Problems with Christianity

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

RiSkyBiZ-13

Even though I am godless, in response to your "you must believe in Jesus to go to heaven"-- Catholic school told us that people like those guys in Africa are left to the mercy of God and by how they lived. Trust me.. I still go to a Catholic school T_T

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

[QUOTE="RiSkyBiZ-13"]

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

criinok

Even though I am godless, in response to your "you must believe in Jesus to go to heaven"-- Catholic school told us that people like those guys in Africa are left to the mercy of God and by how they lived. Trust me.. I still go to a Catholic school T_T

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

My appologies for not being more specific, it's the Christian church who preaches against the "Island Man," not the Catholic church. I think my qualms with the Catholic church should be obvious enough... they've drawn quite enough attention to themselves.

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="RiSkyBiZ-13"]

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

RiSkyBiZ-13

Even though I am godless, in response to your "you must believe in Jesus to go to heaven"-- Catholic school told us that people like those guys in Africa are left to the mercy of God and by how they lived. Trust me.. I still go to a Catholic school T_T

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

My appologies for not being more specific, it's the Christian church who preaches against the "Island Man," not the Catholic church. I think my qualms with the Catholic church should be obvious enough... they've drawn quite enough attention to themselves.

I know... so many facets left that don't answer any questions to why they do it... I mean... seriously... a $500 chalice? A $1000 robe? C'mon...

And I'm not saying my problems are just with their money-spending, most of mine come to what they believe.. But damn.

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

criinok

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

[QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Lonelynight

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

criinok

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Lonelynight

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Lonelynight

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

Hmm... What church do you belong to, sir, and what were their reason of sudden change in faith?

Just interested.. I can see how to go from having a god to being godless, but I can't really understand being godless to having a god. It's like... making a rabbit poof out of no where to me.

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Kuhu

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

What does China have to do with it?

Kuhu

Don't know, just thought I would mention it.

Hmm... What church do you belong to, sir, and what were their reason of sudden change in faith?

Just interested.. I can see how to go from having a god to being godless, but I can't really understand being godless to having a god. It's like... making a rabbit poof out of no where to me.

criinok

I go to a Baptist church call Kota Kinabalu Baptist Church.

I'm not sure why they did what they did, but I assume its because of the people around them, and their life style.

[QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

criinok

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

criinok

There are a lot of atheist in China too.

[QUOTE="criinok"]

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Lonelynight

There are a lot of atheist in China too.

A lot of Agnostics too.

A lot of people assume Atheists and Agnostics are the same.

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Kuhu

There are a lot of atheist in China too.

A lot of Agnostics too.

A lot of people assume Atheists and Agnostics are the same.

Well I'm not one of them :)

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Kuhu

There are a lot of atheist in China too.

A lot of Agnostics too.

A lot of people assume Atheists and Agnostics are the same.

yeah, I usually put them in the same group... But I think that if you are having doubts between which one you are, one is definitly an Agnostic... I have an urge to say that I am Atheist, but... I just don't think that we as humans have the mental capabilities to really know the truth about such a supernatural circumstance.

[QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Lonelynight

There are a lot of atheist in China too.

A lot of Agnostics too.

A lot of people assume Atheists and Agnostics are the same.

Well I'm not one of them :)

Glad to hear it. My respect for you has increased.

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

lucky326

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Hmm.. Not really sure. From some books I've read, there were a lot of Atheists and everything, but who knows... My cousin goes on a lot of business trips there, and she says that Russia is a really gloomy, gray, Godless nation.

Which is why I want to go on a trip someday to Russia REALLY bad... It would be excellent inspiration for my writing.

[QUOTE="lucky326"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

criinok

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Hmm.. Not really sure. From some books I've read, there were a lot of Atheists and everything, but who knows... My cousin goes on a lot of business trips there, and she says that Russia is a really gloomy, gray, Godless nation.

Which is why I want to go on a trip someday to Russia REALLY bad... It would be excellent inspiration for my writing.

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Kuhu

Communist actually helped Christianity grow a bit in China. There are actaully a lot of underground church in China. My dad had been into one since his a pastor, and got question by the police there.

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="lucky326"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Kuhu

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Hmm.. Not really sure. From some books I've read, there were a lot of Atheists and everything, but who knows... My cousin goes on a lot of business trips there, and she says that Russia is a really gloomy, gray, Godless nation.

Which is why I want to go on a trip someday to Russia REALLY bad... It would be excellent inspiration for my writing.

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Oh, yes, excellent point

[QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="lucky326"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

criinok

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Hmm.. Not really sure. From some books I've read, there were a lot of Atheists and everything, but who knows... My cousin goes on a lot of business trips there, and she says that Russia is a really gloomy, gray, Godless nation.

Which is why I want to go on a trip someday to Russia REALLY bad... It would be excellent inspiration for my writing.

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Oh, yes, excellent point

What can I say, I love making good points.

