Thank You to everyone that has contributed in a positive way.

i agree with dani.

if you leave and go to another site, and take your judgmental attitude with you, good.

i just feel sorry for those at the other site.

but if you come back, remember that it was for the religiously arrogant that jesus reserved his harshest words.

The Lord Jesus Christ warned His followers, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep�s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15).

And, people that say, I hate you…enough said…rest my case your honor…

One thing that did occur to me reading this post and the replies was the point about non-believers feeling judged by Christians. Everytime I read a post I make a judgement, based on my beliefs of wrong and right, and my personal experiences. I cannot help this, we all judge people. Why should Christians not be able to mention Christ in their replies, as is it what occurs to them first?

For example, say a poster has been cheating on their partner and is asking for a way to leave their partner without too much hassle. I would automatically get the feeling, without knowing them, that they were not nice and I would suggest they have more respect for their partner, admit they were wrong etc, and I doubt I would get much stick for saying that. But if a religious person advised that the Bible says we shouldn’t do this, or that God can grant forgiveness to them, I am sure they would invite attack. It is this that I find unfair. I am passing moral judgement on people when I reply, as do many others, but it is only when the judgement involves a religious belief that people get all upset.

Everyone, believers and non believers alike wish people would think like they do, and it’s natural to try and persuade people to do so. It’s part of human nature and it’s fascinating to learn what other people feel about different things. Let people express their beliefs, if we don’t agree, it’s fine, it’d be boring if we always did.[/quote]

As a Christian, It is hard at times to leave God out of my answers because God is what makes me “me”. If I do make any statements in reguard to my faith I do not want to offend its just how I am wired. Thanks Nensix, Great reply in my book!!

Bye…….

One thing that did occur to me reading this post and the replies was the point about non-believers feeling judged by Christians. Everytime I read a post I make a judgement, based on my beliefs of wrong and right, and my personal experiences. I cannot help this, we all judge people. Why should Christians not be able to mention Christ in their replies, as is it what occurs to them first?

For example, say a poster has been cheating on their partner and is asking for a way to leave their partner without too much hassle. I would automatically get the feeling, without knowing them, that they were not nice and I would suggest they have more respect for their partner, admit they were wrong etc, and I doubt I would get much stick for saying that. But if a religious person advised that the Bible says we shouldn’t do this, or that God can grant forgiveness to them, I am sure they would invite attack. It is this that I find unfair. I am passing moral judgement on people when I reply, as do many others, but it is only when the judgement involves a religious belief that people get all upset.

Everyone, believers and non believers alike wish people would think like they do, and it’s natural to try and persuade people to do so. It’s part of human nature and it’s fascinating to learn what other people feel about different things. Let people express their beliefs, if we don’t agree, it’s fine, it’d be boring if we always did.

Was my response not on topic?[/quote]

Call me crazy, but I don’t exactly remember what I was referring to, sorry and lol at myself.

I never push my religion on someone. For gods sake don’t some people realise that everyone on here has been alive for at least 13 years. Thats at least 13years of learning about what they believe. Everyone already has there beliefs. People are stupid to try and convert. Personally to try and push someones views on others i think is just plain rude.

How rude is it to a non christian to say “God is here, or I will pray for you”. Thats just down right ill mannered.

But let me point something out, blame the individual not the religion. Cuz true christianity is not about other people its about your own relationship with God.

all in all, the post box is a bad idea. (except for people that just want to reduce religious discussion in general. i rather enjoy it.)[/quote]

if few posters checked a box that said “open to religious points of view” it would be specifically because they DON’T want to hear religious points of view. giving them that option is not an attempt on my part to eliminate religious advice. my christian faith is important to me as well.

the point of my suggestion was to reduce the number of religious arguments.

in yourabi’s post, someone suggested forums for specific subjects (love life, computers, etc.). a forum for spiritual and religious discussion would be great.

Was my response not on topic?

[quote Cell]Saying that Jesus was illiterate seems off topic and I find it hurtful because it seems disrespectful. Also saying that people have more “bad feelings” now towards Christians than towards other religions and implying that it is because of something we are doing is hurtful.[/quote]

I do agree with what you said. But there was one other thing. As far as I know, Jesus didn’t actually write anything, but his words are in the book. Many people wrote the book with accordance to what Jesus said. So in a way Jesus did write the book, or at least help A LOT.

I think so too.

At present no ones attacking…but we should all be allowed our say, given the circumstances of the post we should all be allowed to say exactly how we feel as long as we are adult about it too.

