Spellings: Religion n. - D.O. Christianity n. - D.O.N.E.

go on...

Religion n. - "doo-doo doo-doo...doo-doo doo-doo" (TZ theme) Christianity n. - "Your Ghost" (Kristin Hersh) Sorry, Mike but I looked both definitions up in Websters and i swear to god that's what it had as entries for those two important words

OK, I give up, what is TZ?

Twilight Zone

The dictionary definitions, as we have been finding out in Philosophy, are not always what the common interpretations are. In general, I believe most people view Religion as something that has to be "done" - a set of rules, and things that you have to do in order to gain your salvation/higher level/better karma etc. etc. However, the Bible is the complete opposite of this. "For God gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life." (John 3:16). ccept the sacrifice of Jesus, and all one's sin is dealt with. All of us here today could turn around and live perfect lives from here on in. However, in God's eyes, this still doesn't remove all of the past stuff - there is no way we can "atone" for that, is there? That is why Christianity is done not do.

So what you're saying is: without sin there would be no repentance, without repentance there would be no forgiveness, and without forgiveness there would be no salvation. Which comes down to SIN AWAY!!

maybe religion ISN'T all bad. *smile*

nope, more like confusing Christianity with being a Christian... (it's all in the semantics)

Jesus told St. Peter that "whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven." The Catholic has the sacrament of Confession in order that people may be forgiven the sins they have committed and make up for them.

If the wages of sin are death, and God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, and Jesus Himself said, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life," what is it that any Christian can DO, besides believing in Jesus Christ as their personal savior, to "make up for their sins" that hasn't already been done if you truly believe?

umm...nothing

Yes, there is something you can do! It also says in the Bible that faith without good works is nothing. Just believing that God is you Savior is not going to save you! You can't honestly believe that faith alone can save you?!?!

well, you've raised an interesting question, Kristina. The phrase "faith without works is nothing" (can't remember the exact quote, nor the reference for it off the top of my head) is mis-leading. If there is real faith, then there is no "faith without works". I guess I should explain that: "works" (typical Christian word that, like "fellowship" :) are set down as part of the Christian faith just as much as loving one's neighbour or not being an adulterer. There is no more space for "faith without works" than there is for "faith with adultery". Both of these things are essentially "outlawed" (I can't think of a better phrase at 1.48 a.m.), and anyone who professes faith without repenting (i.e. *turning away*) from these things is not truly faithful. [this is not the same as saying that "you've got to be perfect to get in", however. there is plenty of scope for people who are looking, and plenty of time for them to try and deal with the sin in their lives; there is also space for sinners, but only sinners who are trying, really trying, to get away from whatever their weakness is. sorry about the sidetrack there, but i felt a need to stick that extra bit in.] so, the phrase "faith without works" is inherently misleading. there is no such thing.

And...that is the last word on this subject?!

Mmmm ... good one Mike. Hadn't read this topic before. I find it difficult when people ask me 'are you religious' , or even state 'you must be religious' ...because I'm not. To me religion is all about compulsion, duty, rules ..it feels dead and confining. My faith is alive, love, appreciation for what Christ has done for me, wanting to give something, it's stil there even when things seem hopeless ...considering your thoughts Mike.