I made one of these a while back when Christian bashing was rampant here, and now it seems as if the tread is re-emerging so I wanted to have at it again.

Lets get started!

General:

What is a Christian?
The word itself means, 'Follower of Christ', or 'Christ-like'. Christians are people who believe Jesus was the son of God, sent here to teach, heal, and forgive us threw sacrifice. Jesus calls those who are, "Poor in spirit", those who mourn, who are meek (submissive), hungry and thirsty for righteousness, who are merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers as "blessed". These are generally excepted as essential characteristics of a Christian.

Christians are asked to be "perfect" as our "heavenly Father" is perfect. Birthing the phrase, "What would Jesus Do?"

In summery, a Christian, is one who follows the teachings of Christ, to the letter, everyday, 100%. Someone perfect.

What is the Bible?
The Bible is one of the oldest books in existence. Written (literally) thousands of years ago. It has numerous authors, from Kings to beggars, from Generals to prisoners, from doctors to the equivalent of a shoe shiner.

The Bible is a record of God's commands, actions, and tales of what people have gone threw, and committed against God.

The Bible is made up of many different "books" some are really long, some take up less than a page. It is also split into 2 parts. The Old Testament (which is the Jewish Torah) and the New Testament (starting from the Birth of Jesus). Both are important, and contribute to lessons and guidelines of Christianity.

Many Christians believe the Bible to be infallible (flawless). Some say it has it's flaws here and there, but it gives people enough incite to know how God wants them to live, which is the purpose of the bible, it is an instruction manual.

Can I be(come) Christian?
Of course! Christianity is open to any/everyone, as we are all God's Children. To be a Christian, I would recommend you read up on the teachings of Jesus (read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible) and visit a few church until you find one you are comfortable with, then speak to the Minister there about excepting Christ into your heart, and life.

What about <insert religion or lack thereof here>?
Jesus tells us that he is "the way, the truth, and the life" this is the most fundamental asset of being Christian. That there is only 1 way to God, Jesus.

Other religions are considered "wrong" if they do not support this belief. This might sound bigoted, and even hateful, but you must understand that God has said on many occasions that he cannot place himself in the same place with sin (wrong doing). So if you have done something wrong, then you cannot be in the presents of God...

Now before, in order to be forgiven one would have to show their desire to be forgiven by sacrificing (often an animal, which was the lifeline of all civilization). But God promised this would one day end, and he will send a great teacher, and miracle worker who will be of God's own body to be offered as a perfect sacrifice to forgive all people. This was Jesus.

About Christians today/then/and later:

If Christians are supposed to love, and be compassionate, why are so many preaching hate?
There are jut as many misguided Christians, as there are Non-Christians.

Do not worry about what comes from the mouths of people, but instead focus on yourself. Make sure that you are doing your best to please God in the way he asked, and follow he teachings of Christ to the best of your abilities.

Christianity is a hateful religion! It preaching hate against...
1) Homosexuals!
Well, first lets address the issue that Christians are not supposed to "hate" anyone. If they do, then they are not Christians, so do not say "Christians hate" that is a contraction in terms.

True the Bible does call homosexuals "detestable to God". It also says the same for liars, thieves, and people who lust constantly. In honesty, we have all done wrong in the eyes of God, the bible tells us that "No one among [us] is righteous, none, not even one..." And Jesus said it is wrong to tell someone else they are wrong, because until you yourself are right, then you are just as guilty and should face the same judgment you pass out.

If I say, "You Homosexuals ar abominations, and will burn in hell!" then I have sentenced myself to hell as well, because I am no better, but just as worse, as any sinner. So remember, if someone passes a judgment on you, they will suffer the same.

2) Women!
First, women are Christians too. They are God's children too, and therefore, must be loved and respected as such.
2:1) But the sexist Bible says women must be submissive to men, quite in church, and are only good for reproduction!
Lets be careful here. The Bible DOES say women should "submit" to their husbands (Ephe 5:22-24) and even calls men "the head of the wife". But this isn't trying to degrade women, not at all. The main purpose of this is to ensure that men have a rock to support them. Men are fragile too, don't let the surface fool you. Men need there wife very much, and there are many men who are not ashamed to admit, without their wife, they would be nothing.

The Bible also gives men instructions too on how to be good husbands.
It tells men to "love your wives just as Christ loved the church, and gave himself up for her."

In sort, Husbands and wife must love each other, and serve each other, for the sake of bringing themselves closer to God.

2:2) Quite in Church..
This was written for a good reason. Before this, women where not allowed to enter church, and now, threw Jesus they where made equal, and begin to attend church, but they didn't know anything, and where constantly interrupting asking questions. So Paul told them to be quite, and if they didn't know something to ask their husbands.
2:2:1) It says that a woman speaking is church is "disgraceful".
We can get into a theological discussion about this, but for most Christians, it is considered a disgrace for anyone to start yapping away in church. Women are singled out here most likely because, again, they didn't know much, and where eager to find out. Or perhaps there where allot of gossipers, who knows. The point is, Church is for learning, and being in the presence of God, no one but the preacher should be speaking.

