Anti-Semitism In France!

[Wheetsin 714]

You of course, can believe as you choose. The fact of the matter is, anti-semitism is on the rise all around the world, including right here in the good old US of A!! That is, of course, if we can find our own media credible!

Our own media credible? Are you kidding? (There are lots of things I find credible, but anonymous emails are not one of them.)

By asking about your moniker of "token athiest", I was wondering if your really consider yourseld an athiest, and perhaps . . . why??

Yes, I am really an atheist. Can you believe it?! Why do I consider myself an atheist? Umm...because...I am? Seems self-evident to me, so perhaps I'm not understanding your question...

Mousecrazy - I agree. While I do think that Europe is far ahead of us in many areas, and lightyears ahead of us in some areas, I don't necessarily believe that religious (or even race) tolerance is one of the areas where they excel. And I will add that I say that in reference to Europe in general. Particular "sub-divisions" - I can only speak with personal experience of Scandinavia (Protestant), and I do believe they are ahead of us when it comes to... not even tolerance, because it goes beyond that, but true acceptance of religious differences. Even when your difference is not to have one.

[Ron Cusano 0]

I guess why I asked about you being an athiest is that most athiests that I have met and spoken with have never explored or investigated the claims of Christianity in depth. Most have a very superficial understand of it. Athiests rule out the possibility of there being a God, while agnostics are open to accept God if He can be proven to them. I was wondering where you fall in that understanding.

[Wheetsin 714]

I was wondering where you fall in that understanding.

Yes, I'm well aware of the difference between agnosticism and atheism. Which is why it says "token atheist" and not "token agnostic".

[Ron Cusano 0]

Fair enough! I was just curious how you arrived at that understanding, if you are comfortable discussing it. If you would rather not, I certainly understand.

[Wheetsin 714]

I have no problems discussing it. It's been pretty much discussed into the ground during the last two years here, I'm not sure I can say anything I haven't already said.

I wonder... in ratio with the opposite, how many atheists ask Christians why they believe in god.

[Ron Cusano 0]

Good question! Some may tell you "blind faith", and I would tell them that they are fools. To believe something without proof is just plain stupid. As a Christian with "proven faith", I believe that the key to believing there a God, as the Bible describes him, is proving that the Bible really is true, and is God's means of speaking to His creation. Over 30 years of exploring, reading and questions have caused me to conclude, without a doubt, that this is the proven case.

Once we have had that proven to us beyond a shadow of a doubt, what the Bible contains falls right into place and is very believable. I have done my homework!! Have you??

[lisah25 3]

Good question! Some may tell you "blind faith", and I would tell them that they are fools. To believe something without proof is just plain stupid. As a Christian with "proven faith", I believe that the key to believing there a God, as the Bible describes him, is proving that the Bible really is true, and is God's means of speaking to His creation. Over 30 years of exploring, reading and questions have caused me to conclude, without a doubt, that this is the proven case.

Once we have had that proven to us beyond a shadow of a doubt, what the Bible contains falls right into place and is very believable. I have done my homework!! Have you??

Interesting. I've always said my faith is something I can't prove. If I could prove God exists, then it's not faith. It's something I can't explain but just "know". Which isn't a explaination that convinces anyone but me. And I'm OK with that.

[Wheetsin 714]

Good question! [...] I have done my homework!! Have you??

Umm...wow. Am I sensing a little hostility, or not? Perhaps just gusto?

What question did I ask, that was a good question? And more specifically, what question did I ask that would warrant that response? Please feel free to quote it, because I can't find it anywhere.

Yes, I have done my homework.

[Ron Cusano 0]

I can understand that, but I believe that the truth of the scriptures can be proven, way beyond a reasonable doubt, which therefore proves devine intervention in their origin.

When Jesus came, He proved who he was and established His messianiac credentials by performing miracles, in accordance with Bible prophecy. He never expected anyone to believe based just on His word. Likewise, I believe that God the Father offers proof of who He is through the scriptures, and does not intend for us to believe based upon "feelings"!

[Ron Cusano 0]

This is the question that you asked . . .

"I wonder... in ratio with the opposite, how many atheists ask Christians why they believe in god." It was a great question!!

Hostility?? Oh no! Not at all! I jus have a desire for everyone to know and experience God as I do, and wonder why some close themselves off to the possibility of His existance. My comments and questions are not based on hostility or lack of acceptance, but rather from caring and concern. I am so sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.

[Wheetsin 714]

Oh, that wasn't actually a question. It was a statement. And I certainly wasn't asking you why you believe in god. That's your business.

It was just an observation. That it seems like there's a higher ratio of christians asking atheists why they don't believe in god, than atheists asking christians why they don't. Kind of gives the impression that one side is more forceful about their beliefs, while the other is more content with "to each their own".

I jus have a desire for everyone to know and experience God as I do

How about having a desire for people to be free to experience what they want to experience? Why does it matter to you that everyone share your experience?

[Ron Cusano 0]

Two more good questions! The answer to both of them is the same! Based upon my understanding of the scriptures, the only way to have ternal life is through a personal relationship with His son, Jesus. Those who don't have this relationship are eternally lost. It is because Bible believing Christians have this understanding, that they ask unbelievers about their lack of faith, and wish to share their beliefs with others. Our faith demands it. Of course, the ultimate decision on weather you come to faith or not is up to you, but it is incumbenent upon us to share the truth.

[Ron Cusano 0]

Two more good questions, and both have the same answer! Based upon the scriptures, Christians believe that those that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, and accept His atoning work on the tree, are eternally lost. Therefore, our faith demands that we share what we understand to be the truth, with others. That is why we ask questions about faith and want to share our faith with those who do not believe. Ultimately, what you believe, and your eternal destination are entirely up to you. You are free to believe and experience anything that you want. We're just doing our job as Believers!!

[TamifromAL 1]

Token "agnostic" here. Ron, this is exactly the kind of Christianity that pushes many of us away from it. I am drawn towards Christians who *live* their faith, and accept others for who they are. I only want to push away those who push their beliefs on others.

Tami

[Ron Cusano 0]

Hi Tami,

I don't push my beliefs on anyone. I just share what they are and allow others to do what they choose with it. If someone claims to be a Christian and does not share their faith, they are not much of a Christian.

I have many friends who are not Christians, and while I disagree with the spiritual choice, I accept them, respect them and interact with them. They know who I am, what I believe, and accept me in return. Do you see that as a problem?

Ron