There is Muslim. Not only does this religion take slack for everything that terrorists do in the news, but they also suffer racial abuse.

Personal feelings are clouding the facts here.

I don’t think it matters either way what is believed about a religion. You choose what you want to believe yourself and you get on with it. Why spend life trying to cause trouble amongst others who are different.

[quote thep]I am not online very much lately, I notice that for some reason you had my reply removed. Then you seem to think it a reason for celebration, through answers here and through your shouts.
Because I dissagree with what most other people on your post, are saying about you. Namely how wonderful you and your post are. I dissagree with them and this post and think it should be closed.

Who-ever the mod is that removed my earlier reply, had no right to do that and should have the decency to inform me of their reason for doing so. Also that you should have the decency to tell me what it was in my reply, that was so upsetting to you.

I would like to take this opportunity to spell out for you, where I stand, with this christian religion thing, that you are so keen to hoist on any and everybody you can.

To start with, if a book or a writing is composed and it is about true matters, it is non fiction. If it is about lies, untruth and/or general make belief. Then it is fiction or ficticious.

You obviously want to believe in the bible and what you obviously see as the truth therin.
I on the other hand, see no truth in the way people follow and use it, to their own advantage.

It is rather odd, that the christian relegion is the only one, that seems to get so much bad feelings against it. That perhapps, is one area that needs to be worked on, to bring it into the modern world.

I find it odd also, that this Jesus person couldn’t or didn’t write and add, his own jornal or chapters to the bible. Was it perhaps that he couldn’t read and write?

Most people these days, want to know the truth. Not be told to just accept your christian relegion as being the truth but to see it as the truth. To see it as a working example of truth. For me it fails misserably in the truth department.

You can ask for this reply to be removed as well if you wish, you should be able to take critiscism. After all it is an open post and therefore should be open to people, other than those that think the same as yourself.

I have been very carefull how I have worded this reply, so that no offence can be attributed to your self or your religion. It is my own personal feelings towards your post and the replies in it.[/quote]

Saying that Jesus was illiterate seems off topic and I find it hurtful because it seems disrespectful. Also saying that people have more “bad feelings” now towards Christians than towards other religions and implying that it is because of something we are doing is hurtful.

It really just didn’t seem right and it shouldn’t have to be that way, but I started thinking about it and realized that for now it has to be like that because of the time it would take to remove inflamitory comments. I think that once it’s understood that somethings won’t be tolerated anymore then maybe it will stop being neccessary.

In the mean time people are going to have to get used to not being as previously defensive as they used to be and rely on the Mods instead of taking things into their own hands.

Of course there is a catch 22 concerning closing post because of users fighting, some users do that just to have another users post closed, sorry ugly, but true.

Oh well, no system is perfect.

this in theory stops the immediate problem, and is repremansive to the arguers.

but lets think about this,
if a person dosnt like a post, what are they going to do, but go and argue on it?
so, the original poster would suffer, and they would get their way.

just something to think about.

also, about the checkbox thing, i reviewed this idea in my compilation of help features, and i find it unsuitable. i feel that this box would be autimatically unchecked, and few would check it. it would all but attempt to eliminate any religious advice, even when it is needed.

all in all, the post box is a bad idea. (except for people that just want to reduce religious discussion in general. i rather enjoy it.)

But everyone does have the right to respond to ANY post.

I think Fizz has made a good point, we should all be civilized and learn not to be personal when writing our replies. Comments are comments and personal attacks are rude.

[quote thep]I am not online very much lately, I notice that for some reason you had my reply removed. Then you seem to think it a reason for celebration, through answers here and through your shouts.
Because I dissagree with what most other people on your post, are saying about you. Namely how wonderful you and your post are. I dissagree with them and this post and think it should be closed.

Who-ever the mod is that removed my earlier reply, had no right to do that and should have the decency to inform me of their reason for doing so. Also that you should have the decency to tell me what it was in my reply, that was so upsetting to you.

I would like to take this opportunity to spell out for you, where I stand, with this christian religion thing, that you are so keen to hoist on any and everybody you can.

To start with, if a book or a writing is composed and it is about true matters, it is non fiction. If it is about lies, untruth and/or general make belief. Then it is fiction or ficticious.

You obviously want to believe in the bible and what you obviously see as the truth therin.
I on the other hand, see no truth in the way people follow and use it, to their own advantage.

