't find it anywhere right now, but I remember it proving that there have been traces of blood and used logical, scientific explanation which made sense. I definitely need to go and try to dig a little deeper for that documentary. Anyway, yes. Jesus came to earth as a normal man, a normal human being imo. But I personally believe that he's the son of God. Still, I respect everyone else's opinion on this matter.
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Originally posted by Zoraluv
The one thing at church that I hate is singing, standing up singing hymns for like 30 minutes and no one is on key. pisses me off i s2g
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Actually singing is one of my favorites! I feel like I'm worshipping God and at the same time, I'm enjoying it. I'm thankful to have attended churches that have nice music. And yeah, I can definitely see where you're coming from  It gets kinda distracting if you happen to sit or stand beside someone who keeps singing in the wrong key  But my love for singing surpasses that so on a personal note, I can kinda tolerate it nn.
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Originally posted by Nathan's Nicely
has anyone else been in choir? |
Nope. But I did sermons in church before. I kinda lowkey hope that I joined the choir back then tho
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Originally posted by Repo
I'm genuinely amazed this has a thead on ATRL considering how many people on this site like to drag religion. Nice to see, though
Because they tend to be the most vocal. Much like how most atheists are perfectly willing to co-exist peacefully with religion, but you get some who are determined to scream about how stupid religious people are at the top of their lungs. They're so loud and in your face it feels like there's more of them than there actually are |
Same! Kinda unexpected to see tbh nn.
And yeah, I have to agree with you on that. And always, they so happen to stand out of the crowd and people would use them as an example, which I think it is kinda sad. Because them, which are the minority =/= the entire community who practices the religion itself.
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Originally posted by Gedamara
Do all believe in evolution or does anybody in here reject it?
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I guess my point of view is similar to Repo's. I don't reject it but I don't 100% believe it as well. I think there are some mysteries that even science could not explain. Take conscience for example. How did it came about? It is basically one of the few things that makes us human. Speaking about Science, I've learned from experience to never mix Science with Religion. Somehow, it always doesn't go down well whenever it happens. Personally, I think that Science is a story God has given us. Something like a map to a treasure hunt. I personally think God is someone fun. I mean, it is said that we are created in God's image. So, I believe that God can be witty as well, other than the "serious" personality that is portrayed in the Bible all the time.
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Originally posted by ririfan21
I hope everyone enjoy church service today.
Feel free to come back in this thread to express your feelings |
I certainly enjoyed mass today even though I almost fell asleep halfway thru because the priest's sermon was way too long But I did learn a lot from it, so I'm grateful  What about you?
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On a side note, I think Pope Francis is making the church progress a lot in terms of their views on the LGBT community. With him being so influential across the world, I'm glad that he is addressing these issues as shown here -> http://time.com/3975630/pope-francis-lgbt-issues/
"A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being."
His answer when asked by America Magazine as shown above was amazing in my honest opinion. I personally think he is really changing the course in making the LGBT community more accepted in this world. It might be just a small step to some, but it is certainly a huge one in my opinion.
Whew, I took quite a while to type these all out  Peace out for now
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Member Since: 11/26/2010
Posts: 14,197
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how was church today hennies?
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 2,092
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Quote:
Originally posted by Gedamara
Well Jesus is one of the 5 most respected prophets in Islam. They believe he was the Messiah, that he was born of a virgin, that he performed miracles etc (while denying the deity, crucifiction and resurrection. ) This doesn't make Islam a christian sect.
Mormons on the other hand believe in many gods. As far as I know they believe that Yahwe who created our universe was created by another god, and that god by some other god and so on. There believe in a "Heavenly Mother", they believe that men can become gods in the afterlife, that Jesus and Satan are brothers, that people who don't believe in Jesus wont go to hell, but they can be baptized and saved even after death. Hell is reserved for mormons who reject mormonism.
So, again, mormonism is a separate religion and is as far from Christianity as it can get.
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You act like Christianity is one set of beliefs whereas all Christian sects have differing beliefs about the nature of God and Christ and the gospel. The difference between Mormonism and Islam is that Muslims dont accept Christ as savior of the world whereas Mormons do. Mormons believe that they can be saved through Christ just like all Christians do. Mormons only worship one God as the father and Christ as the savior. The belief that Christ and satan are brothers comes from the idea that everyone is spiritually related but I don't see how that makes Mormons not Christian.
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 2,382
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Quote:
Originally posted by bleuwaffle
how was church today hennies? |
Wonderful! I loved the second reading, especially since it's extremely applicable today in society when some Christians use religion to criticize and oppress others instead of serving them.
