TSR Christian Society

Well, the fact you disagree shows that approaches to the theory of evolution are just as divided and varied as Christian approaches to God and Scripture.

...you refuse to believe that life is primarily a rigid test of faith?

Exactly, it's a bit like a vegetarian who believes that eating meat is downright immoral, and yet they regularly eat meat. If one is a true vegetarian, they will abstain from meat because they truly believe in what they stand for and therefore are prepared to act upon it. So for a religion to legislate but then ignore the fact that people don't care about it, it defeats the purpose of the Bible. I meant punishment in the hereafter, not this world.

I know, this is society thread, sorry. It seems a bit active now that's all.

Well... yeah. To say that life is a test reduces it to some kind of sick game, and I don't think life is a game, however sick it is

I know, well everyone has their struggles I guess. I cannot judge someone for their mistakes because everyone makes them and everyone comes to faith in their own time. So whilst I think it doesn't make sense for someone to claim true faith yet not act like it, there are a lot of issues for many people. To judge others is not our place, hopefully they find their faith and their duty

Yea I know, its not problem.

Well, clearly. That's part of the whole point - that believing in evolution can be from an atheistic, theistic, or any other perspective.



Perhaps... but no.
Answer what, btw?

A 'test' is a game in your opinion? I doubt you would consider an A-level exam a 'game' unless it was something stupid like media studies. Jesus Christ showed us the way to salvation which primarily involved frequent and substantial tests of faith; after being baptised, for example, Christ fasted for forty days and nights, and resisted the temptation of Satan.

James 1:3 says this "The testing of your faith develops perseverance so that you may be mature and complete". Life is a test of faith.

Look back a few comments and you'll see I asked you whether you believed in 'Satan, sin and virtue'.

Good response. Thanks

Yes, A-levels were a game. Memorise and regurgitate to get points. Points mean prizes (uni offers )

The way to salvation is through Jesus; there aren't tests attached to it as some sort of condition. Yes there'll still be challenges, but as long as you rely on Him then you can pass through them as if they were nothing. That's not to say that if you don't, you have failed a test.

You posed it as a leading, and what seemed like a rhetorical, question. I was not prepared to fit into your preconceived notions of what a non-zealous-fundamentalist Christian must (or must not) believe.

And that passage doesn't say that life is a test of faith. Not that that's relevant to the conversation; in all honesty, it seems as if you're trying to make absolutely irrelevant points because you've lost control of the actual debate point completely.

Peter 1:7 "These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" - no test?

James 1:3 "For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow"

Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves"

So, we just automatically assume faith and just leave it at that, yes? Have you even ever fasted?

Again, none of them say that life is a test of faith.

As for the second question, yes. But I don't see how that's relevant.

Fasting is a test of faith. The fact you said 'yes' to my question means you tested your faith. Is not faith in Christ the key to heaven? The New Testament constantly mentions how faith must always be tested. To serve and obey God is the first objective of any Christian in life. Christ showed yet another example of this cruical idea of testing when he told Mary Magdalen to seek out the disciples and tell them of His rise from the dead. Many of the disciples did not believe her, and when Christ showed himself to them, he said: "Blessed is he who believes without seeing". It also shows that you should not necessarily always believe what you see/hear, as illusions exist in the world.

Sorry this doesn't sound scientific, rational and factual enough for you

Just finished reading the last couple of pages and I'm impressed. But, to be honest I think you're wasting your time. He just doesn't seem to be accepting the statements or even tackling any statements you're making and just resolves to posting more verses from the scripture with additional commentary at the end.

Anyway, I often hear some Christians say that they communicate with God, have a personal relationship with him and such. I was wondering what exactly do you mean by this? I realise this is the Christain society but this seems fairly active at the moment and it might move the thread forward from evolution.

I had a religious epiphany recently.

And was wondering how one manages to speak to some sort of church-pastor dude to discuss religion in general.

In my head, influenced by TV, I'm thinking confessional box...

...except, I've never been into a church before.