To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose it?

Discuss philosophical questions regarding theism (and atheism), and discuss religion as it relates to philosophy. This includes any philosophical discussions that happen to be about god, gods, or a 'higher power' or the belief of them. This also generally includes philosophical topics about organized or ritualistic mysticism or about organized, common or ritualistic beliefs in the existence of supernatural phenomenon.
User avatar
Zombocalypse
New Trial Member
Posts: 3
Joined: April 11th, 2017, 9:42 pm

To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose it?

Post by Zombocalypse »

To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose Christianity?



What philosophical insight do you have that made you choose Christianity? Did you choose it just because it's the most popular religion? Did you choose it because it made the most sense to you?

Me, personally, I'm a Christian because of matters involving the heart. Back when I was an atheist, I valued intellect and rational thinking to guide me to the truth. I rejected Christianity and considered it a mere popular superstition. But things happened and things changed. I decided to simply listen to my heart, and my heart guided me to embracing the Holy Spirit. Thus, I became a Christian.

But what about you?
Nick_A
Posts: 3364
Joined: April 19th, 2009, 11:45 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Nick_A »

Zombocalypse wrote:To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose Christianity?



What philosophical insight do you have that made you choose Christianity? Did you choose it just because it's the most popular religion? Did you choose it because it made the most sense to you?

Me, personally, I'm a Christian because of matters involving the heart. Back when I was an atheist, I valued intellect and rational thinking to guide me to the truth. I rejected Christianity and considered it a mere popular superstition. But things happened and things changed. I decided to simply listen to my heart, and my heart guided me to embracing the Holy Spirit. Thus, I became a Christian.

But what about you?
"The extreme greatness of Christianity lies in the fact that it does not seek a supernatural remedy for suffering but a supernatural use for it." ~ Simone Weil
That quote says it all. Christianity as I've grown to appreciate it supplies the intellectual cosmological depth I need, the emotional influence through its art and music as well as the physical support its rituals offer. Buddha was right to say that life is suffering. Christianity offers an objective means to profit from the inevitable while revealing human meaning and purpose. I don't know what else can be expected from an ancient perennial tradition?
Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness." Simone Weil....Gravity and Grace
User avatar
-1-
Posts: 878
Joined: December 1st, 2016, 2:23 am

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by -1- »

The strength of Christianity... is not a faith in the supernatural, is not a reliance on the supernatural for one's own well-being, but the strength of Christianity is a supernatural quote.

-- Updated 2017 April 30th, 4:13 pm to add the following --

The strength of Christianity... is not a faith in the supernatural, is not a reliance on the supernatural for one's own well-being, but the strength of Christianity is a supernatural quote.

-- Updated 2017 April 30th, 4:14 pm to add the following --

sorry... double-quote or double-entry...
Spooky... I don't know how it happened.

I'm innocent. The Almighty made me do it.
This search engine is powered by Hunger, Thirst, and a desperate need to Mate.
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7935
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by LuckyR »

You guys do get that a follower of any religion (or nonreligion, for that matter), can substitute the name of their belief into your posts, and sound just as righteous, right?
"As usual... it depends."
Nick_A
Posts: 3364
Joined: April 19th, 2009, 11:45 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Nick_A »

LuckyR wrote:You guys do get that a follower of any religion (or nonreligion, for that matter), can substitute the name of their belief into your posts, and sound just as righteous, right?
A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?

-- Updated Wed May 03, 2017 9:48 pm to add the following --
LuckyR wrote:You guys do get that a follower of any religion (or nonreligion, for that matter), can substitute the name of their belief into your posts, and sound just as righteous, right?
A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?
Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness." Simone Weil....Gravity and Grace
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7935
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by LuckyR »

Nick_A wrote:
LuckyR wrote:You guys do get that a follower of any religion (or nonreligion, for that matter), can substitute the name of their belief into your posts, and sound just as righteous, right?
A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?

-- Updated Wed May 03, 2017 9:48 pm to add the following --
LuckyR wrote:You guys do get that a follower of any religion (or nonreligion, for that matter), can substitute the name of their belief into your posts, and sound just as righteous, right?
A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?
Speak for yourself. Oh wait, sorry, you already are. But seriously, I commend you on your non-self righteous stance but since everyone personally knows extremely self righteous religious folk (especially American Christians), your declaration is merely wishful thinking.
"As usual... it depends."
Nick_A
Posts: 3364
Joined: April 19th, 2009, 11:45 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Nick_A »

LuckyR wrote:
Nick_A wrote: (Nested quote removed.)