It is rather odd, that the christian relegion is the only one, that seems to get so much bad feelings against it. That perhapps, is one area that needs to be worked on, to bring it into the modern world.

I find it odd also, that this Jesus person couldn’t or didn’t write and add, his own jornal or chapters to the bible. Was it perhaps that he couldn’t read and write?

Most people these days, want to know the truth. Not be told to just accept your christian relegion as being the truth but to see it as the truth. To see it as a working example of truth. For me it fails misserably in the truth department.

You can ask for this reply to be removed as well if you wish, you should be able to take critiscism. After all it is an open post and therefore should be open to people, other than those that think the same as yourself.

I have been very carefull how I have worded this reply, so that no offence can be attributed to your self or your religion. It is my own personal feelings towards your post and the replies in it.[/quote]

why? for so long this post has been going great. no arguing, no complaints and of all, it has remained open because every one has been getting along with this post, then comes this comment. was it made to try to stir things up, it seems as though you really want this post closed, so the reason behind you writing such a thing, was it your intention to start arguing?

I think a lot of mods appreciate this post a lot.

Look- there is no “this is true and this isn’t” from anyone. And where there has been, it has been removed. Keeping the post positive and friendly.

There is no pushing of any religion on anyone.

All religious or non religious people are here on this post, we all agree on something for once :D

And so we should, with or without God we are all ace people that deserve to live together in the land of help happily. There should be no divide.

I think the site has a good religious policy. Its there for a reason.

Each individual has this right. To use to their advantage or disadvantage. It applies to everyone here.

I think this is sad…Disagreements aren’t meant to be like that.

I think once you get mad then some people go out of their way to prove a point or feed the rush of adrenalyn they get when ‘fighting’. Its sad but some people are driven by trouble…

I think they have the right to reply by all means. But only if they have a decent comment to make, if they just want to cause trouble then they shouldnt be here in the first place.

Fizz’s post is about understanding the use of Terms and Conditions and why they are important rules to obide by. She has been acknowledged by a few mods on this post. Because she is echoing their reasons for making up the rules in the first place. You don’t need to make this personal. This is not in any way an attack on non believers. I don’t think there is any need to try and cause trouble on this post, just because it is religious.

So really if there is any questions about the religious policy of this site that someone doesn’t understand, please feel free to ask so that we can make this wonderful community even more wonderful.

I have already had a reason from the mod concerned, as to why the reply was removed.
It could have been taken as offensive and I am quite willing to let it rest on that point.

Ken I hope that this helps clear things up a bit.

Who-ever the mod is that removed my earlier reply, had no right to do that and should have the decency to inform me of their reason for doing so. Also that you should have the decency to tell me what it was in my reply, that was so upsetting to you.

I would like to take this opportunity to spell out for you, where I stand, with this christian religion thing, that you are so keen to hoist on any and everybody you can.

To start with, if a book or a writing is composed and it is about true matters, it is non fiction. If it is about lies, untruth and/or general make belief. Then it is fiction or ficticious.

You obviously want to believe in the bible and what you obviously see as the truth therin.
I on the other hand, see no truth in the way people follow and use it, to their own advantage.

It is rather odd, that the christian relegion is the only one, that seems to get so much bad feelings against it. That perhapps, is one area that needs to be worked on, to bring it into the modern world.

I find it odd also, that this Jesus person couldn’t or didn’t write and add, his own jornal or chapters to the bible. Was it perhaps that he couldn’t read and write?

Most people these days, want to know the truth. Not be told to just accept your christian relegion as being the truth but to see it as the truth. To see it as a working example of truth. For me it fails misserably in the truth department.

You can ask for this reply to be removed as well if you wish, you should be able to take critiscism. After all it is an open post and therefore should be open to people, other than those that think the same as yourself.

I have been very carefull how I have worded this reply, so that no offence can be attributed to your self or your religion. It is my own personal feelings towards your post and the replies in it.[/quote]

It’s no wonder your past post was deleted.

Who-ever the mod is that removed my earlier reply, had no right to do that and should have the decency to inform me of their reason for doing so. Also that you should have the decency to tell me what it was in my reply, that was so upsetting to you.

I would like to take this opportunity to spell out for you, where I stand, with this christian religion thing, that you are so keen to hoist on any and everybody you can.

To start with, if a book or a writing is composed and it is about true matters, it is non fiction. If it is about lies, untruth and/or general make belief. Then it is fiction or ficticious.

You obviously want to believe in the bible and what you obviously see as the truth therin.
I on the other hand, see no truth in the way people follow and use it, to their own advantage.

