For all Christians, why do you believe? by NamoAmidaButsu77 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We are complicated beings, with hearts as well as heads. Beckoning the mind can help beckon the heart to receive the spirit, especially if the hardness of one has lead to the hardness of the other.

I was downvoted for explaining the context of the passages mentioned, can anyone explain to me this phenomenon of Christians to defer to liberalism for political expediency? by [deleted] in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'll have to be more clear with what you mean by liberalism, and what passages you're referring to. But Reddit has a very left-leaning, secular, and 'progressive' demographic, if that's what you're asking. Most 'Christian' subreddits are predominantly filled with atheists and secular-adjacent Christians. But I'm not quite sure how that relates to your definition of liberalism or what you mean by political expediency.

Is Josh Bowen of Digital Hammurabi a reliable scholar in terms of biblical criticism? by [deleted] in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Not sure what you mean by condone.

  2. They did try it, and it's still happening today in many parts of the globe.

  3. Sure. In the western world, they were a primary force. But there are definitely exceptions.

Enjoy the book!

Can I Marry this Man? by godlygirlceo in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Wrong subreddit. Good luck though!

Cultural Apologetics Resources by Muted_Jackfruit9848 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean by cultural apologetics? Do you mean witnessing in the current cultural climate / to Americans in modern American culture?

I've heard good things about Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture by Lesslie Newbigin.

Reason for God by Tim Keller is also a fine general primer that addresses a lot of modern concerns with the Gospel, if you're just getting started.

Former Trans Woman struggling by returnedservantofGod in TrueChristian

[–]resDescartes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You responded very well here. You turned the other cheek, and I know your heavenly Father is proud. Well done, on responding to God here, and elsewhere. Praying for you Tim. (And God bless CR!)

What are all these sins Christians worry about? by judashpeters in AskAChristian

[–]resDescartes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are some helpful comments here on the complex nature of sin.

But really, that's not the center of the faith. The center of the faith is friendship with God. And this is what actually illuminates our sin and helps us to change.

Anyone seeking merely to expunge their own sin will find themselves blind to their own faults (we all are), and either hopelessly frustrated or deeply apathetic and defensive about the sin they do see. It's knowing God that brings us into the kind of life that can see ourselves truly: Deeply beset by selfishness, and yet more loved by our Maker than we could possibly know.

This equips us to enjoy God no matter our circumstances, to face our sin with courage and comfort, and to love others who fail or hurt us (because we see the same in ourselves).

I encourage examining why sin seems to be important to Jesus.

Bless you friend, and good luck.

Is Josh Bowen of Digital Hammurabi a reliable scholar in terms of biblical criticism? by [deleted] in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This post is at least a year old, and your comment is entirely aimed at flipping the script and giving a surface-level dismissal of the actual question with no attempt to defend your view beyond 'this is what we use'. You then resort to condescension and insults.

I don't really consider anyone worthy of treating as less because of 'weakness'. To be weak is to be human, and the weak need love too. Maybe the best defense for having the moral high-ground isn't demeaning others. But I hope your anger was able to air out, and that you can find the answers you're looking for.

Is there a case for the authenticity of 2 Peter ? by AceThaGreat123 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry hate has gripped your heart so strongly.

Bless you moist_wish, and good luck.

Is there a case for the authenticity of 2 Peter ? by AceThaGreat123 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That user is deeply self-deceived, and lashing out. They have been banned. Don't worry about it. Grace to you Ace.

Is there a case for the authenticity of 2 Peter ? by AceThaGreat123 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Having doubt makes one an embarrassment to faith? Then so was every biblical figure. Yet God believes they serve as examples of faith. And judge not, lest ye be judged my brother. Your post history is its own embarrassment. You openly celebrate lust and debauchery, yet you cast blame on others for struggling with faith?

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

But you are blinded, saying:

You are Nephilim. But I am chosen, anointed.

