Muslim group threatens to kill the Pope

I don't doubt the life-changing power of Jesus, as you put it. I just find the whole born-again culture with it's bumper stickers, t-shirts, trinkets, pithy catchphrases to be incredibly tacky, and IMO, completely phoney.

Being a Christian is more than just saying you're saved, slapping a bumper sticker on your car, and telling everyone else how they're damned. Charity and helping your fellow man never seem to enter the discussion with born-agains, just smug arrogance at how great they are.

I've also noticed a lot of born-agains are former drug abusers, alcoholics, criminals, wife beaters, etc. And I think it's great that they put their bad ways behind them, and if they're doing it by being Christians, even better. But to me it takes on more of a Tony Robbins self-help attitude than any sort of religious, theological attitude. It's like replacing one addiction with another, and a lot of the born-agains wind up falling off the wagon.

It all boils down to what one thinks Christianity is. I happen to believe it's about worship, charity, piety, sacraments, Church, etc.

Being a Christian is more than just saying you're saved, slapping a bumper sticker on your car, and telling everyone else how they're damned.

agreed

Charity and helping your fellow man never seem to enter the discussion with born-agains, just smug arrogance at how great they are.

maybe with some, but you once again show your lack of any knowledge of what work we evangelicals/born-again Christians do. If you are truly born again than you would be following in the footsteps of Christ, and trying to live a life reflecting these values. Granted not all "Christians" do this but the same can be said for many holier than thou Catholics.

I've also noticed a lot of born-agains are former drug abusers, alcoholics, criminals, wife beaters, etc. And I think it's great that they put their bad ways behind them, and if they're doing it by being Christians, even better. But to me it takes on more of a Tony Robbins self-help attitude than any sort of religious, theological attitude. It's like replacing one addiction with another, and a lot of the born-agains wind up falling off the wagon.

Seeing that one of my best friends fits into 3 out of the 4 negative catagories you listed I can give you a first hand account about the sincerity of his conversion. You are right, not all people who become "born-again" stay with it, everyone is always going to be tempted...for some the temptation is too much for them to handle. Once again, I know quite a few Catholics who go get smashed on Saturday and are at Mass on Sunday.

It all boils down to what one thinks Christianity is. I happen to believe it's about worship, charity, piety, sacraments, Church, etc.

If that is what God reveals to you when you read the Gospels than I will not argue with you, it's between you and him. I believe it is also about worship...not only musical but living a life honoring the Lord Jesus Christ. Worship is a lifestyle, not an art form. Charity, I agree there too, we as Christians are called to help those in need, and that includes preaching the Gospel...if it seems prideful than oh well, pride in Jesus is no vice. Piety, no man is ever going to be perfect, but I believe we are called to live a life above reproach if only to help witness. Sacraments, I'm not Catholic and do not feel it necessary. Church, I believe the saying that iron sharpens iron, Jesus said where two or more are gathered he is there. So I too believe in church and fellowship.

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