Assessing why a Black man in America would be a Christian

[BayAreaTodd827]

Have I been bamboozled into believing that the Christian faith is beneficial to me? Why have I chosen to be Christian in a "Christian nation" that historically has sought to deprive my race and gender of freedom and dignity?

I have lived some decades. I have seen people, in the name of Christianity, trample over others for their own self-serving purposes. I have witnessed men, by persuasive oratory, fool others into believing that such oratorical skill somehow makes them an authority and proprietor of truth and righteousness. I have seen this game's inevitable result - lies exposed.

I have observed the game played out time and again. Sometimes it is played by those who enter the Christian faith minded to play. At other times, it is played by those who entered the faith with a sincere passion for God, but at some point they became disillusioned by it all and decide to simply go along with the play-book because this is what the majority seem to be doing - feigning perfection.

With my education and exposure to all of this, isnt it about time that I give up the Christian mantle? After all, I am a pretty-well informed and educated person. I completed undergrad and graduate school, and I've traveled a bit. Again, I also know the games people play (whether I choose to indulge in them or not).

Am I not perpetuating the fraud by endorsing a belief system that is replete with hypocrites and deceivers?

The uncomplicated response to the last question posed is, NO! I stand by Christianity based on its own merit, not based on the actions of people who claim to be followers.

The not so easy related question might be, how, with my knowledge, understanding, and experience, am I going to convince others (particularly someone who has been jaded by what theyve seen by others), to become a Christian?

Another related question is why even bother to try?

In terms of the "why bother" question, it is because I am duty bound as a Christian to promote the Christian faith. This is part of being "faithful". Whether I succeed is outside my control. My love for God and His Son/my savior compels me to try.

It is my position that the Christian faith (based on the scriptural standard contained in what is commonly called the Bible) is the most beneficial for mankind. Bar none. It is beneficial in this life as well as for its promise of eternal life. This applies to me as an African-American and all mankind.

I invite dialogue on the topic. I am not seeking to judge anyone. I readily admit that in my dialogue my aim will be to seek to defend the faith I hold, AND, to encourage whomever might read this to become as I am - A Christian. Feel free to respond publicly or privately. I'll respond in kind.

I look forward to mutually respectful and non-judgmental dialogue.

A prelude to my thoughts...

The apostle Paul communicated a fundamental truth about the expectation and need for every able-bodied person to grow up and make decision in accordance with this growth. In 1 Corinthians 13:11 (King James Version) he says " When I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things.

In short, while I may have grown up in and around the Christian faith (and of course was influenced by this upbringing) I am not a Christian today simply as a result of that influence. I have lived a life where I have seen and heard many things. The culmination of this has lead me to choosing Jesus Christ. A simple but fully excercised choice.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 44 by Peds nurse]

I would never say that I am the only one doing it right, because I am sure that I get it wrong a lot (which is why I love grace). I was just pointing out that historically Christianity has messed things up...and I wonder if it is partially because people just follow the latest trends, instead of finding out what God's word really says.

Ok, it's real good for you to say.
We forget that not all theists are so.... well.. perfect?

The thing is.. what is that "IT".. that truth religious people keep talking about?
Is there something that I missed?

So sorry for your unnoticed efforts!

Yeah, me too.
But you know maybe a teeny itsy bit of it is my fault too.

itsy

[BayAreaTodd827]

[Replying to post 31 by JehovahsWitness]

Hello, Jeho...W,

This is in response to your reply to me at about 6:24am pst.

What do I make of the passages you cited concerning the righteous on the earth? I believe there are righteous people who exist. You interpret them (it seems) to mean "only" the righteous. I don't see that.

Moreover, and again, the passages do not suggest this earth will have no end (please let's not rehash "forever" renderings).

[BayAreaTodd827]

[Replying to post 35 by 2timothy316]

Hello, 2tim..,

This is in response to your reply to me at about 6:45ampst.

I understand your reasoning. I'm not particularly concerned about "why" God has chosen to do what he has chosen to do. (Rom 9:20). My duty is to conform (Rom 12:2). I'm certain it makes little sense to many people that God would allow His Son to be brutalized and murdered, only to resurrect Him shortly thereafter (e.g. Lk 9:22). Particularly for a bunch of ungrateful human beings (Rom 5:8). I honestly don't know "why" he loves us enough to do that. But, He did. And I'm thankful!

I will not presume to question God. This earth will cease to exist at some point. This is my belief based on the biblical record. You may choose to believe otherwise.

[BayAreaTodd827]

[Replying to post 33 by Blastcat]

Hello, Blastcat

This is in response to your reply to me at about 6:35am pst.

