Posted on 01/24/2002 12:12:38 AM PST by BurkeCalhounDabney
Edited on 07/12/2004 3:36:54 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
I'm just not as "bothered" by this series as some. To me the success of the book is proof that people are searching. If one person finds Christ from this book and the movie.. so be it. It will have served a purpose.
I didn't find it all that well written. But "thought" is good. And I do believe that there will be people "left behind" come judgement day. Do you think every single person will go to heaven?
I know I'm a sinner..and I also know that the mili second I asked for "sincere" forgiveness,. I was forgiven. But being a Christian doesn't stop there. We have to be active in our faith. For instance,.. do you serve the poor? We are called upon to do Christian deeds. It isn't all just about reading the Bible.. but *what* we do in life. And those deeds do not "earn" us a pass to heaven either. They are just the right thing to do.
I think there is an inherent danger any time people "fear" learning about Christianity or the Trinity. (We are Monotheist).. and our faith is strong enough to read different views. I would even wager to say.. that a deeper understanding (not perfect by any means.. but we are "gaining" knowledge) is a good thing.
I fear more, people giving thought only to certain interpretations,..and not looking at and analyzing interpretations..(as long as they are Christian and follow the Bible).
BTW,.. did you know that the Presbyterian USA Church is this year, voting on allowing "Sexually Active Singles, and Homosexual, and sexually active Homosexual people to become Ministers?" (Apologies for the way I worded that.. It isn't easy but it is accurate in its principal)
I'm far more concerned with Religions who *change* like that, to be "Politically Correct" (PC). As quite a few have in the past couple years. Churches are being broken to pieces by this issue. We just left our Church because they won't tell us how they stand on this issue. They are building a new church..and I imagine taking a PC stand would cause people to leave, just when they needed money the most. (We found out they were getting ready to vote by accident. When we called the Church, we were told they are indeed getting ready to vote on it..and that even if we voiced our objection to it.. that the two people sent to vote, would be voting THEIR concious, not that of the church as a congregation!!!) That is way more dangerous, than any attempt to lead people to Christ...In MHO (Even if it is poorly written) :o)
do they really, or do I feel a tug on my leg?
That won't stop me from making it the butt of jokes.
I have read all the books in the series and not once do they claim to know WHEN it will all happen. They don't give dates so you can't say that they are predicting any sort of day it will happen...
If it brings people to Christianity, well and good, but that still doesn't make it either good literature or good theology.
I would add to some of the commentary of the article, those looking for a rapture are more likely to succumb to the first Jesus that appears on the scene...which, the bible clearly states is the false one. In any event, why would anyone wish to take the easy way out when God asks us to be watchmen in these final days? Seems ridiculous.
What makes you think they won't just turn the other cheek?
Personally, I guess I'm like the revival preacher who has preached at our church many times. He says that he's a "Pan-Millenial" - he's sure that everything will "pan out" in the end...
Same here :)
Numerous ones of note have predicted "likely dates" or "certainly not to exceed dates" which have been modified at will for the following year's "fund raising letter."
It's a fact, I know. I received their letters, hawking the likely scenarios and dates over the years. It is a proven fund raising device EVERYTIME there is a worldwide tragedy or event.
Stick around a while and you will find out there are abundant numbers of freepers who have handled these folks editing, writing, accounting, fundraising, marital counseling and had to clean up after them for the good of the church in general.
These folks are often a greedy, selfish and morally "untidy" lot. Only the naive believe otherwise. I keep my faith in Christ, not the clowns who claim they represent him as they are passing me the plate or asking for "financial help or we are going off the air."
If God guides HE provides, not the blue haired ladies who give up a month's medication to "win just one more soul for Jesus." All the while Pastor Televangel, pays off another woman to go have his illegitimate baby in South China.
Follow the money. Or listen to those who have if you cannot gain access. If you have a ministry harping on a "glory haller" subject, but who wont give you complete access to their ACTURAL disbursements, and the ministry leader's holdings, or quote you his honorarium contributions, GET YOUR MONEY out of his "operation."
Now you can believe what you want to dear heart. But if I could make as much money prophesying when Jesus is NOT going to come like these guys do by "theorizing" about when he will, I would be wealthier than most small nations. He is NOT coming today, or tomorrow, and I am pretty sure not this week or this year. So keep those cards and letters flowing to,. you get my drift.
don't let them play you for a christian idiot. find a good place where they are unpretentious and small, givem your support, and prayers, and WATCH what they do, with YOUR dollars. We gave millions last year to the Red Cross, for NYC, and they have pretty much told us they are NOW going to do with our designated dollars for NYC, whatever the hell they please. Big is not better.
What I find truly amazing is that after ALL the revelations about corrupt ministries that is readily available, the Jim Bakers of the ministry world STILL find folks who will send them their heart medication money. AMAZING. PT Barnum was right: there is a sucker born every minute. What a waste of resources.
I haven't read the books, but I saw the movie and was kinda embarrassed that, after all the hoopla, it was so poorly and cheaply done.
On THIS of all subjects!
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