Lost souls of America

[Ashley]

Again, giving this my proof of readership, and support of the decision made in my absence.

[Niyana]

Wow, a lot has happened in the last couple of days since I checked my post. O.O
The only thing, after reading everything, that I have to comment on....well, actually there are a couple things. First off, I have a lot to say about what he was talking about with his religion, but I dont feel it is right to comment when he is banned and cannot get on here and defend himself and his beliefs. I would be hurt if someone commented about me where I couldnt defend myself. But I did want point out that it was rightly mentioned that this IS a Christian Anime board, not an All Religion one. ^_~ Like going into a Christian church and handing out Jehovah Witness pamplets and then getting annoyed when people make you leave. XD
The only other thing I read over that I wanted to comment on was that someone said that America is suppose to be 'free religion' which, I agree that it is suppose to be that way. But in todays society people have taken that to the extreme. They try and say that if you have the 10 Commandments posted in a Judicial building or the worlds "under God' in the pledge of allegence that you are violiting their rights. No, you are NOT violating their rights. This country was founded on the Bible and along with it came everything that deals with Christianity, including God's blessings and His followers. If you dont want to live in a blessed country, go live in someplace that is atheist or wont have images of God or Jesus around. But when this country was founded on Christianity, isnt taking God out of it trying to force your beliefs on us? Its hard to not say that to people sometimes. Again I cry for the blindness of America. :/
~Niyana

[shooraijin]

> But I did want point out that it was rightly mentioned that this IS a Christian Anime board, not an All Religion one. ^_~ Like going into a Christian church and handing out Jehovah Witness pamplets and then getting annoyed when people make you leave.

That is an *excellent* metaphor. I'll keep that one in my hat. Arigatoo

[uc pseudonym]

>Every argument against Christianity can be refuted by either saying that the Bible shouldn't be taken literally, or by using some Bible quote that says something like, "The ways of God can't be explained in words."

Well, I suppose that it can but that doesn't necessarily meant that it has to be. I don't think that we, as a forum, do that very often. IIf you have curious questions, you can feel free to ask without being rebuffed instantly (not that there is no merit to those arguments).

>The same goes for almost all religions.

True, but there is an element of fact in there somewhere. As my former example, no artifacts, cities or anything else from the Book of Mormon has ever been found. It makes sense that this would make a few people skeptical. Religions always must have some basis in the world, and our world is based on fact.

Have I mentioned how refreshing it is to talk to someone reasonably about these issues? Thanks.

[Zarn Ishtare]

Wow..The lost souls of america? THis doth depress both the heart and mind, sayeth this knight. Have you not seen that light which shineth in the souls of many? Have you not seen the holy power of God work in the lives of those around you? I feel your sorrow, perhaps alittle more acutely than others here. But you cannot forget the light, the hope. Not all tears are shed in evil, and God himself knows that we weep for those who are lost, but never forget the joy of the lord. Psalms 22 couldnot have been all it was without psalms 23. A balance between Joy and Sorrow is nessacary. As usual, greater minds have already taken this topic away, but I will make my dent in the theological wall if need shows its face. The great sorrow of God...weeping for his children, is not the only thing we must remember. Remember his Joy. The joy that flows from the throne of God. Heres alittle ditty that I wrote on the Volt message boards...it goes like this.

The Holy spirit, like a refreshing breath from the heart of heaven, a perfume flowing from the Holy of Holies, such a sight, such a scent, never to be felt among mortal men, hath been given to us few who have asked for it. It is of needs that we suffer, for suffering and redemption are one in the same. To be redeemed means you must suffer. But never forget that the one who suffered for us gave us Love in its truest form. The single greatest act of love was upon a Roman "Tree", with the body of a God/man hanging upon it, the lifes blood draining from him, the absolute sorrow that he felt, deeper than any we shall ever feel, the filth of sin upon a clean Lamb, taking the punishment for us. God who died for us, and rose again in three days. This does not mean God in his entirity died, for then would the universe perish also, but God in flesh felt the pain of death, and felt all the pains and sufferings of man. "This is my body, broken for you," said Jesus, "and this is my blood shed for you." "Take up your cross and follow me." To suffer...to feel joy..both are infused in us. But the suffering of death can only be followed by the joy of resserection. On that day we were bought, freed, redeemed, and rescued. It is the year of Jubilee, to be celebrated, to be honored, to worship Him in the purest escape and joy of the Lord. This is the truest thing: Of all things, the greatest is Love. Find that love, and never forsake it or leave it. May the absolute peace of Christ be upon you all, and may you all feel his joy this day, Z.

[Fsiphskilm]

Consider that

[DrNic]

Ugg...I had to post on here cause I just had a long religious conversation with my friend and it frustrated me. I do not understand sometimes how people of this nation can be so blind. My friend came to church with me and he witnessed 10 kids at least(it was a youth group) raising their hands in the air and singing along with the band while tears streamed down their eyes, all because of the great love they felt in their hearts. Tonight he told me he felt like that the church was just trying to sell him something to make money for the church. I couldnt believe it. How can you see such love in peoples hearts and be so blind to God?? I do not understand how some peoples eyes can be so scaled shut that they do not see the truth that God has created.
One of the things that scares me the most is how people are so blinded in this world that they do not see the connection that when God is taken out of schools, all of a sudden, there are school shootings everywhere. It just makes me sad. :/ It hurts me so much cause I know Jesus loves them so much and I know He would have died on the cross even if it was to save just that one persons soul. He still would have died, yet they dont even acknowledge that He could exist.
*sigh* Well...I am curious to hear some comments about what you guys think as well about this corruption in society and the scaled eyes of American souls.

Yup, I've seen this sorta thing happen all the way over here in England.

Basically me and my friend have been going to the same church for 16 years. I got saved when I was 12, he didn't. Our church has been through lots in the past 4 years. We got a new pastor after our old one retired, many of our youth got saved, our youth and church has more than doubled in size, some of my school friends have begun coming to church and they got saved aswell and we've been through plenty of services where we could feel God working within the fellowship. Still throughout these four years my friend still sits at the back of the church looking blankly into thin air saying he doesn't believe it and that he's going to leave as soon as his parents stop making him come.

God gave us free will and , saddly, some people abuse it. You cannot make them believe. Personally I feel sorry that my friend can't see the light but I continue praying that he will eventually.

Just wanted to let you know that your not the only person out there with a friend like this.