Christianity asserts we're fundamentally sick ("sinful") and in need of "salvation." What a grim view of human beings -- deep within us there is no good, there is only an evil we're helpless against. Hence all the soteriological dogmas of Christianity -- original sin, our need of a "savior," etc. The evil all comes from us, and the good all comes from the transcendent God. I'll take a more positive approach to life, thanks.
2007-02-12 00:41:50 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well....one way to become powerful in a tribe is to first scare the other members with a story of a horrible lion just outside the tribal boundaries that is threatening the tribe...and then "banish" it.
Even as a child, the lyrics of this hymn summed up Christianity to me:
" T'was Grace that taught
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved"
Think about that.
2007-02-12 03:36:43 · answer #1 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard the word "soteriological" so I am not sure exactly how you are describing dogmas or which Church within Christianity you are talking about. I disagree with what you believe to be our fundamental message. Hope and not grim condemnation is what I see. Are you more positive than Mother Theresa? Read some of the things she said and wrote. What a cool human being. She did her work exactly because of the sickness that truly exists. Misery and suffering are an unfortunate part of reality. Working to alleviate some of these conditions brings people comfort not despair. Is it possible that maybe you should reevaluate your assessment of us and our beliefs? I hope that you find Peace. Have a beautiful day.
2007-02-12 00:51:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
On the contrary, Christianity takes a positive view of life. It begins with the premise that we are of fallen nature, something less than we should and could be. By default, it's a life full of rotten things, the ultimate rotteness being death. But Christianity shows the plan to restore man to his real essence, a reflection of God, full of life. So if you could only understand and see what has happened through the ages, you would see that the central theme of Christianity is hope and a new life, very different than life as we know it now.
Positive thinkers can be self deceptive. They gloss over sad but true realities. You have to see human nature as it really is. See the world as it really is. You have only known one human existence. But Christianity offers a promise for something infinitely better if you have the courage to face yourself first.
You really think that all the solutions presented by the world have worked, made a better place? Take a courageous look at the world now and see what has happened, and what is about to unfold from all the "experts" and "authorities" on life.
The real positive thing is that you can start living that real new life now, as a down payment until the balance is paid in full. That's a life filled with real hope. The pioneer of Christianity said "I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly"
2007-02-12 00:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
didjlord, you obviously have NO idea about how other religions work. Do a little open minded research before you go shooting yourself in the foot.
And I never wanted to kill anyone who cut me off in traffic.
Addressing the question: I agree. This was the first concept that pushed me away from Christianity. I refuse to believe that I need a scapegoat, I feel I am responsible and answerable for my mistakes.
2007-02-12 01:02:56 · answer #4 · answered by Batty 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, all of the brainwashing has blinded them to the good in mankind. Convincing them that all are evil is a form of psychological abuse. It reminds me of the old stereotype of mobsters selling "insurance" to neighborhood businessmen to protect them from fires and such. They have been convinced they are evil, therefore they need a savior, and hey, we (the same people that just convinced you) just so happen to have a savior right here. How convenient.
2007-02-12 01:01:48 · answer #5 · answered by Murazor 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you're not any further on my own. dissimilar people have similar perspectives, i can say i have had similar emotions and concepts. besides the undeniable fact that the reality is there ARE people obtainable that stay in team spirit with nature and paintings to learn creatures of all kinds. what you spot on television is a very small area of the international, and in reality it is more often than not really stupid and immature people. we do stay in a very unhappy, deprived, and damaging state as a species, it is actual that basically about all are possibly living on a very low aspect of survival and could harm the ecosystem and people to fulfill their glaring needs. dissimilar it is materialism. when you're someone who grow to be born in u . s . of america or any present day capitalist u . s ., we regularly are basically raised in those polluting and wasteful conduct. it is people like you who see this who can make the version and discover approaches to get rid of this, besides the undeniable fact that it is going to take time. i'm no longer declaring bypass out and experience free and hug someone, there is lots to be embarrassed about in words of a species. basically evaluate your self fortunate that you've some perception, and attempt to apply it to augment your human being international. be useful, your suggestions are easily basically feeding your disappointment quite than combating it. your reactions about god and the matrix are known, i advise hell i imagine the point of the matrix grow to be to make you question that variety of aspect. and the undeniable reality that you're catholic properly, they are regularly a fairly domineering and illiberal faith regardless of what they pontificate, so that is common to be embarrassed about that. it sounds to me like the position you stay would not help lots of your higher moral instincts and ideology, so that you need to aspire to regulate that so that you're satisfied.
2016-12-04 02:03:26 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Man is not the answer with his limited abilities to all creation's problems and needs. The present state of all creation run by man without God and His direction is evident proof of man's short-comings. Only God can serve the needs of mankind and all His creation. Man's selfishness and callousness has caused the extinction of so many species but God will redeem them in the end. When come to existence God has covenanted with man and His other creations to remain knowing man will mess things up..This is one assessment of man's weakness based on facts which supports the bliblical view of the fallibility of man..
2007-02-12 01:02:34 · answer #7 · answered by seekfind 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Your positive approach will get you nowhere. You and I are sinners. God makes the rules, not us. If we made the rules, we wouldn't need salvation. Look at all the other religions that are based on working to better themselves. They are doing it for nothing. Jesus came to change us from the inside out. Other religions want an external shine. not a shine from their heart.
When you are alone, and have the evil thoughts of killing the guy that cut you off... where does that come from?
2007-02-12 00:47:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
We all make choices good or bad.I think that there is a lot of bad on this planet,but also there is good.The more that people do that is good the better we all become.
2007-02-12 00:49:48 · answer #9 · answered by one10soldier 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You misunderstand. The negative assessment of human life is followed by a positive solution. The positive thing is accepting the salvation.
2007-02-12 00:46:59 · answer #10 · answered by Sporadic 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