M2......It is unfortunate that Man can misinterpret what God teaches so badly that they engage in horrible deeds.
......Back in the days of the Indian wars, the Calvary used to sweep through the villages, killing everything in sight--bayonets through babies' bodies, women, children. A slaughter. Disturbingly, the justification for many came from the bible. They often pointed to the examples in the bible, the general idea that if God could engage in that kind of slaughter, it must be okay. Actually, coming from their viewpoint, using the bible as their guide, it's hard to argue with their justification. But that's only if a person accepted their bible.
M2......However, it's important that we all remember this is MAN'S flaw, not God's.
.........again, it would be hard to argue with the justifications for the slaughter. Books in the bible are filled with sanctioned carnage.
M2....Now, I cannot speak for non-Christian religions, for I do not know what they teach.
....so, you have no way, then, of knowing if they may have the real truths....just as if they can't speak for Christianity, they have no way of knowing that Christianity may have all the truths. Wouldn't it behoove to learn all about all religions, in order to compare? That is, if a person really wanted to know the real truths. Without investigation and exploration, there's no real way to know.
M2........ However, I can speak to you from a Christian perspective.
.....probably limited, though, to a particular kind of Christian perspective, in this case, Catholic.
M2......Following Jesus Christ's teachings properly will lead any man/woman/child along the right path.
.....it would be nice to have a complete list, I think, since there were so many and varied.
M2..... A path of compassion, love, honor, truth, forgiveness, patience, charitable behavior and the ability to stay strong under the most aggressive pressures of the world.
.....examples?
M2......The problem we have is that some fall victim to temptation and skew God's message.
.....what is the message? Where is the message found?
M2......My father is an atheist and therefore, I see first-hand the frustrations, misconceptions and distrust he experiences.
....golly, I have relatives just like that, only they're Christians.... I don't think simply not being able to believe has anything to do with any traits a person might have in the DNA personalities.....
M2......He relies upon himself only and thinks faith is God is absurd.
.....this sounds commendable. He deserves a definite two thumbs up.
M2....Regardless, I love him and pray for his conversion continually. I want him to know peace, safety and compassion. I want him to know that being "of God" means good things, not bad. I wish the very same for you and all those who have been misled.
.....the continual condescending. Rampant.
M2.....Peace be with you and I hope that perhaps this has given you another insight.
....it may cooborate the fears and concerns. It is the pervasive telling others that they are wanting, unhappy, dishonest, heathens, bad, discontented, war-lovers, bloodthirsty, while praying for those poor lost souls who cannot believe because there are no reasons to believe. None. Unless some Christian will post some of them. No personal testimony allowed, just bona fide reasons for believing in one god over another.
Odette