religion: something you should keep to yourself?

I largely disagree. The mute and block functions are there for your use and we should allow the religious to speak among themselves without challenging them. Furthermore, discussion is healthy. Without it we cannot ever arrive at the truth.

Do you always delete those answers you don't like? I see quite a few on here, deleted by you.

Just because a person like yourself doesn't care to see what you call "religious posts", that doesn't mean you have to read them, or that they're forced on you. [u]No[/u] post here, is forced on [i]anyone[/i]. I bet there's quite a bit in the Bible that you're not aware of, in fact, but you've closed your mind off to hearing about it, so in effect you have lost a lot of good knowledge that a person truly needs to know. Unless they want to gamble with their own soul and that's not really a smart decision, to say the least. In fact, from some of what I've read on this site, many not only don't have their facts right about God and His Word, it's shocking how [i]little[/i] they know and understand about God and His Word.

I've been in the political arena for years. Campaigned and all. However, I don't care for crooked politicians nor political debates, myself, but I've never felt it was shoved onto me, when addressed here. Nobody's forcing me to read it. I simply skip past it.

To be fair, I think you should at least think about the reason [i]why[/i] Jesus came, and then you'll understand why He and His Word are discussed around the world. Lightly, and very briefly touching on this, I really think you have failed to see the [i]reason[/i] for Jesus' mission here on earth, even if it's not your cup of tea, so to speak.

Jesus came to earth for the specific reason of telling everyone he came across about the fact that there is a spiritual world that we go to when we die, and he wanted to make sure that everyone knew how to get there and not have to guess about that. It was definitely important enough for him to come here, or I'm sure he would never have left his Heavenly home. If He had not, we never would have known exactly what happens to us when we die, and that's something we definitely don't want to get wrong, for eternity. We would not have known, that we all have living souls that never die, and therefore He wanted to make sure that no souls were lost, but knew how to find their way to heaven and that's exactly what he preached.

Now I don't know about you, but I think that's a really good thing, because I definitely want to have that knowledge, so I don't miss heaven. I want my soul in a [i]good[/i] place, when I die. So when His mission was finished, He told his disciples, (and that means anyone who is a follower of Christ even up to today), He left them with the commission to continue to tell the world about Himself, why He came, and why we need Him in order to get to heaven. This is why you see the gospel being preached to the world today. Otherwise, people would not know and too many would stay lost, and the Bible does tell us that if we ignore Christ and His message of salvation, sin will [i]continue[/i] to keep us seperated from God. That's crucial to know given we have souls that never die. And I bet you that the souls that have [u]already[/u] missed heaven, would give [b]anything[/b] to be able to come back from the dead and tell people they love, that heaven and hell are real, and beg them not to neglect their own soul. I know that sounds dramatic, yes, but so is missing heaven. Once a person crosses over into the spiritual realm, there's no changing their mind, so that's why it's so important to prepare our souls for heaven now, and not wait. Jesus is not willing that any should perish and that's why He came...to tell us exactly how to get to heaven, but you know what? Some are so stubborn, that even if one were to come back from the dead, they [i]still[/i] would not listen. And that's exactly what it says in God's Word. People just don't automatically go to heaven. Our sins must be forgiven, or they will keep us separated from God for eternity. I know many don't believe that now, but they will believe what Jesus said, the second they cross over and see it for themselves.

I'm certain unbelievers who missed heaven, would give [b]anything[/b] to be in our shoes and have the chance to hear and respond to Christ's invitation to save them from the condemnation that sin placed on them, and receive forgiveness and heaven, instead of mocking, laughing, and cursing the person who only wanted to save them...Jesus.

God tells us in the Bible that we need to go to the ends of the earth and proclaim the good news that Jesus, God's Son died and took our sins on his own shoulders, and we have all sinned and need his forgiveness. He rose from the dead, and when the whole world has heard, that's the end, and then he is comes back to judge the living and the dead!

Speech should be free. We can choose not to listen.

[quote]Just some things you should keep somewhat to yourself or people you are close with[/quote]

Like - Happy Odin's Day ?

Here's the deal Torsten - When I find something really, really good, like the love of Jesus Christ, and how He offers salvation for everyone - well, I feel compelled to share that good news with everyone!

Okay so this is what I personally feel.

I'm a Christian and everyone is free to share anything that they seem is fit. But it's not fair to talk trash against someone who doesn't believe it. I may not agree with your ideology but I have the right to ignore it rather than shit on their post. Likewise they're free to not force it you or anyone and not shit on your posts against the religion either.

I’m content to leave such people alone if they keep their idiotic delusions to themselves. If they post their nonsense, I take it as an invitation to pile on.

Reagan realized he needed the Evangelical Christian vote to win. Since then Christian Churches have become tax free voting blocks so every Republican candidate pretends to be religous. Religious Hypocrisy. These days the GQP is using religion to tell their base the US should no longer be a democratic country. By giving all profit to the few on top the bottom half of the population can't even buy the things produced to keep the economy going. Those people have to go. The Democrats want to include them, the GQP want to exclude them. They cut into the profit at the top. As soon as the Republicans get power they will end voting. No more democratic elections. This is the reason religion is everywhere you look these days. God is good, Republicans are religious and God thinks the US should be an autocracy. Just look at the Democrats they want Mickey Mouse and Goofy to fuck. The Democrats are not religious.

