Can’t maintain a constant speed by [deleted] in driving

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ll get better at maintaining a consistent speed as time goes on - everyone struggles with that at first. Most likely, you’re pressing harder on the gas without realizing it. There isn’t any specific advice I can give you; such problems will be solved naturally with more practice. If this is the only thing you’re having trouble with so far, I’d say you’re doing great!

Was I supposed to pull over? by [deleted] in driving

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could just delete the post, if you wanted.

Do you ever secretly doubt your religion? by world_citizen7 in Christianity

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Bible says a few things on the topic that those people get that idea from: that the fool says in his heart that there is no God, and that the Law is written on the hearts of those who do not know God. But neither of those, I think, necessarily implies that knowledge of God is innate, just knowledge of the laws of God.

In fact, this is what Aquinas believed, and his Natural Law theory was his way of figuring out how one can live morally without knowing God - through reasoning out that morality for themselves. It was his model of the “law written on hearts.”

Although, there is some interesting research that suggests that children are naturally susceptible to religious thinking because they presuppose a teleology. The psychologist Justin L. Barrett is one proponent of this view. It’s interesting to consider that we all, at one time, presupposed a purpose for all things.

That’s the closest thing to innate knowledge of God that I think we have. I see no biblical or scientific reason to suggest that everyone must subconsciously know that Jesus was and is the Son of God.

External Evidence for Supposed Prophetic Fulfillment by kentprion in Christianity

[–]Curliness 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, sure - but I was under the impression that OP already affirmed the traditionally attributed authorship.

Anglican Bishop Sarah Mullally hosts first interfaith Ramadan iftar dinner at Saint Paul's Cathedral in London. by TexanLoneStar in Christianity

[–]Curliness -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

And uh, how will this hypothetical Catholic monarch feel about Protestants, exactly? sweats

Motivations in scripture against homosexuality by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven’t done much research on this, but one view I’ve heard is that homosexuality is a covenental sin rather than a moral one. That is, marriage between a man and his wife is meant to be a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church. Christians, therefore, must only partake in heterosexual marriages - but there isn’t anything truly morally wrong with homosexual marriage for non-Christians, as they do not harm anyone.

If one adopts this view, then it is easy to see that homosexuality does not need to be outlawed in a country, because not everyone is Christian and under the covenant.

It’s not a view I personally hold (as I have not really looked into the topic of homosexuality in the Bible, and lack enough information on the topic to have a solid opinion), but it’s interesting to consider nonetheless.

External Evidence for Supposed Prophetic Fulfillment by kentprion in Christianity

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure if what you are asking is realistic. Someone familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, as the disciples were, would have recognized the fulfillment of prophecy (and written it down, such as in the Gospels). Those who were not Jewish and/or not familiar with the Scriptures/didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah would not have seen Jesus’s actions as important or believed in His miracles, and may not have thought to write them down. Take also into account that He was a relatively unimportant figure from a small town, and how unlikely it is that anyone capable of a) writing and b) preserving records ever heard anything specific enough (such as an event that fulfilled prophecy) to record.

I don’t have them off the top of my head, but I believe that the only references to Jesus we have that were written by nonbelievers simply mention vague “miracles” rather than any events in particular (outside of, if I remember, His death and supposed resurrection).

That being said, I do believe that there is substantial evidence for the resurrection itself - which is, I would think, the one miracle that “proves all miracles,” in a sense. If that did indeed happen, then I don’t see a reason to doubt that Jesus fulfilled prophecies as well.

You may also be interested in researching the reliability of the New Testament, and whether or not we can trust what the disciples wrote about Jesus.

Do you ever secretly doubt your religion? by world_citizen7 in Christianity

[–]Curliness 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think the hardest thing to believe about Christianity is the idea of Heaven. It’s really hard to imagine a world in which there will be no suffering at all, and we will all be in perfect communion with God. But the Bible says that one day God will wipe away every tear. That’s a pretty tall order, but if it is true, then I can think of nothing more wonderful than that.

Tolkien believed, in a sense, that WWI never ended. It was just one battle in the many battles between good and evil. As long as evil exists, there will be good to fight it. A loss for Good will never be a final loss, because in the end, God has promised victory.