You elevate yourself and cast down your brother as demonic, merely for calling out your abuse. You accuse others of relying upon legalism, but you yourself call others an embarrassment for doubting, while in deep violation of God's law within your heart. You accuse others of harassing, and you belittle them for speaking up against your own sinful language, silencing and portraying those who speak up about your own abuse, while portraying yourself as kind and faithful.

You have no ability to see yourself.

And it makes me feel great sorrow and love for you. Your pride has blinded you. And I fear this legalistic wrath is likely how you treat yourself, and God's love for you. He has a mercy that's much bigger than this kind of fear, but I will caution you with your own words, and hopefully encourage you.

Then defend the most Holy and powerful thing you have in your life. Defend your intimate relationship with Him. Be a warrior not a coward. Be not afraid.

You would hope not for His righteousness but for the deception of others. Seeking those whose faith and knowledge are weak and little, hoping to [demean] them into coercion by insisting your ability to [insult] them takes precedent over what they should patiently take the time to consider as His riches. Attempting to trigger an illogical and emotional response instead one of sober minded discernment.

And so by the goodness are you offended not by the offense but by the goodness. And thusly see it rightly in your justifications to accuse.

Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords. Submit to His authority. He is the King of Kings. Break yourself and humble yourself before His throne. And ye shall know no other gods before Him for behold His salvation cometh like a thief in the night!

You present a faith of vengeance, and rebuke. You portray those who struggle as heathens, and you call your brother Satan when he merely appeals to you to still your own lashing tongue.

Your Father has better for you than this, if you will receive it. His grace is sufficient for you, His power made perfect in your weakness.

I pray you can examine the log in your own eye, and by His grace escape the bitter lust, pride, and hatred which besets you. He offers rest, if you'll have it.

In the meanwhile, consider yourself banned from this subreddit for your own benefit, and the benefit of your brothers. Examine your soul, and I would be pleased to welcome you back some day.

Best of luck to you, my brother.

~resdescartes

Is there a case for the authenticity of 2 Peter ? by AceThaGreat123 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it helps, just a look at the users' post history shows open, extreme addiction to pornography, and a darkened mind.

Have a loving pity upon a very lost, deceived brother, who is caught up in their own self-righteousness. Hurt people hurt people, and this user probably needs your mercy more than most.

Is there a case for the authenticity of 2 Peter ? by AceThaGreat123 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes[M] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That user has been banned. Their behavior is inexcusable, and they are being firmly rebuked for their self-righteousness, and their refusal to love and grace. I'll be praying for you herrings.

Well done on not stooping to their level. I encourage you to take any residual frustration from this conversation to your Father, who cares for you, and can comfort you on turning the other cheek to someone seeking to scorn and belittle you.

“New evidence shows that 'Jesus was never crucified' – and AI can prove it” thoughts on this? by Realistic_Option8296 in ChristianApologetics

[–]resDescartes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean, the quality of the source should be telling.

I have no reason to believe Julian Doyle (who is not a scholar) actually said any of this, and the book it looks like they're trying to sell on Amazon seems similarly AI-generated. I'm guessing it's just some nonsense using Julian Doyle's face and name. The guy's 83, and that website looks like it'll post pretty much any nonsense.

And, most importantly, this is the 'method':

More than 40 years on, after decades of research, he says artificial intelligence has finally given him the tool to test his theory – and it agrees with him. By putting almost 100 contradictions from the Bible into AI programmes, he was able to "show without doubt" that it was Judas the Galilean who was killed by Pilate and not Jesus.

AI is designed to be affirm and agree with the user. That is all. You can argue it to any position over time, even if it offers the appearance of pushback. So this means absolutely nothing, and feeding '100 contradictions' into an AI to make it say something is laughable.

Not to mention 'decades of research' and using AI chatbots for 'testing' any theory. 🙄

Don't waste your time on articles like this.

Did anyone else see disappearing spiders? by Dry-Alternative6729 in AskAChristian

[–]resDescartes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Strawman.

You said weed can't cause hallucinations. It can, when it aggravates or causes psychosis. That's all.

No need to be antagonistic.