It is rather odd, that the christian relegion is the only one, that seems to get so much bad feelings against it. That perhapps, is one area that needs to be worked on, to bring it into the modern world.

I find it odd also, that this Jesus person couldn’t or didn’t write and add, his own jornal or chapters to the bible. Was it perhaps that he couldn’t read and write?

Most people these days, want to know the truth. Not be told to just accept your christian relegion as being the truth but to see it as the truth. To see it as a working example of truth. For me it fails misserably in the truth department.

You can ask for this reply to be removed as well if you wish, you should be able to take critiscism. After all it is an open post and therefore should be open to people, other than those that think the same as yourself.

I have been very carefull how I have worded this reply, so that no offence can be attributed to your self or your religion. It is my own personal feelings towards your post and the replies in it.

Hey! Does anyone have any questions about the sites religious policy that hasn’t been discussed? If I can’t answer it, maybe someone else here could.

am not saying Fizz violated anything :P , am just saying what i do believe about the subject as simple as that…

I think it is perfectly acceptable for someone to politely ask if they are religious or if they follow a belief, because sometimes when we are feeling down our faith needs to be restored. We encounter feelings of loss and dissapointment from God. This is very common. So sometimes i think its useful for people who may believe similar things to say some encouraging words that are religious based.

On the other hand i think that some people completely take this the wrong way. I think its not very tactful when people say “You feel like this because you do not love God enough, turn to him he is the way.”

If someone is feeling like they are at their last bit of hope, it is not useful to anyone to tell them its their fault for not putting enough effort into their faith.

I believe a tactful answer would go something like “Have you seen a counciller/can you talk to a family member or friend right now who will spend tonight with you. Also I don’t know if you follow a religion but if you do i would like to ask your permission to pray for you.”
After that kind of comment you will most likely get an answer saying whether they believe or not.

For now there is no check box, but there are manners. Please use them next time you feel like ramming the lords word down someones throat. It will do more harm then good as has been said above.

But I like the post. :D

a couple of my suggestions at the time were:

“some users do not care to discuss religion of any sort. some want only to discuss problems from a religious viewpoint. an improvement to the site that could help prevent religious arguments is A CHECKBOX FOR WHEN YOU MAKE A POST. you could choose whether or not to entertain religious replies. that would let evangelicals know where the line is… maybe there could be a kind of post or a forum that’s open to people who are interested in the subject, but who will commit to agreeing to disagree.”

nothing can eliminate religious arguments completely. i did not call it a checkbox for SPIRITUAL replies, but specifically for RELIGIOUS replies. much of the advice given on this site, and ALL of the people here, are spiritual.

a poster who has agreed to hear religious replies could reasonably expect offers of prayer. those who offer to pray should be able to do so without fear of ridicule from others.

but to members who aren’t interested in religion, an offer “to pray for them” can be considered condescending.

remember that prayer can be done from a distance. only god needs to hear or know about the prayer.

I will continue to offer Christian advice/help because that is what I am. I hope to be extremely tactful. I always ask permission before I pray for someone.

I like the idea about a check box for the poster allowing spiritual advice/help. That would clear things up all around. Then I would know which posts not reply to. When someone makes a general request for help I always think of Jesus because that’s who helps me.

Telling a troubled person that a deity loves them can be construed as proffering false hope when seen by an objective source, no matter how good the original intentions are of the person giving the support. This serves to subvert the aid the person is seeking if they didn’t specifically call for it; since religion is such an emotionally charged issue, there are many times where “doing right per the Word” is actually causing emotional harm.

I guess I have adopted a couple of rules for my own use on this site. I’m not claiming that they should be for everybody!

They are (drumroll, please…!)

1. Romans 13:1, which says, in part: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.” That means that I have to abide by the TOS. (Unless, of course, they require that I violate God’s laws, which to my knowledge they haven’t done!)

2: Matthew 10:16. which says “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.” And Matthew 7:6 “Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.” Bottom line is that I’m probably doing more harm than good if I cause offence. (Don’t get me wrong…there are definitely times and places to stand up for what is right. I’m just not convinced that a forum such as Help.com is conducive to that sort of thing, since it possible to read what has been written in a totally different way than it was intended. )

I guess I’m trying to concentrate more on BEING a Christian than SOUNDING like one!

Stopping the fighting is what this post is about. I understand how Christians on this site feel, but it’s just a matter of understanding the site policies to avoid problems and utilizing the tools provided on this site.