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Member Since: 3/18/2012
Posts: 15,751
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I never go to church but I do believe in God and do read the bible from time to time. I also don't associate myself with Christianity but I guess it's the closest thing. I worship God privately.
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Member Since: 4/6/2014
Posts: 10,308
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Quote:
Originally posted by Repo
Same reason charities are tax exempt. I have never heard about a state funded Church
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Greece. State and church are not seperate there causing a lot of problems actually and many people are getting increasingly annoyed when your country is going to the shitters but the church is just getting richer and richer.
They own a lot of real estate, houses, malls and regular shops but there is no transparency to how much they really make... and almost tax free.
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Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 23,716
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Quote:
Originally posted by Clarksonator
If this is real, I feel sorry fot you getting brainwashed.  to your happiness |
Tbh. I wasn't happy for the past few weeks. I knew I was doing wrong and I felt guilty. So I just stop and turned to God. God got a plan for my life so that is why I'm living for him.
Of course I may slip and fall but God is there to pick me back up
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Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 23,716
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Quote:
Originally posted by EpicSongFan
One of my favorite bible verses that I can think off on the top of my head is John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It just shows that he had so much love for the world and definitely inspires me to do the same each day, by giving the same love each day. I can't think of any other bible verses at the moment because I've not touched the bible in a very long time (which I know I should). I think this thread would inspire me to begin reading the bible again.
I certainly enjoyed mass today even though I almost fell asleep halfway thru because the priest's sermon was way too long But I did learn a lot from it, so I'm grateful What about you?
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John 3:16 is a great verse. One of the most favorited verse.
I enjoyed church. I got a touch from Him and my pastor prayed for me.
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 898
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sup guys today church was fun and the youth message was good.
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Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 23,716
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Quote:
Originally posted by Itz_Dani!
sup guys today church was fun and the youth message was good.
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What did you learn?
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally posted by Repo
That said, if no one on ATRL is Mormon (and I REALLY doubt that anyone on this site is), I'm not sure this is the best location to search for answers about Mormon beliefs.
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Oh hey there.
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 898
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Quote:
Originally posted by ririfan21
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Well 1st of all i didnt go to my regular church i was invited by a friend to another one so i liked it but it was longer than what im used to (3 hours there while my church services are usually 1 hour and a half 30 min; plus I go to a huge church this was small so im not used to it being not big, but i loved it really) but we had fun after service lol
Ive learned that we have to produce the glory of God becuase we are his image and language. That was the main topic but also other small topics like just life live good with God no matter what others say or if they disagree dont be ashamed.
(By the way did you make this thread genuinenly or are you just trolling because im confused)
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 898
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i hope you are not just trolling because i like this thread and you seem like a good member 
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Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 23,716
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Quote:
Originally posted by Itz_Dani!
Well 1st of all i didnt go to my regular church i was invited by a friend to another one so i liked it but it was longer than what im used to (3 hours there while my church services are usually 1 hour and a half 30 min; plus I go to a huge church this was small so im not used to it being not big, but i loved it really) but we had fun after service lol
Ive learned that we have to produce the glory of God becuase we are his image and language. That was the main topic but also other small topics like just life live good with God no matter what others say or if they disagree dont be ashamed.
(By the way did you make this thread genuinenly or are you just trolling because im confused)
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I was listening to a song about this topic. It is called Jesus can work it out.
I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know its wired to see a Christian on ATRL. But its a try to see what I can get a feedback on.
Why would I be trolling?
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Member Since: 7/23/2010
Posts: 6,705
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Quote:
Originally posted by Cannon
This again? If you did any sincere and respectful research, you would know that Mormonism focuses completely on Christ and is therefore solely Christian. This is an old lame attack grounded in ignorance.
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In the general sense, anyone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ is Christian regardless of his views about the nature of Jesus Christ or his religious affiliation or lack thereof. The Ebionites were one of the earliest Christian movements and they did not believe that Jesus was divine although they used a scripture which was different from the bibilical canon. But ever since the doctrines of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ was firmly established in the 4th century, the term "Christian" has been used to strictly refer to Nicene (Trinitarian) Christianity only. Everything else is considered heretical. Mormons, JWs, INC are the modern-day Arians thus are not considered Christians.
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Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 23,716
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Live right and live for God. Not for ourselves.
