Theland? Anyone?

[JamSam17]

Theland, I've just been reading the post below by wizard66 and you made a comment about Alpha being way off the mark. Can you expand a bit further for me? I'm going through an Alpha course at the moment and am really interested to hear your views?
I'm keeping an open mind while going through it.

[Theland]

This will give you additional information.

http://www.moriel.org/discern/alpha.htm

[Theland]

Wizard - It may seem that way, and without a doubt there are some very difficult issues.
Even Christian theologians who have studied it for years cannot always agree on the correct interpretation of certain passages.
This is where a Christian needs to pray for spiritual guidance, rather than simply parrot the latest offerings from theological academia.
P.S. Wiz - If only I had a telly and a video recorder, my life would be so much richer.

[Theland]

Leaving this thread and maybe AB for a while to sort out computer problems. Playing up. Maybe a demonic attack!

[China Doll]

To play devils advocate for two seconds here, I know of the Alpha course and it never crossed my mind for two seconds that it wouldn't have an agenda so what makes anyone else think it would be a completely open discussion?

Surely if you're in to reviewing issues in the bible it would be better to join a book club and ultimately more satisfying?

[Theland]

Wizard - So it was you casting your spells?

[Theland]

Wizard - What are your views on the extraordinary claim, that Jesus is risen, in the light of some of the evidence in the link. (Just a few minutes to read it.)
Some atheists on here have said that extraordinary proof is needed for the extraordinary assertion that God exists.
Will you accept the resurrection as proof?
http://www.gotquestions.org/questweek.html

[WaldoMcFroog]

I see that Theland's article also repeats the stuff about martyrs dying for their faith, something which has at best scant evidence for all but two of the apostles and even then is for Judas contradictory in different gospels and James (killed by Herod, other details extremely vague, according to Acts).

Got to love the fact that the article says "According to the historical record (The Book of Acts 4:1-17[...]" Ah yes, the well known historical record, The Book of Acts... No chance of any bias there, eh?

[Theland]

Well thank you anyway for taking the time and trouble to answer. Cheers.

[JamSam17]

Cor, thank you for so many points and answers, I've just got them and am going to take some time to read (and try my hardest to digest) it.

Naomi - I'm aware of there being an agenda. I'm trying to question myself and why I would want to believe these things. Why can't it be thought that there is one God, it's just the way you chose to get to him is different.
I suppose I see a church I am familiar with as not particularly frightening. I was tempted to go to a presentation tonight by Jehovahs Witnesses (excuse spelling and grammar, I'm usually quite articulate) but I was put off as I couldn't find anyone to go with me (lame, sorry) I'd love to have a conversation with people about their religion and beliefs without there being an agenda.
I think I'd like to believe something.
I don't know.
I've attended church services with my mum and am quite moved at times. Is this God's work or an exaggerated experience because of all the people around me experiencing strong emotion. I think I'm whittering. I hope I haven't missed the boat for people to talk to me about this.
Got all the above reading to do now...

[JamSam17]

I think it might be too much to take in at almost midnight.
I just wanted to say thank you again.

[JamSam17]

wizard, do you just think we're here? What about the thousands of different actions that took place to get you here that you alluded to earlier? And are coincidences just that? Space and planets that my mind can't even think about in case it explodes.
I guess I am searching for something and doing the alpha course means I'm being told I have a God-shaped hole that needs filling.
Why do I cry in church? Emotions? Awe? I almost don't want to believe as there is so much stigma around it and so many different arguments. Why would I want to put myslef into a situation I'd be embarrassed to admit to? Yet I find myself doing it. I've even had the word cult flash through my mind (and please, no one think I'm saying that's what I think) but in church you find a lot of the congregation saying their prayers by rote.
Again, I suppose I'm just talking out lound but don't really have anyone who will have this conversation with me.
The Alpha course says the way to God is thorugh the Holy Spirit and Jesus, is it up to me to what degree I involve these? If I decided to go to my church, haven't I got to adopt it's ways? Or try each religion till I find the one that I fit into best? Isn't God, God? Different religions finding their own way? It is faith in the end I suppose. Maybe I'm trying to decided whether to take that leap.

[Theland]

JamSam17 - Yes please, do have a good read and come back to talk about your progress.
The scriptures have more depth than a single reading would reveal, and the truth is not dependent on Mans' word but on Gods' faithfulness to you. "Seek, and you will find."

[Theland]

Wizard - Response? Yes, you are quite correct, posting links should be a rarity, or when time is short or to say to a friend, "Hey! I found this interesting ....... " Without getting into a game of ping pong.