(September 29, 2010 at 6:08 pm)padraic Wrote: Jesus is quoted as saying (approximately) "no one comes to the father except through me " and" go forth and teach ye all nations-----"
In my experience, most devout Christians believe those claims implicitly. 'Giving witness' in the hope of converting the unbeliever is taken very seriously by many, often with compassion and personal sacrifice
There is a great dichotomy within Christianity, between the Salvationists and the Resurrectionists,sometimes within the same denomination. One group emphpasises penance and fear of damnation.The other the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. One type gives witness by bible thumping and threats,the other gives witness quietly and gently by the way they live.
I do not doubt the sincerity of most individuals we get here,and have some respect the quiet ones who have also mastered abstract and independent thinking. (such as Tacky,mostly) The others,not so much. Usually I just feel like punching them.
Sincerity does not imply intellectual integrity.
S