A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?

-- Updated Wed May 03, 2017 9:48 pm to add the following --


(Nested quote removed.)


A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?
Speak for yourself. Oh wait, sorry, you already are. But seriously, I commend you on your non-self righteous stance but since everyone personally knows extremely self righteous religious folk (especially American Christians), your declaration is merely wishful thinking.
Who is more rightepus than a socialist who believes they are smarter than non socialists?
"The meaning of peace is the absence of opposition to socialism." - Karl Marx
Can you imagine if I wrote:
"The meaning of peace is the absence of opposition to Christianity."Nick_A
I'd never hear the end of it. Progressives would be chasing me around with baseball bats. I'd be the poster boy for the demand for more money for indoctrination - no I mean education.
Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness." Simone Weil....Gravity and Grace
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14992
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Sy Borg »

Nick_A wrote:Who is more rightepus than a socialist who believes they are smarter than non socialists?
A theist who believes himself to be more "rightepus"* than "secularists"



* the typo was perfect and worth keeping.
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7935
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by LuckyR »

Greta wrote:
Nick_A wrote:Who is more rightepus than a socialist who believes they are smarter than non socialists?
A theist who believes himself to be more "rightepus"* than "secularists"



* the typo was perfect and worth keeping.
Asked and answered.

Next...
"As usual... it depends."
Nick_A
Posts: 3364
Joined: April 19th, 2009, 11:45 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Nick_A »

LuckyR wrote:
Greta wrote: (Nested quote removed.)

A theist who believes himself to be more "rightepus"* than "secularists"



* the typo was perfect and worth keeping.
Asked and answered.

Next...
Obviously you suffer from Typophobia. The term was coined in 1956 after Motimer Wadanobie made his famous typo. After listening to a speech on socialism. He wrote: "It all socks." of course he meant sucks but the experts got a hold of it and claimed socks refers to items of clothing that deny the direct experience of the feet. After that, people developed a fear of typos since they may attract experts leading to all sorts of trouble. You may be developing the beginnings of typophobial. If so good scotch eases the symptoms and gets you to think straight again.
Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness." Simone Weil....Gravity and Grace
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14992
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Sy Borg »

Nick_A wrote:If so good scotch eases the symptoms and gets you to think straight again.
A good scotch, or a cheap one for that matter, can remedy a number of things. I find it an effective mouthwash and gargle for mouth ulcers and it gives a wonderful shudder and spreading of warmth through your body on the way down.

So Nick, why did you choose Christianity over other faiths? Also, I'm guessing that you hold a Bible-based belief that does not subscribe to any particular Christian denomination. Is that right?

How do you feel about this Dalai Lama quote?
All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, the message of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, self-disciple - all religious traditions. So these are the common ground, the common practice. On that basis we can build genuine harmony on the basis of mutual respect, mutual learning, mutual admiration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe2X95o4yIE
User avatar
-1-
Posts: 878
Joined: December 1st, 2016, 2:23 am

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by -1- »

Nick_A wrote: A secularist may want to appear righteous but a Christian doesn't. We know we are sinners and the wretched man as described by St/ Paul in Romans 7. What is there to be righteous about?
What is there to be righteous about? That you purportedly KNOW this, and the secularists are sub-righteous because they deny this.

You are righteous because righteous means "being right" and you are certainly displaying a proud and should I say haughty-sounding tradition by applying your purported truth as an (as the right) example to follow by all, even by those who diametrically oppose your view.

There is nothing non-righteous about being a sinner, if you ask me, when you present it the way you presented it.

-- Updated 2017 May 6th, 10:20 pm to add the following --
Dalai Lama wrote: All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, the message of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, self-disciple - all religious traditions. So these are the common ground, the common practice. On that basis we can build genuine harmony on the basis of mutual respect, mutual learning, mutual admiration.
Oops. Tolerance is NOT part of any major religion or minor ones at that. The reversal of the lack of tolerance is forced upon religions by peace-loving national leaders.

Religion's once healthy functions include tribalism, and as such, tolerance is not tolerated.