Honestly, your reply made me laugh. You're a garden variety atheist (per your own admission).

I really don't know what to say to you, except, yes, I believe in God. And, yes I am a Christian. I do have a "choice" in the matter. As a young child, you are right, I had no choice but to follow "momma" (as you put). I'm an adult now.

There is no part of me that is fearful or ashamed about being a Christian. I think with all the empirical evidence surrounding us it makes no sense to be an Atheist. Perhaps you have no choice?? Momma's influence?

[BayAreaTodd827]

[Replying to post 40 by Peds nurse]

Hello, Peds..

This is in response to your reply to me at about 2:20 pst.

I concur with most of what you said. However, I don't believe Christianity has gone awry. I just think people have used it to advance a many evil agenda.

I agree, it is an individual choice.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 48 by BayAreaTodd827]





[center]Gather round, children ! Come and laugh at the funny atheist !![/center]

Hello, Blastcat

Honestly, your reply made me laugh. You're a garden variety atheist (per your own admission).

I don't think I have EVER called myself a garden variety ANYTHING.
I'm of the BLASTCAT variety, sir.

Laugh, laugh all you want at this FOOL, right?
Makes you LAUGH does it?

I really don't know what to say to you, except, yes, I believe in God.

That's it?
Really?

Wow.. not quite the impressive defense that I was hoping for, really.

And, yes I am a Christian.

Woo.. i never saw THAT coming.

I do have a "choice" in the matter.

Good for you.
You might NOT have at first.

Remember that part?

As a young child, you are right, I had no choice but to follow "momma" (as you put). I'm an adult now.

So you admit that when you were a young child you were indoctrinated into a religion just like I was. NO CHOICE AT ALL.

[/quote]

Just like the slaves.. no choice AT ALL. That's the thing about kids and slaves.
Did you change religion when you grew up?

Were you a Muslim kid before?

There is no part of me that is fearful or ashamed about being a Christian.

Did I say something like that?

I don't recall saying something like that. I think I would..
Maybe I should check..

I think with all the empirical evidence surrounding us it makes no sense to be an Atheist.

All the empirical evidence.

Right.
We get a lot of that in here.. garden variety stuff, I'd say.
Lots of claims and not a HINT of any actual empirical evidence, whatsoever.

If there were , I'd be the first in line being a theist, my friend.

Good try.
It fails.

A claim supporting another claim.
Big deal.

I thought you would be better than that.

Which one is the best empirical evidence do you figure?

Please be different that all the other theists in here and provide some evidence for your very nice claim.

Perhaps you have no choice?? Momma's influence?

True dat.

I had a LOT of pressure on me to believe.
When I told mama I didn't believe she cried.

Broke her heart.

But I could not believe something for which I had no evidence for.
Simple as that.

Oh by the way.. it's great that I made you laugh.
I also tried to make you think ... maybe next time, right?

Thought you were going to be a DEFENDER here.. what you got?

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 48 by BayAreaTodd827]


[center]Gather round, children ! Come and laugh at the funny atheist !![/center]

Hello, Blastcat

Honestly, your reply made me laugh. You're a garden variety atheist (per your own admission).

I don't think I have EVER called myself a garden variety ANYTHING.
I'm of the BLASTCAT variety, sir.

Laugh, laugh all you want at this FOOL, right?
Makes you LAUGH does it?

I really don't know what to say to you, except, yes, I believe in God.

That's it?
Really?

Wow.. not quite the impressive defense that I was hoping for, really.

And, yes I am a Christian.

Woo.. i never saw THAT one coming.

I do have a "choice" in the matter.

Good for you. You have a choice.
You might NOT have at first.

Remember that part?

As a young child, you are right, I had no choice but to follow "momma" (as you put). I'm an adult now.

So you admit that when you were a young child you were indoctrinated into a religion just like I was. NO CHOICE AT ALL.

Just like the slaves.. no choice AT ALL. That's the thing about kids and slaves.
Did you change religion when you grew up?

Were you a Muslim kid before?
How about we start off with that?

There is no part of me that is fearful or ashamed about being a Christian.

Did I say something like that?

I don't recall saying something like that. I think I would remember if I wrote somethig like that.

Maybe I should check what I actually did write.

I think with all the empirical evidence surrounding us it makes no sense to be an Atheist.

All the empirical evidence.

Right.
We get a lot of that in here.. garden variety claim, I'd say.
Lots of claims are made in here by theists, and not a HINT of any actual empirical evidence for them whatsoever. People don't seem to have a CLUE what empirical evidence means. I hope you are different.