There is always going to be that ONE that wants to stir things up, but we do have a way to take the spoon out of their hands, it’s a report button.

Thanks RB and everyone for your positive input.

I don’t think theres anything to add, only i will say..

I am a christian and i fully believe what you are saying. I have been in ‘argument’ with people, only for them to turn around and say

“just because you don’t believe in God”
“your going to hell”
“God will weep for your soul” (those exact words were said to me!!!)

Some chrisitans have said this to me because i have felt it is wrong to judge someone based on their faith or belief, and i get shot down for it..

Well guess what eeediots…i’m christian lol. Just because i dont believe in pressurising people doesn’t make me a bad christian. It makes me a true one.

what does this mean………

So for the poster, pat yourself on the back. Make yourself feel realy good about your christian efforts. I can only guese as to the reason for your post, there doesn’t seem to be a reason for it.
Your post doesn’t warrant any reply, my only reason for doing so is my respect for Spunky.

“How to be a Christian on Help.com”

no such thing , some are christians and preacher but i think am not from those , so i dont preach much… but for those who think preaching is what God is telling them to do … go for it , let faith lead your feet , and let God protect you…[/quote]

I don’t think I asked anyone to pick apart my words, lol (know that I’m teasing)

I know I could have worded somethings much better, but I like the title, I thought long and hard about this post and even prayed about it because of all the problems here at help. I like this community and I adore the people that I have “met”.

If God tells someone to preach then they should preach, but not here, because they agreed not to when they joined here and God doesn’t like liars.

Besides I don’t really think this is the right forum anyway. Faith cometh by hearing, not reading.[/quote]

hey dont get me wrong i really like this community was well gr8 ppl on this site and to be honest the most open minded and smart ppl i have ever talked to are on this site….

it’s quite empty to preach in a land where the word is already stable , hence the preaching in a place where they are not welcome just as the preach from long time ago where ppl use to be killed because of the name of Jesus … stand on ur side and i stand on my side no problem :) let them do what God tells them to do , if it is preaching here no problem but they have to take the consiquense without complaining else let them hold there peace … “Else” ok the programing course is starting to take it’s hold on me hehehe :D if, else :D cool :D k this is getting out of subject sorry ^_^

There is no way on earth the mods can be expected to be online all the time and monitor every post.

I hope YOU make a mod one day.

I maybe a bit critical about this sites management and it is pleasing to me that you have had support and praise from them.

I hope this post not only encourages religious users that they are welcome on this site, but also encourage the management to treat the users that set out to discriminate these posts with the displine that they deserve and not just close these posts.

Well done Fizz.

[/quote]

exactly

many evangelical christians take the bible literally. to non-believers this smacks of closed-mindedness. this collection of books, poems and letters, in my opinion, was written by men (only men) who may have been influenced by god, but were also subject to political and social pressures.

i became a christian almost 40 years ago and have searched for a faith community in numerous denominations. it’s apparent that there are portions of the bible that are inspired, and some not. who can fault “love your neighbor as yourself”? but when it comes down to strictures of diet and head coverings (moses); proper behavior for slaves, and women being silent in the church (paul) and warriors bashing their enemies infants’ heads against rocks (david), literalists are quick to rationalize that “that was just for their time.”

an unchanging god doesn’t change his/her ways to suit the society. by today’s standards, israel’s entrance to the promised land would be considered genocide. a loving god would never instruct one nation to annihilate another.

the bible as we now have it, states things in an all-or-nothing way. christians take evangelizing literally, but not “turn the other cheek” and the other simple commands from Jesus’ sermon on the mount.

living the way Jesus taught does make for a peaceful, enlightened life. compelling people to live as Jesus taught or face the prospect of hell, leads believers to intolerance, coercion, division and war. and it leads non-believers to resentment and.. non-belief.

the imperative to convert others is repugnant to the unconverted, and makes kamikazes of christians.

so yes, i pick what i like from the bible. i believe in god, Jesus and over-tipping (going the second mile). i don’t believe in hell. even the most brutal dictator on the planet doesn’t torture people endlessly for not believing in him.

unbelievers see the actions of believers as a whole and conclude that it doesn’t work as it is presented. i see believers and non-believers alike who show the spirit of god by their loving actions, and conclude that their is no difference based on religious beliefs.

the subject is vast and i’m not, so i really don’t want to get into a war of words. i’m no scholar. i just think that in any religion where the bottom line is “turn or burn” that the threat is antithetical to the original message of selfless love. that’s where christianity and islam have strayed farthest.