[QUOTE="Kuhu"]

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Lonelynight

Communist actually helped Christianity grow a bit in China. There are actaully a lot of underground church in China. My dad had been into one since his a pastor, and got question by the police there.

Well I really doubt a religion can actually increase when it's country restricts it, so it is forced to move underground, when compared to when it can be expressed freely.

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="lucky326"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Kuhu"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="criinok"]

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Kuhu

Most people in my church weren't Christians first but was later converted. There was even one guy that I know who said that he will never be a Christian when he first went to a church but later became a Christian.

... Were they Atheist before?

Yes, some of them were from China.

What does China have to do with it?

That's what I was thinking... >_>

I can understand if they were from Russia, because a majority of them are Atheist, right?

Hmm.. Not really sure. From some books I've read, there were a lot of Atheists and everything, but who knows... My cousin goes on a lot of business trips there, and she says that Russia is a really gloomy, gray, Godless nation.

Which is why I want to go on a trip someday to Russia REALLY bad... It would be excellent inspiration for my writing.

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Oh, yes, excellent point

What can I say, I love making good points.

Haha, Gamespot OT is full of 'em)

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="Kuhu"]

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

criinok

Communist actually helped Christianity grow a bit in China. There are actaully a lot of underground church in China. My dad had been into one since his a pastor, and got question by the police there.

Well I really doubt a religion can actually increase when it's country restricts it, so it is forced to move underground, when compared to when it can be expressed freely.

There was documentary I watched, there was a preacher in China, and every-time he was captured, the number of Christians increase.

[QUOTE="criinok"][QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="Kuhu"]

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

Lonelynight

Communist actually helped Christianity grow a bit in China. There are actaully a lot of underground church in China. My dad had been into one since his a pastor, and got question by the police there.

Well I really doubt a religion can actually increase when it's country restricts it, so it is forced to move underground, when compared to when it can be expressed freely.

There was documentary I watched, there was a precher in China, and everytime he was captured, the number of Christians increase.

... Huh?

... Huh?

criinok

Sorry, guess I couldn't explain it clearly :(

English is not my first language.

[QUOTE="criinok"]

... Huh?

Lonelynight

Sorry, guess I couldn't explain it clearly :(

English is not my first language.

Oh, I see. No, don't worry, it's allright =]

What is your first language?

Even though I am godless, in response to your "you must believe in Jesus to go to heaven"-- Catholic school told us that people like those guys in Africa are left to the mercy of God and by how they lived. Trust me.. I still go to a Catholic school T_T

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

Well, although I was never Atheist, I was Agnostic and became Christian at the age of 24. I have known an Atheist before who later in life decided to get baptized so it does happen.

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"]

[QUOTE="criinok"]

... Huh?

criinok

Sorry, guess I couldn't explain it clearly :(

English is not my first language.

Oh, I see. No, don't worry, it's allright =]

What is your first language?

Chinese

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"][QUOTE="Kuhu"]

Well Russia was once a Communist country, as Im sure we are all aware of, and communism does a good job of eliminating religion. There is probably a large amount of Atheists in Russia due to their past history.

criinok

Communist actually helped Christianity grow a bit in China. There are actaully a lot of underground church in China. My dad had been into one since his a pastor, and got question by the police there.

Well I really doubt a religion can actually increase when it's country restricts it, so it is forced to move underground, when compared to when it can be expressed freely.

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

RiSkyBiZ-13

As an Asian Catholic Christian, I must disagree with you good sir. I was taught that those "heathens" would be under the mercy of God depending on how they lived and how they saw what was morally right with them. You cannot truely blame them for that. And as an Asian Catholic in the only Catholic country in Asia, I must say that the second bit that you wrote is complete nonsense. Whoever taught you that has differing opinions on the faith I gues...

follow your heart.....

The "island-man" theory which can be aplied to every religion is illogical. Religion asks us to make a choice i.e. believe or disbelieve. Choices can only be made with sufficient knowledge of the subject. Therefore, in all religious scriptures the person described as sinner is the one who has knowledge of the religion and yet is disbelieving.

Hence a "supposed" man, who has never never ever heard of a particular religion ( in this case christianity) is not sinning....

The "island-man" theory which can be aplied to every religion is illogical. Religion asks us to make a choice i.e. believe or disbelieve. Choices can only be made with sufficient knowledge of the subject. Therefore, in all religious scriptures the person described as sinner is the one who has knowledge of the religion and yet is disbelieving.

Hence a "supposed" man, who has never never ever heard of a particular religion ( in this case christianity) is not sinning....

MFaraz_Hayat

Even with knowledge of the supposed religion (Christianity), it is unreasonable to expect someone born and raised in another faith to convert. If you're a Muslim living in the North Africa, and Islam is all you have ever known, why would you even consider Christianity? Everyone you know is Muslim, and you've practiced it your whole life. If some Christian missionary approached you and told you to give up your faith and follow Jesus, you wouldn't even give it a thought.

