Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Actually, all true believers in Christ (Christians) are already united in Spirit and truth in Christ, as 'The body/church of Christ on earth.' The foundational trust in Christ and His teachings; and 'Salvation by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ' and God’s Holy Spirit bind us together. It is not necessary to occupy the same buildings or even interpret scripture and religious practices the same way. In fact, diversity in those areas is actually healthy, in the context of "iron sharpening iron".
Contentious divisiveness arises when "Religion" and "Trusting Christ and living in relationship with God" get mixed-up. "Religion" involves an almost unlimited range of people and beliefs; many trying to satisfy "the right ritual and rules" to find and know God.' The 'Wheat and Tares', and the 'sheep and goats' parables, focus on the real heart-level distinction between 'religion' and 'Christianity'. It’s been said that “Religion is man seeking God,” while “Jesus Christ is God seeking man.”
Although "Religion" also often has the same outward appearance as 'Christianity or true faith in Christ'; and even occupies the same buildings and pews, but, otherwise have little in common.
"At the End of the Age", God's angels will sort out the two --- and the "Body of Christ" will at last be unified together as ‘one church.’ But, there will be no more church buildings, doctrinal debates or contentious divisiveness. Until then, the best men can come-up with is only an imitation of 'Christ's true church.'
When I was young I had two male friends who really cared deeply about each other. But of course in a society of homophobia they did not want to be overtly too friendly for fear of accusations of homosexuality.
One thing they did, which in retrospect was really beautiful, was share an imaginary friend. And vicariously through this friend they found ways to express their love for each other. The friend would stay overnight in one of their houses. The next day the imaginary friend would have missed the other friend and they would talk about how much that friend missed them.
In other words they were telling each other they missed each other, through the proxy of this imaginary friend. It was really beautiful.
One day however one of them commented on the color of the imaginary friends hair. The other friend commented that this was wrong and the hair color was in fact something else. What followed was a slow but steady and horrific decline in their friendship to the point it ended in violence. It was as horrible to watch as their original friendship had been beautiful.
Basically because their imaginary friend had not actually existed, there was simply no way to resolve differences in opinion between them ABOUT that friend.
Similarly, given theists have but faith..... but not a shred of argument, evidence, data, or reasoning.... that there even IS a god and a Jesus........ any difference in opinion ABOUT those entities is similarly going to descend into the most base and horrific of human activity.
As such we see well over 33,000 recognized branches and divisions within Christianity. Sects. Clubs. Off shoots. Reinventions. And much more. How you think it is possible.... let alone what methodology you suggest to attain it....... to achieve some unification among them all..... is simply beyond me. I would be agog to hear your foundation for this dream.
Moderator cut: deleted
It is a dream you have. Perhaps even a beautiful dream. But I fail to see how you are mapping it on to reality in any way. And even if you do REALIZE it how do you propose to MAINTAIN it. How long will it be in this grand unified Christianity before one friend mentions to another friend the color of their gods hair?
And that is before we even BEGIN to ask "which Christianity" under the 33000 you hope to unify them all under. Forget 33,000. I invite you to my home country of Ireland to make the attempt to unify the TWO branches of Christianity that they have there. Good luck with that. Bring a stab jacket.
Jesus had dark hair. But it looks lighter with the goldfish bowl on his head.
There is a lack of consensus or general agreement, as to what that means?
So, whose definition will be used to define; a Jesus based religion ........?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Co Sign
Don't think too hard, its real simple.
Actions, always speak louder than words ..................
Unless, you are merely attempting to convince yourself?
Buddism, Hinduism, Norse Paganism, Greek Paganism, Druidism, Wicca, Voodoo and Daoism. These are examples of religions where Jesus is completely absent. Islam does acknowledge Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and a great prophet, but does not regard him as deity nor does it regard him as the one who paid for the sins of all humankind. So Islam wouldn't quite make the cut, though they're a lot closer than most Christians realize.
Those are religions I'd leave out. Who would you add to the list? Surely there is no religion that focuses on Christ and centers their religious message around Christ that you'd leave it ... is there?
I doubt you would leave anybody out, but you know what I'm talking about.
You are correct, love covers the multitude, even those who have missed the mark.
Actions, always speak louder than words ..................
Unless, you are merely attempting to convince yourself?
Too many people died and suffered because of their religious beliefs. Makes me wondered what is the point of all this if it only brings suffering? It dont matter what religion background you're from, if you believed Jesus's message was to promote peace, kindness and love, and that he wanted all people to live in peace and be good to one another, then that is good enough to me.
Too many people died and suffered because of their religious beliefs. Makes me wondered what is the point of all this if it only brings suffering? It dont matter what religion background you're from, if you believed Jesus's message was to promote peace, kindness and love, and that he wanted all people to live in peace and be good to one another, then that is good enough to me.
Regardless of who the messenger is -- the message should be consistent.
One that brings with it, as you mentioned: "Peace, kindness and love."
Unfortunately, religion has been one of the main causes of animosity.
Nope they mislead them by telling them to follow man and his thoughts. Far worse.
Usually they tell them to think for themselves, not bad advice.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
