Even knowing its changed, people still take each word so literally. Changing languages has misinterpreted many words. As well, many Christians do not understand that it was a pagan religion to begin with. For the first 3 centuries or so, Christians believed in reincarnation. However, this was changed as it undermined political athority. All of the 'good works' of Jesus have happened before, and was written before Jesus supposedly ever came to earth. I am a little confused, and would appreciate the feedback.
131688
The Bible is a very good tool to use in arguments if you don't really want to think too hard because it's pretty easy to find whatever passage in there to suit your needs if you need to pull something out.  Seeing as how it's a pretty popular book, it's not that bad an idea.\n\nThere are people out there who actually take time to study it and figure out things, but those kinds of people seem more rare these days.
571874
Even when I was a Pagan, I knew the Bible pretty well. I still studied it out of interest. I found it was an interesting book, and I loved the poetry aspect of it all. Of course as a Pagan, I did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.  ( I've since turned my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and Have a much deeper understanding of the Bible)\n\nI do understand, why the "Christians Only" thing, although I read many questions.\nIn the Beginning, when I first started on yahoo answers, I quickly learnt that many people like to bash religions on here, and people post gross, hateful and negitive things in Christian questions for no reason. I guess I've learnt to expect it on here.\n\nIf you put a question out like  " Christians, what is your favourite verse in the Bible".  Many christians will answer with genuine answers. Non-christians will answer aswell with some great heartfelt answers too.  Unfortunately some non-christians will post rude comments that have nothing to do with the question. Sexuial comments, religion bashing,off topic remarks, disrespectful posts.\nIf you leave a question open to "Whats you favourite verse in the Bible, it seems to be a magnet for even more nasty comments.\nSo I guess I can see why people post  " Christians only" \nBut I'm sure they mean " Christians Only, or Respectful people that wont bash their religion"\n\nOh and my favourite Psalm is...Psalm 19 1-9\n\nThe heavens declare the glory of God; \n the skies proclaim the work of his hands. \n Day after day they pour forth speech; \n night after night they display knowledge. \n There is no speech or language \n where their voice is not heard.
567576
Good question, and that is exactly why every so often when mankind strays from God's truths due to misunderstanding his will (which is GOOD) --- he sends an emissary (one of which was Jesus) to re-clarify his eternal truths...lets face it, left on our own we develop all kinds of misinterpretations and rituals which are not what he intends, so a divine incarnation is mercifully sent to us to help us get back on track. Many times when Jesus was on earth, even priests and religious scholars would confront Jesus with the old Testament laws and precepts, and Jesus would respond with something like this "verily, verily that was indeed writted in the Old Testament, however I tell you THIS" ...for example a high Priest asked Jesus about a quote in the old testament about how a man must be reborn again before seeing heaven and the priest asked how is this possible, can a man climb back into the womb and come out again? and Jesus explained the true meaning.
284650
In ancient times, there were religions way before Christianity came along. They all had many god/goddesses. And then Christianity came along and basically killed or wiped out anyone who wouldn't be forced to believe in one god.  It doesn't make it right.  It also means that there are other religions out there.  It al has to do with what's in your heart and soul.  Nobody else matters.
497289
The word itself couldnt have been used, because the language itself didnt even exist until after Jesus.\n\nGo, learn history...
510589
Different indeed as there is countless proof that the eqyptians existed. We have much in the archives about eqypt and its history.\nNot much on Jesus. A book that has had countless changes by many religions and I think America has abused and butchered the basic beliefs in Jesus as a god. \nBelieve in something. Anything you wish,as long as it never harms a soul.