If there were any good empirical evidence , I'd be the first in line being a theist, my friend.

Good try.
It fails.

A claim supporting another claim.
Big deal.

I thought you would be presenting better reasoning than that.
[center]
Which one is the best empirical evidence do you figure?[/center]

Please be different that all the other theists in here and provide some evidence for your very nice claim. I had high hopes for you.. I hope that my hopes were justified.

Good luck in here, by the way.
I'm soft on humans, hard on arguments.

Perhaps you have no choice?? Momma's influence?

True dat.

I had a LOT of pressure on me to believe and to keep right on believing.
When I told mama I didn't believe she cried.

Broke her heart.

But I could not believe something for which I had no evidence for.
Simple as that.

Oh by the way.. it's great that I made you laugh.
I also tried to make you think ... maybe next time, right?

Thought you were going to be a DEFENDER here.. what you got?

[BayAreaTodd827]

[Replying to post 50 by Blastcat]

Gather round, children ! Come and laugh at the funny atheist !!

I have no desire to make fun of you. This society is much more accepting of your beliefs than mine.

Wow.. not quite the impressive defense that I was hoping for, really.

Let me be clear, I am not here to impress you or anyone else. The reason for my original post was to express my position when it comes to the faith I hold. I mention "race", because despite the claim by many that "race doesn't matter" when it comes to the Christian faith..it does matter in the mind of many people who claim to be Christian. I DO NOT BELIEVE it matters to my Lord and Savior or His father. This is supported by the whole of scripture. The "Ham" introduction is an example of the miseducation of many who profess to be Christian. It is NOT a reason to reject Christ.

So you admit that when you were a young child you were indoctrinated into a religion just like I was. NO CHOICE AT ALL.

Yes, I admit this.

Just like the slaves.. no choice AT ALL. That's the thing about kids and slaves.
Did you change religion when you grew up?

Were you a Muslim kid before?

Perhaps you are correct. But, I am not a kid anymore. I actually don't believe a person can force a slave to be a Christian. You can force someone to "act", but being a Christian is not an "act". Nevertheless, I no longer live in a society where forced slavery is legal (at least not without due process of law).

I find it interesting that you ask me if I was once a Muslim. Why that? Perhaps because I'm African-American (Black)? Interesting... The answer is no.

Which one is the best empirical evidence do you figure?

Please be different that all the other theists in here and provide some evidence for your very nice claim. I had high hopes for you.. I hope they were justified.

Wow, that's a lot of pressure you've put on me! Be different? Hmmmm. I don't think I will try to be different. Keep trying to figure me out...there's your empirical evidence (think about it)!

I had a LOT of pressure on me to believe.
When I told mama I didn't believe she cried.

Broke her heart.

But I could not believe something for which I had no evidence for.
Simple as that.

Wow. You actually mean no evidence you were willing to accept, don't you? If you think about it, that is not too different from a time when certain people could not get a fair trial no matter how much "evidence" was presented. Have you ever seen the Rodney King video? Were you on that Jury? No evidence. Really?

Oh by the way.. it's great that I made you laugh.
I also tried to make you think ... maybe next time, right?

Thought you were going to be a DEFENDER here.. what you got?

I got Scripture which I have studied for years. It has helped me to learn more about the nature of people (including you) than I could have ever learned on my own. The insights are amazing.

You and I don't have any common ground upon which we can reason. An Atheist rejects the existence of God. Again, I believe in God. And, I believe scripture. You seem like a nice person. If you have a question about Scripture I'll respond. Otherwise, I got nothing but luv for ya!

[JehovahsWitness]

What do I make of the passages you cited concerning the righteous on the earth? I believe there are righteous people who exist. You interpret them (it seems) to mean "only" the righteous. I don't see that.

So when Jesus said the meek shall "inherit" the earth, what did he mean?

Proverbs 2 v 21, 22 Douay-Rheims Bible
"For they that are upright shall dwell in THE EARTH, and the simple shall continue in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. -- King James Bible

[2timothy316]

What do I make of the passages you cited concerning the righteous on the earth? I believe there are righteous people who exist. You interpret them (it seems) to mean "only" the righteous. I don't see that.

So when Jesus said the meek shall "inherit" the earth, what did he mean?

Proverbs 2 v 21, 22 Douay-Rheims Bible
"For they that are upright shall dwell in THE EARTH, and the simple shall continue in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. -- King James Bible

Might I add: Inherit the Earth from whom? Who owns it now? 2 Corinthians 4:4 and 1 John 5:19 tell us who.

Also, there is no scripture anywhere that says that the wicked will continue on the Earth.