If you want to ask a question

Since when have you been an expert? Since when has Gransnet decided that you are the oracle on all matters regarding Christianity. That's two questions for you to start.

I guess, if you are being asked on other threads, it's because of views you have expressed there.
As I haven't seen those views, I don't have any questions for you on this thread.

I am not an expert on anything.
I am not an oracle on anything.

I don't think soontobe meant she was an expert. She tried to answer my questions about Christianity on another thread based on her beliefs. I'm sure she's aware that other Christian denominations might interpret the Bible differently or have different traditions.

Didn't mean to be as rude as it came across, just feeling a bit touchy and seriously disillusioned with all religion in view of the atrocities committed in recent days and weeks.

What denomination are you, soontobe?

And if people are religious, many worship the same God so why are there so many different interpretations of that God?

And how will we ever know - is it just something to make people feel that there is meaning to life other than we are then we die and are no more?

Is it just like an insurance policy?

vq - absolutely

GillT57 - totally understandable
And I would also add that if others feel like that too, this thread might be best avoided.
I dont want people to feel worse than they already do.

rosequartz
1. Methodist
2. The bible is complex. I often wonder why God made it that way. I sometimes think it must because He wants to be slightly unsearchable?
Also, the Catholics for example add books to the bible that other denominations dont think are part of the original bible.
Jehovahs witness do that too, a different set again I think.
As I said above, I am no expert, and other christians may be more accurate than me.
3. and 4. Tricky questions. I dont like to talk on behalf of other christians or even other Methodists. My standard pat answer is to advise people to read some of the bible themselves and make their own minds up.
I guess some people start off searching because they are looking for meaning, or because they want a sort of insurance policy.
I think there are probably many reasons.

I will ask questions wherever and whenever I see the need, soontobe - you clearly feel you can express your views whatever the topic of a thread. I will not be dictated to. If GN want something done, they can ask.

There are many, many kind, very intelligent and thoughtful Christians on GN, who demonstrate their belief in their general demeanour, who will profess their faith without being dogmatic, and who listen and think.

ariadne, thank you for that post.

I don't think the Jehovah's witnesses have extra books of the bible, just a different translation of the same ones.
The Mormons do have their own Book of Mormon, as well as the bible.

FarNorth - thank you for that. You may well be right.

Ariadne and thatbags - I as yet dont know all the gransnet etiquette and unwritten rules of the forum.
I think what may be best for me is if people ask me questions about christianity on threads across the forum, that it may be best if I choose not to answer them there.

What makes you think God made the bible?

How did He do it?

Is this thread meant to be funny?

Soon would you please reread ariadne's post and give some real consideration to what she says.

On GN there are many devout practising Christians who have taken a full part (and sometimes a very assertive stance) in many faith-based discussions. Often the only conclusion reached is that we agree to disagree. This can be achieved if posters show respect, put forward reasoned arguments and don't preach or patronise.

You have said that you are no expert and are putting forward only your own point of view. Can you accept that there may be many other GN members who have studied the Bible, comparative religion, the history of religion etc and who are actually experts in the field?

However they may have decided not to display their expertise because they feel that this is not an appropriate forum for evangelising.

Your very dogmatic but simplistic way of arguing may well be dissuading them from joining the discussion.

Please try to recognise that this is not the way to persuade intelligent thinking people to accept your point of you.

There are eye witness accounts, and writers writing.

The bible is inspired by God.

Point of view -not you!!

I am not trying to persuade people to accept my point of view. I asked if they wanted to ask me questions.

I am more then happy for anybody else whatsoever to join the discussion.

I will ask gransnet HQ if they are ok about the thread and its structure.

No of course it's not meant to be funny, absent.

I don't think soontobe is setting herself to be any sort of authority on Christianity, she just thought that rather than having to justify her every post on other threads it might be easier to attempt to address any criticisms/queries others may have about her views by starting this one.

Of course it was never going to work, but soontobe wasn't to know that.

Well I'm glad you're ok with others joining. Being the OP doesn't mean you gain ownership of the thread.

BUT you really don't get it, do you?

You seem to skim read everything and aren't really grasping the point so are unable to answer with anything other than dogma and brainwashing with no evidence at all of research or independent thinking.

Ana But it is. Funny, that is, or at least laughable.

What did Jesus mean when he said "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you."

soontobe started this thread with a serious intent.
If you find it funny, it would be polite to ignore it rather than make silly comments.
Oh well....

(not meaning you, jingls)