posted
For my 2nd research paper in Religion in America class, I am doing it on 'Are the modern American churches trying to induce Christ's return like a baby in labor.'
It hurts my brain.
I've been reading books as far back as 1813. It is really weird. But the weirdest is how all the way up to about 1970 there is a feeling of 'Remember, no one has been able to decode it, so don't get too confident in your predictions', then in the late 70's the Conservative Christians keep leaning towards 'God told us exactly how it is going to go down."
Tim Lahaye is retarded.
Posts: 262 | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
When I saw the thread title at the forums welcome page, my actual honest first thought was "figures I'd hear about it on Hatrack first."
Who knows? Maybe because everyone discounts the apocalyptic predictions, that will be exactly when it happens?
Posts: 2849 | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Seriously. Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins wrote "We believe this will happen EXACTLY as we have written it."
Posts: 262 | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
That's your essay question? What's your thesis: "Yes"?
Unless you're joking, I don't think the question aptly describes what you seem to be researching. You seem to researching the relationship between American churches and interpretation of the return of Christ. Therefore your very general, basic, essay question should be, "How has the relationship between American churches and the belief in the return of Christ changed over time." However, in answering this question, you shouldn't just answer that question but also the question why this occurs.
That would be a decent essay with actual insight into religion in America.
Posts: 8473 | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
quote:For my 2nd research paper in Religion in America class, I am doing it on 'Are the modern American churches trying to induce Christ's return like a baby in labor.'
You should see the swimming pool full of pitocin they plan to launch into orbit.
Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Considering Jesus specifically said "of that day and hour knows no man" and especially that the return would be "as a thief in the night" (i.e. you don't know when he's coming, if you did, you'd prepare), it's always been really strange that supposed Bible readers would try to predict the return at all.
I pretty much assume they're either nuts or else intentionally preying on people's hopes/fears for personal gain. (Yeah, I know some people think *all* religious leaders are like that, but it isn't true. Just a LOT of them.)
Posts: 454 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
It's not that they're predicting WHEN (though there have been plenty who have tried that); it's that they are trying to predict what it's going to be like when He returns.
Wrestling with the Apocalypse of St. John is not in my agenda, alas.
Posts: 14554 | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Seatarsprayan: Considering Jesus specifically said "of that day and hour knows no man" and especially that the return would be "as a thief in the night"
So... we should be looking at the prophecies of female police officers, or possibly female burglars - takes on to catch one, as they say.
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I was involved with a church years back that was pretty much preaching that these were the end of days. Though they gave lip service to the passages in the Bible which said we wouldn't know when, they went on to induce fear in the congregation that these were our last days. The contradiction was one of many reasons that I stopped attending the church.
Posts: 2392 | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Seatarsprayan: Considering Jesus specifically said "of that day and hour knows no man" and especially that the return would be "as a thief in the night"
So... we should be looking at the prophecies of female police officers, or possibly female burglars - takes on to catch one, as they say.
Jesus also specifically said "Only God the Father knows."
Posts: 1029 | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I understand there's a 20% restocking fee on all Christ Returns. Combined that with the cost of shipping it back and the S&H you paid when you first bought him, you might as well just huck him in the dumpster.
Posts: 7085 | Registered: Apr 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I really wish that stupid, intolerant, paranoid, conspiratorial idea that end of times Christians are trying to destroy the planet in order to precipitate the 2nd coming would be called for exactly what it is.
I do know some end of times people who are unconcerned about preserving the planet for future generations because they are confident Jesus will return. But that is not at all like saying they are trying to destroy the planet to force Jesus' return.
Any one with a smidgeon of sanity can recognize the absurdity of such a plan.
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Rabbit I would agree, but there are Christian groups and speakers working to halt all Mid-East peace attempts, specifically all those dealing with Israel, because such a peace is not in the Final Days doctrine. Any hint of Jerusalem not ending up in Israeli hands is fought against, no matter how many people die as the violence continues.
I understand Lisa's arguments for Jerusalem being part of Israel. I concede her arguments must be considered in any peace plan.
I do not believe the argument, "Jerusalem must go to Israel so JC can come back to town sooner" is valid, sane, or justifiable.
Posts: 1941 | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Mucus: I don't suppose that they predict that it will be like when a Dragoon is built in Starcraft?
No but oddly enough I did think when I first played Starcraft, "That is almost cooler than actually being resurrected."
I always felt a stab of regret whenever I killed one because I felt bad slaying somebody who had already been wounded and brought back to the battle field.
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:I do not believe the argument, "Jerusalem must go to Israel so JC can come back to town sooner" is valid, sane, or justifiable.
I agree that such a belief isn't sane or justifiable. I just don't believe that this is an accurate summation of any Christian belief with which I am familiar. If you can link me to some Christians who are actually saying exactly that I'd be interested. But for all the end of times people I know, this constitutes simplifying their actually beliefs to the point of absurdity. Sort of like saying "Catholics believe in cannibalism".
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Eaquae Legit: When I saw the thread title at the forums welcome page, my actual honest first thought was "figures I'd hear about it on Hatrack first."
This was my thought, as well.
Posts: 1099 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by BlackBlade: No but oddly enough I did think when I first played Starcraft, "That is almost cooler than actually being resurrected." ...
Hmmm, it seems to me that you're implying that the return of Jesus as a bio-mechanical four legged entity shouting "I have returned" is cool. Just not quite as cool as a normal second coming of Christ.
Posts: 7593 | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by BlackBlade: No but oddly enough I did think when I first played Starcraft, "That is almost cooler than actually being resurrected." ...
Hmmm, it seems to me that you're implying that the return of Jesus as a bio-mechanical four legged entity shouting "I have returned" is cool. Just not quite as cool as a normal second coming of Christ.
I'm saying that there are worse things than being a psionic master race summoned through warp gates and fighting insect aliens from the inside of your four legged craft.
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