I always thought the D.L. has been overrated much like Deepak Chopra. But sadly, Da Lama's main attraction and biggest source of credibility comes from the fact he is god, and not from his brain or opinions, if you examine them closely.
This search engine is powered by Hunger, Thirst, and a desperate need to Mate.
Nick_A
Posts: 3364
Joined: April 19th, 2009, 11:45 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Nick_A »

Greta
A good scotch, or a cheap one for that matter, can remedy a number of things. I find it an effective mouthwash and gargle for mouth ulcers and it gives a wonderful shudder and spreading of warmth through your body on the way down.
Well said. I knew you couldn’t be all bad
So Nick, why did you choose Christianity over other faiths? Also, I'm guessing that you hold a Bible-based belief that does not subscribe to any particular Christian denomination. Is that right?
Since I was very young I’ve always had the need to understand why everything is and continues as an obvious absurdity. What is the meaning and purpose of this great universe that makes me feel less than a gnat and my purpose within it having nothing to do with the preachings of all sorts of experts around me. Esoteric Christianity has allowed me to appreciate the intellectual, emotional, and physical reasons why everything is as it is including all the contradictions. Once I learned how to read the New Testament, it made perfect sense.
How do you feel about this Dalai Lama quote?

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, the message of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, self-disciple - all religious traditions. So these are the common ground, the common practice. On that basis we can build genuine harmony on the basis of mutual respect, mutual learning, mutual admiration.
An authentic tradition initiated by a conscious source will have both an exoteric and esoteric teaching. The exoteric is designed to influence human personality or the outer man through morals. It is like a peacekeeper and concerned with what you wrote.

The esoteric part is designed for the inner man to grow consciously. It consists of practices including, physical, emotional, and intellectual exercises furthering this inner growth. The Dalai Lama is talking to the outer man. What he will say to the inner man will be said in private. The exoteric teaches what to DO. The esoteric teaching is concerned with what we ARE.

-- Updated Sat May 06, 2017 11:13 pm to add the following --

-1-
What is there to be righteous about? That you purportedly KNOW this, and the secularists are sub-righteous because they deny this.
The Oracle called Socrates wise since he admitted he knew nothing. I know that I am the wretched man. It has been verified through efforts to "know thyself." This doesn't make me righteous. it makes me a hypocrite.
You are righteous because righteous means "being right" and you are certainly displaying a proud and should I say haughty-sounding tradition by applying your purported truth as an (as the right) example to follow by all, even by those who diametrically oppose your view.
All I do on this site is try to find people willing to discuss philosophy from square one which means we know nothing. Modern philosophy consists of people who believe they know a lot and want to argue opinions. I'd prefer to find those who have experienced that like Socrates they know nothing and willing to discuss why it is so. Those with this attitude learn from each other. Admitting we know nothing may be wise but it surely isn't righteous.
Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness." Simone Weil....Gravity and Grace
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7935
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by LuckyR »

Nick_A wrote:All I do on this site is try to find people willing to discuss philosophy from square one which means we know nothing. Modern philosophy consists of people who believe they know a lot and want to argue opinions. I'd prefer to find those who have experienced that like Socrates they know nothing and willing to discuss why it is so. Those with this attitude learn from each other. Admitting we know nothing may be wise but it surely isn't righteous.
Interesting. Anyone can suppress their knowledge and life experience to address questions de novo. But if done perfectly, what is there to discuss? If we erase/suppress what makes us individuals (our accumulated experiences), then wouldn't we all be the same?
"As usual... it depends."
Nick_A
Posts: 3364
Joined: April 19th, 2009, 11:45 pm

Re: To the Christians in here... Exactly WHY did you choose

Post by Nick_A »

LuckyR wrote:
Nick_A wrote:All I do on this site is try to find people willing to discuss philosophy from square one which means we know nothing. Modern philosophy consists of people who believe they know a lot and want to argue opinions. I'd prefer to find those who have experienced that like Socrates they know nothing and willing to discuss why it is so. Those with this attitude learn from each other. Admitting we know nothing may be wise but it surely isn't righteous.
Interesting. Anyone can suppress their knowledge and life experience to address questions de novo. But if done perfectly, what is there to discuss? If we erase/suppress what makes us individuals (our accumulated experiences), then wouldn't we all be the same?
We are all different but do not respect differences or appreciate their value. Have you ever seen a group of three year olds interacting? They are all different. Their essences are different. Socrates said to "know thyself" We don't know how so it is impossible to know another without first being able to "know thyself."
Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness." Simone Weil....Gravity and Grace
Post Reply

Return to “Philosophy of Religion, Theism and Mythology”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021