Wow! There's a bible college??!
And it gets customers?!?
You Americans are really a special breed.

Stupid question: how does Catholicism match up with the contents of the bible?

(November 2, 2016 at 4:28 pm)Faith No More Wrote: If God asked you to kill your first born son, would you do it?

I have $10 that says he won't prove himself to be a Kierkegaardian Knight of Faith but instead will blather something about how his god sacrificed his son (or himself or some such twaddle), rendering any further cults of sacrifice moot. Still, I'd like just once to see a Christian actually answer the question without deflecting.

(November 2, 2016 at 2:56 pm)Emzap Wrote: Also, looking objectively at the New Testament as a historical document, It was written close to the time of the events it talks about, and the earliest copy we have found is within 30 years of the original writing. There are 5800 historical copies found, and the accuracy compared to the originals is incredible. The New Testament as a historical document is historically reliable, which is a good reason to me to believe in it. Internally, it is consistent, even though there are many writers who contributed to the overall Bible who wrote over a long period of time.

How is it historical when events and even geographical locations were completely invented? For instance Nazareth did not exist at those times. There are no archaeological evidence for it. Does that mean that you negate validity of science?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSzQC1zKesU

And if it is historical document how come there are no other documents or writings describing Jesus? For instance Philo of Alexandria was born before the beginning of the Christian era, and lived until long after the reputed death of Christ. He wrote an account of the Jews covering the entire time that Christ is said to have existed on earth. He was living in or near Jerusalem when Christ’s supposed miraculous birth and the Herodian massacre occurred. He was there when Christ made entry into Jerusalem. He was there when the crucifixion with its attendant earthquake, supernatural darkness and resurrection of the dead took place when Christ himself rose from the dead and in the presence of many witnesses supposedly ascended into heaven. These marvelous events which must have filled the world with amazement, had they really occurred, were unknown to him and in the presence of multitudes revealed himself and demonstrated his divine powers, Philo did not see it.

(November 2, 2016 at 4:15 pm)Alex K Wrote:

(November 2, 2016 at 2:48 pm)Emzap Wrote: Why would you spend your time on atheist forums discussing ideas? Probably because its something that resonates with your identity and beliefs. I choose to study at Bible college because I strongly believe in the Bible and want to know everything I can about the revelation God has given us. I want to grow in my understanding, and build relationships with people who believe the same thing as me. Its not just my religion, its my lifestyle. That doesn't mean I hate those who don't believe the same. It doesn't mean that I'm going to spend my life condemning those who do things that I don't agree with. It means that for me personally, I want to know my creator and live according to His Word.

Interesting - but when you say you strongly believe in the bible, do you mean all of it? Because it's full of gruesome and brutal things, and I don't see how that squares with the ideals of Christians today.

I do mean all of it. Yes, the Old Testament in particular is full, FULL of gruesome and brutal things. Human sin is a hideous thing. Please read the entire Bible in context with all of Scripture before judging the God who acted and continues to act out of justice and love then just as he does today.

Still no introduction thread...

Do believe it's sinful to mix meat and dairy in one meal, or that women should be stoned to death for having short hair? What are your views on slavery, as it relates to the OT? Oh, and would you be upset if I told you I was wearing Lycra and cotton at the same time?

(November 2, 2016 at 4:28 pm)Faith No More Wrote: If God asked you to kill your first born son, would you do it?

That is a good question. Yes, I would. Perhaps you have heard of Abraham, who God asked to kill his first and only son, Isaac. Abraham obeyed, and was about to kill him when God intervened and provided a ram as a sacrifice in place, seeing that Abraham was faithful to obey. This isn't to say that I would expect God to do the same for me, and I would hope and pray that God wouldn't ask me to do such a difficult and seemingly horrific thing, but if God clearly asked me to, who am I to disobey God?

What is your opinion of homosexuality and trans people?

Sorry if someone has already asked this, I can't really be bothered going back a few pages.

(November 2, 2016 at 5:10 pm)Emzap Wrote: ...who am I to disobey God?

A non-psychopath.

(November 2, 2016 at 4:34 pm)pocaracas Wrote: Wow! There's a bible college??!
And it gets customers?!?
You Americans are really a special breed.

Stupid question: how does Catholicism match up with the contents of the bible?

There are Bible colleges in other countries as well ;D 

I am not Catholic, and am definitely not an expert in all things Catholic. However, in Catholicism, they have the Bible we have, but also use other books. Their beliefs are very different, and they tend to believe in good works salvation rather than salvation by faith in Christ. Some Evangelical Christians do not even consider catholics to be saved Christians.

I am an evangelical Christian. That is a sect of protestant Christianity that believes the Bible to be the inerrent word of God. We believe in salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, who was born of a virgin, lived about 30 years, taught, and performed miracles, never sinning, and then was killed on a cross in order to pay the price for sins we have committed. 3 days after he died, he rose again, and is alive today.