Rules, Rules, Rules

I started thinking about this when, in another thread, I read that some Christians believe that there are strict rules and regulations one must follow in order to be saved. These go above the basic "don't kill, don't rape, etc." things (though one doesn't have to follow these to be saved, either), such as no dancing, no watching movies, no drinking, no long hair on men, and more.

This reminds me a bit of something that Paul wrote. You see, at one point he was teaching these Greeks about Christ and they were happy and eager to convert to Christianity. Then a group of traditionalist Jews came along and were like, "Whoa, there--you know, you aren't saved unless you are circumcised. So, uh, find a doctor and get cutting." And these people did do so, even though they were old.

Ouch.

What happened was that these rules clouded the true message of God. The insistence on rigorous, unnecessary "laws" to be saved sidetracked God's teachings and really hurt their image. This made Paul quite angry.

His response? He said he wished that these Jewish traditionalists would "go the whole way" and sever their genitals from their body. (That's a nice way of putting it.)

Angels -- Humans -- Beasts.

That's the "celestial order" (ooh, mystical) of things. Angels have no bodies and do not partake in the pleasures of the flesh--such as sex. Beasts, on the other hand, have no self-control; they do as they will without inhibitions. Some churches teach that one must deprive oneself of any physical pleasure. In essence, they are trying to make people as angels, which is not as God intended.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this: Christians, don't get hung up on all sorts of technicalities and extreme legalism.

Goodnight.

So, you're saying that god created us to act as angels but gave us the urges of the beasts?

You know what's funny? Humans haven't finished evolving yet. Many people think aliens are actually future humans traveling back in time. 👽

In fact scientists predict that we'll lose most of our hair; future baptists dont have to worry about that technicality. 😛

^ I like my hair....

And true feceguy....Too many churches add on the legalistic rules...and good people try to keep them, like head coverings...etc...I would think that after awhile it would all just be robotic actions and people would lose their joy. Of course these same people will really criticize others for not doing as they are. They might not say anything if you wear pants to church (girls of course), but if the following month and you show up in a dress...they'll all fall over you telling you how great you look in a dress....It's subtle, and they've lost the message.

And ya, there are people who are "To heavenly minded to be any Earthly good."

Originally posted by FeceMan
I started thinking about this when, in another thread, I read that some Christians believe that there are strict rules and regulations one must follow in order to be saved. These go above the basic "don't kill, don't rape, etc." things (though one doesn't have to follow these to be saved, either), such as no dancing, no watching movies, no drinking, no long hair on men, and more.

This reminds me a bit of something that Paul wrote. You see, at one point he was teaching these Greeks about Christ and they were happy and eager to convert to Christianity. Then a group of traditionalist Jews came along and were like, "Whoa, there--you know, you aren't saved unless you are circumcised. So, uh, find a doctor and get cutting." And these people did do so, even though they were old.

Ouch.

What happened was that these rules clouded the true message of God. The insistence on rigorous, unnecessary "laws" to be saved sidetracked God's teachings and really hurt their image. This made Paul quite angry.

His response? He said he wished that these Jewish traditionalists would "go the whole way" and sever their genitals from their body. (That's a nice way of putting it.)

Angels -- Humans -- Beasts.

That's the "celestial order" (ooh, mystical) of things. Angels have no bodies and do not partake in the pleasures of the flesh--such as sex. Beasts, on the other hand, have no self-control; they do as they will without inhibitions. Some churches teach that one must deprive oneself of any physical pleasure. In essence, they are trying to make people as angels, which is not as God intended.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this: Christians, don't get hung up on all sorts of technicalities and extreme legalism.

Goodnight.

"Do good, avoid evil." That's all it takes. This is later explained in the ten commandments, which then become a foundation of law. By simply following the simple phrase "Do good, avoid evil", you get into heaven. And those who aren't catholic, whatever you see as happiness after death. Humans are the ULTIMATE beings. They have free will, which beasts do not. Beasts can control themselves, I mean they never eat in excess, or have sex for pleasure, I mean they do everything out of nature. They have sex during a season. They eat like clock work. They follow a specific pattern till they die. Angels have free will, I mean look at the devil, he was angel. He used his free will to disobey God, AFTER KNOWING THE OUTCOME. He knew he was going to lose, and get punished to an eternal torment. That's why sin is considered so terrible, because if you truly believe God, to commit a sin is like to root for the winning side of a game. But the last statement is very true. God made us with passions, emotions, desires. He made us stewards of the animals and of the plants that we may rule over them with a balanced manner. We are the pinncale, the medium, bridge between the heavens and the earth. Through us were the angels and beasts perfected, for we were once perfect.

