Is he, then, who is a believer equal to nonbeliever ?
962627
there seems to be an awful lot of "believers" doing things that i wouldn't exactly call righteous.\n\nlook at the persons life not their professed religion.
740522
Hi Gorgeous,\n\nThis statement is correct to a believer, once they make up their mind to believe, and it should be.  So, believer to believer, this is true, and does not need to be proved.\n\nIt is also true to all of the writers of any of the books in the bible.  It is certain that all of the writers were trying to spiritually discern something about God when they wrote what they wrote.  Thus, everyone one of them believes what they wrote was the truth.  Just like I believe what I am writing right now is the truth, even though someone else may not believe me.  \n\nTo a non-believer, the bible is a book written by people about their thoughts about God.  How does one prove this?  It is impossible, thus, any and all non-believers will be skeptical, and they should be.  The words inerrant word of God are wrong for the bible is a book of faith, not fact.  But, once you have faith, it is like fact.  Thus, if you are skeptical, it is a non-issue, it can never  be proven.  \n\nTo me, the bible is simply a spiritual book, since it was writen by spiritual people.  It is a realistic book, that describes how a human civilization grows and matures, and it includes all the realistic mistakes people and socities make when faith is gone, weak, or strong.  For this reason, you can read it and learn from the mistakes of others.  It is the most realistic spiritual book on earth.  And it is up to each person, to learn from it.  \n\nTo me, the right perspective is:  Leviticus to a new society that was forming is like the rules you have when you are young.  Highly prescriptive, and black and white.  As you mature and are an adult, you make the rules, like in the new testament, when you are born again, and are past the law [of Leviticus], as it is clearly stated.  That is a more correct context and perspective.  However, many Christians do what you did, and it is a mistake and causes great confusion.  \n\nLook how honestly things are included in this spiritual book.  These things truly happened at that point in time, so they were included.  There is no sugar coating.  Some terrible things are described.  Thus, truth is the standard, and not trying to create a holier than thou perception.\n\nIf someone from eastern someplace were to read the constitution of the US and then read a history of the US with slavery and discrimination and war, they would say the constitution is a fraud, for it speaks of rights, and yet does not do what it says it should do.  However, the speaking of rights is the vision that led us down the difficult road to eliminate slavery and to accept diversity.  Were our actions in Manifest Destiny wrong?  Some believe they were wrong.  However, our nation was young and growing and immature, the frontier was up for grabs, and we fought for it, as we fought to eliminate slavery.   Isn't this similar to the history of the bible.  Life is a maturing process and is an ongoing struggle for people and societies.  \n\nMy point is that I am proud to be an American.  And that a non-american can prove that americans are inconsistent, just like non-believers can show the bible and believers are inconsistent.  But that is reality.  When I was young, I was different than I am now, I learned and grew.  Does that mean I am inconsistent with my youth.  Yes, absolutely.  If perfection and consistentcy are the standards then we all have failed.  That is why context and perspective is critical.  \n\nAt least that is the way to have come to see both sides of this issue.\n\nHope this is helps.
143943
I've had this discussion many times with my religous friends and family. I see no reason that he is above us. Some christians believe he is the only true son of god. Others say he is god made man... The christian's book says we are all children of god. Jesus was a great man in the Bible, he gave his life for what he believed in. Not to take away from him, because he came with a noble cause, however, even HE wouldn't want you to believe he was greater than you. The christians know this. Some are just fanatics and will stretch and misinterperate things. They are human too.
782828
No -- a "theist" is someone who *believes* in god.  If there were proof of god (and just showing up wouldn't do it, he'd have to demonstrate why he's "god" and provide proof that he created the universe), there would be no need for belief, it would be fact.
1181052
You are right on the money. Non-believers seem MUCH more knowledgable about the history of Christianity and the bible as well. Seems like the more you know about it, the less sense it makes....
899141
He said He wasn't and I think He was the only one there when there was nothing yet there.\nso I trust Him when He says it . I only know of Him because He created me, How do you know of Him?
113087
I think he meant he dont PRE-judge anyone.  Yes I am getting stirred up over Jesus!  Look at the world and the extremely elevated debate over Christianity, if that isnt proof that the Bible is accurate, non-believers will NEVER be convinced. I am amazed at how many people I am seeing converting to Christianity.  I have even seen in the last few days people here go from anti-christ, to believer- God is amazing!\n\nNOTE: Before anyone else says he didnt ask a question, read it again- the bold highlited part.  "Getting stirred up over Jesus?"  - that looks like a question to me so,,, are you???
360091
Jesus did not worship himself and either do I.  I worship the God that he worshiped.  I am a folower of Jesus (peace be upon him) but not a Christian.\n\nJust like he said "the father is greater than me." enough said.
48527
"Believer"\n\nAbraham was a faithful believer & was justified (considered righteous) by the Grace of God for his faith. That's the way the disciples & apostles were saved. That's the way you & I are saved.
1181013
well He is real and the Bible is proof. People throughout history are proof.\nI agree stop saying He isn't real. Because He is.
1101650
An atheist is someone who doesn't believe in ANY gods. A-theism means the absence of theism. Theism is the belief in a god or gods. The same root forms the words "monotheism" (believe in one god) and "polytheism" (belief in many gods).\n\nA non-believer, from your point of view, might be someone who doesn't believe in the same god or gods as *you*. That doesn't make someone an atheist, though.\n\nThus, to an evangelical Christian, a Hindu might be a non-believer, but the Hindu is not an atheist.
1057360
When you are able to think, you do not need faith. I do not follow blindly. I don't need any other person to explain things to me. Mainly ones that claim we all are inbred, coming from two original people, or somebody claiming that I must do as they say and give money or burn forever. There is no proof of god, only inconsistent explanations that contradict themselves.
348376
That means one God is true, but two isn't. That there's only one.\n\nBut I don't believe that. :(
437493
lol . . . I knew I've seen that scripture before . . . because I quoted it . . . . \n\nI would rather be an unbeliever than a believing hypocrite . . . because according to the scriptures "it is better to be an unbeliever than a believer who is false"
1150922
I have no problem with non-believers here.  I am not insulted by your presence; in fact, this may be the perfect setting for you.  I pray that God would speak to you in some way that you would believe in Him.  True Christians do not condemn others, however, love them and avoid saying hurtful things. However, I will not refrain from expressing how I feel about my personal relationship with God and how He has carried me through many difficult times.
813386
okay ...now where is your list of believers huh???\n\nchristopher columbus, abraham lincoln, galileo, issac newton, and on and on.\n\n\nbiased flawed reasoning...yet once again. no i have found just the opposite. when i put too much faith in my finite mortal flawed self...my achievments are limited.\n\nfaith in God is the greatest weapon ever.\n\nbut i am guessing yo don't even understand what i mean.
394738
:}\nNo at least not in a direct sense. He does take advantage of evil which occurs to cause good for believers. his absence is evil so he is it's counter part.