2:3) They are just breeders.
Then so are men...

For Christians, the word mother isn't a person, but a Title, a badge of Honor. Who else can be a mother? Who else can give birth? That is an amazing ability God gave to women! And the bible tells us to not be deceived, just as women are from men, so are men from women, one is not above the other.

"There is no Jew nor Greek, Slave nor Free, Male nor female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus."
Gala 3:26-28

Hopefully that answered a few questions, and cleared up 1 or 2 misconceptions.

Now if there are any Questions, or you want to preach the evils of Christianity, please ask/speak your peace, I will do my best to answer/address them all.

what about the great comission? or the bible? or repentance?

there are a few basic requirement you have to meet to be a Christian. First and foremost you must believe Jesus of Nazareth is the risen Lord, our God and that he died and rose on the third day for our sins and so that we could live in heaven with him for all eternity. Secondly, you must believe in the Trinity, God, the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ the Son, three heads in one God like three leaves in one clover. These are the barest of the basics.

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I already have my exuses... "you didnt give me enough evidence"

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Give me evidence you have ever loved someone.

Surely if it is true, then there is evidence to support your claim. Matter of fact, give me evidence love exist at all. I'll give you the same challenge I gave Barrio, Take a picture of love in your hand, then paint it green, Ok?

The evidence is there, God will reply, "Why didn't you have faith?"

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"i stand up for what I believe in no matter what people say, kinda like jesus?"

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Right, your like Jesus. Is this what you are claiming? Hitler stood up for what he believed in, are you like Hitler too?

Standing up for something doesn't make you right, not by a long shot.

If I where you I would examine my arguments a little further before I present them, especially to god.

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I thought God loves everyone... Or is this peace and tolerence just a joke?

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How much peace and tolerance do you think you deserve? What do you have that you are disappointed in? You are alive, you have more then enough you need to survive, this is evident in the fact you have a computer, and internet access. So then, what more should God do for you? Is god a genie for you to make wishes on?

You are a fool if you think anyone, including god, always turns a blind eye to injustice.

Again, for each crime there will be a trial, and each criminal, there will be justice. This is absolute truth.

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Of course there is no hell because of the whole god being love and omipresent thing.

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It is hilarious that you think you have found some sort of loop hole here.

God is not maladroitly omnipresent. He is everywhere yes, but he can choose to keep himself from somewhere if he wants.

The fact you have a hard time comprehending this, explains a lot of things.

God has to be omnipresent, and loving and tolerant at all times whether he likes it or not! Such a week argument, and oh so funny that you believe it is true.

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if there is heaven then hey it'll be that much better for me

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"[Jesus said:] I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."
John 14:6

I already have my exuses... "you didnt give me enough evidence" and "i stand up for what I believe in no matter what people say, kinda like jesus?"

I thought God loves everyone... Or is this peace and tolerence just a joke?

expecting to go to heaven seems kinda selfish to me, I mean I expect the least, and if there is heaven then hey it'll be that much better for me. Of course there is no hell because of the whole god being love and omipresent thing.

Ezekiel 25.

What is there to explain? What don't you understand?

God is angry with Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia, and will show them he is God.

If I where you, I would pay attention, one day God will show you too, he is the Lord. What will you say then? What report will you have? Plan your excuses now, prepare your case for innocence.

For every crime, there is a trial, and every criminal, punishment. Mercy is given, only when requested, redemption is found, only when sought. For each action you take, it will be acted to you, and everything you say, will be said about you. This is true for everyone.

If you don't believe you have a soul, then it will not bother you to lose it. If there is nothing for you after death, then you will not be disappointed with all you will receive. All that you carried into this world, is all that you will be able to carry out. Then what will you have?
“[Jesus said:] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matt 6:21

can you explain Ezekiel 25 to me thanks.

no other questions or problems?

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Why arent you able to have "faith" in yourself? wait wait, I know the answer already, because God lets you right?

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What can I do? Where was I when the world was formed? Did I set up that you and I would be born when we where, and some years find our way here to have this discussion? If Iput my faith in me, then wait, and nothing happens, is it because of my lack of faith, or my lack of action? I control what I do, I don't need faith in myself, I have everything I need, my faith in God because without, I couldn't.

All things happen only with God's permission.

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Heaven is supposed to be a perfect place. Yet, it experienced a war (Rev. 12:7). How can there be a war in a perfect place and if it happened before why couldn't it happen again? Why would I want to go to a place in which war can occur? That's exactly what I'm trying to escape, aren't you?

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God has tested all his creations, the "war" in heaven happened for a reason. God see's into the hearts of all things, he planned the war so there wouldn't have to be another.

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While on the Cross Jesus said, "My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me" (Mark 15:34). How could Jesus be our savior when he couldn't even
save himself?

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Jesus and God where always together, as 1 person when he was here on Earth. But in order for Jesus to die, god would have to leave him, and actually put the weight of sin on him. Jesus felt God leave him, and his body begin to die, Jesus also lost his omnipotence at this time, he was competely human.

Jesus never once said, "No, Stop!" during his flogging, or nailing. He had hundrends of oppertunities to escape his crusifixion, and he didn't take one. He wasn't wishing he was anywhere else, he was doing excatly what he needed.

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Explain why, when racism is clearly wrong, Jesus was clearly a racist (see Mark 7:25-29).

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Mark 7
25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. 26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."

Where is the racism? Check your website again, I think you messed up on something.

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Explain why, when slavery is clearly wrong, the Bible clearly supports slavery. Answering this question entails refuting 1 Peter 2:18.

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If your a Christian it doesn't matter if your a slave or not. Your are suppose to submit to athority always, not be rebelious. Christians aren't supposed to be slave owners. But if your a Christian and a slave, it makes to matter.

1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

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Mark 7
25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil[1] spirit came and fell at his feet. 26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."

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What does that have to do with racism? maybe you're reference is wrong?

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1 Peter 2

18Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

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He's talking to the slaves of trhe times. Jesus taught love and respect, he taught how to be a propper christians. When slaves became christians he told them what they should do, "submit to your masters". You know the bible also says that all christians should be servants?

"""What can God not do?"""
___That was my saving grace. I did like the chief post of this thread though(even though I don't think it'll hit the ones who need to hear it hard enough). But the part about God being capable of anything is the part that kind of blows everything else out of the water for me. If he isn't limited in one way or another why would creating the world take time to do. If there could possibly be some person or thing that could do anything whatsoever... why would the things he/it/she does ever be hindered?

You were just stating your opinion originally. Then you seemed upset about there being a lack of argument:

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Oh come on!

Where are all the "anti-Christians" when I need them! Figures, when i call for a debate no one speaks up, but when PaintBucket and tallyWhack run their stupid mouths off, you have many witty comments against Christians, and the Bible.

Lets hear them now! Give it to me!
Evolution, Abortion, death penalty, Crusades.. pick something! If not, I don't want to hear your bigotry anymore!

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It just didn't make sense.

Explain why, when racism is clearly wrong, Jesus was clearly a racist (see Mark 7:25-29). NOTE: under no circumstances will I believe the idea that racism is morally acceptable.

Explain why, when slavery is clearly wrong, the Bible clearly supports slavery. Answering this question entails refuting 1 Peter 2:18. NOTE: under no circumstances will I believe that slavery is an acceptable way to run a society.

If heaven is a place where everyone is perfectly happy, then explain how I could be happy in heaven if I had loved ones in Hell?

Heaven is supposed to be a perfect place. Yet, it experienced a war (Rev. 12:7). How can there be a war in a perfect place and if it happened before why couldn't it happen again? Why would I want to go to a place in which war can occur? That's exactly what I'm trying to escape, aren't you?


dont even get my started on Jesus....

While on the Cross Jesus said, "My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me" (Mark 15:34). How could Jesus be our savior when he couldn't even
save himself? Those aren't the words of a man voluntarily dying for our sins; those are the words of a man who can think of a hundred other
places he would rather be.

So far all you have is God to back you up in your arguements.. You know what I'm going to play that game too.. I believe in a god called Kelly, its a unisex god. It knows all and its better then yours.

No matter what I say, you say GOD is behind it. If I said 3+1=5 youd pull some bull**** saying God can make it 5. please you are using God as a crutch. Why arent you able to have "faith" in yourself? wait wait, I know the answer already, because God lets you right?


This kind of reminds me of that child hood phrase.. "I know you are but what am I?"

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You still missed it. Try again.

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Your the only one missing it.

God doesn't make up the Devil.

It's really not that complicated.

“Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand;
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries
of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born? “

Things fall apart, not an original Novel.

Many stories about Christians facing the same during roman times, and even modern times.

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If God is love, and if God is also omnipresent, then the Devil cannot exist. If the Devil exists, God cannot be love and also be omnipresent. Yet, an omnipresent God of love and the Devil are both said to exist. so whats wrong here?
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God can choose where he wasn’t to be, and where he doesn't. He isn't obligated to be anywhere.

Can God dig a hole so deep he can't get out?

God can be around the devil if he wants. He is around us, and we commit evil. God can things that are impossible, he's God. What can God not do?

I'm not God, but God is around me and in me, that doesn't change God.

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You still missed it. Try again.

Im guessing you have never read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

You make it seems as if God owes you a favor.

I can love someone without teaching them to spell.