“How to be a Christian on Help.com”

no such thing , some are christians and preacher but i think am not from those , so i dont preach much… but for those who think preaching is what God is telling them to do … go for it , let faith lead your feet , and let God protect you…[/quote]

I don’t think I asked anyone to pick apart my words, lol (know that I’m teasing)

I know I could have worded somethings much better, but I like the title, I thought long and hard about this post and even prayed about it because of all the problems here at help. I like this community and I adore the people that I have “met”.

If God tells someone to preach then they should preach, but not here, because they agreed not to when they joined here and God doesn’t like liars.

Besides I don’t really think this is the right forum anyway. Faith cometh by hearing, not reading.

“How to be a Christian on Help.com”

no such thing , some are christians and preacher but i think am not from those , so i dont preach much… but for those who think preaching is what God is telling them to do … go for it , let faith lead your feet , and let God protect you…

im glad ur feel better inside fizz.

I would love to share that peace with others, I would love for people to understand that they don’t have to live in constant turmoil, but I can’t force them to believe or understand.

it is our Christian duty to win souls for the Lord

I thought it was one’s Christian duty to love thy neighbour and, in so doing, “shine before men that they may see your good works”? That, according to Matthew, what “glorifies your Father”. I don’t recall Jesus ever asking for a person’s soul, either in this life or the next. You make Christianity sound like some sort of spiritual war. Strange perspective for a religion founded by a man who continually extolled the virtues of love and peace.[/quote]

I think that you have taken me quite wrong, we have many duties as Christians and I do agree with you that we are to love thy neighbor as Christ so love the Church and that is a great part of my overall point.[/quote]

But “to win souls for the Lord” - to state that as a goal - is what turns people off. “To shine before men” sounds like a good idea, anytime! :)

Fizz, that’s a nice “correction.” :)

Thanks to everyone who has responded, it is SO cool to be having a civil conversation about Faith.

I’d like to see a site where spirituality has a place (just as it does in the newest evolution of psychology that is being taught to many; the transpersonal) without people being threatened in anyway.

Bright blessings ~ Richard

Excellent job Fizz!

I think you put that very well Fizz! My grandfather is a Methodist minister and that is his take on it too. He would never force his faith on anyone or tell anyone they will go to the devil’s den for not believing what he believes. He invites people of all faiths into his home and does not try to convert them. He is very interested in their perspective on religion or non-religion. I happen to believe differently then my grandfather, but he does not condemn me for it. He is open and accepting in that regard, although strong in his own faith. I like what you said about letting your light shine. My mom’s immediate family converted from Catholicism to Quakerism. In the Quaker faith followers are also told to “let their inner light glow” and are expected to be accepting or tolerant of people of all backgrounds.

Sometimes I think it is words and expressions that are misunderstood or misinterpreted in all religious faiths. I don’t know anybody who wants someone else telling them what rights they have and what they should or shouldn’t believe in. Most people I know like to be in control of their own lives, or their own beliefs. I think unfortunately sometimes Christians are misinterpreted or stereotyped unfairly based on how one Christian acts or portrays a sect. It is the same with any religion. I think it may very well be that this is what leads to much of the discomfort or a feeling of being on the defense upon meeting people of a particular faith.

I think that having faith can prove to be a positive, valuable and powerful part of life if it is practiced with thoughtfulness, love, respect, compassion and understanding for oneself and for others in our lives. I agree with lil_bit_shi… I also like to hear I am in someone’s prayers. It gives me confidence, hope and a sense of well being, yet I don’t care for it when someone pushes something at me or tells me I must believe as they were brought up to believe.

i have to say… i love when people tell me that im in their prayers… because it makes me feel like im cared about… however when someone tries to push their belief onto me… i get offended myself.. although i believe in god and such… i believe that “preaching of ones beliefs” should be held somewhere else… meaning.. do not throw your beliefs at someone.. unless they ask… or you ask them if they would like to hear a bit about god and your beliefs… that would be different… im greatful for all the prayers i have received .. thank you… however again… i have to say that having things thrown at me with out me wanting it is a bit offensive. whether from a religious person or a non believer…

One thing I always worry about, as “Christian Since 1″ refers to, is the potential that the bickering over beliefs might turn someone away from help.com, where they might be able to find at least support if not some answers.

this has been only the second post i’ve seen where the topic of religion didn’t lead to an argument. the other was this: http://help.com/post/141218-dedicated…

i have seen religious intolerance from christians who thought they had to interject an opportunity for conversion into a post — clearly not allowed in the faq.

