Comments for Cogitate Theology http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:35:14 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Top 10 Things That Christians Do That Make Me Nauseous by MM http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/top-10-things-that-christians-do-that-make-me-nauseous/#comment-27 MM Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:35:14 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=49#comment-27 The biggest thing that irritates me about Christians are those who refuse to have a civil conversation with you about their faith. I mean the ones who seem to believe only because their parents believed, and they therefore believe everything their pastor screams from the pulpit without giving it any thought themselves, or even consulting the scripture to uncover what they may actually take from what it says. And the Christians who use their religion as a means to hate. Those Christians who blindly use it to hate Democrats, Muslims, atheists and/or agnostics, homosexuals, and even other denominations of the Christian faith. I also find it particularly troublesome, the Christians you see around the South, praising Jesus with their rebel flags all decorating their hats, shirts, and trucks. Is it too much to ask for Christians who are willing to engage in civil conversation about religion without getting defensive? Is it too much to ask for Christians who have actually read their Bible and are willing to entertain questions concerning their faith where the answer simply isn't "Well that's what the Bible says and that's what I believe" without any justification whatsoever? The biggest thing that irritates me about Christians are those who refuse to have a civil conversation with you about their faith. I mean the ones who seem to believe only because their parents believed, and they therefore believe everything their pastor screams from the pulpit without giving it any thought themselves, or even consulting the scripture to uncover what they may actually take from what it says.

And the Christians who use their religion as a means to hate. Those Christians who blindly use it to hate Democrats, Muslims, atheists and/or agnostics, homosexuals, and even other denominations of the Christian faith.

I also find it particularly troublesome, the Christians you see around the South, praising Jesus with their rebel flags all decorating their hats, shirts, and trucks.

Is it too much to ask for Christians who are willing to engage in civil conversation about religion without getting defensive? Is it too much to ask for Christians who have actually read their Bible and are willing to entertain questions concerning their faith where the answer simply isn’t “Well that’s what the Bible says and that’s what I believe” without any justification whatsoever?

]]> Comment on Top 10 Things That Christians Do That Make Me Nauseous by cogitatetheology http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/top-10-things-that-christians-do-that-make-me-nauseous/#comment-25 cogitatetheology Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:07:09 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=49#comment-25 FFG- Thanks for the comment. To answer a few of your questions: 1. Is it a big deal? Yes, I believe it is. We are called to bring the Gospel to those who need it most. I understand the need for fellowship as well, BUT the majority of Christians just hang out with those who share the same worldview. It's easy and comfortable. In doing so, we tend to overlook the fact that Jesus hung out and befriended those in need of Grace (prostitutes, lepers, etc...) Lastly, I definitely don't discount the goodness of God because of the hypocrisy of His people. And, yes, I am a Christian. The sad reality is that I fall into these traps as well. Maybe that's why they make me so nauseous. Thanks for the insight! ~CT FFG- Thanks for the comment. To answer a few of your questions:

1. Is it a big deal? Yes, I believe it is. We are called to bring the Gospel to those who need it most. I understand the need for fellowship as well, BUT the majority of Christians just hang out with those who share the same worldview. It’s easy and comfortable. In doing so, we tend to overlook the fact that Jesus hung out and befriended those in need of Grace (prostitutes, lepers, etc…)

Lastly, I definitely don’t discount the goodness of God because of the hypocrisy of His people. And, yes, I am a Christian. The sad reality is that I fall into these traps as well. Maybe that’s why they make me so nauseous. Thanks for the insight! ~CT

]]> Comment on Top 10 Things That Christians Do That Make Me Nauseous by funnyfunnygalssis http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/top-10-things-that-christians-do-that-make-me-nauseous/#comment-24 funnyfunnygalssis Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:12:24 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=49#comment-24 1) Is it that big of a deal, we just hang around people we have things in common with, doesn't everyone do that? 2)I agree, this is bogus, study and quote in context. Folks who do this misrepresent the truth of God's Word. 3) If you want to learn, it helps to have a teacher, but definetly find someone you connect with. 4)This is one of my greatest pet peeves! Left Behind is fiction!!!! And the last time I checked there was plenty of junk on the shelf at the Christian book store. Selling faith based books is a business, we shouldn't be so taken by every new story someone is markting to us. 5) Amen. I think respecting one another, is part of loving one another which is the 2nd commandment (of the NT) 6)Extremists are dangerous! 7)Christians are even fake with other Christians. Why do we think we have to put on a happy face, God never promises this life will be easy. 8) Your right, convictions are personal, and I think First Corinthians cautions believers not to put their own convictions upon csomeone else. 9)AMEN! This is a huge divisive tool of the enemy! 10) Right again. We need to own what we believe and profess, not just swallow and regergitate what we have been spoon fed! For the record (what record I don't know) I am a Christian. And I have walked in many of these ways in the past, but thank the Lord I am learning and growing. I do share many of your sentiments. Unfortunately, Christians are humans. I hope you don't discount the goodness of God, because of the hypocrisy of so many believers. 3) 1) Is it that big of a deal, we just hang around people we have things in common with, doesn’t everyone do that?

