How to become a "good" Christian in 20 easy steps.

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by ExoticSpotting

I would like nothing more than to have a serious discussion about religion.

If I wanted to start a thread about things I disagree with athiests about I would make a list with 'why do they think this?', or 'I don't see what the big deal is about _____.'

OK that's a good start. So two people have diametrically opposed views on something. Anything. Is it possible for them to agree to disagree?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by ExoticSpotting

Christianity is more than two hours in a sanctuary once a week. We have innumerable charity orginzations nationwide, and my church hosts several services for the homeless, such as Loaves and Fishes, Sunday Dinner, Room at the Inn, and a group that helps find jobs for the unemployed.

My grandfather loads planes for Missionary Flights International, which is flying supplies into Haiti NONSTOP since the earthquake.

Of course, if athiests gave a helping hand with these projects we could get a lot more done. But I guess you're too busy trying to get 'under God' removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.

How many of you are doing this? Not 'millions', I bet. If it works for you and your particular church to do such good deeds, then good for you. But most christians do not do this. For them, often it is simply the 2 hours a week,,, and yet they still feel good about it. Hence the hypocrisy.

For example, my local Catholic church undertook a major fundraiser recently. They petitioned the congregation and community to raise $90,000. It was the biggest single fundraising effort to date for them. And what was the goal? To help the homeless? Save lives overseas? NO! It was to fix up the stained-glass windows in the church.
All that money to fix up cosmetics; to fix up a token of the churches prestige and vanity. Utter, revolting hypocrisy, imo.

As for the atheists, there are hundreds of secular charities that do excellent work. Religion is not necessary for goods deeds to be done. Unlike many christians, we often do it for altruistic reasons, and not to buy our way into a fake heaven. Before you come up with an ill-informed, flippant anti-atheistic comment, take 10 seconds to do some research. Here is a list of a few non-theist charities helping in Haiti.

http://atheistexperience.blogspot.co...ti-relief.html
I would add to this list all the efforts directly provided by the US, Canadian and other governments, including money, equipment and personnel, all of which is officially non-thiest.

BTW, how much are some religious (Muslim) nations helping out in Haiti? When last I looked, officially religious nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran had contributed nothing. So much for religious generosity.

As for the separation of church and state.... you should support this effort imo. What would you do if the government decided to support or officially recognize a religious interpretation with which you disagreed?

Including god in a pledge of allegiance is morally no different than Saudi Arabia's state-sponsored prohibition of christian churches.
If the US government recognizes no religious interpretation, it sets all religions on a fair and equal footing.

[DownToGround]

religion, nasty conversations.. the stigma, if you dont believe your evil, the devil, wheres your faith?.. what ever you do believe, will it get you were you think your goin.. let me know

[ericn1300]

Originally Posted by ExoticSpotting

I would have no problem if he wrote a post questioning Christian ideals and pointing out what he believes are flaws in logic. Its healthy to stir up conversation about something as influental as religion.

But he went over the edge of 'expressing a personal oppinion', the sole purpose of his post was to mock Christians. There was nothing constructive about what he wrote.

The original post was satirical and only attacked "good" Christians as defined
by the rest of the humorous post. The stereotype of the money grubbing evangelists building crystal palaces with other peeps donations has it's place in the same way that the money grubbing Bernie Madoff has tainted wall street investments companies.

Take the time to look at your shoulder, knock off that big chip and get back to work trafficking in Haitian babies like the good baptist folks from my town of Boise, Idaho.

[Flatrater]

Not all Christians have the time to donate so they use the money they give the church to help out. My money has helped many from Haiti to India. I have helped set up a hospital in Africa with my money. One day I plan on going to other countries to help out.

And I give 1.5 hours on Wednesday besides the 2 hours on Sunday.

Reading your list of 20 reason tells me you have many issues you need to work thru. Using the Christian religon to make yourself look better shows me several flaws in your character.