A modern day Christian praying to Jesus, hoping his sick mother will recover.
and
An ancient Roman, praying to Mars, hoping his next battle will go as planned.
Both individuals truly believe(d) that the addressed god is real. Both are sure that all the other gods (the ones worshipped by other cultures, mainly) are false.
How do we reconcile this? Does it make sense, as an atheist, to group Christians, Romans, ancient Nordic tribes, and all other deists into one large delusional group? Or do Christians have something extra, something that convinces them that they are more correct (both in the way they feel and in absolute terms) than their historical counterparts?
2007-12-01 16:24:36 · 13 answers · asked by relaxification 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
...and in response to a few people below, I am fully up to speed with modern Christianity. I'm just curious if, from an objective standpoint, there is any qualitative difference between each believer's experience.
...and as to Rome's views on other gods, my apologies. I was unaware they felt this way. Substitute any dead religion that didn't tolerate false gods and carry on...
2007-12-01 16:55:03 · update #1
...finally, please don't misunderstand my question. I'm not asking what the difference is between two or more religions. I'm asking if there is a qualitative difference between the subjective experiences of people of different faiths. Quite different.
2007-12-01 16:56:44 · update #2
Your Question is SIMPLY a Little 2 Involved 4 this Forum !
2007-12-05 16:20:53 · answer #1 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The foundation of Christianity is the establishment of a supernatural relationship between the created and the Creator. We ought to ask for things with the expectation that we will experience God. Experiencing God is worshiping God and it changes the very essence of who we are. The expectation ought not be to manipulate God. Yet many Christians do pray with the hope of manipulating God but that is not Christianity, it is our human nature.
2007-12-01 22:21:09 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are incorrect about both of them assuming that all other gods are false. That is a misconception, especially in reference to an ancient Roman. Throughout history, Christian theologians have largely maintained that the gods of other religions are the Christian God under a different name. The dispute was over proper social and religious conduct, not over what God's name was.
2007-12-01 16:32:24 · answer #3 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The living God reached out to His creation, by sending His son Jesus, and inspring the bible.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today!
Jesus is "the way" to eternal life in heaven.
There is ONE who rose from the dead, and His empty tomb is still visited by the faithful.
Not only are there other religions, but the Judeo-Christian history is full of false "messiahs" who could not save themselves, let alone you!
Jesus is THE WAY to heaven, like a bridge across the great divide. Trust no substitute. He alone has proven His deity!
2007-12-02 07:00:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To a non-Christian there isn't any difference. Someone devoted in their religion is going to feel they are doing what they are called to do for their deities, including prayer. I'm heathen and I believe in my deities. Unlike your examples though, I do believe there are other gods of other pantheons and you'd find the Romans did as well. That was the problem between them and Christians who refused to honor any gods but Jehovah.
Atheists believe that all theists are self-deceived, no matter what the religion.
2007-12-01 16:32:38 · answer #5 · answered by Aravah 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, i converted from buhhdism to christianity, so ill try to explain in my point of view.
When i beleived in buhhda, it was so.......plain. Let me try to explain, buhhda basicly was just a great philosopher, and he told people to worship him. Buhhda, or any other "God" (besides jesus), never said that they loved us, or that they even cared for us. There was a gap in my heart when i beleived in buhhda. I asked myself, who created me, why was i created, why do humans act the way they do, what is the meaning of life? Is the meaning of life simply growing up and reproducing? Or is there something greater? Buhhdism could never answer anyone of those questions, and plus buhhdism has some ridiculous beleifs and philosophies that make me wanna laugh.
After a long process i became christian, and i felt that "gap" i felt being filled in. I learned why humans are the way they are, why we was created, and our purpose in life. And after i became a christian, i was engulf in a spiritual batle i never knew is was in. I pretty much had a screwed up life and God got me through all that; god made me break addictions and accomplish goals that i never thought i could acheive, but ONLY after i trusted his word. And i can't explain this but i just feel........loved, something i've never felt from ANYONE in my life.
If u dont understand the difference between christianity and all the other religions out there, go to a christian concert and a buhhdist temple, and compare the people there. And u'll see.
2007-12-01 16:43:43 · answer #6 · answered by Chris 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The difference is there is only ONE God who is ALIVE!
His name is Jesus (and the God of the Bible is very concerned about what you call Him)
Because,
By the deeds of the law there shall no person be
justified in God’s sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin and all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:20, 23
Then,
They all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:12 Also I say unto you, whosoever shall confess me (Jesus) before men, him shall the Son of man (Jesus) also confess before the angels of God: But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.. Luke 12:8-9
However.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
For,
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Therefore,
If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. Romans 10:9
Then,
He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white robes; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5
So,
That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:15
2007-12-01 16:38:47 · answer #7 · answered by Molly 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
None - both are praying to what they believe, I am an atheist and I don't think all believers are delusional, I just wish they would leave me alone!!!!
2007-12-01 16:30:38 · answer #8 · answered by farmgirl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jesus has the power of healing and restoring our health, a false god does not.
God heals some people and does not heal some, I do not know why. But He will wake up after we die, and we can join into His kingdom if we want.
2007-12-01 16:32:44 · answer #9 · answered by Nina, BaC 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i think you would really enjoy the book titled "A Case for Christ". it was written by Lee Strobel who was an atheist journalist who set out to disprove Christianity. he ended up finding overwhelming evidence supporting it. it's a great book, an easy read, and i think it will answer all your questions.
2007-12-01 16:32:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