319482
Just north of Corinth was a city named Eleusis. This was the location of a pagan religion where baptism in the sea was practiced to guarantee a good afterlife. This religion was mention by Homer in Hymn to Demeter 478-79.2 The Corinthians were known to be heavily influenced by other customs. After all, they were in a large economic area where a great many different people frequented. It is probable that the Corinthians were being influenced by the religious practices found at Eleusis where baptism for the dead was practiced. \n     Paul used this example from the pagans in 1 Cor. 15:29, when he said, "...if the dead are not raised, then why are they baptized for the dead?" Paul did not say we.1 This is significant because the Christian church was not practicing baptism for the dead, but the pagans were. \n     Paul's point was simple. The resurrection is a reality. It is going to happen when Jesus returns. Even the pagans believe in the resurrection, otherwise, why would they baptize for the dead?\n     However, some are not convinced by this argument and state that the word "they" is not in the Greek and, therefore, Paul is not speaking about the pagans..  Let's take a look.\n     Literally, the verse is translated as "Since what will do the being immersed on behalf of the dead if wholly dead not are raised why also are they immersed on behalf of them."\n     The issue here is the word, "baptizontai" -- "they are baptized."  It is the present, passive, indicative, 3rd person, plural. In other words, it is THEY ARE BEING BAPTIZED or, THEY ARE BAPTIZED.\n\n     I -- first person singular\n     you (singular) -- second person singular\n     he/she/it -- third person singular\n     we -- first person plural\n     you (plural) -- second person plural\n     they -- third person plural \n\n     It is the latter form, the third person plural (they) which the verb "baptizo" is in. Therefore, the best translation is "THEY are baptized."
320126
I think that they're afraid to admit that parts of their religion weren't handed down straight from their god but rather adapted from religions that existed as Christians were gaining power and converts.  They don't want to admit that the religion itself changed to accomodate those converts; there wouldn't have been nearly so many "saved" if they hadn't been allowed all of the holy days and religious beliefs they'd held for centuries.  You forgot about the May Pole, the Corn Dolly for the Harvest, and All Saints' Day, a day that you revere those who came before.  Sounds pretty familiar to me as a Wiccan and one who is knowledgable about the practices of pagans before the advent of Christianity.\n\nYou might notice that the Jews do not claim those holidays.  At least they're honest about their beliefs.  This is one of the issues that really gets to me.
157736
Jesus didn't do that.  People who create and modify religious practice did that.  Jesus has been dead for over 2000 yrs.
656046
Yes! Finally after months someone makes sense! Original christianity (not bible version) was polytheistic. Jesus taught Gods! His father in heaven is supreme god (like Brahma), then there's son of god (cosmic christ), then there's the goddess Sophia, and the creator god (Ialdaboath), and many more gods. There is mention of 35 aeons (these are very high god/goddess pairs). This is what Jesus taught and even the NT gives away Jesus' polytheism. The orthodox christians wanted "one god" so they invented "the mystery of the holy trinity". Jesus was a Pagan polytheist, and there are extra-biblical scriptures which clearly state this.
561331
Why? Can a Pagan not follow Christ's teachings? Seems to me they can if they want to do so. Lots of people consider themselves 'christian' and probably are not. Who are we to judge?
506563
Wow where did you get this information? Christianity is called Christianity because of the followers of Christ that would be those called Christians. Where did you ever get he was against religious laws? He said that not one jot or title shall pass away until he returns. Jesus came to fufill the law not to destroy it. god is the same yesterday today and tommorow although mans relationship to God does change.
599461
lol Some people just can't tell time, eh?\n\nHe is speaking of the moment when Jesus comes back, that particular "hour" since that word is often used in prophecy in the Bible.  He wasn't really saying in the next 60 minutes lol.\n\nThat is sort of the problem with the fanatical, they do not seem to get that those folks unfamiliar with Scripture do not understand what the heck the fanatics are saying, especially when they use archaic expressions.\n\nI always try to follow Jesus example of just talking to people like a friend.  You may remember how He began a lot of His parables or teachings with "You have heard it said....".  He didn't try to shove the book, chapter and verse down their throat, just reminded them of how the story goes before making His own point.\n\nI'm sure that guy on the street has got the right sort of yearning heart, but he is not doing much good the way he is going about it.
