(March 1, 2012 at 8:12 pm)Undeceived Wrote: The Bible has additional evidence supporting it, such as archaeology, historical documents, and the fact that we know it was written by multiple authors within a couple years of the events and hasn't changed since. Within 5 years of Jesus' death, Christianity exploded. Don't you think people 5 years within the fact would know if the claims were bogus? The claims I'm speaking of are Jesus' death and resurrection. God knew people would have a hard time accepting him on words alone, so he arranged actual recordable events. In addition to the evidence, we have the Holy Spirit. When we finally see the light, something clicks in the brain and it all becomes crystal clear. At that point Jesus is more real than anything else, and we know the truth. The process is not only intellectual but spiritual too. Why are people so moved to give their lives as missionaries overseas? Because they are positive of the truth. Muslims, Mormons and members of other fake religions are driven by fear. They only tell people about "God" or follow customs because they might end up in hell if they don't. Christianity is driven by love. Christians know they are already saved; they don't have to do anything. Any actions are a reaction to God's gift to them--eternal life and forgiveness for all their wrongdoings. Once we've determined in our hearts and minds that the Bible is divinely inspired, then we can use it to shape our lives. Christians don't need to read the Bible to learn God is good. They read it because He is good.

Links regarding the Bible's validity:
http://www.millennialstar.org/the-case-f...scripture/
http://www.millennialstar.org/the-case-f...evidences/

(March 1, 2012 at 9:22 pm)Rodney "Quills" Jenkins Wrote: belief systems aren't (or shouldn't be ) like shoes or clothes. submission to a belief system is saying that you believe that such and such is truth, whether it attracts you or not. Ive read of people here who were once repulsed by atheism but now embrace it because they believe it to be the truth. Christians and Christianity abide by the same principle; there are many unattractive elements to Christianity (eternal punishment, the submission of your will to another being's, denial or delaying of certain natural cravings ) but that has no bearing on it's truthfulness or lack thereof. It appears that you look at Christianity as an end unto itself instead of the path through which we get to God; maybe the question to be asked is why do Christians believe their worldview to be the best explanation of existence?

Quote:The Bible has additional evidence supporting it, such as archaeology, historical documents, and the fact that we know it was written by multiple authors within a couple years of the events and hasn't changed since.

(March 1, 2012 at 9:28 pm)Rhythm Wrote: Welcome aboard. If and when they ever figure that out, I'm all ears.

Quote:I mean the ruins of the Jerusalem temple are still there for all to see. So at least that part about a temple is true. Meaning it's not ALL fiction.

Rodney "Quills" Jenkins Wrote:...maybe the question to be asked is why do Christians believe their worldview to be the best explanation of existence?