i was once on a post in the middle of the night with someone who was suicidal. we’ve all been a part of these posts, where the person seems on the verge of committing the act. all you can do is encourage and be with them. kim, you’ll remember this, you were there too (and not pushing her faith i might add). then someone came into the post trying to preach Jesus, and kept at it until the poster left. i swear i thought we had lost her because someone couldn’t stop preaching. on top of everything else, the poster was drunk, and i don’t think the preacher had read the whole thing. fortunately, no one took their life that night.

i’ve also seen religious intolerance from non-christians who are sometimes quick to voice their opposition to any christian message, even when no one was trying to convert anyone. for some, the mere mention of god gets them angry, and they make a point of disparaging god, faith and the believer. this is also a violation of the site’s policy, as fizz quoted it.

to the christians on this site: don’t be quick to take offense. you’re not allowed to lead anyone to christ here. that’s the rules. with a name like help.com this site inherently draws together people who are disaffected and alienated (me included). of course users are going to be pissed off at god. that’s the territory.

to those abhor christianity: faith is not evil. whether it has worked for you or not, to some it is a source of great joy. it’s not necessary for you to pull them down.

to those who have a different faith, i say: believe whatever causes you to walk with love.

i recently suggested on yourabi’s first post, that there be a checkbox for the poster to say if they are open to religious points of view. that would at least prevent a poster from getting unwanted religious solutions. and the post could be flagged so as to notify visitors to the post that religion might be discussed. it still would not give anyone license to convert.

Living in caves? Who said they were related to bin Laden? My ancestors were all intelligent individuals who had a language from day one–the Adamic language (a perfect and pure language)–and NOT the posterity of apes. Biologists can classify me as a primate, but I can assure you that my first parents were just as human as I am.

Naturally. But sometimes those people don’t regard other people’s feelings when they bring their Bible-thumping to the table. Not only does it get frustrating, but it’s just a bad witness.

Everyone’s allowed to have bad days. Having Christ living in us doesn’t make those go away just like that. We all need help, whether we have salvation or not. Unfortunately, not everyone seems to realize this.

So thank you for this. :)

Not quite. Here’s what I mean.

Someone had a very serious problem with loneliness and depression. Then, some ‘Christian’ on this site came on there and instead of giving him advice or a word of encouragement decided to tell him that Jesus will magically solve all of his problems and that a good healthy dose of prayer is the only thing this guy needed. The original poster had a history with religion and Christianity that was unknown to the replier, but the replier made it seem as though the poster had done something along the lines of sin. The replier then went on to further chastise and belittle the poster to the point where the mods were asked to remove the replies. The poster then went on to write a new post about how unhelpful he thought the Christians on this site were and had loads of supporters to back him up.

Again the Christians on Help.com became subject to outright persecution and loathing due to one ‘helpers’ poor choice of words. I could give out a name, but I won’t.

I understand what you mean by morality being an issue when it comes to posts made by young people, but when there is no reason for particularly outlandish statements made by ‘Christians’ on this site regarding someone’s personal problems (or even mental problems, as I have seen being discussed as sinful before), we really need to take a step back and look at what we have become as heralds of the loving God.

And good does not come with salvation. Life is still very difficult for a Christian; maybe even more so. But eternal life is a surefire guarantee, and that’s what we believe only Christ can give.

Also my mum and dad used to have quite slight debates because my mum is christian and my dad was an athiest. My mum would try and change him to a christian but it never worked, he would backfire, well not agree with anything and they would argue. my mum also said it was her purpose in life to turn him inti a christian.
the two subjects my parents would argue pretty much EVERYDAY of their marriage was about MONEY AND RELIGION.

Also, I remember one christian saying when I walked down a town street, “The only way you will go to heaven as if you belive in this one person” which was with jesus christ or God. Other christians have said this too but I don’t like it when they say that, like its coming across, only good will come to a person if they believe in something. like they have to do something to be accept and I think nobody should have to do anything to be loved.

More often than not I go to someone’s thread who has whole-heartedly asked for help for a serious problem that does not exist in the realms of spirituality or Christianity and find, to my dismay, a reply that does more harm than good. I often find the person in need being chastised for sinning, even though we all know that only God has the authority to determine what is sin and is not. Somehow, the ‘helper’ thinks that they are being good witnesses or are exhibiting their ‘righteous anger’ towards these people in need, but all it does is turn them away from Christ all the more.