That was poetic. I mentioned on another room that people seem to turn a simple doorway into a labryinth full of boobytraps. I may not be God's biggest fan but I'm sure alot of these OCD rules can twist my own view of God like they can many. I'm trying Ringo...I'm trying reaaall hard to be the sheperd.

Originally posted by FeceMan
I started thinking about this when, in another thread, I read that some Christians believe that there are strict rules and regulations one must follow in order to be saved. These go above the basic "don't kill, don't rape, etc." things (though one doesn't have to follow these to be saved, either), such as no dancing, no watching movies, no drinking, no long hair on men, and more.

This reminds me a bit of something that Paul wrote. You see, at one point he was teaching these Greeks about Christ and they were happy and eager to convert to Christianity. Then a group of traditionalist Jews came along and were like, "Whoa, there--you know, you aren't saved unless you are circumcised. So, uh, find a doctor and get cutting." And these people did do so, even though they were old.

Ouch.

What happened was that these rules clouded the true message of God. The insistence on rigorous, unnecessary "laws" to be saved sidetracked God's teachings and really hurt their image. This made Paul quite angry.

His response? He said he wished that these Jewish traditionalists would "go the whole way" and sever their genitals from their body. (That's a nice way of putting it.)

Angels -- Humans -- Beasts.

That's the "celestial order" (ooh, mystical) of things. Angels have no bodies and do not partake in the pleasures of the flesh--such as sex. Beasts, on the other hand, have no self-control; they do as they will without inhibitions. Some churches teach that one must deprive oneself of any physical pleasure. In essence, they are trying to make people as angels, which is not as God intended.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this: Christians, don't get hung up on all sorts of technicalities and extreme legalism.

Goodnight.

Religon should not have that much rules it should have some but not any strict onesOr alot of people are going to end up breaking them.JM

Religon should not have that much rules it should have some but not any strict onesOr alot of people are going to end up breaking them

Originally posted by Jackie Malfoy
Religon should not have that much rules it should have some but not any strict onesOr alot of people are going to end up breaking them.JM

So, you're saying that god created us to act as angels but gave us the urges of the beasts?

We are to enjoy physical pleasures--eating, drinking, sex, etc.--within reason and with limits.

well you can enjoy all of these things also by rules, in religion you can't have sex with a woman your not married to, drinking alcohol is not allowed no matter what, religion says, as you say (Do good, Avoid evil) is a simple thing, it also says (anything that the bad thing in it is more that the good thing, don't do it) smoking for example has no benefit, drinking is good in one case for hospital use in need, everybody knows the alcohols effect ...etc

God gave you brain and its not hard to realize and differentiate between good and bad

^ What if you do one of these thing?? Do you get condemned in hell? And is there a way out..If so, what do you do to avoid hell?

Originally posted by Tex
You know what's funny? Humans haven't finished evolving yet. Many people think aliens are actually future humans traveling back in time. 👽

That's actually what I think. If they exist, it is most likely us from the future, coming back because we've genetically engineered ourselves to the point of extinction.

That's a hoot, but your entitled to your own opinion.

Originally posted by PrinceofBlades
That's a hoot, but your entitled to your own opinion.

Thanks, I'm aware.

Originally posted by debbiejo
^ What if you do one of these thing?? Do you get condemned in hell? And is there a way out..If so, what do you do to avoid hell?

If you are a Christian and have read at least some of my posts, you should know the answer to this.

Nope nope nope...I'm asking Mahmoud... 🤨

Originally posted by Capt_Fantastic
Thanks, I'm aware.

Wasn't informing, just saying. Your education isn't my responsibility. And I don't intend to make it mine.

Originally posted by PrinceofBlades
Wasn't informing, just saying. Your education isn't my responsibility. And I don't intend to make it mine.

Thank Ya Jesus! I feel like singin'

Originally posted by Capt_Fantastic
Thank Ya Jesus! I feel like singin'

"Walk to the border of the town, take off you sandals, and sweep off the dust you gathered from that town. Put you sandels on and leave."

Originally posted by PrinceofBlades
"Walk to the border of the town, take off you sandals, and sweep off the dust you gathered from that town. Put you sandels on and leave."

Isn't that from Pauls letters to the Ignorant?