"The first Commandment is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me", but don't try explaining that one to Christians because the Trinity was devised to incorporate pagan beliefs for conversion into their faith. They've been sinning for millennia. lol HeII has taken down it's vacancy sign."

Yeah, that's not how the Trinity works.

I believe the mystery of the Trinity centers around that the 3 entities are one in the same, but separate, if I remember my catechism correctly.

Also, why is it so fashionable for people to rip religion or the beliefs of those who do believe, but everyone is so quick to jump up in arms because they don;t want to be "bible thumped"?

Just to me , it seems I've seen far far more threads on MLB boards where people openly rip people for believing in a religion, but not as many in the opposite way, though it seems that that is the reason people feel vindicated in ripping those of faith.

I might be reading too much into it though.

As a person of faith, I feel no desire to shove my beliefs down other's throats, but I do feel it sting a bit when I see people bashing on religion.

Can't we all just live and let live?

Well said.

Defending it and shoving it down someone's throat are two different things.

The pillar of Christianity is a belief in Jesus as the son of god.

And throughout the new Testament, Jesus refers to his church as those who believe in him and follow his teachings. It does not matter if you are Baptist, Methodist , Church of Christ, Catholic, or a member of other Christian delegations, they are all God's church.

Yes it is.

Are you saying you have a problem defending their beliefs? (seriously, not sure what you are getting at with this)

I don't mind respectful debate about beliefs, but often, it is not respectful, IMO. Its always becomes, "If you believe in ____ you are a m.0ron"

1. Pillar: wrong. Check 1 Tim 3:15.

2. You are not understanding this. How about you give me a chapter and verse that says what you say?

I'm agreeing with you.

Ahh, my mistake.

Sorry.

Maybe if you didn't ask stupid questions you wouldn't have to continuously ask other's why they don't answer you. Then again, you wouldn't really have anything to say either.

Game, set, match.

Like I've been saying, you can believe anything you want. But thinking that tenets of the Christian faith weren't devised/distorted/altered solely to create widespread acceptance is just historical ignorance.

Of for sure, the "church" has had aspects of its past that have been very questionable.

I don't necessarily agree with the ones you have mentioned though.

And I think the church is often slow to change to the modern times, and thus some of their doctrine seems out of touch. There's a difference between "faith" and the institution of the "church", a human creation. And humans, throughout history, are often flawed. The core message though, I think is solid, but some inevitably stray from this by convincing themselves that their questionable decisions and creations, are for the "greater good".

<<<1. Pillar: wrong. Check 1 Tim 3:15.>>>

Again, this proves EXACTLY what I said before. It's either your way or it's wrong.

The very premise of Christianity is a belief in Christ. Jesus Christ. In John 3:16 he says that those who believe in HIM shall be saved, not in the church. Jesus is the pillar of Christianity. You can argue the meaning of the word "pillar" if you want, which I'm sure you will, but without a belief in Christ you are not a Christian.

The English word "church" is translated from the Greek for "the called out ones." Jesus' believers are "the called out ones." they are the "church."

In my experience as having grown up a Christian as well as earned a degree from a Christian University which required religion courses with all degree plans, it is absolutely less accepted to speak out as one who no longer believes.

I think if religion helps people have a better approach and outlook on their time on this planet then that is great. The problems I see is when a segment of the population is now convinced a nation founded on freedom of religion and separation of church and state was actually founded on Christian principles and the Bible should now guide the laws.

agree

Once upon a time everybody believed the Earth was the center of the Universe and the Sun rotated around it, and anyone saying otherwise was a nutjob.

Once upon a time everyone believed spontaneous generation was the creation of microscopic lifeforms, and anyone saying otherwise was a nutjob.

Once upon a time everyone believed the continents were immovable, and anyone saying otherwise were nutjobs.

People have sworn to false beliefs since the beginning of mankind. Sheep only know how to follow. But at least the sheep from the past didn't have the information readily available.

Why the slander terms against those who believe? Why the need to call believers "sheep" in a derogetory term?

See its this total lack of respect for a person's beliefs and opinions that I see lacking in most internet religion/political threads.

You've obviously never read any other thread on here. They all contain lack of respect for opinions and beliefs.

This one is amazingly tame for such a polarizing topic.

Particularly when you consider religious differences often were the basis of actual wars. Guys that can't agree on baseball haven't gotten too bent out of shape on this subject by comparison.

Bring up a 9th inning squeeze play and you'll see!

LOL!!!

To quote the great John Cleese in Fawlty Towers " I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it."