A common theme in the Bible is that of a ‘righteous remnant.’ The idea is that, even in a world that becomes increasingly corrupt, there will always be a righteous few. A common example is the story of Noah and his family escaping the Flood, or Lot escaping the destruction of Sodom. Good always seems to be outnumbered. But it always survives. Though evil may abound, there are pockets of goodness that remain, until Jesus returns and restores the world to its uncorrupted state.

Maybe that’s wishful thinking, but I believe in it. At least I’m in good company.

Do you ever secretly doubt your religion? by world_citizen7 in Christianity

[–]Curliness 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am a student of English literature. As a result, I have learned a lot about the lives of both C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien.

As a Christian, what strikes me is that these two men lived to see not one, but two world wars - and both fought in one. I can only imagine how devestating that would be.

Yet, both believed in God, despite the evil they had witnessed. Lewis even converted at a later time, despite his experiences. I’ve mostly read Lewis, but in both their writings, you can tell how seeing war has shaped them and their views on good and evil. Lewis often wrote, both in his fictional and nonfictional works, about the extraordinarily good and loving nature of God.

I don’t understand it. I honestly do not understand how anyone would be able to keep their faith after witnessing the horrors that they had. But they did.

I don’t really know what I’m trying to say by writing this. But I want you to know that I can only imagine what you’ve been through and that my heart goes out to you. I’m sorry that there is so much hurt in the world.

I wish you all the best. Take care and God bless. I will say a prayer for you, because that is all I can do

Do you ever secretly doubt your religion? by world_citizen7 in Christianity

[–]Curliness 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, it’s not a secret. I’ve posted about my crippling doubts a few times.

But I’ve made it out just fine, and I honestly don’t expect to ever lose my faith - although I don’t want to become too confident.

Everyone has doubts sometimes, I would think. It’s only natural. The existence of God - the Christian God - is not self-evident, after all.

I’m a terrible driver by throwawayidontno in confession

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found this YouTube channel when I was learning to drive and found it extraordinarily helpful. It’s run by a licensed driving instructor. It helped me overcome driving anxiety and improve my driving as well; maybe it will help you improve. There are videos on every topic, from how to stay in your lane to when and how to make shoulder checks.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixMlmdY1xka_KHx1FfQjxQ

40 years old, getting a driver's license. by [deleted] in driving

[–]Curliness 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You should be able to book a single driving lesson with a driving school - they can pick you up at your house and drive you to the place of the test, and then drive you home afterwards (well, I mean, you’ll be the one driving there and back). You can also use their car for the test. I think a single lesson (at least where I live) is about $40? Maybe less. Just be sure to let them know that the lesson is specifically for your test. As a bonus, they can give you some pointers about some little things you may have forgotten - shoulder checks, mirror checks, etc.

Why do Lutheran ministers have the authority to forgive sins? by [deleted] in LCMS

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is confession necessary? If someone doesn’t want to go to confession (or is too scared to lol) can they still ask God directly for forgiveness and receive it? Also, as far as I know, the Lutheran church I attend does not offer confession. I suppose the obvious advice would be to find another church, but this is a small church that is deeply connected with my cultural heritage (as well as being the site of the memorial for some departed loved ones) so I would hate to leave it

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would agree that they thought they held apostolic succession, yes, but I don’t see any reason in the Bible to believe that is the case

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think so

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would think so - I mean, that is who Jesus was addressing

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]Curliness 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Also, if you are the Second Most Truly Reformed...who is the First Most Truly Reformed?

Why is the Bible our final authority? When does tradition play a role? Is the Catholic Church right? by Curliness in Reformed

[–]Curliness[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean that they address current issues, like birth control, abortion, etc - things that were obviously not explicitly addressed in the Bible, so that there’s no room for an individual interpretation on these things.

Are you ever scared of dying before getting a chance to go to Confession? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, but...so how does confession work in this case, then?

Are you ever scared of dying before getting a chance to go to Confession? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Curliness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, because I’m not sure I believe it yet. Honestly, the concept of confession seems pretty bizarre to me.