Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!bcm!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: billy@stl.stc.co.uk (Billy Khan) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: A first cut at Tolerance (long - sorry) Message-ID: Date: 7 Mar 91 08:14:25 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: STC Telecomms, New Southgate, London, N11 1HB Lines: 52 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu Well Hi Mr. Jeff Lindborg and the other guy who was chatting to him.. Well I am a christian, so you may feel that disqualifies me from being objective, but anyway... Religion, well its always a sticky point. But christianity has too major differences to most religions. (Probably all religions) A Anyone is eligible not matter who, what, where they are in life. B It offers a DIRECT and PERSONAL relationship with the guy who made the universe in the first place. (I'm not talking emotional experience, though that might be the case. I'm not even talking about amazing powers, though that may happen too. I'm talking about a relationship with God, which is the same as any other relationship. If you imagine the best relationship you have had. An old friend, girl- friend, etc... Then God is like that. He's said he loves everyone and would want us to love him back. That doesn't mean that you just turn around one day and say 'Oh okay, I love you too'. Anyon who's been in love (unselfish love atleast) knows that it takes time to get to know and understand, trust and finally love your partner. God fills that part of your soul that is looking for the answer to life (which, face it, we're all looking for) On the subject of heaven. Well I don't think they'll be much skiing somehow. Any physical thing would be pretty tedious after a few million years. No, I think heaven is more like this. Sorry to use girlfriends (or boyfriends of course if you are a girl!) but its a good analogy. Imagine how much you like them, the smile, the expressions, the bits of character that make them who they are. Then imagine being so together (spiritually) that you know each others thoughts and emotions. Then imagine sharing emotions and feelings with everyone, all your friends with God presiding over with unending love. Thats want I think heaven will be like, with lots of singing and music too! Christianity isn't so much a religion as an experience and a way of life. Jesus offers hope, healing, joy, freedom and love. It breaks his heart (and mine) when people reject him. I think you would be cut up to if you had made such a sacrifice and then everyone just ignored you. You are free to do what you want in this life, but only a fool would not grasp the lifeline thrown to him as he was about to drown. We all stand condemned by what we have done Mr Lindborg, I am no better or worse than you. But I am saved by grace, not by anything I have managed to do. Jesus' gift is free, all that he offers is free, there are no strings attached. Remember, you could be hit by a bus tomorrow.