233815
Although I was raised as a christian, I am sometimes ashamed of those who represent it falsely. I have also studied Hinduism and many of the teachings match the Essenes Christians which I have found to have the truth. \n\nThe early Essene Christians also believed in reincarnation as did the Jewish mystics and Gnostics.\n\nAn early Jewish teaching said that God (Jehovah) will pluck us up and replant us many times to help us achieve perfection.\n\nWhen Jesus disciples and other followers implied that he was David (reincarnated) ... he did not deny it.\n\nI wish that we Christians had the peaceful history that you Hindus have. Our history from the crusaders to George Bush shows us to be a very bloody and violent religion.\n\nI also wish that we Christian were as open minded about sexuality as the Hindus. We and the Muslims will almost kill if we see a homosexual.\n\nThat leaves us with your cast system...It really is not right and fortunately your people have began to realize this. \n\nOur Christianity, on the other hand is fast becoming a cast system due to the capitalist here. We place those that are industrious  on a pedestal while we frown on those that are poor or unable to work.  Our aged is locked out of everyone's way rather than respected and honored. Our mentally disabled are not treated as other disabilities. In many ways we have done worse than your cast system.\n\nJesus said, "Let he with out sin cast the first stone".  This one from the Christian religion will not cast stones.  In many ways I admire you.
199384
Keep reading the Bible with an open mind.\n\nOne thing to remember is that Christianity is originally an EASTERN religion.  It grew out of the EAST and now was sanitized by the west.  One of the things that was whipped away was any notion of reincarnation.  However, it is apparent that the main characters in the Bible, were coming from that kind of Eastern thought.\n\nTake this as another example: MATT 11:\n12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, ***he is the Elijah who was to come***. 15He who has ears, let him hear.\n\nJohn is Elijah????\n\nOr what about this (mainly to demonstrate what was the natural assumption of the people of that time):Matthew 16:13-15  \n 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" \n 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." \n 15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"\n\nReincarnation was a promenent thought of that time.  One COULD miss this in scripture, but it would be hard to do.
565375
OK. You say you're a pagan and a witch. I'm not sure if by witch you mean Wiccan, some make a point of it being two different thing while others don't. Anyway, I think I know where you're coming from. I'm Native American, and walk Red Road. I think that qualifies me as pagan. Shamans, or medicine men/women conjure, cast "spells", work with herbs to heal, etc. & etc. From just that short description I think you'll see we have things in common. MY experience with the same question you ask ... Christian belief is based on ancient texts that have been mistranslated and so changed over the hundreds of years they've existed as to, in all probability, have very little resembelance to any original documents. That, plus the fact that these are read within cultural contexts altogether foriegn to those of the original authors coupled with dire ignorance of the culture & etc. OF the authors makes for a totally misunderstood, and perhaps totally "misunderstandable", book. But its all they know. They never really study other faiths. And when they do they almost never go to the source, but rather read books by Christians ABOUT other faiths. Which thing is biased, because nearly all of those books seek out whats WRONG with the other faith, from a "Christian" perspective, rather than highlighting whats good or pointing out any common ground. The result of all this? Ignorance. Both of their own faith, and the faiths of others. Now, add this ... Scriptural quotes such as ... "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." And add to THAT sort of thing an over powering desire to see the other poor devil (pun intended) saved from eternal hell fire! The result of all THIS? Everything from witch burning to strong arm evangelization. I know its un-cool. But ... It just is what it is. The current version of Christianism simply fosters the sort of thing your question describes. Happily not all segments of "Churchanity" fall into this trap, and neither do all Christians. But enough of them do that, well, I know exactly how you feel. Its ignorance and bigotry, I sincerely believe, based primarily on the above. A simple come back might be, if you're in a situation where you feel safe in doing this, to reply to such hatred with ... "I'll pray to the Goddess that your soul be saved from hateful depravity." Smile, and walk away ... Real fast. ;-) ~ Peace & Blessings ~
158379
On the contrary, when people hear or say, "Christian," they automatically think or mean "born again Christians."  When it should be what you stated......................................