RE: Problems understanding naturalistically the beginning of the universe
May 4, 2016 at 4:44 am
(May 3, 2016 at 7:55 pm)LadyForCamus Wrote:Excepting a few of you, I do not doubt the fact that you have read the Bible and that the majority of the people in here did, you can trust me completely about this. The problem is another one, you have to stop believing about me that I am a main "Bible believer" christian that trusts the Bible alone and believes the earth to be 6000 years old. This is NOT Orthodox Christianity at all, I come from a Church that is aproximately 2000 years old, since the time of the Apostles (two Orthodox patriarchates we have today, Jerusalem and Antioch, were founded by the apostle James and by Peter and Paul, respectively, for example). We may be worshipping the same Jesus Christ (even if I doubt it) but our theology is absolutely different in every way possible (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church, for those who want to know more) and trust me when I say that when you talk to me you are not simply talking to another christian that you are used with since I am different enormously different from a protestant and a catholic. I do not blame any of you because the Orthodox Church, even if it has aproximately 350 million members online, is not so well known because of its lack of involvement with the media and the world in general, but still, I believe it would do very well to further discussions to have in mind that both parties should leave prejudices aside.(May 3, 2016 at 7:17 pm)Wryetui Wrote: I would swear if it wouldn't be a sin, but I can tell you the truth that I am not trying to convince anyone of anything. One of my fundamental beliefs is that every human being is able to choice whatever they want and that they are responsible for their choices. Even more, I totally agree with the second article of the Declaration of Human Rights: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.", and if you are curious about why I agree with all of this the reason is simple, because God behaves this way! He doesn't force anyone to love Him at all, even Jesus said that: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.", so please, get me right on this, I am here merely for the purpose of debate end because I am curious about the atheism I once shared, its origins, its effects on the people and its consequences. I don't believe a true christian should convince anyone of anything. By trying to convince people you are sinning, because you are thinking egoistically, you just want the person next to you to have your beliefs because you consider yourself superior to the another one. If anyone is interested in asking me about my faith I will answer gladly and I will always give my opinion on everything based on my faith, but I will never force anyone to believe what I say.
Well, I appreciate what appears to be a genuine response from you, so thank you. Perhaps it would be more productive for everyone involved if you bring up the specific issues and ideas that you're interested in debating. This approach might help us distinguish you from the steady line of trolls that come in and out of here like a revolving door.
If I may say, I think you are operating under the wrong, though seemingly innocent assumption that atheists don't know anything about Christianity. Many of our members have thoroughly studied the bible, and many of us are former Christians ourselves. Myself included! So, don't assume we have tons of questions, and don't assume that the reason we are atheists is because we have knowledge gaps regarding Christianity. Just a few suggestions; you can, of course, take them or leave them. [emoji41]
"Let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God"
- Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
- Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom