The Fish Club - Christians come and discuss our faith.

[Skittles!]

Condescension, aaah, I like that, give it to me you sexy believers!

Look it's fine if you care about my well-being, spiritual or otherwise, It's just that... I'll try to give you an example of why it can be so irritating, although it won't be easy and I will probably fail miserably. Anyway:

Like everyone else I can only speak for myself, but I hope I was able to get the point across. Noone hates you. It's just that what you say to some people seems so obviously wrong that they cannot understand why you even say it.

gtg, I have to walk the dog.

Whoa man, I'm glad you at least recognize that we are concerned about you. The Apostle Paul told us to "become all things to all men" so that we can share the gospel with them. So naturally, we want to try and get inside the heads of people that are opposed to us to see what the reasoning is. You did a pretty good job of explaining what you think.

I think that other kid was just explaining his own theory.

Don't get in my head! PLEASE. I beg you!

[CrazyAnglican]

Hey everybody I haven't posted on this thread for a while. What is everyone up to?

[Jenos Ridan]

I've never seen the MATRIX but Narnia makes me cry every time all I can think of is that "thats what Jesus did for me"

Passion of the Christ makes me winch when I watch it.

[Guilty_Biscuit]

Passion of the Christ makes me winch when I watch it.

I have never seen it - is it a good representation of the story? I'd like to know if any of the symbolism is missed out or focused too closely on. What does everyone think?

PS - Yes I am an atheist, thought you guys would be the best people to ask about the film. And I still enjoy discussing the faith as I was raised Roman Catholic!

[Jenos Ridan]

As a fellow Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise, I wanted to ask the faithful of this site a question about society.

Many Christian religous groups condemn gay relations and marriage as a terrible sin, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. However, they ignore another aspect of marriage that goes directly against the teachings of the Bible. I'm talking about divorce. The rate of divorce in America is about 50%. I haven't heard any outrage over this statistic. How can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will defend and which we will let slide? It leaves us weak.

Personally, I am tolarent on the issue of gay marriage, seeing as the rest of us have allowed marriage to become a joke, compared to the sacred religous ceremony it should be.

My church condeems both. But one church among many.

[Jenos Ridan]

Passion of the Christ makes me winch when I watch it.

I have never seen it - is it a good representation of the story? I'd like to know if any of the symbolism is missed out or focused too closely on. What does everyone think?

PS - Yes I am an atheist, thought you guys would be the best people to ask about the film. And I still enjoy discussing the faith as I was raised Roman Catholic!

If you read the ordeals of Christ, then it is the most graphic and accurate depiction of the event yet made.

[Guilty_Biscuit]

If you read the ordeals of Christ, then it is the most graphic and accurate depiction of the event yet made.

But is it all shock tactics or is there a lot of messages in there?

[Jenos Ridan]

If you read the ordeals of Christ, then it is the most graphic and accurate depiction of the event yet made.

But is it all shock tactics or is there a lot of messages in there?

It has been awhile, but it covers some of the events like the supper, if I'm remembering right.

[Guilty_Biscuit]

I'll watch it then - haven't been to church in a decade so it should remind me what the stages of the cross are.

[CrazyAnglican]

As a fellow Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise, I wanted to ask the faithful of this site a question about society.

Many Christian religous groups condemn gay relations and marriage as a terrible sin, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. However, they ignore another aspect of marriage that goes directly against the teachings of the Bible. I'm talking about divorce. The rate of divorce in America is about 50%. I haven't heard any outrage over this statistic. How can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will defend and which we will let slide? It leaves us weak.

Personally, I am tolarent on the issue of gay marriage, seeing as the rest of us have allowed marriage to become a joke, compared to the sacred religous ceremony it should be.

My church condeems both. But one church among many.

As I understand it, homosexuality is just seen as a sin. We teach that all sins are equal, so it shouldn't be a reason to persecute anyone. I think it tends to be societal. Basically I think that when people start using the Bible as an excuse to single others out or mistrreat them, then that is a misuse of the Scriptures.

[vtmarik]

If you read the ordeals of Christ, then it is the most graphic and accurate depiction of the event yet made.

But is it all shock tactics or is there a lot of messages in there?

It has been awhile, but it covers some of the events like the supper, if I'm remembering right.

The film's depiction of Satan is particularly haunting. Gibson's Satan reminds me of the albino guy from The DaVinci Code, only with a much better sales technique.

[captainvegetable]

As a fellow Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise, I wanted to ask the faithful of this site a question about society.

Many Christian religous groups condemn gay relations and marriage as a terrible sin, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. However, they ignore another aspect of marriage that goes directly against the teachings of the Bible. I'm talking about divorce. The rate of divorce in America is about 50%. I haven't heard any outrage over this statistic. How can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will defend and which we will let slide? It leaves us weak.

Personally, I am tolarent on the issue of gay marriage, seeing as the rest of us have allowed marriage to become a joke, compared to the sacred religous ceremony it should be.

My church condeems both. But one church among many.

As I understand it, homosexuality is just seen as a sin. We teach that all sins are equal, so it shouldn't be a reason to persecute anyone. I think it tends to be societal. Basically I think that when people start using the Bible as an excuse to single others out or mistrreat them, then that is a misuse of the Scriptures.

Excellent point here. In my opinion, religious people are just using homosexuality as a way to bully others. And it's not a "sin."

[CrazyAnglican]

As a fellow Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise, I wanted to ask the faithful of this site a question about society.

Many Christian religous groups condemn gay relations and marriage as a terrible sin, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. However, they ignore another aspect of marriage that goes directly against the teachings of the Bible. I'm talking about divorce. The rate of divorce in America is about 50%. I haven't heard any outrage over this statistic. How can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will defend and which we will let slide? It leaves us weak.

Personally, I am tolarent on the issue of gay marriage, seeing as the rest of us have allowed marriage to become a joke, compared to the sacred religous ceremony it should be.

My church condeems both. But one church among many.

As I understand it, homosexuality is just seen as a sin. We teach that all sins are equal, so it shouldn't be a reason to persecute anyone. I think it tends to be societal. Basically I think that when people start using the Bible as an excuse to single others out or mistrreat them, then that is a misuse of the Scriptures.

Excellent point here. In my opinion, religious people are just using homosexuality as a way to bully others. And it's not a "sin."

You have an interesting point of view here. In 2005 in the U.S. (a country with about a 75% Christian population) out of over 800,000 aggravated assault cases only 177 were aimed at homosexuals. Admittedly, that's 177 too many, but are you comfortable assuming that all of those attacks were perpetrated by practicing Christians? Does this look like bullying by a religious group? If it is it's not very widespread, and I'd say most Christians see hatred for what it is.

[GustavusAdolphus]

As a fellow Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise, I wanted to ask the faithful of this site a question about society.

Many Christian religous groups condemn gay relations and marriage as a terrible sin, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. However, they ignore another aspect of marriage that goes directly against the teachings of the Bible. I'm talking about divorce. The rate of divorce in America is about 50%. I haven't heard any outrage over this statistic. How can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will defend and which we will let slide? It leaves us weak.

Personally, I am tolarent on the issue of gay marriage, seeing as the rest of us have allowed marriage to become a joke, compared to the sacred religous ceremony it should be.

My church condeems both. But one church among many.

As I understand it, homosexuality is just seen as a sin. We teach that all sins are equal, so it shouldn't be a reason to persecute anyone. I think it tends to be societal. Basically I think that when people start using the Bible as an excuse to single others out or mistrreat them, then that is a misuse of the Scriptures.

Excellent point here. In my opinion, religious people are just using homosexuality as a way to bully others. And it's not a "sin."

You have an interesting point of view here. In 2005 in the U.S. (a country with about a 75% Christian population) out of over 800,000 aggravated assault cases only 177 were aimed at homosexuals. Admittedly, that's 177 too many, but are you comfortable assuming that all of those attacks were perpetrated by practicing Christians? Does this look like bullying by a religious group? If it is it's not very widespread, and I'd say most Christians see hatred for what it is.

Keep in mind that a lot of that 75% are just people who say they're Christian because they like to pretend that they are while they actually never even think about religion at all. But you're right, labeling all Christians as "bullying" homosexuals is stupid when in reality there are only a few radicals who would resort to violence.

[unriggable]

As a fellow Christian, Roman Catholic to be precise, I wanted to ask the faithful of this site a question about society.

Many Christian religous groups condemn gay relations and marriage as a terrible sin, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. However, they ignore another aspect of marriage that goes directly against the teachings of the Bible. I'm talking about divorce. The rate of divorce in America is about 50%. I haven't heard any outrage over this statistic. How can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible we will defend and which we will let slide? It leaves us weak.

Personally, I am tolarent on the issue of gay marriage, seeing as the rest of us have allowed marriage to become a joke, compared to the sacred religous ceremony it should be.

My church condeems both. But one church among many.

As I understand it, homosexuality is just seen as a sin. We teach that all sins are equal, so it shouldn't be a reason to persecute anyone. I think it tends to be societal. Basically I think that when people start using the Bible as an excuse to single others out or mistrreat them, then that is a misuse of the Scriptures.

Excellent point here. In my opinion, religious people are just using homosexuality as a way to bully others. And it's not a "sin."

You have an interesting point of view here. In 2005 in the U.S. (a country with about a 75% Christian population) out of over 800,000 aggravated assault cases only 177 were aimed at homosexuals. Admittedly, that's 177 too many, but are you comfortable assuming that all of those attacks were perpetrated by practicing Christians? Does this look like bullying by a religious group? If it is it's not very widespread, and I'd say most Christians see hatred for what it is.

Keep in mind that a lot of that 75% are just people who say they're Christian because they like to pretend that they are while they actually never even think about religion at all. But you're right, labeling all Christians as "bullying" homosexuals is stupid when in reality there are only a few radicals who would resort to violence.

It's not the fact that there were assaults, its all the rhetoric and such being passed around by xian politicians. How is 'gay rights' even an issue? Gays are people, nothing should stop them from living a happy and successful life, if that means marriage, so be it. Example: watch 'Borat'.

And it isn't only christians, its just that there is such hostility, even if it isnt direct assault, in the deep south, against homosexuality. Stupid how a religion which totes itself as being accepting criticizes somebody when they step out of line.

[luns101]

Passion of the Christ makes me winch when I watch it.

I have never seen it - is it a good representation of the story? I'd like to know if any of the symbolism is missed out or focused too closely on. What does everyone think?

PS - Yes I am an atheist, thought you guys would be the best people to ask about the film. And I still enjoy discussing the faith as I was raised Roman Catholic!

In my opinion, it did not accurately represent what actually happened. Had Gibson or anyone else been truly accurate in how Christ was crucified it would probably have received an X-rating for violence.

Isaiah 52:14 (a prophetic statement about Christ being crucified) says,

"Just as there were many who were appalled at him his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness"

[jay_a2j]

Two doctors and an HMO manager died and lined up at the pearly gates for admission to heaven. St. Peter asked them to identify themselves.

One doctor stepped forward and said, "I was a pediatric spine surgeon and helped kids overcome their deformities." St. Peter said, "You can enter."

The second doctor said, "I was a psychiatrist. I helped people rehabilitate themselves." St. Peter also invited him in.The third applicant stepped forward and said, "I was an HMO manager. I helped people get cost-effective health care." St. Peter said, "You can come in, too."

But as the HMO manager walked by, St. Peter added, "You can stay three days. After that, you can go to Hell."

[Guilty_Biscuit]

But as the HMO manager walked by, St. Peter added, "You can stay three days. After that, you can go to Hell."

Here's one for my profession:

The Human Resources Manager for a major company dies. At the pearly gates St Paul offers to strike a deal - "We have a special offer on this week. Don't come straight into heaven, instead, you can try Hell for a day and then make your mind up. If you prefer Hell...no hard feelings, but we want you to make the right choice for you."

What a great deal. A win, win situation. So, the HR Manager goes down to Hell. The Devil welcomes him into this most amazing land of luxury and opulence - beautiful scenery, food, wine, leisure facilities, nightclubs, the whole works. And, everyone is happy and having a fantastic time. In truth, the HR Manager finds it hard to leave at the end of his free evaluation day.

He arrives back up at the pearly gates and Paul asks him what he wants to do. "Well, it's a tough call," said the HR Manager. He can see, beyond Paul, the inside of heaven - lots of fluffy white clouds and angels playing harps. It looks quite nice, but a bit boring - nothing like the fantastic time he had in Hell. "I hope you're not offended," he said to Paul, "but I've decided to chose Hell, it was a fantastic experience and heaven is piss poor by comparison." "That's your decision," said Paul.

So, the HR Manager can't wait to get back to Hell. He arrives at Hades and the Devil welcomes him through the burning door...to a desolate, flame-scorched, barren landscape! The fiery winds blast across huge tracts of wasteland. People are huddled in ditches trying to protect themselves. There are sounds of wailing, crying and screams. It's as bad as it could possibly be.

The HR Manager turns to the Devil. "There must be some mistake," he said. "I was here only yesterday and it was beautiful. This must be the wrong place...did I come through the right door?" The Devil smiled and said, "You HR Managers are all the same. Yesterday was recruitment day."

[Jenos Ridan]

Passion of the Christ makes me winch when I watch it.

I have never seen it - is it a good representation of the story? I'd like to know if any of the symbolism is missed out or focused too closely on. What does everyone think?

PS - Yes I am an atheist, thought you guys would be the best people to ask about the film. And I still enjoy discussing the faith as I was raised Roman Catholic!

In my opinion, it did not accurately represent what actually happened. Had Gibson or anyone else been truly accurate in how Christ was crucified it would probably have received an X-rating for violence.

Isaiah 52:14 (a prophetic statement about Christ being crucified) says,

"Just as there were many who were appalled at him his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness"

I did not know the X rating was also for violence . I learn something new everyday !

[luns101]

I did not know the X rating was also for violence . I learn something new everyday !

I heard that SCARFACE had to be edited in order to avoid its' original X-rating as well. Although the PASSION OF THE CHRIST made me squirm a little bit, I don't think that any film would be able to accurately depict the intensity of the moment.

[mr. incrediball]

Anglican,

Thanks for starting this place. Been waiting for something like this.

For me, I was 20 years old. I was in the Marine Corps. at the time, serving in Okinawa, Japan. I believed that the whole Bible thing was a myth created by people who wanted to control others and get their $$.

My sergeant was inspecting my room one day, and struck up a conversation with me about Jesus. I basically told him where he could go (lol). He continued to talk with me over time about the scriptures and challenge me to read them for myself. So, I took him up on the challenge. He bought me a Bible and I read it. On the inside it said, "This Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Bible". I still have it in my library today.

About a year later, I finally gave my life to Christ. I have never regretted that decision. God has given me a new life. Before, I would just do whatever I felt like and thought I was happy. But now, I have a purpose and live to serve others. What a great second chance He has given me by changing my heart.

Look forward to hearing others' stories.

you don't need religion to get this new lease on life, i'm glad that you have changed your life, but it's sad that people don't see that any religion, or in fact no religion at all, could have done this.

[mr. incrediball]

I did not know the X rating was also for violence . I learn something new everyday !

how do these movie ratings go in america?

[luns101]

I did not know the X rating was also for violence . I learn something new everyday !

how do these movie ratings go in america?

I should have said NC - 17. The X-rating was replaced. Here's the basics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPAA_film_rating_system

[Jenos Ridan]

Anglican,

Thanks for starting this place. Been waiting for something like this.

For me, I was 20 years old. I was in the Marine Corps. at the time, serving in Okinawa, Japan. I believed that the whole Bible thing was a myth created by people who wanted to control others and get their $$.

My sergeant was inspecting my room one day, and struck up a conversation with me about Jesus. I basically told him where he could go (lol). He continued to talk with me over time about the scriptures and challenge me to read them for myself. So, I took him up on the challenge. He bought me a Bible and I read it. On the inside it said, "This Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Bible". I still have it in my library today.

About a year later, I finally gave my life to Christ. I have never regretted that decision. God has given me a new life. Before, I would just do whatever I felt like and thought I was happy. But now, I have a purpose and live to serve others. What a great second chance He has given me by changing my heart.

Look forward to hearing others' stories.

you don't need religion to get this new lease on life, i'm glad that you have changed your life, but it's sad that people don't see that any religion, or in fact no religion at all, could have done this.

I've noticed something, those who are athiest tend to attack the thiests with an almost RELIGIOUS fervor .

[luns101]

I've noticed something, those who are athiest tend to attack the thiests with an almost RELIGIOUS fervor .

Well, I've tried to make the point that atheism is just a different faith. It's been argued against that it is not a relgion, but rather the absence of religion.

On a side note, almost everyone here knows my switch from atheism/skepticism to Christianity. But for every story like mine, it seems like there are about 10 that went in the opposite direction. So for those who made the transition to atheism (some people here are also calling it rationalism), I'm guessing that your former background was either Catholicism or a variant of Catholicism?

If this is true, then what is going on at the Catholic Church? It seems that they are producing more atheists than Bertrand Russell.