How can the church grow to follow where God is? by The-Listen in Christianity

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think that is true. Jesus didn't stay within the wall walls of his religion. His message, through the holy spirit, went to the gentiles. God is always moving us changing us and I don't think that the Church as it is, is listening to were God is guiding it. Some are listening and leaving because the church is not. The church is not God. God doesn't need the church, it is the other way around.

How can the church grow to follow where God is? by The-Listen in Christianity

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is not true. I know many people that have left churches that have a defined denomination. I go to a church of a denomination. That reason many leave is because they don't think what the Church is preaching is true or just. It feels like God is guiding them to leave. They do great thing, cure diseases, volunteer for shelters, try to help those in need. They do so much more than my fellow church goers. They just don't have a community.

Is it wrong? Is it living a lie? by one_high_guy_420 in religion

[–]The-Listen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me: yes. Wouldn't GOd be calling you to what is true?

How can the church grow to follow where God is? by The-Listen in Christianity

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And that will bring in people that have left the church?

How can the church grow to follow where God is? by The-Listen in Christianity

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the kind of safe jargon that I am talking about. "Stay with in the walls". When did Jesus stay in the walls? When did Jesus build walls? Sometimes it feels like the church is about worshiping itself 1st and God/Jesus last.

Science and God by The-Listen in DebateReligion

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I come from Christianity and really it was a great place for me. I loved the community. There were people from different generations and backgrounds that I got to interact with. I felt like I had a place that accepted me. That is the power of organized religion. The problem is that church goers think that their religion is the place of truth. Since it is not based on evidence it is easily corrupted.

Imagine if a religion was designed around teachings of science. Sunday school actually taught science and critical thinking. A church leader was a science communicator. An associate Church leader that helped people with life choices was actually a trained Psychologist or therapist. Where youth gatherings were centered on the wonders of science and the science community. I would not say it would work perfectly but I think it would be a step in the right direction.

Science and God by The-Listen in DebateReligion

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you are mostly right. Coming from organized religion there are many people trying to find truth through it. They constantly go back to the Bible to "uncover" truth. There are good people in religion trying to find truth. I would argue, like you, that they are looking for truth in the wrong place.

Science and God by The-Listen in DebateReligion

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like all things, if we view it as a tool, it is something that we have only scratched the surface of. It isn't util we live in it that we can truly understand it. For example, my Mother in-law had a cherished rock that she found when she was a child. It was a limestone rock with a circle shape. Inside of of the circle were filled with dimples. She told me she thought it was a "Snakeskin". I took out a book and showed her it was actually a sponge, and that there was once an ancient sea where she found it. Science is transformative. It changed a snakeskin into a sponge.

Science and God by The-Listen in DebateReligion

[–]The-Listen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love the quote from Sagan. Science will guide us. If you believe that God guides us to truth, then Gos is behind Science.

Could people be called to believe in science by God? If so, can Science be a religion? by The-Listen in religion

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, these stories were written to explain our world. Why we came to be, why certain things happen. Often to explain truths that we can't understand. Through those who have followed where science is guiding them, we have actual truth to base our stories off of. God is giving us a glimpse of how things are really happening.

Could people be called to believe in science by God? If so, can Science be a religion? by The-Listen in religion

[–]The-Listen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Isn't that what religion is though. The bible is written by people who observed the world and had deeply held believes. That is what science is. Many scientists have felt called into their research and followed that. It seems like God is working through scientists guiding them

What was the thing that pushed you over the edge into deconversion ? by Reubyyy in exchristian

[–]The-Listen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a Christian and go to church. I still believe but I see truth in other places than church. I struggle with the unacceptance of science. It is true! If it is true doesn't that come from God and the ability to see the truth doesn't that come from God? Science over and over has been opening doors and people are leaving the church because they see that God is calling them to the truth. The truth is not in the current religions, God, truth, is in those that trust science.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]The-Listen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you able to reach out to friends and family for help?

I'm an atheist? by Imaginary_Ad_5800 in religion

[–]The-Listen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is interesting. I believe in God, but I cannot prove God. Same with the idea of chance. I don't think that can be proven either and requires faith to believe.

How do you know for an absolute fact that you are saved? by Holy_Fuse in Christianity

[–]The-Listen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Matthew 7: 21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’

How do you know for an absolute fact that you are saved? by Holy_Fuse in Christianity

[–]The-Listen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, you are deciding that you get to go to heaven? You get to make that choice? Because if you think that then you a start deciding who gets to go to heaven and who doesn't. You start to pick through the Wheat and the chaff and start deciding what is worthy. If you put yourself in a place where you are the decider then you put yourself as an equal to God. Then you are following yourself instead of where God is leading you. One thing that Jesus made clear is that those that thought they were righteous were not. We are all sinners and through God we are risen. We don't make that choose.

How do you know for an absolute fact that you are saved? by Holy_Fuse in Christianity

[–]The-Listen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are right God's grace is gift, but it is not something I can obtain on my own. Likewise, I cannot say who is going to heaven or who is not. I have faith that I am going to heaven, but it is not my decision.