Is Christianity a Good Worldview and Religion?

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   oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years ago

   There are many worldviews and religions in the world.  Sometimes it seems like it is just a matter of picking one over another.  Everyone has a worldview, and a philosophy they agree with most.
   
   I think, its a good idea to examine our own worldviews, and see if they stand the most critical tests we can give to it.  Why would anyone want to believe anything for poor reasons?  We might do well to live our lives out with a religion and worldview that seems the best, or at least better than others.
   
   My request here is if you want to just attack Christianity, that you consider why that is, and please be as fair as you can.   In order for one to discuss Christianity fairly, we must know what it is.  Christianity is something that is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.   Were his teachings good, and if lived out would they help to create a better or worse world for doing so?   
   
   Perhaps you have another choice for what is best to believe and why.   Would love some genuine discussion, even debate on your top choice of worldviews or religions.

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      mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      To answer the question... No.

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         oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Why do you say no, if you care to share why?  Some just outright don't want it, and that is a good enough reason.  Some don't like the idea of answering to any god, or some other teaching of Jesus, and if you care to discuss why, I would be curious to know too.  If not, no big deal, you answered the question still.

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            Paul Wingertposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            If Christianity is such a great worldview religion, then everyone would be Christian. Apparently that's not the case and as a matter of fact, most of the world is becoming athiest. As far as the teachings of Jesus, they were fine for the time he lived in.

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               oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Paul, I am not sure that sheer numbers would reflect on the best worldview, as people think very differently, and there are many things going on.  Even if it were something as simple as "what is the best kind of bread out there..."or some other example, you wouldn't get a consensus on it enough, using that as a standard to judge. Using that as a measurement, then there is NO best worldview out there at all.  Everyone is a large percentage of people!
               
               As for the teachings of Jesus, one of the things I like best about Christianity, is that his teachings seem to be timeless.  Sure, he did operate in the context of his time, and so naturally some things won't apply.  His greatest command though do apply just as much, and are not outdated, or that is how it seems to me anyway.  Thanks for your answer...

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                  mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  He also operated on experiences far removed from our own...

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               janesixposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Most of the world is not becoming atheist. Where did you come up with that?

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                  mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Most of the world is not christian, this should not be equated with atheism, so much as wiser choices. On the other hand, most religions are just as ignorant... Christianity just happens to have the most ignorant, self centered following.

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                     janesixposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     I was referring to what Paul said above. That's exactly what he said, that most of the world is becoming atheist.

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                        mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        I was agreeing with you, I couldn't find the earlier post, so I used your's as a springboard...

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            mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Because, seeing life through rosey colored glasses, isn't fixing anything and it definitely hasn't brought about any progress. It took us 1000 years longer to get ahead because of it and any religion bent on keeping it's followers dumb, is not a religion worth it's reputation. The only reputation I trully know to tack on to christianity, is that it's a bully's religion. If they don't care about heaven, scare 'em with hell... Be sure to prey on the idiots though, smart people won't buy it.

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               oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Mischevousme,
               
               Not sure what you mean by seeing life through rosey colored glasses isn't fixing anything, etc.  I don't even necessarily disagree with that statement, but it seems you are applying it to Christianity (perhaps?) or to me, and I don't see how you are doing that. 
               
               I see the rest of the opinions you share, and my observations are the opposite of that.  Sure, there are some that might want to keep their followers dumb, but that only applies when it does, and it certainly isn't the case most of the time.  The insults you share toward the end, are not especially helpful, but I can definitely get a feel for where you are coming from.  Many very brilliant people do buy Christianity, if that is what you are talking about.

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                  mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I'm applying it to the idea that christianity is the end all of the spiritual journey, as idiotic as that may seem. But if one has a conversation with a christian, all other points are invalid, as the christian God/god is the "only one that matters". So therefor, it's an inane, selfish idea of a religion and it only spoils the view for others.

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                     oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Most everyone that has a worldview (and everyone does lol) thinks that what they believe and think is the best choice of the options.  You apply to Christianity there, what is true for all people of the earth.  Everyone thinks their way, or god or gods are the only way to think or believe.
                     
                     I find this happening a lot with people that are anti christian.  They use things as their critique, that they actually don't realize applies either to all people, OR they use heretics of the religion to judge it.  Its an easy way out for supposedly giving reasons for something they really just don't want, when there aren't legitimate reasons. 
                     
