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Pastimes : Religion on SI -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Raymond James Norris who wrote (1125)	9/20/1998 6:01:00 PM
From: IN_GOD_I_TRUST	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1542

Raymond, I disagree with you. The bible tells all Christians they are responsible to spread the good news. But let's not go there, we are exploring your faith right now, not mine. I will also not examine your post to deeply, as it will take us off the subject. I tend not to agree with some of your statements. But it's not that important. The only thing I wanted to address was the above, and how to identify a true Christian. It seems you might be confused. A true Christian believes you are saved only by belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You need reconciliation for your sin and Jesus Christ is that reconciliation. You let the Lord know you believe it, and that's it! A good litmus test I find is this, ask the question, when you die and meet God and God asks you why he should let you into heaven, what do they say? If they say anything other than Jesus Christ, they are probably not a Christian. Now obviously, this can't tell you 100%. But if it takes awhile before someone mentions Jesus or they mention many requirements after they say Jesus, a flag must go up. The answer should be "Jesus Christ". Hope that helps..... Steve

To: Raymond James Norris who wrote (1125)	9/21/1998 3:53:00 PM
From: one_less	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1542

<<And again I ask the thread if they have been exposed to the Islamic or Christian faith more.... Obviously there is going to be varying experiences. But I'm trying to get a general feeling about the question.>> I have spoken to Christian missionaries and ministers throughout my life. I am forty-six years old, I am educated at the Ph.D. level, I am white, I am male, and a truth seeker. My demographics may have something to do with it. I can't recall anyone that I knew personally in the 1950's who wasn't Christian or Jewish. To me it has always felt like there were missionaries and ministers around every corner ready to swoop in and score for Jesus. Although there are many people and some committed Islamic organizations working hard to get the word out, I don't see anything near the organized and prolific efforts of the Christian community. Why not? 1) Historically there have been deterrents to being open about your religion in the USA, unless it is Christianity. 2) The machinations to fund Christian efforts are enormous 3) The members of the Islamic community in the US are struggling to establish a livelihood for themselves. Resources are really stretched in every community I've seen. 4) Just like in the Christian community, many Muslims are living on the fringe of their religion. That is, not practicing according to Sura and Aiya (Chapter and Verse). 5) There is a great deal of social intimidation toward Muslims living in the US. It is my guess that any Muslim living here for even five year, who makes their religion visible, has had direct knowledge or experience with American non-Muslims committing acts of terrorism, including: bomb threats, implied threats, actual threats, intimidation, social chastisement, and harassment. 6) Even where there is no real intimidation, foreign Muslims report to me that they feel intimidated when trying to express themselves to Americans. This is especially true for female Muslims. They are participating at a disadvantage when English is typically their second language. There is a well-established Western rhetoric that is demeaning to Islamic women. They typically find non-Muslim westerners ready, willing, and able to tell them what is wrong with them and their roll, or position in Islamic society. Of course, this attitude is so rude and inconsiderate that this perspective in and of itself presents a communication barrier. 7) Muslims don't believe that they have to convert anyone. We are required to offer the message of Islam, but we are not supposed to argue in favor of conversion or use any form of coercion. We are responsible for removing barriers between human beings and their ability to receive the message of Islam. The primary vehicle for this, of course, is education. We believe Allah calls who Allah wills to his religion and it is not our responsibility if someone rejects the message.