To expect someone to give up their faith for another simply because they have knowledge that the other exists, is ridiculous. It just doesn't happen. I'm sure most Bible Belt protestants have heard of Hinduism at some point in their lives. However, I don't expect Hindu conversions to start sweeping the South.

[QUOTE="MFaraz_Hayat"]

The "island-man" theory which can be aplied to every religion is illogical. Religion asks us to make a choice i.e. believe or disbelieve. Choices can only be made with sufficient knowledge of the subject. Therefore, in all religious scriptures the person described as sinner is the one who has knowledge of the religion and yet is disbelieving.

Hence a "supposed" man, who has never never ever heard of a particular religion ( in this case christianity) is not sinning....

Gamer556

Even with knowledge of the supposed religion (Christianity), it is unreasonable to expect someone born and raised in another faith to convert. If you're a Muslim living in the North Africa, and Islam is all you have ever known, why would you even consider Christianity? Everyone you know is Muslim, and you've practiced it your whole life. If some Christian missionary approached you and told you to give up your faith and follow Jesus, you wouldn't even give it a thought.

To expect someone to give up their faith for another simply because they have knowledge that the other exists, is ridiculous. It just doesn't happen. I'm sure most Bible Belt protestants have heard of Hinduism at some point in their lives. However, I don't expect Hindu conversions to start sweeping the South.

If we assume that what you are saying is correct then there sould have been 0 converts. But we can see, that their are many christian,muslim etc. converts.

BTW, my previous post was an answer to "island-man" theory. Which, as I have said before, is illogical.

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

RiSkyBiZ-13

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

RiSkyBiZ-13

The whole "island man theory" isn't new, but my main argument against it is that if missionaries covered every inch of the world, then we would have no purpose as christians to be here, (our purpose is to spread the word, not force btw) also, if you actually read the word of God, then you would know to be a Christian your going to suffer in some way, because the world(sin) hates us, and God chooses who to bless, which would account for why we in America are so priveliged to have that choice. and a man living under an oppressive government is far far far more likely to get into heaven, from when Rome was oppressive to the Soviet Union to China there have been Christians who have led many. what you call circumstantial faith is what i call a heavy blessing. It's ok to have problems with your faith, in fact everyone who is a Christian has doubts at one time or another, and God is not only ok with that, but he challenges you to question him, cause in the end you will end up learning more about him.

[QUOTE="RiSkyBiZ-13"]

Please, insult me as much as possible for creating a religion thread, then reply intelligently.

I was raised Catholic, and attended a Catholic school for 9 years. Around the time I was 17 I decided I was Agnostic for many reasons. Here are a few problems I have with Christianity in general:

Christianity states that if you do not accept and acknowledge Jesus Christ you will go to Hell.

My problem with this: Essentially, this is saying that there are people on this earth that have virtually no chance of getting into heaven. For example, a man living in an isolated tribe in Africa that still worship "false gods" will go to Hell, even though he has no means whatsoever to learn of Jesus or Christianity. The only argument I've ever had against this "island man theory" is that there are missionaries. First off, there is NO WAY that missionaries have touched every inch of this globe. Not only that, but supposing they do reach a tribe of people. I would assume that this tribe would treat the intruder much like we look at a Jehova's Witness coming to your doorstep. Also, many cultures have very serious repurcussions for leaving their chosen faith. How can a just God be expecting a man to leave his religion at the cost of his life? Why would it be so much easier for someone living in America with the freedom to take up a new religion to get into Heaven than a man living under an oppressive government? And at the same time, Christianity preaches a just God. Sounds like a big contradiction to me...

Another problem I have is loosely connected with the above: most people are of circumstantial faith. By this I mean that the majority of Christians have parents who were Christian. Their parents were Christian, and their parents, and so on and so forth- traced all the way back through your ancestors to Europe where the faith was at it's highest. So, in other words, I have a MUCH better chance at getting into heaven just because I have ancestry traced back to Germany and Ireland than someone else who ancestry is traced back to Asia, and is therefore Buddhist. I don't buy it.

I have many more problems with the faith, but I don't want to upset too many people here so I'll leave it at that.

criinok

Even though I am godless, in response to your "you must believe in Jesus to go to heaven"-- Catholic school told us that people like those guys in Africa are left to the mercy of God and by how they lived. Trust me.. I still go to a Catholic school T_T

But I highly agree with your last point. I would LOVE to see a person that was raised Atheist, firmly thought through it and believed that there IS no God, and THEN he decides to become Christian. Because I think it is impossible, because once you break through the barrier... Religion just sounds like nonsense to me.

actually that happens a whole lot... there have been numerous reports of missionaries going out to african tribes to spread the word only to find out that the scripture had come to one of them in a dream and they had written down an entire book of the Bible. and C.S. Lewis beggs to differ. seeing as he used to be a "sound" atheist.

It also promotes bigotry and ignorance.yoshi-lnex

True.