I must, seriously, thank you for your conversation too. The fact that you haven't gotten angry or verbally assaulted me, shows a lot about your character. It is nice to see the better side of religion. Those who are willing to debate about it and not take it personally! After all, we all believe different things! I am in no way an atheist! I am agnostic. I would like to believe a wonderful, all-powerful, good force exists in this world.. That wants our love and to give us infinite love.. but, unfortunately, books written by man and no real physical evidence, whatsoever.. makes it very very hard for me to believe in something so outlandish..
However, being that I'm not a closed-minded person, I accept that just because I can't prove he exists, does not mean that he doesn't. As I also have no proof, whatsoever, that he does not exist, either!
This is how I choose to live my life, with that being said.
I do what I know is, internally, morally and ethically right.
I seek the good in people and the best in myself and try to find ways to improve who I am as a person.
I believe that IF a great God exists, and I say "if" because I do not know and I was not created to just believe in things I have no real proof of, that he created me this way. He created me to never have faith in things I see no evidence of. He created me to not just accept what people say as truth. He created me to behave how I behave, good or bad, and for him to condemn me for acting how I was created to act.. would be absolutely ridiculous.
So.. I live my life the best I can and I try to help my brothers and sisters on this planet in as many ways as I can. I do what is right by my heart and my head, and IF God created me.. I will only ever be acting as he made me to be, so I do not believe that he would hold anything against me for living my life how I believed was right and true to myself.
Hope that made you think a little bit! :) And again, thank you for your patience in debating these topics! It means a lot to at least know that you're open minded enough to debate the things you believe! That is more than I can say for many others, and to me, that makes you a good.. Christian? lol.. Not sure what type of God you believe in or what version of whatever bible/etc.. but I do know that, usually, with religion, there is a lot of ignorance and hatred from those claiming to be "righteous" and to not have received a hint of that from you, shows me that you have good character! I can always appreciate a good person. :)
Dear @evanprice,
I am glad we can have a civil discussion and not resort to ad hominem arguments. (An ad hominem argument is one that relies on personal attacks rather than reason or substance).
I would like to address one issue at a time. I agree that at times a so-called Christian will have a "religious spirit." That kind of person usually is prideful and judgmental of others. He or she thinks morality is based on their standards and outward appearances.
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day for hypocrisy. In the Book of Matthew chapter 23, He first warns against hypocrisy. Then He rebukes the teachers of the law and the Pharisees seven times starting each time by saying “Woe to you ( Meaning; How terrible it will be for you), teachers of the law and Pharisees."
Here is one example:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Matthew 23:23-24
In other words, those self-righteous people who walk around haughtily trying to impress other people with their show of good deeds; but who inwardly are self-centered and neglect the more important principles of the faith may call themselves Christians but are not following Jesus.
True Christianity is considering the needs of others above your own. It is sacrificial love and all the laws and commandments are fulfilled by loving God and loving your neighbor.
I will get to some of your other points over the next few days.
Shalom, Steven Sherman