2)I agree, this is bogus, study and quote in context. Folks who do this misrepresent the truth of God’s Word.

3) If you want to learn, it helps to have a teacher, but definetly find someone you connect with.

4)This is one of my greatest pet peeves! Left Behind is fiction!!!! And the last time I checked there was plenty of junk on the shelf at the Christian book store. Selling faith based books is a business, we shouldn’t be so taken by every new story someone is markting to us.

5) Amen. I think respecting one another, is part of loving one another which is the 2nd commandment (of the NT)

6)Extremists are dangerous!

7)Christians are even fake with other Christians. Why do we think we have to put on a happy face, God never promises this life will be easy.

8) Your right, convictions are personal, and I think First Corinthians cautions believers not to put their own convictions upon csomeone else.

9)AMEN! This is a huge divisive tool of the enemy!

10) Right again. We need to own what we believe and profess, not just swallow and regergitate what we have been spoon fed!

For the record (what record I don’t know) I am a Christian. And I have walked in many of these ways in the past, but thank the Lord I am learning and growing.

I do share many of your sentiments. Unfortunately, Christians are humans. I hope you don’t discount the goodness of God, because of the hypocrisy of so many believers.

3)

]]> Comment on What Will You Do Without Freedom? by MM http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/what-will-you-do-without-freedom/#comment-15 MM Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:35:21 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=24#comment-15 CT -- I don't necessarily believe my outlook fits the "absolute truth" mold. I believe murder and rape are wrong because these acts clearly infringe upon the rights and will of an individual. These acts go against the basic rights of a human to be free, and violate the free will of humanity. That is why I believe these acts to be wrong. I find it so difficult to accept that something is simply wrong because it is so. That just doesn't seem logical to me. Perhaps my logic is flawed, but it is how I see things, and see things clearly. Blindly accepting things just doesn't work for me. -- MM CT —

I don’t necessarily believe my outlook fits the “absolute truth” mold. I believe murder and rape are wrong because these acts clearly infringe upon the rights and will of an individual. These acts go against the basic rights of a human to be free, and violate the free will of humanity.

That is why I believe these acts to be wrong. I find it so difficult to accept that something is simply wrong because it is so. That just doesn’t seem logical to me. Perhaps my logic is flawed, but it is how I see things, and see things clearly. Blindly accepting things just doesn’t work for me.

– MM

]]> Comment on What Will You Do Without Freedom? by cogitatetheology http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/what-will-you-do-without-freedom/#comment-14 cogitatetheology Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:44:40 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=24#comment-14 MM- Good question. Let me ask you one question first, before I respond. Do you believe in absolute truth? Meaning, are there things in life that are simply true, regardless of who says them, promotes them, etc... For example, is it absolutely true that murder is wrong? Is it absolutely true that rape is wrong? Etc... Your answer to this will help me dialogue a bit more with your comment. I've got an answer for you, but I need to know where to start. BTW, it might be a day or so before I'm able to take the time to construct a response. Actually, I might answer your question in a post. I look forward to your response. Thanks! ~CT MM- Good question. Let me ask you one question first, before I respond. Do you believe in absolute truth? Meaning, are there things in life that are simply true, regardless of who says them, promotes them, etc… For example, is it absolutely true that murder is wrong? Is it absolutely true that rape is wrong? Etc…

Your answer to this will help me dialogue a bit more with your comment. I’ve got an answer for you, but I need to know where to start. BTW, it might be a day or so before I’m able to take the time to construct a response. Actually, I might answer your question in a post. I look forward to your response. Thanks! ~CT

]]> Comment on What Will You Do Without Freedom? by MM http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/what-will-you-do-without-freedom/#comment-13 MM Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:37:05 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=24#comment-13 Whenever I hear anything concerning sin, I only find one question creeps into my mind: What makes an act sinful to begin with? Certainly any Christian would look to the Bible for what is sinful and what is not, but I look for more than just that, but rather, why is what the Bible outlines as sinful truly sinful? What makes these acts so bad that God would forbid them? I have yet to see anyone attempt to open this sort of discourse, but for me, just because the Bible states an act is a sin, I cannot find any sort of faith to bind me to that statement. Perhaps I am not compatible with Christianity, but I seek more than just orders from a book. I seek logic, reasoning, understanding. And just accepting an act as sinful does not meet that criteria. What am I missing? Whenever I hear anything concerning sin, I only find one question creeps into my mind: What makes an act sinful to begin with?

Certainly any Christian would look to the Bible for what is sinful and what is not, but I look for more than just that, but rather, why is what the Bible outlines as sinful truly sinful? What makes these acts so bad that God would forbid them? I have yet to see anyone attempt to open this sort of discourse, but for me, just because the Bible states an act is a sin, I cannot find any sort of faith to bind me to that statement.

Perhaps I am not compatible with Christianity, but I seek more than just orders from a book. I seek logic, reasoning, understanding. And just accepting an act as sinful does not meet that criteria.

What am I missing?