John 5:24-30
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 2,092
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Quote:
Originally posted by fabbriche
In the general sense, anyone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ is Christian regardless of his views about the nature of Jesus Christ or his religious affiliation or lack thereof. The Ebionites were one of the earliest Christian movements and they did not believe that Jesus was divine although they used a scripture which was different from the bibilical canon. But ever since the doctrines of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ was firmly established in the 4th century, the term "Christian" has been used to strictly refer to Nicene (Trinitarian) Christianity only. Everything else is considered heretical. Mormons, JWs, INC are the modern-day Arians thus are not considered Christians.
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I'm not going to lecture you about YOUR church and what it does and doesn't believe. As an actual practitioner of Mormonism, I know your assumptions and accusations about my church are false. I'm going to stop talking on the subject and leave a quote from the church here. What better place to learn the truth than reading from the source itself. (Post edit: this is exactly what you want to see in a Christianity thread: "You don't belong here.")
"Whatever the doctrinal differences that exist between the Latter-day Saints and members of other Christian religions, the roles Latter-day Saints ascribe to members of the Godhead largely correspond with the views of others in the Christian world. Latter-day Saints believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving, and they pray to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. They acknowledge the Father as the ultimate object of their worship, the Son as Lord and Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as the messenger and revealer of the Father and the Son. In short, Latter-day Saints do not accept the post-New-Testament creeds yet rely deeply on each member of the Godhead in their daily religious devotion and worship, as did the early Christians.
Members of creedal churches often mistakenly assume that all Christians have always agreed and must agree on a historically static, monolithic collection of beliefs. As many scholars have acknowledged, however, Christians have vigorously disagreed about virtually every issue of theology and practice through the centuries, leading to the creation of a multitude of Christian denominations.5 Although the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints differs from that of the many creedal Christian churches, it is consistent with early Christianity. One who sincerely loves, worships, and follows Christ should be free to claim his or her understanding of the doctrine according to the dictates of his or her conscience without being branded as non-Christian."
https://www.lds.org/topics/christians?lang=eng
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Member Since: 7/23/2010
Posts: 6,705
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Quote:
Originally posted by Cannon
I'm not going to lecture you about YOUR church and what it does and doesn't believe. As an actual practitioner of Mormonism, I know your assumptions and accusations about my church are false. I'm going to stop talking on the subject and leave a quote from the church here. What better place to learn the truth than reading from the source itself. (Post edit: this is exactly what you want to see in a Christianity thread: "You don't belong here.")
"Whatever the doctrinal differences that exist between the Latter-day Saints and members of other Christian religions, the roles Latter-day Saints ascribe to members of the Godhead largely correspond with the views of others in the Christian world. Latter-day Saints believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving, and they pray to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. They acknowledge the Father as the ultimate object of their worship, the Son as Lord and Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as the messenger and revealer of the Father and the Son. In short, Latter-day Saints do not accept the post-New-Testament creeds yet rely deeply on each member of the Godhead in their daily religious devotion and worship, as did the early Christians.
Members of creedal churches often mistakenly assume that all Christians have always agreed and must agree on a historically static, monolithic collection of beliefs. As many scholars have acknowledged, however, Christians have vigorously disagreed about virtually every issue of theology and practice through the centuries, leading to the creation of a multitude of Christian denominations.5 Although the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints differs from that of the many creedal Christian churches, it is consistent with early Christianity. One who sincerely loves, worships, and follows Christ should be free to claim his or her understanding of the doctrine according to the dictates of his or her conscience without being branded as non-Christian."
https://www.lds.org/topics/christians?lang=eng |
To be Christian your views have to be in line with the orthodox Christian faith (orthodox means correct), that is you have to adhere to the so-called "essential" Christian doctrines which are as follows:
1. Holy Trinity
2. Monotheism
3. The Divinity of Jesus Christ
4. Salvation by Grace
5. Salvation through Jesus Christ
8. The Crucifixion of Jesus
7. Tjhe Resurrection of Christ
8. The Gospel
And all these doctrines have biblical basis. Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Oriental Orthodox Christians, and many Protestant denominations have many but minor disagreements pertaining to certain theological scriptural interpretations (original sin, saints, purgatory, sola scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, etc.) but they all agree on the abovementioned essential doctrines of Christianity. You can no longer be considered Christian if your views have strayed too far from these core Christian beliefs. How many of these doctrines does your religion reject or not believe in? From my knowledge, Mormons don't believe in Trinitarian monotheism but rather they have a different unorthodox view of the nature of God which is more in line with tritheism and is a Christian heresy. And they have their own post-biblical prophet and a separate scripture which makes Mormonism not only not Christian but also an esoteric religion. Think of Muhammad quoting the Bible but twisting certain passages and adding his own theology that contradicts the Bible itself.
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