Sound off: what's your motivation?

Getting to know more about a specific belief

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Ancient Paths
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Sound off: what's your motivation?

Post #1

Post by Ancient Paths »

So Haven posted an interesting question the C&A forum (Religious beliefs: personal and subjective) that got me thinking about another question that might help us better understand where others here are coming from.

Question: What motivates you to debate these religious topics or try to convince others to join your way of seeing things? What are your reasons?

I'll start.

The God of the Bible interacts with humanity through covenants. Covenants have terms and conditions that include what the Bible calls blessings and curses, or benefits and punishments or adverse effects. These blessings and curses are directly related to our actions in relation to God's instructions in the covenant, much like the law of gravity. God says don't step off a cliff. If one steps off a cliff, one will experience the benefit or adverse effect of that action. I liken it to a user manual for some newly purchased gizmo; if you want to get the most out of it and avoid problems, read the user manual.

With this, I would be fine going about my own private life obeying the terms and conditions of the New Covenant without interfering with what others do based on their beliefs... but for two issues.

The first is that, while these blessings and curses affect me personally based on my actions, they also affect nations based on a nation's population's actions, which affects me. So, if I want to have a sexually safe environment in which to raise my children, then not opposing porn shops in my area would be akin to sticking my head in the sand. There is communal blessing as well for following God's instructions.

The second is love. If I have truly experienced the reality of the Christian God and those experiences tell me that life in covenant with the Christian God is a tremendous blessing, then my love for my fellow human beings compels me to try to persuade others to give Christianity a look-see. I understand that not all will, but the Christian God tells me through the written text of his communication that I should try.

I have a third, personal reason, which is that I'm writing a book. I don't know if it'll ever get published, but it would be helpful to run thoughts on doctrine by both other co-religionists as well as those of other religions and atheists as well.

So what are your reasons?

Peace.

puddleglum
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Post #11

Post by puddleglum »

God created us and because of this he owns us and is entitled to our absolute worship and obedience. We have all failed to give him the honor to which he is entitled and as a result we are under a sentence of death. God sent his son Jesus to atone for our sins by his death and resurrection and anyone who repents and puts his faith in Jesus will be forgiven. I have received that forgiveness and I want others to experience it too. For a more complete explanation check out these links:

http://www.backtothebible.org/who-is-jesus-contact

https://carm.org/answers-for-seekers

Some of the posters in this thread have said they enjoy debating. I hate to debate but I will do it if it is necessary to show others the way to salvation.
His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
Romans 1:20 ESV

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OnceConvinced
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Post #12

Post by OnceConvinced »

[Replying to post 11 by puddleglum]


Moderator Comment

This post could really be considered nothing more than preaching and mainly not related to the topic of this thread.

Please review the Rules.


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Society and its morals evolve and will continue to evolve. The bible however remains the same and just requires more and more apologetics and claims of "metaphors" and "symbolism" to justify it.

Prayer is like rubbing an old bottle and hoping that a genie will pop out and grant you three wishes.

There is much about this world that is mind boggling and impressive, but I see no need whatsoever to put it down to magical super powered beings.


Check out my website: Recker's World

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Post #13

Post by puddleglum »

OnceConvinced wrote:
Moderator Comment

This post could really be considered nothing more than preaching and mainly not related to the topic of this thread.



I was answering this question from the OP:
Question: What motivates you to debate these religious topics or try to convince others to join your way of seeing things? What are your reasons?
His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
Romans 1:20 ESV

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Post #14

Post by Elijah John »

I'm here to learn, from others as well as to clarify my own beliefs by verbalizing them in debate form.

I need ( and enjoy) the intellectual excercise and seek to present a moderate Theistic alternative to (what I see as) the extremes of atheism and fundamentalism.

Also, sometimes my family does not want to discuss religion, so this site is a great outlet!

And last but not least, this is a site that values civility, and the civility that we practice here can readily be taken to the "world out there"...
My theological positions:

-God created us in His image, not the other way around.
-The Bible is redeemed by it's good parts.
-Pure monotheism, simple repentance.
-YHVH is LORD
-The real Jesus is not God, the real YHVH is not a monster.
-Eternal life is a gift from the Living God.
-Keep the Commandments, keep your salvation.
-I have accepted YHVH as my Heavenly Father, LORD and Savior.

I am inspired by Jesus to worship none but YHVH, and to serve only Him.

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Post #15

Post by otseng »

Ancient Paths wrote: Question: What motivates you to debate these religious topics or try to convince others to join your way of seeing things? What are your reasons?
As for actual debating, unfortunately I don't have much time to partake in that recently. But, why do I debate? Well, the primary reason is to defend the claims of Christianity. Debating strengthens my faith in Christianity. It also forces me to examine my beliefs and to throw away some ideas and form new ideas.

I'm not here to have anyone "join" my way of seeing things. But, if I can lead someone to have a better appreciation of Christianity, I consider that a win. If someone says, "Hey, not all Christians are dumb and ignorant, there are some that are civil and smart" or "I don't agree with you, but I can see that there are some rational basis for Christianity" then I'm happy.

I've also appreciated the opportunity to debate with, discuss with, and work with people with many different beliefs. I've learned that each individual is unique and that there really is no easy way to label anybody.

One thing that has always kept me away from online debating was how quickly debates turned uncivil. So, this forum has been an experiment to see if we can have open debates and yet be civil at the same time. For the most part, it's been fairly successful. And I hope it continues for a long time to come.

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Post #16

Post by dio9 »

I put my thoughts out here to maybe learn something through discussion . I don't have any answers but maybe , who knows.

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