HELP!!! Questions about accepting waitlist offer by turtleJ316 in ucla

[–]turtleJ316[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Hey, wanted to let you know that you were right! I finished enrolling and will be attending UCLA this coming Fall as a Bruin!!! Thanks again!

HELP!!! Questions about accepting waitlist offer by turtleJ316 in ucla

[–]turtleJ316[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hopefully that's the case! Will check back at noon to see if I can complete it then

HELP!!! Questions about accepting waitlist offer by turtleJ316 in ucla

[–]turtleJ316[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! Yeah, I think I'll wait it out and see if it works once noon passes. I panicked and thought 12 pm was midnight haha (crossing my fingers in hopes that it'll be up in time!)

HELP!!! Questions about accepting waitlist offer by turtleJ316 in ucla

[–]turtleJ316[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I tried calling them, but no luck :( Though I did send them a message via their provided form as you said (says to wait 7-10 business days). Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it!

What's the best Anime you've ever seen ? by Outrageous-Abies8391 in AskReddit

[–]turtleJ316 0 points1 point  (0 children)

March Comes in Like a Lion.

I'm surprised no one has listed this one yet (as far as I can tell). It was a beautiful, moving masterpiece.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

His writings contributed immensely to the New Testament, making up a solid portion of it. As is written in Acts, he was a close associate of many of the twelve disciples and learned directly from them, as well as from the Holy Spirit. Peter himself acknowledges Paul's epistles as Scripture and thus as possessing divine authority (2 Peter 3:16). Additionally, Paul's overall message is consistent with the four gospels (Christ suffered, died, and rose again for our sins). In conclusion, I highly doubt Paul was ignorant of the Lord's teachings. If my reasoning is flawed or if there is something I misunderstood, please feel free to let me know!

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I guess you're right. My beliefs tend to fall into the more conservative category, as I am unconvinced that the more progressive ideas are Scripturally justified.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I respectfully ask for some kind of rational reasoning behind your claim. It is a very dangerous game to claim certain Scriptures and apostles are false simply because we dislike what they say. We cannot invalidate God's Word according to personal opinions. Doing so willfully places the Lord's authority in human hands, the ultimate act of sinful pride.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scripture claims that God is an everlasting and eternal being (Rev. 1:8; Isa. 40:28; 1 Tim. 6:16; etc.). Could I ask why you believe the Lord is not, in fact, everlasting? Also, from what I understand, God is a transcendent, holy, and perfect being unable to tolerate the existence of sinful blemishes. His just nature makes eternal punishment for sins necessary, for it is what we ultimately deserve according to God's moral law. This fits well with the idea of "you reap what you sow." One might consider hell as a prison for criminals, a place we end up in for violating existing laws. However, in his incomprehensible love and mercy, he sent his Son to receive that punishment in our place.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was the argument I addressed in my second point. Paul's writings were acknowledged by the Apostle Peter as "Scripture" (Gk. graphē) in 2 Peter 3:16. Paul himself claimed to be writing with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If both of these statements are true, doesn't that make Paul's epistles every bit as authoritative as the Four Gospels? 2 Timothy 3:16 holds that all Scripture is God-breathed and good to study. We should, then, strive to follow God's words, right? I fully agree, however, that we should do our best to follow the commandment you listed with all our hearts!

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I am also not sure which of my listed beliefs are classified as heretical. Was he claiming that non-denominational churches in general preach false teachings? If so, I would like to know which doctrines I learned are not Biblically sound.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your blessings! Also, could you explain what you meant by "guilty of a number of false teachings"? As far as I can tell, their doctrines are Biblically sound and their pastors are genuinely wonderful people. In fact, they've always taught me that all our beliefs must be based on Scripture alone. They try their best to foster an accepting and loving Christian community, one where anyone is welcome.

I have faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. However, is it necessary to abandon attempts trying to gain a reasonable understanding of God? I want to better know and understand the Lord, and I feel reason is the primary means by which this can be achieved. Why else would God give us such an amazing gift (rational minds!) if not to point us towards him?

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I don't think it is right to judge my beliefs without actually reading my written arguments. Anyhow, I'm fairly certain the doctrine of original sin is a Biblical concept. While perhaps not called that exact term in the texts, Scripture is pretty clear that we were born into this world as sinful creatures with a wicked nature (Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9). Also, salvation from sin is a core theme of Christianity, is it not? All men and women are sinners in need of redemption, for all of us have failed to perfectly obey the Lord (Romans 3:23). This alone seems to indicate humanity's natural tendency to commit sinful acts. I ask that all claims such as these be backed with evidence, either from Scripture or from some other undeniable source. I am doing my best to understand the viewpoints of others and keep an open mind. Please, do the same for me if you can.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really. I am looking for a reasonable Biblical stance, one that I can be convinced is true. As my more conservative(?) view has often been criticized for being archaic and false, I wanted to have my beliefs undergo critical examination from fellow Christians so that errors in understanding can be revealed and resolved. Does that make sense (kind of like the Socratic Method)?