                     If there were good reasons, people would give those but as we see, they do not.  They give put downs, opinions, assertions, and illogical thinking as reasons to justify their dislike and sometimes hatred of what should be just another worldview.  (If it is indeed, just another philosophy or worldview.) 
                     
                     Everyone thinks their ideas are the best, or they wouldn't hold those.  That is a logical, observable thing to see in humanity.  So that idea didn't further the conversation really.

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                  DoubleScorpionposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  http://www.kulfoto.com/funny-pictures/1 … tans-slave

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                     mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     If it weren't for free thinkers, that computer you're using wouldn't exist and all this other electronic crap we love so much.

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                        DoubleScorpionposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        LOL.. ain't that the truth..

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                           mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Just wait for the christians to get wind of these posts... We'll be villified for sure.

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                              DoubleScorpionposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              ..and of course, we will have taken the sign completely out of context...

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                                 mischeviousmeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 I don't think it could be taken out of context... Wait, I forgot christianity was the epitome of free thinking.

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                                 MelissaBarrettposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 Nope...we didn't take the sign out of context.  The person who posted it was obviously not a REAL Christian and as such other Christians have absolutely no responsibility whatsoever.

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                           oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           People often love to ignore history that shows that many people of religion were some of the greatest thinkers. 
                           
                           Look at the Nobel prize winners in the past, lol.  This is just another opinion or belief to support, that without non christian free thinkers (though not worded that exact way), we wouldn't even have computers today or things like that. LOL

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      korirkoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      christianity is a hand made religion that spread in Europe after Jesus departure.the principles that rules the christian church are not the teaching of the Christ but the work of Paul.Jesus did not mention a new religion call christianity in any of the accounts in the bible plus Paul teatchings are somehow different from Jesus teachings.

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   Emile Rposted 12 years ago

   You've attempted to begin the discussion on a false premise. The lion's share of Christians do not look to Christ for an example on how to life their lives. I don't think the majority of Christianity ever has.
   
   If they did, I seriously doubt you would have even thought of starting this discussion.
   
   But, I think his teachings were good. I think if people who chose Christianity truly tried to live to his example the world would be a better place. I think what most evangelical Christians prefer to do is pretend they have the authority of Christ and bypass his words altogether; since they know better than he did. It's apparently easier.

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      Disappearingheadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My observations appear to show that Christians follow the teachings of Paul over those of Jesus. That is, whilst I was in the Church Paul was preached from more often and his letters formed the basis of more bible studies than the gospels.
      
      This might not seem on the surface to be an issue but Paul included many teachings/views/doctrines that were never taught by Jesus. Christians think Paul's words are non negotiable scripture instead of expressions of his own opinion. Add to that Paul comes over as far more judgemental and less sympathetic of hunanity than Jesus.
      
      So if Paul is the focus then we should not be surprised if many Christians do not live to Jesus teaching.

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         Emile Rposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I agree. And it's sad. Paul always left a bad taste in my mouth. He was whiny and bitter through most of his musings. There are a few profound statements attributed to him but, for the most part, that wasn't the case.
         
         And that is my primary problem with Christianity. They are attempting to spread a gospel of Paul. Very little that Paul said could be defined as good news. Which is funny to me, in a sad sort of way. According to them you have to join an exclusive club to benefit from a gift to humanity. How in the world can you resolve that in your mind?

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      oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Emile, what false premise?  How would you define Christianity if not by Jesus' teachings, as it seems to me to be a good way?  Isn't that what it is?  Maybe I misunderstood you and you can clear that up.  Does something get defined by what "most people do or not?"  I wasn't asking about people's behavior or how they live their lives.....some do a great job of living out Jesus' teachings, and a lot do not. 
      
      My purpose in the discussion, what drove the OP, was because it was asked of me, why do you think it is a good worldview, or even the best. 
      
      I hear you about what you observe in people though, too often it is true or the behaviors at least look like it is true. My problem is when people use Christians that ignore the words of Christ, AS the means to define a religion.

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   knolyourselfposted 12 years ago

   More like a heaven-view than a world-view.

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      oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      lol...  I just mean there, the way you view the world we live in.  Through what lenses are we viewing that world, and mankind's existence in it.  (a place to start...) 
      
      The way I look at worldviews to judge which is best, is which one best explains the world we live in?  What set of values or teachings and ideas, best explains the world we live in and what we actually see playing out?
      
      We can use reason, logic and facts to help us weigh in on these ideas I think.

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   Cagsilposted 12 years ago

   No.

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