Is the Charleston church shooting making anyone doubt their Faith?

[Anonymous]

What kind of God would allow THAT?

[Anonymous]

No. The way they show forgiveness is amazing and inspiring. It's an example of God's love.

[Anonymous]

No it makes it stronger, amidst hate and evil there are people willing to forgive. There are people praying for those families devastated and people crying and grieving with those families. People who don't know them are on their knees praying and working to help them. Churches are meeting to figure out how they can reach out to this church, how to fight racism and change our world. Good SHALL overcome evil. Yes, there is evil, but all things work for the Good, we don't see the miracles and Good things on the news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. The way they show forgiveness is amazing and inspiring. It's an example of God's love.

What was the shooting in a church of people studying the bible and example of?

Why do their actions now have to be an example of God's love? Why can't it be a fully human reaction of love and sympathy. Why does god get credit for the good stuff and not get the blame for the bad stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No it makes it stronger, amidst hate and evil there are people willing to forgive. There are people praying for those families devastated and people crying and grieving with those families. People who don't know them are on their knees praying and working to help them. Churches are meeting to figure out how they can reach out to this church, how to fight racism and change our world. Good SHALL overcome evil. Yes, there is evil, but all things work for the Good, we don't see the miracles and Good things on the news.

What if they receive an offer of hep from a humanist or atheist group -- should they accept it even though atheists don't pray?

[Anonymous]

They are in heaven now and you couldn't give them anything to come back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No it makes it stronger, amidst hate and evil there are people willing to forgive. There are people praying for those families devastated and people crying and grieving with those families. People who don't know them are on their knees praying and working to help them. Churches are meeting to figure out how they can reach out to this church, how to fight racism and change our world. Good SHALL overcome evil. Yes, there is evil, but all things work for the Good, we don't see the miracles and Good things on the news.

What if they receive an offer of hep from a humanist or atheist group -- should they accept it even though atheists don't pray?

Sure, of course. But I'm not speaking for them. I'm speaking for myself and my church/church members who are praying and the churches in Charleston (where my husband's family is from) who are rallying around these hurting people. Have you seen the videos and photos of people praying for and reaching out to the family members/church family? They are inspiring. I personally haven't seen any atheist groups doing anything, but it would be awesome if they did. I believe in "a peace that passes understanding," that cannot be explained, and I believe it comes from God.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No it makes it stronger, amidst hate and evil there are people willing to forgive. There are people praying for those families devastated and people crying and grieving with those families. People who don't know them are on their knees praying and working to help them. Churches are meeting to figure out how they can reach out to this church, how to fight racism and change our world. Good SHALL overcome evil. Yes, there is evil, but all things work for the Good, we don't see the miracles and Good things on the news.

What if they receive an offer of hep from a humanist or atheist group -- should they accept it even though atheists don't pray?

Sure, of course. But I'm not speaking for them. I'm speaking for myself and my church/church members who are praying and the churches in Charleston (where my husband's family is from) who are rallying around these hurting people. Have you seen the videos and photos of people praying for and reaching out to the family members/church family? They are inspiring. I personally haven't seen any atheist groups doing anything, but it would be awesome if they did. I believe in "a peace that passes understanding," that cannot be explained, and I believe it comes from God.

I think action speaks louder than words.
http://www.meetup.com/lowcountryhumanists/events/223029079/

Humanist Response Service Day - Build a Wheelchair Ramp
June 13 · 9:00 AM
This location is shown only to members

Nikki Haley thinks it is an appropriate use of her position as governor to promote and endorse the evangelical "Response: National Call to Prayer," a day of prayer and fasting to call upon Jesus to fix the woes of society. She sent out an invitation to Christian ministers across the state, but left everyone else out. Although there has been some backtracking to say that all our welcome, clearly this is a Christian-geared event.

Instead of protesting, we are going to turn this negative into a positive. Each month we do a community service project, but this month we are going to create a day of service with several volunteer opportunities where we go out and use our hands to make a real difference in the community. While there is an arena full of thousands of Christians hands folded in prayer, we will use our hands to build a wheelchair ramp and sort food for the hungry at the Lowcountry Food Bank.

the best part?

Amy M.
Despite what the RSVPs say here on meetup, we have reached the maximum number of 10 volunteers for this event. If you are interested in helping, please join the wait list and we will contact you if a spot opens up. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Not at all. The response of the Charleston community has renewed my faith. They are demonstrating what Christian love is all about.
There has been no violence or protests by the people of Charleston. They are showing love, forgiveness, and grace.
We could all learn from them.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure what PP is trying to say. Certainly, it is terrific that this Humanist organization is doing acts of community service. There are many secular groups that do community service. Christian groups do not merely pray, they volunteer and reach out to those hurting and in need. Most Christians believe that "faith without works is dead." Actions indeed speak louder than words. But the question that started the thread was "Is the Charleston Church Shooting making anyone doubt their faith?" Not, "Are there any Humanist organizations doing community service?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of God would allow THAT?

You sound like a jerk. Never say that to a person who is going thru something terrible

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of God would allow THAT?

You sound like a jerk. Never say that to a person who is going thru something terrible

How is that a jerky response?

We can't question horrible acts? Why does God allow children to be raped? Why does God allow people to be swept away in storms? Why does God allow the death of babies? the beating of animals? acts of terrorism in the name of some god or "God?"

Smart people question; blind followers are just that - blind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of God would allow THAT?

You sound like a jerk. Never say that to a person who is going thru something terrible

How is that a jerky response?

We can't question horrible acts? Why does God allow children to be raped? Why does God allow people to be swept away in storms? Why does God allow the death of babies? the beating of animals? acts of terrorism in the name of some god or "God?"

Smart people question; blind followers are just that - blind.

It’s called man’s free will. And, sin.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm so glad you posted this question.

I am a Christian, live in DC and spend the summer in Charleston. So I am here now and what I have witnessed this week has made me not doubt my faith, but actually inspired and made it stronger. What I have seen here this week is nothing short of the work of the Holy Spirit here on earth.

Satan himself -- in the body of DR -- walked into that church on Wednesday night. He confronted the risen Christ, and once again tried to attack it as he has done for 2,000 years. But was the result? Healing, love and forgiveness, even from those most personally affected by the tragedy. The city is in more pain than you can believe but there is also evidence here of the power of the risen Lord to conquer it all. DR is finished. His evil is exposed and has been put in his place. Others will try again -- Satan will not be fully conquered until Christ comes again -- but I can assure you, in this instance, he did not win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm so glad you posted this question.

I am a Christian, live in DC and spend the summer in Charleston. So I am here now and what I have witnessed this week has made me not doubt my faith, but actually inspired and made it stronger. What I have seen here this week is nothing short of the work of the Holy Spirit here on earth.

Satan himself -- in the body of DR -- walked into that church on Wednesday night. He confronted the risen Christ, and once again tried to attack it as he has done for 2,000 years. But was the result? Healing, love and forgiveness, even from those most personally affected by the tragedy. The city is in more pain than you can believe but there is also evidence here of the power of the risen Lord to conquer it all. DR is finished. His evil is exposed and has been put in his place. Others will try again -- Satan will not be fully conquered until Christ comes again -- but I can assure you, in this instance, he did not win.

Well stated. Yes, the people of Charleston are showing the rest of the nation - and the world - what true Christianity is. We should learn from them.