ATTN: Christians, please stop. Kthnx.?

Wow I can't believe all of the people who are taking the original posters question as an attack on themselves...

I think in short what he is trying to say is: "You catch more flies with honey."

If you are actually interested in having a conversation with another person and sharing your beliefs with them... it is a good idea to phrase your thoughts in the way the original poster suggests. And granted the last paragraph of the post is a bit vitriolic... well that should just be a shining example of how he is normally approached by Christians has made him feel about them.

I would hope that anyone who actually takes themselves and their religious seriously would take his advice to heart. If you are actually interested in helping people and offering them advice, start by having a conversation with them about what you believe and LISTEN to what the other person has to say... who knows maybe you might learn something from them. In the long run it will get you much further in life than just making statements about how you and God are 100% right and the other person is doing everything totally wrong... and it really shows an immaturity and a lack of concern for ones fellow humans.

Then again... the Bible never really was one for tolerance

Deuteronomy 13:13-17

So maybe you would prefer to just be intolerant of other people's beliefs and belittle them to make yourself seem more righteous ... you know instead of trying to help them or display an actual act of love and kindness.

It is fair.

I am a Christian, but it's EXACTLY attitudes like Fireball's - that "I'm going to do whatever I want" - that give Christianity a bad name. Jesus was all about respect, and His whole premise was that one person's "rights" end where another person's begin.

On the other hand: "Odd, groundless beliefs" and "fanatical brainwashed weirdo" ALSO shows a lack of respect. There is more than enough evidence to, if not "prove", then certainly demonstrate that the existence of God is probable, if not definite. The Bible has NEVER BEEN disproved. All of the evidence that has been uncovered - chiefly by archaelogy - has complemented the Bible very nicely. There is nothing wrong with showing this to others.

Telling someone he is going to hell is flat out wrong, but I find nothing wrong with any of the other things that you mention, either. Personally, I don't do any one of them - with the exception of pointing out what is sin and what is not. But even in that, I do not do it in a negative way - just in a "matter of fact" way, and I also offer non-Biblical evidence when I do that.

For example: I don't have to use just the Ten Commandments to tell you that murder is a sin; the fact that we have strong penalties for it is "proof" enough of that. And I don't just have to resort to the Bible to "prove" that homosexuality is a sin; the facts that 1.) there has been no "gay gene" found, 2.) identical twins, who should both be gay 100% of the time if there were such a gene, have been found to be so LESS THAN HALF of the time, and 3.) among other things, homosexual people can expect a life expectancy that is HALF of the norm, all do the work for me very nicely.

The point is: Sin is all about CONSEQUENCES; although if God were to be judgmental then going to hell might be one of them, sin has its consequences in this life, too. If what you do has - or CAN HAVE - negative consequences for you, it is a sin.

But I don't need the Bible to tell me that.

I'm a Christian, however, this category is for Religion & Spirituality so you are going to have a "variety" of answers. Think about it this way, it's human nature to want to peek into an envelope that is addressed confidential. If you address your question as Attn. Christians!!!? It's going to be like setting a cookie jar on the counter in front of your twin girls (I read your 360-how beautiful). Sometimes, things are irresistable. Those that do not have the power of God with them, do not have the strength to overcome. They judge when they should not. They cast stones. Maybe someday Yahoo will create a site(s) specifically designed for religion(s) and that will eliminate much of the chaos. For now, however, ask the questions that you wish to ask. You will receive answers from all sides. Remember, you have the gift of discernment and can sift through them.

I hear you!!! I don't buy into the organized religion business, but, I think (if you care) (and you probably don't) that your point will be lost on the very people you are speaking to. Most organized religions ingrain a very formidable brick wall to block any esoteric thoughts that might give people the courage to think for themselves. The masses would be harder to control if they had the freedom of thought beyond what their religious leaders deemed necessary. The foundation used for the thought block is the threat that it is of the devil to consider more. It is very effective.

Anyway I would characterize myself as being spiritual, because I do believe in a higher power... I have no hard facts to back up my beliefs, but then again I don't require them for myself as I feel satisfied. I would prefer not to have to deal with someone trying to shove their particular religious beliefs down my throat too.

I do not agree with the 'Should not phrase' list, infact everyone who believes in God and knows him knows for a sure fact that GOD IS JUST AND HOLY and also that JESUS WAS BORN and also to extend what is given in the Bible-what sin is, and also that God will judge........these are some facts that is written in the Bible.........everyone who believes the Bible believes it........and therefore say it as a fact........ let me give you an example...... say you have a son/daughter.......you are not going to say "In my opinion my son/daughter is smart/good"............you will say my son/daughter is smart/good........now to a outsider.......there is no proof, he/she will either believe or reject....... if he/she believes..........the outsider will come to see .....with time...........what you said is really true! Neither will an outsider tell you please phrase your sentences with 'In my opinion'

I do agree however, that no one has a right to deceide except God himself whether one will go to hell or heaven. "You will go to hell if".... is not appropriate I believe..........what is correct is "It will be one tough mission close almost impossible to complete life and go to heaven without Jesus" This is because we all have sinned........ and if we have that sin in us at the time of God's judgement.......then let me put it this way............it does not look too good........

How one phrases something (with the exception of the first paragraph I have put down) totally depends upon the individual.......one can deliver a message across without offending anyone........and one can also deliver messages completely offending everyone........ it depends from one individual to another.

I'll take you comments one steps further

There is but ONE church....The one that was started by Jesus Christ.

If you follow any other religion you will not make it.

Jesus says..." I am the Way, the Truth and the Light, no man comes to the Father but through Me".

Our Lord tells us, "Judge not and you shall not be judged.....For with what measure you judge. so you shall be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." (Mt 7:1-3)

On earth, every person has the potential of becoming good, better and even a saint by the force and power of God's graces.

It is our duty to help, not judge or condemn. We must help to bind up the wounds of repentant sinners, and help them become the men and women God wants them to be.

My friend, it doesn't make any difference because to believe is knowing who God is and his will to do those things.

You can't change our words because it says in the bible, sorry.

Be with us as believers or against us as unbelievers but don't tell us how we should say things for and about God.

I think you should not force your parameters on others. Why should I accept that my beliefs are as you say groundless? If you don't like what you read in the Religion and Spirituality section then go somewhere else. I don't go in the mythology section telling people their beliefs are groundless.

Why do atheists even come to the R & S section? Why waste your time? What could you really get from believers when you don't like them, won't listen, and don't care to learn more?

I know God so yes I do know but I can respect your request and think I normally put in my opinion even maybe to often.