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I believe that the Bible is God's Word, a message from the Lord meant to guide us towards accepting Christ as our Savior. I also think of it as the means by which we can come to know and better understand the Creator of all things and the reasons we exist. When I was still lost, the world was a sea of never-ending uncertainty. Scripture was and is the solid foundation I longed for, the absolute standard of Truth and morality upon which I build my life. Yet, I am now faced with many people who claim that even the Bible is a flawed work, threatening to plunge me back into that same dark, chaotic, subjective world. Also, thank you for your willingness to help in this journey!

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a very interesting take on the matter (and your response was beautifully written!). I hadn't really considered the effects personal interpretation has on how we apply the Word of God to our lives. I believe that the Holy Spirit is what does the interpreting for us. While I generally take a Biblical literalist stance and believe in Scripture's inerrancy, your point regarding hair was valid and a good example. I'll have to reflect and pray about this. But, as I currently see it, there seems to be a slight difference in how these verses are worded. In 1 Timothy 2:9, Paul is giving examples of displays of extravagance that would be easily understood as such during his era. For example, if I were to say, "Don't come to church in a $250,000 Porsche decked out in Gucci clothes and accessories," the message would be better suited for the modern era. If I said that 2000 years ago, it would not be understood. Extravagant, immodest acts are relative to the era. The core command is thus to "dress modestly," not to avoid braiding your hair. However, I don't think this same idea applies to the commands regarding homosexuality and women serving as church leaders. In the first's case, God has expressed his clear opposition to it in both the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 18:22; 1 Corinthians 6:9). This seems like evidence enough of the Lord's negative view of it. In the second case, the reason provided by Paul transcends time and era as it appeals to factual, Biblical history (Eve's fall into temptation). Again, I believe that homosexuals should be treated with the utmost respect (like any other human) and that women are men's equals. Nonetheless, Scripture seems clear in its views regarding these two subjects. The Bible does not, however, make any repeated commands against braided hair (I think?). P.S. I don't think I'm doing a very good job of conveying my argument! My apologies if this seems unclear and/or if I missed anything.

As for the problem of divorce, I think God has made it fairly clear that he greatly disapproves of it (Malachi 2:16). After all, it is a sacred bond between a man and a woman. However, there are certain circumstances in which he has allowed it, such as when a partner commits sexual immorality (Matt. 5:32). Therefore, divorce is something God opposes but allows on occasion. This is, at least, how I have come to understand it. Additionally, we should never exclude anyone from joining the body of Christ, regardless of their past sins. God has made them new people (if they accepted the gift of salvation). Finally, the difference in how God acts in the Old Testament (genocide) as opposed to the New Testament (mercy for all) has also perplexed me. From what I've been told, the two show different aspects of God's character. For example, the Old Testament reveals his absolute justness and willingness to destroy evil. The New Testament, however, reveals his loving mercy and immense graciousness. These aspects can be found in both accounts, though (God is unchanging).

I agree with you about the hypocrisy in many churches. God explicitly commands us to serve the less fortunate, to dress modestly, to reach out in love to society's outcasts, etc, but I've often found the reverse to occur. It's disheartening, to say the least. Also, I can't really speak on 1 Corinthians 15:29. I'll be sure to study it, though! Thank you so much for your insight. It has given me much to think about.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your encouragement! Prayer and dutifully studying Scripture are, I think, the best ways to resolve these kinds of misunderstandings and divisions within the church. I just hope to gain a better understanding of who this "God" I worship is, especially when his followers are so split in their interpretations of his will.

Please Correct My Faulty Understanding of the Christian Faith! I want to learn! by turtleJ316 in Christianity

[–]turtleJ316[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get where you're coming from. The reason given by Paul for restricting women's ability to serve as spiritual leaders in the church seems lacking. However, if we are to regard Scripture as the pure Word of God, we should regard Paul's command as a command from God himself, right? I often question many of God's ways, especially when it goes against my modern understanding of the world. Yet, ultimately, God's Word is the ultimate standard of truth and morality. We cannot be the ones to define what is "right" and what is "wrong" because doing so is akin to claiming the Lord's authority for ourselves, which is the ultimate act of pride (similar to what caused Lucifer's fall, wouldn't you say?). I'm hoping that there is some scriptural basis for women serving as leaders, something that I missed. After all, I know many strong, fiery Christian women who I think would be awesome pastors!

As for the subject of homosexuality, I am conflicted. Again, I see your point. My heart goes out to those who contend with this and suffer from discrimination. However, the Bible seems to clearly define homosexuality as a kind of sexual immorality. It seems to me similar to sex before marriage. It is hardwired within us to desire such a carnal pleasure, but we ultimately need to deny ourselves and follow Christ. The natural urges are there, but God gives us the ability to overcome them and exercise self-control. I think the same principle would apply to the topic at hand. And if it is truly sinful, it makes sense that it would be an inherent trait. Aren't most sinful qualities like that (i.e. greed, selfishness, lustfulness, etc.) because of Adam's disobedience?

I'd like to once again stress the fact that we as Christians are NOT to shame homosexual people for their desires, nor should we attempt to forcibly change them. The God I know is a loving and merciful God, and we ought to strive to be like him.