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The scripture tells us that great faith must greatly tested. As I said, it never ends in this life.
There comes a time when God is not felt, seems He's nowhere to be found. That's part of the great faith testing. It can get even more severe, God allowing you to suffer harm in His name.
The Apostles were very acquainted with this level of testing and they rejoiced that they were found worthy to suffer in His name.
Yep.
It's a religion that appeals to masochists. "Beat me, Daddy! It hurts so good!"
I have. As have millions of others. We don't need the whip of hell or the dangled carrot of heaven to lead good lives.
It's true and I believe there are those who will have nothing to do with God and lead moral lives, even helping others in need. Some are model citizens in their communities, I know one.
They will be commended in the day of judgement and asked, but what did you do with the One called Jesus, the Son of God that gave Himself for your sins?
It sounds cute to the point of triteness, and we've all heard these sorts of ditties before. But what about the part when the storms come and Christians cry out to God only to be met with silence?
Oh, I know the equally trite answers. Their faith wasn't enough. God was trying to teach them something. It was a test. They are doing something wrong in their life that's bringing it upon themselves. The whole Job thing. And so forth.
The fact of the matter is that many have cried out from the depths of their souls to God for help, and he kicked them to the curb, and they suffered, alone and friendless without the least hint of comfort from the God to whom they entreated. That's why they aren't Christians anymore.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie24
The scripture tells us that great faith must greatly tested. As I said, it never ends in this life.
There comes a time when God is not felt, seems He's nowhere to be found. That's part of the great faith testing. It can get even more severe, God allowing you to suffer harm in His name.
The Apostles were very acquainted with this level of testing and they rejoiced that they were found worthy to suffer in His name.
I guess you missed the part where I said the bolded, since you just posted the trite answers.
Good for the apostles, but not every person can keep going forever believing in a God who will not make itself known, and it's a pretty damn cruel God who would keep treating its followers that way, isn't it? Expecting them to continue to believe while suffering without hope of any relief. Until maybe they are dead, right? That's the deal? You keep going no matter how sad or fearful or lonely or in pain you may be, because when you're dead everything will be GREAT?
That way of living just doesn't work for everyone, sorry. People lose hope in a God like that.
Well, if you think that is what it is (I don't) take up a petition and boot me out.
That would be the democratic way.
But I suspect the problem is that you have no way combating what is being said and it makes you nervous, it may even be true.
Ah, here we go, Michael. You're just not as good a Christian as Charlie!
By the way, this is not a democratic forum. It is a private enterprise, and it is a forum with rules with which you have been made familiar that were set up by its owner.
Well, if you think that is what it is (I don't) take up a petition and boot me out.
That would be the democratic way.
But I suspect the problem is that you have no way combating what is being said and it makes you nervous, it may even be true.
I happen to be a Christian. I simply stated that it's against the terms of service to evangelize on this sub-forum. I decided however to delete the post, but you replied to it while I was in the process of doing so.
The atheist can say there is no God, but when a Christian attempts to prove there is by experience, that is not accepted.
Do I not have the right to present this here?
Well, you haven't gotten the boot yet.
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