Robert Z Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 (edited) I had a very disturbing discussion with a friend last night. He married a very religious woman and adopted her religion as his. I always knew that he was more about the "moral environment and teachings" than religious ideology, but I always assumed that he was basically religious. He is always talking about being a good Christian. So, get this: He has a past. When he was young he got into a lot of trouble and was even involved in some violent crimes. Now I know that he is basically a good guy but he has a short fuse. When someone came after him in a fight, they were lucky to get away with their life. He is one of those guys who goes blank and enters a rage when pushed too far. We got to talking about beliefs and I kept noticing inconsistencies in his statements. So I finally started grilling him on his precise meaning in each case. As it turns out, these idiots who have been guiding his faith have never really taught him about forgiveness. He believes he's going to hell because of the things he did long ago. He didn't know that even those "sins can be forgiven". He believed that for him there is no hope. His soul was lost long ago. And after ten years these idiots masquerading as a church and who teach him religion every single week, never figured that out - that he saw no hope for himself, or even said enough for him to figure it out on his own that he is not beyond salvation. Unfreakingbelievable!!!! As if the guy didn't have enough guilt to deal with. He goes to one of those "non-denominational" do-it-yourself churches. Of all things, I started pulling out my Catholicism to assure him that nothing he did is beyond forgiveness. Unforgivable sins are a select few. I can't believe I went Catholic on him but it was far better than what he has been taught, which is not much. Now if you want to talk about gays or alcohol, they're all over it! They have plenty to say about things like that. Edited December 17, 2014 by Robert Z
M30USA Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Christ taught that all sins will be forgiven except rejecting the Holy Spirit. Religion, not truth, harmed your friend. 1
autumnnight Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Yep. It's a sad story, but it's the wrongness of those church people who hurt your friend, not Christ or truth. Your anger is misplaced.
Ronni_W Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 So I finally started grilling him on his precise meaning in each case. As it turns out, these idiots who have been guiding his faith have never really taught him about forgiveness. <edit> I can't believe I went Catholic on him... And that was only AFTER you did all that psychological detective work! Well played, Robert Z. Your friend is blessed that you were around, and have the intuition, interest and insight to have been able to uplift him. 1
Tiger Lily Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Starting a thread that underhandedly insults a whole group based on the perception of one (probably mentally ill*) man. Wow. *mentally ill as he seems to have some sort of explosive disorder or mood disorder. 1
Allumere Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 I feel awful for your friend...that is a tremendous burden. Hopefully he will take the information you provided and continue to build upon it. I wonder if he has ever read the Bible on his own. I also can't imagine a non-denomination church going the route of "yep, you are going to hell".
Author Robert Z Posted December 17, 2014 Author Posted December 17, 2014 I feel awful for your friend...that is a tremendous burden. Hopefully he will take the information you provided and continue to build upon it. I wonder if he has ever read the Bible on his own. I also can't imagine a non-denomination church going the route of "yep, you are going to hell". I know they have bible study every week. But apparently he knows almost nothing about biblical teachings. At the least he missed the entire thesis of the new testament! But he can tell you all about why gays are going to hell!
Author Robert Z Posted December 17, 2014 Author Posted December 17, 2014 Starting a thread that underhandedly insults a whole group based on the perception of one (probably mentally ill*) man. Wow. *mentally ill as he seems to have some sort of explosive disorder or mood disorder. No, if I wanted to insult all of religion I would have talked about how it damaged me. Also, can you read? I said that his violence was a long time ago. I wouldn't go around making accusations when you can't even follow one post.
Tiger Lily Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 No, if I wanted to insult all of religion I would have talked about how it damaged me. Also, can you read? I said that his violence was a long time ago. I wouldn't go around making accusations when you can't even follow one post. lol...OK, Robert Z. Best of luck to you. The whole premise of the thread is ridiculous. You handing out advice on religion? Yeah, ok! Before making judgements about any faith group, take the plank out of your own eye. Stop sleeping with a prostitute. Repent of your sins. Dedicate your life to God.
autumnnight Posted December 20, 2014 Posted December 20, 2014 I would say this person is being damaged by Grace-less legalistic Phariseeism with a dash of "charismatic magic." I feel his pain. Thankfully I was able to dig out of it and understand grace. The only Person who has the authority to send him to hell" has fully forgiven him if he has repented. The zealots who are hurting him have no say.
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