Originally posted by: Netopia
Originally posted by: DarkKnight69
Originally posted by: HermDogg
5) Why does God need worship?
This is one question that I would love to be answered!
Why does a man that give us goodness and love require us to bend to our knees and ask forgiveness and offer thanks. This makes him sound like a tyrant to me. There are 2 issues with this:
1. If he were truly as the bible says, he would know that mankind was grateful to him and he would not require our worship.
2. He would not think any less of us for not believing in him because it was him who gave us the ability to not believe!
I think you think too highly of humans. What is it most humans seek in one form or another? Esteem. Whether it be a car, muscles, money, position, relationships, a hot gaming box.... whatever.... all humans desire at some level to be elevated and have others look up to them. An all knowing God would understand this, and having given a certain amount of self-determination to his creatures, would set up some sort of system (religion?) by which they could be reminded that they AREN'T the be all end all and that they should instead humble themselves.
So really... what is it about Biblical Christianity that bothers you so much?
That Jesus said for people to be humble and forgive?
That Jesus taught people to think of others first?
That Jesus taught that some things were wrong?
That Jesus said that being meek (powerful but controlled) was the way to go?
That Jesus taught that living wasn't all about this life, and we should put others first?
That Jesus taught that a true neighbor was someone who loved others?
That YOU AND I have done bad things, but HE'S willing to overlook them because he loves us?
That He loves us so much that he'd die for us, even if we HATE Him?
That He wants us to tell others that there's hope for them too?
That Hell is a person's choice and we ourselves are to condemn no one, even in word?
C'mon.... tell me what it is about BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY that you find so offensive? Forget all the hype of what is portrayed as "Christian" in the media. The media only shows the extremes so that they can get ratings. Tell me what THE BIBLE teaches people to do as Christians that's so horrible? Please, point to a New Testament teaching that you think is evil.
Perhaps the problem is that HUMANS are always involved in Religion. And therefore Religion will most alwasy be flawed. But that's not God, that's just messed up people tying to do their best.... and sadly, in some cases, messed up people using religion to try to elevate themselves by putting others down, but that's NOT what is taught in the Bible.
Joe