]]> Comment on Good Idea or a Biblical Mandate? by Calvinism & Evangelism: Are They Really at Odds with Each Other? « Cogitate Theology http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/good-idea-or-a-scriptural-mandate/#comment-9 Calvinism & Evangelism: Are They Really at Odds with Each Other? « Cogitate Theology Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:37:55 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=20#comment-9 [...] evangelism is a Biblical mandate.  So, regardless of what you believe Reformed Theology teaches, all those united with Christ are [...] [...] evangelism is a Biblical mandate.  So, regardless of what you believe Reformed Theology teaches, all those united with Christ are [...]

]]> Comment on Good Idea or a Biblical Mandate? by cogitatetheology http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/good-idea-or-a-scriptural-mandate/#comment-8 cogitatetheology Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:33:37 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=20#comment-8 JP - Good comment. Sure, I would agree with you in that there are things in Scripture that can be inferred (or discerned from the whole of Scripture). And I would also agree that one must grow in their relationship with Christ and if that is what you mean by 'quiet time' then we are in agreement. But here is the point I was trying to make: 1. 'Quiet times' should not be understood only as reading Scripture, praying, memorizing Scripture, journaling, etc... Growing in your relationship with Christ comes in numerous ways apart from the traditionally understood method of 'Quiet times'. Therefore, 'quiet times' as traditionally understood cannot be supported via a Biblical Mandate. I grow in my relationship with Christ as I dialogue with you...not too many folks would see this as a 'quiet time', but my mind and spirit are engaged in the pursuit of truth as you and I go back and forth. 2. In addition, we have crossed the line of grace into the playing field of legalism when we start believing that 'quiet times' should be adhered to on a daily, weekly, etc... basis. Daily might be a good idea for you, but not for me. And, when we start holding other people accountable to our personal convictions when they are not Biblical mandates, we are wrong. In doing so, we are creating new 'laws' that Christ has freed us from. I'll respect the way you grow in your relationship with Christ however that might look, and you should do the same me. I hope this makes sense? Thanks for the comment! JP – Good comment. Sure, I would agree with you in that there are things in Scripture that can be inferred (or discerned from the whole of Scripture). And I would also agree that one must grow in their relationship with Christ and if that is what you mean by ‘quiet time’ then we are in agreement. But here is the point I was trying to make:
1. ‘Quiet times’ should not be understood only as reading Scripture, praying, memorizing Scripture, journaling, etc… Growing in your relationship with Christ comes in numerous ways apart from the traditionally understood method of ‘Quiet times’. Therefore, ‘quiet times’ as traditionally understood cannot be supported via a Biblical Mandate. I grow in my relationship with Christ as I dialogue with you…not too many folks would see this as a ‘quiet time’, but my mind and spirit are engaged in the pursuit of truth as you and I go back and forth.
2. In addition, we have crossed the line of grace into the playing field of legalism when we start believing that ‘quiet times’ should be adhered to on a daily, weekly, etc… basis. Daily might be a good idea for you, but not for me. And, when we start holding other people accountable to our personal convictions when they are not Biblical mandates, we are wrong. In doing so, we are creating new ‘laws’ that Christ has freed us from. I’ll respect the way you grow in your relationship with Christ however that might look, and you should do the same me. I hope this makes sense?
Thanks for the comment!

]]> Comment on Good Idea or a Biblical Mandate? by JP http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/good-idea-or-a-scriptural-mandate/#comment-7 JP Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:27:07 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=20#comment-7 Okay. So, I read, I understood, and I completely agree. Mandate vs. good idea... no problem. In fact I've asserted as much regarding many things over the years. However, the idea of biblical mandate borders on right doctrine, or in want for another descriptive - biblical prescription, does it not? Something that is not directly and definitively laid out in scripture but unmistakably discerned from the whole of scripture? Let us look at that idea. I would assert that 'quiet times' are necessary in the Christian life and that it is more than a good idea but indeed a biblical prescription. Great site so far. Going off to read more and hope to see you back and JPs Mind... Okay.

So, I read, I understood, and I completely agree. Mandate vs. good idea… no problem. In fact I’ve asserted as much regarding many things over the years.

However, the idea of biblical mandate borders on right doctrine, or in want for another descriptive – biblical prescription, does it not? Something that is not directly and definitively laid out in scripture but unmistakably discerned from the whole of scripture? Let us look at that idea. I would assert that ‘quiet times’ are necessary in the Christian life and that it is more than a good idea but indeed a biblical prescription.

Great site so far. Going off to read more and hope to see you back and JPs Mind…

]]> Comment on What Will You Do Without Freedom? by cogitatetheology http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/what-will-you-do-without-freedom/#comment-6 cogitatetheology Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:55:20 +0000 http://cogitatetheology.wordpress.com/?p=24#comment-6 Ultraguy- Will update my profile shortly. Thanks for taking the time to read the post. I must admit, I like my background being obscure as it avoids me being labeled. :-) Ultraguy- Will update my profile shortly. Thanks for taking the time to read the post. I must admit, I like my background being obscure as it avoids me being labeled. :-)

]]>