What we need to do, instead of chastising and labeling every person’s need as a sin (the way the Pharisees did), is demonstrate the love that Christ had to those who we don’t even know. This can be as simple as giving an encouraging word or thoughtful advice (especially when we know what we are talking about), but it really does say something against us when we try to bring the Bible hard down upon a person’s head in their time of need.

But it is a nice post fizz, and no, nobody is perfect and I think it is important to accept our own faults, because if we don’t, we will just live our lives in misery and regret.

Not sure I understand,

Christian that many Christians won’t even call Christian?

I think the question is to non-Christians on this site, What makes me different from other Christians on this site? How is it that I can talk to you when others can’t?

I know that I am not the only Christian that has been treated with kindness and respect, but what exactly is it that others do that inflame you? I ask because I know that they do not understand.

I agree Babacup and I think it is very important to understand where the line gets crossed in post and replies, as a matter of fact I was asked to bring that up for discussion and was planning to do just that before you replied.

Recently they made a post about trying to understand the TOS better so they as a Christian would know how to post and reply, it degraded into an argument because of past issues with other users and was closed before their questions could be answered. I would have liked for the questions to be answered because it would also help me in my own post, but for the most part, I think I do ok.

I invited them to this post to try to help them have their question answered, but they won’t reply to my post because they do not want intrude and have their past issues follow them here. I really respect that, but I think it’s really sad.

you just havent seen me mad yet…. lmfao..[/quote]

Give me time, lol

My husband says that I am natually offensive, lol

you just havent seen me mad yet…. lmfao..

Excellent scripture, thank you Christian and I agree that Jesus wouldn’t want us to bully people.

hehehe great way of saying it Greeneyes :D

[quote Fizz]I refer to this scripture as an explanation for my choice of words regarding soul winning, if someone has a better wording then I can accept and will appreciate them. Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.Of course I think that compel is often misunderstood, it means to persuade.[/quote]

I thought also of Matt 28 verse 18-20 The Great commission but I do not believe Jesus would want us to bully people into believeing. As we both know that doesn’t work. I do quote scripture occationally but the way I see it if someone doesn’t believe in God they also don’t believe in the Bible. I think Love thy neighbor is probably one of the best don’t you. That would solve it all wouldn’t it.

good Post

and i have to say that you have made a great post here… its like you have explained the rules of the site in words that people can actually understand about religion.. as i said.. i am a person who wants people to have their own beliefs.. its great.. and i have actually found that with my circumstances with my kids… people telling me that they will pray for me and my kids.. or that we are in their prayers… may have actually worked.. like god actually heard the prayers finally… after hearing so many of them about the same situation..and im so appreciated over that… however with people who as you say… try to push their beliefs upon someone and then get upset because we have our own beliefs.. then that is wrong..

i have to say… im not a church goer anymore.. i have my beliefs in god.. but do not want anyone preaching to me… just like i wouldnt want anyone that doesnt believe in god to preach to me about their beliefs… to each their own… its the preaching part that offends myself… and as i said.. religious or non religious… either way of preaching really bugs me.. so its not just one certain religion..

so again.. as you said.. asking for religious references is different than trying to push religion onto someone… and it makes a difference whether you are warned or booted.. so hopefully, those people who have been warned with pushing their beliefs onto others will take notice of your post.. because it is very well done…

Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Of course I think that compel is often misunderstood, it means to persuade.

it is our Christian duty to win souls for the Lord

I thought it was one’s Christian duty to love thy neighbour and, in so doing, “shine before men that they may see your good works”? That, according to Matthew, what “glorifies your Father”. I don’t recall Jesus ever asking for a person’s soul, either in this life or the next. You make Christianity sound like some sort of spiritual war. Strange perspective for a religion founded by a man who continually extolled the virtues of love and peace.[/quote]

I think that you have taken me quite wrong, we have many duties as Christians and I do agree with you that we are to love thy neighbor as Christ so love the Church and that is a great part of my overall point.

it is our Christian duty to win souls for the Lord

I thought it was one’s Christian duty to love thy neighbour and, in so doing, “shine before men that they may see your good works”? That, according to Matthew, what “glorifies your Father”. I don’t recall Jesus ever asking for a person’s soul, either in this life or the next. You make Christianity sound like some sort of spiritual war. Strange perspective for a religion founded by a man who continually extolled the virtues of love and peace.

I hope you find the right path for you, I know it’s a very personal road.