Didn't say it wasn't. I just agree with the part where Jesus is a prophet and not the messiah. I am not actually converting. No worries. |
The one thing all Christians believe in is that Jesus is the Messiah. Of you don't believe that, you're not Christian. I can only answer that part, not what you are. |
What does the Messiah mean? I agree he is a prophet and the son of god (in as much as we are all the sons of god) and I think his message is to live life as he would live it. I don't think its about an afterlife per se. Struggling with this. I guess I should post this in "religion". |
| DH's "Christian" family is ALL about money, money, money, no matter the time of year. |
And judgement. Judgement of everything and everyone not as Christian as they are... |
Yeah, baby!
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Can't we all just get along!
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Classy. |
| FYI Muslims also believe Jesus is the messiah. But they don't believe Jesus is divine/godly. |
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"Christ" means messiah, so it is actually apropos to wish Muslims a merry Christmas. But Muslims believe that Jesus is a prophet, not divine - but still the messiah.
Additionally, as others have mentioned, there is no way Jesus was born in December, let alone December 25th, and a lot of traditions were co-opted from Pagan traditions. The whole modern concept of Christmas really has nothing to do with Jesus' birth. |
I'm with you on the one hand, in that someone who is secure in his or her faith should not be offended by someone else wishing them a "Happy Kwanza" or something that differs from that faith. However, you are missing one of the main tenets of Christianity in that Christians most certainly should "give a rats ass" how other people live and what those people believe in. Especially those in their circle of family and friends, because they have close contact with them and can influence them with the way they live their lives. Because Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our risen Savior, the logical reaction to that type of love is to want others to see what a wonderful love it is. So to say that I don't care one iota about the souls of other human beings and their lives here on earth would be false, as would be the fact that I am thus insecure in my faith, by your logic. But I also try not to shove my "religion" down their throats either, nor do I try to judge/belittle/offend others who don't love Jesus like I do. My two best friends are not Christians, but they could testify to the fact that I have never tried to outwardly "witness" or "save" them with my words--only through my actions, and the power of Jesus working through me, could that be possible. |
Just a thought on the "Jesus is a prophet and not the divine son of God". Something C S Lewis wrote on this was profound (at least to me). He wrote that one cannot think of Jesus as merely a good man, a wise religious philosopher, a mere prophet. Lewis points out that Jesus clear in claiming his divinity (He told the woman at the well and also plainly stated this during his trial before his crucifixion). Since he claimed to be the Son of God (capitals intentional), if this was not true then he would be guilty of falsely leading people astray if it was not actually true. So it would be an extraordinarily evil thing for him to lead people to follow him as the Son of God, if he were not actually the Son of God. In other words, Jesus was either the Divine Son of God, the Savior, OR...he is responsible for leading millions and millions of Christians on a false path throughout the ages. Lewis says there is not logically any kind of middle ground on Jesus. |
Congrats! You are Unitarian- Universalist! Welcome to the club! |
Maybe so. But religion is about faith, not logic. I have faith in following a middle path regarding Jesus. It works for me and makes me a much better person. I would love to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and he only is such as I see that people that believe this are very satisfied and happy with this belief, but I just cannot. I've tried to force myself into this belief but it just isn't happening. Maybe it is illogically not to believe it, but my mind, heart and soul are unable to accept the "logic" Lewis proposes. YMMV. |
| As an atheist, christmas is a time to be festive and stave off winter doldrums. It's also a time to load up on sugar and alcohol and make lots of fires. I consider that to be my way of "taking back" the holiday that the christians took from us pagans. |