It is a central part of the Christian religion to share it with others... Like if we fail to share it with others we are going against the teachings of God.. Also it is a teaching of Christianity that Believing Jesus and trusting in the Atonement he secured is the Only way anyone can have eternal life with God.. So it is not some personal opinion that Christians have personally developed out of a sense of superiority to anyone else.. it is simply 101 basic Christian doctrines..

Also as far as SW is concerned No body is forced to come into one of the spirituality / religion areas and engage in discussions about these topics with spiritual people.. So when it comes to this having it forced down your throat idea it does not stack up as the true situation.. Like no body is being forced to read this post..

Same goes for politics.. Most political discussions/ debates happen in the political areas of SW.. So if people want to avoid politics it's easy.. just don't read posts under the politics area..

I've always been interested in religion so I don't mind people sharing their beliefs, but there's a difference between sharing beliefs and discussing them and attempting to convert others and belittling everyone who doesn't believe as you do. I see a lot of the latter here unfortunately.

It’s definitely not just a Christian thing. Most major religions who encourage devout practitioners have that quality about them. I’m guessing this site has more Christians though because the audience speaks English as their first language meaning they live in places where Christianity is the predominant religion. (Yes, I know there are a number of members who are multilingual and we have members from all over the place here, but he’s asking about why there are so many Christian posters specifically)

I think for a lot of people they get a high from talking about their love for their god. They might call it their relationship with God. In neurology it’s dopamine and serotonin. I’m fine with it. I’m an atheist myself, but there are plenty of studies that show people who feel a strong connection to their religion/religious community are happier and more resilient than most people who do not have that going on.

I just find it annoying when they go into that judge mental place. They can keep that shit to themselves.

I'd call myself a Christian but I hate to get all preachy. Actually, I'd rather not talk about religion because it'll get people riled up so bad.

Though if someone genuinely wants to know about what I believe, I might say a bit. Though, keep in mind that's not me trying to convince anyone of anything... I'm just saying my side, ya know?

Politics... I never go there 😅

No I think just like any other thing, if it's not for you, walk away.

i don't ascribe to any belief system but i find it pointless to go out of my way to talk about it. i'm not changing any minds and no one else is changing mine. so i agree with this take, i'd rather just not talk about it.

I think that you could argue for or against with equal merit. My own personal opinion is that education is the key to understanding and understanding the key to tolerance. I don't think that politics need be so divisive. Ideological fixation seems to be increasingly transparent. A great deal of the political conflict we see today comes from a relatively small number of people making a great deal of noise. The elite seek control by divide and conquer so the legacy media magnifies and tries to manipulate the masses with what amounts to a mountain out of a molehill.

Probably best to keep to keep one's religiousness to themselves because there is a stigma attached to being into religion.

It's like, "Oh, one of THOSE people."

You have to walk on egg shells for them, have to worry about being preached at, etc.

I have a satanist friend who is also pagan and he is the one who tried to convert me and bombard me while I never bothered him with Christianity. I think, it depends on a person. Its not a Christian thing

Tolerance is a two way street. If there is something on a social media website you find annoying or difficult to tolerate, just mute or block. No need to whine about it with those options available.

Once someone tells you they aren't interested in it then you shouldnt mention it again to that person.

I find that in Christianity it is often my job to give comfort to the stricken and discomfort to the cosy.

It has been said that religion is man’s first and worst attempt to figure out the world. Not until The Enlightenment and the establishment of the Scientific Method do we make the greatest leaps forward.

I have noticed few evangelists on here...

So why are you posting your beliefs?

Religion, politics, sexual crap, nudes, etc... so much I'd say you can all keep to yourselves. And being pagan is just a different religion choice you might be saying you need to keep to yourself.
Maybe it's time to remember what once was true about keeping personal things.... personal.

Even Arnold ziffel is religious

It sorta goes with the territory. The thing is if you genuinely believe in the Christian tradition It’s not just true for the believer, it’s true for everyone. You’re obliged to challenge people about it.

Not saying that’s what I do… agnostic here. But that’s the philosophy.

Why concern yourself?

I disagree.

{@torsen] alas religion and politics seem to be the focal point of debate . you caanot deny them saying things as we are a forum but you maybe right on the fact they can go over the top a little on both topics

Christians are supposed to share the good news. Actually if you don't share its like denying belief.
Sharing is not cramming down throat. I am open about my Christian beliefs and will speak with anyone about it but if I even have a whiff that the person would potentially be offended then I would not bring it up. Honestly I have friends from many religions and I speak with them often and share my ideas not to convert them but just being a friend and we talk.
I do believe that Christianity is the only way yet I have a Muslim friend that I talk to often about God in our lives.
So I don't think that I am guilty of cramming down anyones throat and if you were to live in a majority Muslim or majority Hindu country you might feel the same way because over there that belief system is dominate.

I don't think people should be ashamed of their religious affiliation or lack thereof but it's not something to flaunt or go around trying to push in everyone's face either way IMO.

Yeah. I cringe sometimes too. lol

Spirituality is lost in religion. Aint nobody's business but our own.

It's a personal thing. Everyone has their own answer. I consider myself a Christian.

But would you want someone to pray when you are on your deathbed