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.

[naomi24]

Jam, if you do want to do it, then of course it's your choice. However, do bear in mind the history of the church. Its dogma is man-made, and Christianity is designed to play havoc with your emotions. You will be taught by men, who learned from other men, who learned from yet other men who made the rules in the first place. You will find that sections of the bible are ignored, and if they're not ignored, you'll be told they mean something entirely different to what you see on the page. Additionally, the church does not follow the teachings of Jesus. It follows the teachings of St Paul, and those who came after him - and neither St Paul, nor the writers of the gospels, knew Jesus. Jesus was a devout Jew and I'm convinced that he would be horrified to know that a new religion had been founded in his name. Christianity is man's invention.

I believe there is a spiritual aspect to the universe, but it isn't to be found in churches, in mosques, or in temples. Jesus said 'the kingdom of God is within you', and that's probably one of the most profound and important things he ever said. I don't believe in the biblical God, and nor do I believe there is a physical 'kingdom of God' - Jesus used that as a metaphor. Our own inner peace and oneness with our own spirituality is the 'kingdom of God' - and, as Jesus said, we find it within ourselves.

[Theland]

Jam - I respectfully disagree with Naomi. The Bible has some difficult passages it is true, and you have to prayerfully work your way through them, or get help from books, or web sites such as, "Got Questions."
Sir Anthony Flew, who was a renowned atheist, nevertheless regarded the writings of St Paul as reliable historical documents, and there are other learned men who have examined the evidence and come to the conclusion that Christ is risen!
My belief is that the scriptures were written by men, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

[naomi24]

Theland, pud 'em up, come on, pud 'em up! Easter Eggs at ten paces!!

[Theland]

Jam - See what I have to put up with? If she's not throwing custard pies it's Easter eggs. It's dangerous on here for a Christian!

[JamSam17]

naomi - how do we know Jesus was a Jew? Because of the area he was born into? And if Jesus was a Jew, why has the religion changed so much?

I am a real novice and am aware I may be asking really simple questions :)

[naomi24]

Jam, Judaism hasn't changed. Christianity is a religion that didn't exist at the time of Jesus.

Theland, back to the custard next week - that's until the mince pies come into play around Christmas time!

[JamSam17]

I think I read somewhere about being sent to the dungeon for rating answers one after the other. I think they're all brilliant, thank you.

Still not sure I've finished though.
:)

[naomi24]

Ask away, Jam. As you can see, you'll get all sorts of responses, but at least it will give you a variety of ideas to ponder.

[Theland]

Jam - Just give me three stars, and don't give Naomi any!