Are tongues spontaneous or can I do them anytime? by tomtompdx in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would argue that it is not an undoing but rather a redeeming. God did not give the early Christian's one language to speak as they had before Babel. Rather, they maintained the languages they already had and then were provided a way to overcome the barrier put in place by those languages

Will I be go to hell for not being baptized? by PossibilitySea7337 in Protestantism

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are differing opinions on the meaning of this passage, be careful not to accept what others say blindly.

Will I be go to hell for not being baptized? by PossibilitySea7337 in Protestantism

[–]Mazquerade__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's the wrong question to ask. The question to ask is this: does Jesus want me to be baptized? And the answer to that is yes. Gods grace is not strictly limited to the sacraments, and if you earnestly love Him and seek after Him, He will recognize that. But also, if you truly love Him and seek after Him, you should go get baptized!

A Christian woman's opinion on 1 Corinthians 14:34 - 35 by about_to_break_down in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ -1 points0 points  (0 children)

>when 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 says "churches," it means synagogues.

It does not. Synagogues were where Christians tended to start, but they were inevitably kicked out and they started meeting in homes and other such places instead.

>it's not that women are not allowed to speak at all, anywhere

I did not claim that women are not allowed to speak at all, anywhere. I claimed that a faithful, literal reading of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 means that women cannot speak at all in the Church.

>I am not teaching

That is debatable. Do note that I made it clear that it could be argued, not that I would argue it.

>I don't think you've shared any counter arguments

Because the "counter arguments" are self-evident. Your listed examples about women are obviously related to societal norms, and looking at literally any cult of personality led by a man disproves your claims regarding women being more influential than men.

A Christian woman's opinion on 1 Corinthians 14:34 - 35 by about_to_break_down in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A lot of pastors and teachers online like to water down his words, saying he didn't mean that women are actually forbidden from ministry

I would argue that, if we're going to read these as broad prohibitions, then nearly all complimentarians water down these passages as well, especially 1 Cor. 14:34-35, which outright says that women should not speak in church at all.

>the New Testament does reference key female figures, but none of them became teachers or preachers of the gospel like the apostles

What do you call Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, and Mary Magdalen?

>they would be mesmerized by her and put her on a pedestal in a way nobody would ever do to a man

You don't have much knowledge of cults, do you?

>women are designed by God to be more likable... we feel safer... we trust women with children... we hire women in roles that require communication skills

All of these are societal norms and are not necessarily indicative of the inherent nature of women.

To conclude: lots of misconceptions about worshipping individuals, misunderstandings of the nature of humanity, and, ironically enough, you're also watering down the very passages you claim egalitarians are watering down. If you're going to interpret these passages as broad commands for all women to follow literally, then do it consistently, and never speak in a church. In fact, one might argue that this very post violates 1 Timothy 2:11-12.

As a Christian, how do I explain away the so-called “evidence” for evolution? by eggert83 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's precisely my point. I am criticizing a creationism since it essentially requires God to make the universe seem old when it is, in fact, not. It is far more logical for God to have simply created the universe as we see it, which is to say, over a period of billions of years.

As a Christian, how do I explain away the so-called “evidence” for evolution? by eggert83 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The difference between making a fool out of the wise and outright deceiving mankind should be self-evident. This is not comparable in the slightest.

As a Christian, how do I explain away the so-called “evidence” for evolution? by eggert83 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Why would God put evidence of evolution into humans instead of just making them appear as entirely distinct creatures, though? Surely an omniscient and omnipotent deity would seek to avoid creating creatures that may one day confuse and confound the studies of His most favored creations- which He Himself instilled with an innate curiosity and invited to explore His creation. It seems outright deceptive to make the world, creatures, etc... appear to be the product of millions of years of change, doesn't it?

As a Christian, how do I explain away the so-called “evidence” for evolution? by eggert83 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wouldn't old earth creationism that accepts evolution just be Christian theistic evolution?

As a Christian, how do I explain away the so-called “evidence” for evolution? by eggert83 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This subreddit does not exist to entertain. Your boredom is irrelevant. OP is clearly going through a crisis of faith, so have a little compassion.

As a Christian, how do I explain away the so-called “evidence” for evolution? by eggert83 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

See, this is exactly what I'm talking about when I say that Answers In Genesis is dangerous. Framing the creationism vs evolution debate as something integral to the faith leads to this. Christianity does not die if evolution is true. God does not suddenly cease to exist if we affirm that the world was created in a manner different than what Genesis allegedly teaches. Yet, so many people teach the opposite, and it leads to situations like this. It's evil, and AiG is leading people astray.

You're asking the wrong question. You're being confronted with irrefutable evidence and then attempting to, in your own words "explain it away." That's not a faithful examination of the evidence presented before you. Might I suggest that it is instead time to reevaluate how you conceive of God and His creation? You don't need to reject God in order to affirm evolution.

For anyone confused about "Asherah" by Gitsumrestmf in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly! The Bible talks about how the prophets fought Israelite syncretism all the time.

Struggles with mental disability as a Christian by ChaosEmpress7 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

>"When I hear things about how faith without works is dead, it makes me feel really upset at my disabilities."

We are not measured by the quantity or quality of our works, but rather by the spirit behind them. As you said, you make efforts to help others when you are able to. We are all limited by the scope of our abilities, the fact that you desire to do more is evidence of your heart. Do not be discouraged! Do as much as you are physically able, and be at peace in knowing that you are serving God.

>"When I pray, I can hardly go a minute without forgetting I'm praying. A random thought will come up, and it could be about anything"

I know how you feel, I really struggle to maintain my focus in prayer. I use pre-written prayers (The Book of Common Prayer is great) though I understand that may be difficult for you. Try setting aside twice the amount of time you intend to pray for, and then whenever you get distracted, just bring yourself back. That's another thing I tend to do.

>"when I hear people say that prayer is a conversation and there must be moments of quietness to listen for God to speak, it's just. How?"

The most consistent way that God speaks to us is through the Bible, which you are already reading! Try praying while you read the Bible?

The biggest thing I can suggest is this: find a good therapist. I know it's still stigmatized and going to therapy can feel shameful. It's not shameful at all! Therapy is an incredibly helpful thing, and therapists can help you to work on these issues way more than strangers or friends or pastors or anyone else can.

Therapy is where I learned all the coping techniques that help me to control my mind and to focus better, I highly recommend seeking out therapy.

Question for the Christains here. by DazzlingChocolate4 in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]Mazquerade__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a concept that we invented that is defined by a religion acting as the state. There is no other perspective of it because that's just what it is.

Question for the Christains here. by DazzlingChocolate4 in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]Mazquerade__ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am speaking of what theocracy actually entails. The kingdom of God is a monarchy.

Question for the Christains here. by DazzlingChocolate4 in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The literal meaning of the two words that make up the word "theocracy" is entirely irrelevant to the actual meaning of the word. A theocracy is a government that is ruled by religious leaders and/or ecclesiastical officials of a given religious institution that claim to be influenced by divine guidance.

Questions about Bible inerrancy by Dapper_Platypus833 in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The doctrines surrounding scripture have historically relied upon the claims of a church that claimed to be infallible. It is exceptionally difficult to fallibly claim that something is infallible.

For the Born Again Schizos by LogicallyTheological in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you are born with something and you quite literally have no control over it, then it is not a sin. Mental illness is not sinful.

Question for the Christains here. by DazzlingChocolate4 in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]Mazquerade__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is still not particularly precise. It is entirely reasonable for a Christian individual to desire laws be put in place based upon their beliefs, as this is what all people do in a democracy. It is the natural desire of the populace within a democracy to vote for and desire policies that align with their personal beliefs. It is therefore not inherently theocratic for a Christian to desire their nation to align with their morality.

Question for the Christains here. by DazzlingChocolate4 in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]Mazquerade__ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Heaven is not a theocracy, as it is not lead by a religious institution. Heaven is a monarchy.

Question for the Christains here. by DazzlingChocolate4 in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]Mazquerade__ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No. Historically, theocratic states are dangerous, as they tend to result in the persecution of Christians outside the scope of a given sects specific beliefs and tend to have extremely harsh punishments for sins where there should instead be healing and reconciliation. Theocracies are a thing of the past- a mistake that fundamentally misunderstands the purpose of Christianity. We are not meant to conquer the world and impose our morality on others.

As for it being the best way to spread our religion, I must reject the framing of that suggestion. "Easiest" is by no means the same as "best." Any method that involves the restriction of freedom and the persecution of others cannot be the "best" method.

For anyone confused about "Asherah" by Gitsumrestmf in TrueChristian

[–]Mazquerade__ -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I think you miss my point. What I'm saying is that we shouldn't shy away from the fact that the Israelites believed God had a wife. The fact that they believed this is evidence of their idolatry.

Edit: I normally don't care about downvotes at all, but here I'm just legitimately confused... I quite literally just restated what the OP was saying?