Non-Christians - how do you respond?

[Guest guest]

What makes Christianity different from all other religions in the world? Why is Jesus different from the likes of, Mohammed, Buddha, Guru Nanak, Krishna and Rama? Let me begin by emphasizing that I am not going to get into the details and specifics of various religions in the world today, but primarily concentrate on the basis of a faith. In monotheist religions, such as, Islam and Sikhism the basis of faith is one central figure, who had a direct interaction with God and becomes a channel to deliver God’s message; Mohammed for Muslims, Guru Nanak for Sikhs. In other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, god(s) comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes.

 

Now, let’s take a look at various chosen individuals from other religions and see what sets Jesus apart from all of them.

 

Buddha:

Gautam Buddha (500 BC), the founder of Buddhism, gave up materialistic world at the age of thirty to become a monk. He left his kingdom, young wife and a child to pursue a spiritual journey. During his search, he went from one extreme of fasting and forsaking all form of pleasures to taking food in moderation, and then finally, one day under a tree he received spiritual enlightenment. Later, his wife and son also became monks and at the age of eighty HE DIED of an illness, after eating some unclean food!

 

Mohammed:

Mohammed, referred to as, the Prophet in Islam, was born in 570 AD. He grew up a charitable person, given to much praying and fasting. As a young man he was hired by a widow, who later married him and bore him six children, of which, all died save for a daughter. At the age of forty, Mohammed, had a visit from an angel (Gabriel) and received a divine message from God to tell others that, “there is no other god but Allah.” Mohammed initially encountered great opposition from people but later found acceptance all over the Arab world. He went on to lead many expeditions and wars in Mecca and Medina region, in order to, remove idolatry and advance Islam. In 632 AD, few days after returning from pilgrim in Mecca, HE DIED of an illness.

 

Nanak:

Guru Nanak, the founding figure of Sikhism, was born in 1469, a gentle and kind hearted family man with a wife and children. One day, as he dips into a river for a regular bath, has a divine encounter and emerges with knowledge and message of universal brotherhood. While living in India at a time, when Hindus and Muslims are in constant conflict, Nanak begins to teach about the existence of one God alone as the creator of all life, and the brotherhood of all humans i.e., there is no difference in Hindus and Muslims. Nanak, apparently spent rest of his life traveling through out Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Persia proclaiming this message. HE DIED at the age of seventy. However, nine further “Gurus” (spiritual authorities) were anointed to lead this religious movement. The last Guru, Gobind Singh, before DYING, put an end to this transfer of divine ruler-ship by proclaiming their scriptures “Granth Sahib” to be the supreme authority for all believers. It is ironic, that the original message given by Nanak “there is no Hindu nor Muslim but all are equal,” ended up forming a new identity, to be called a Sikh (disciple) or, to be known as Khalsa (pure) if baptized.

 

Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva:

In Hinduism - Brahma the “creator,” Vishnu the “protector,” and Shiva the “destroyer” - form a trinity. Only Vishnu is capable of taking Avtaar (to be born in human flesh) to rid the earth of evil. However, they are not mutually one, but have separate existence and different functions. Humans can realize the presence of God in “self” through a cycle of re-births, which is dependent on Karma (good works.)

 

Krishna:

Krishna, one of the Hindu gods, is one of the many reincarnations of god (Vishnu) in human form. As an incarnated god, Krishna, from his childhood to teen years, is a mischievous but cute “child-thief” who leads other kids in breaking into homes to steal butter! As a young man, he is a “heart-throb,” who spends his time frolicking with the young women of the village and is renown for his beauty and, charming women with his flute playing abilities. Ultimately, Krishna kills the evil king of that time and restores the rightful person to his throne. For a Hindu, Krishna leaves numerous traditional stories about his endeavors as a irresistible lover, and a non-partisan chariot driver in a great family feud between Pandavas and Kauravas. Then one day, apparently wounded by a hunter’s arrow, HE DIED.

 

Ram:

Ram, once again is another incarnated god (Vishnu) who appeared on earth to remove evil and establish good. Whilst on a fourteen-year exile away from his domicile, Ram, destroys an evil empire ruled by a demonic king and his demonic brothers, who had kidnapped Sita, Ram’s wife. However, later on, after completing his exile and returning to his kingdom, Ram, casts out his wife because of rumors regarding her “purity” during the time of her ordeal as a kidnapped victim, even though, she had proven her purity by walking through a fire! Ram, ruled as a great and wise king, creating a “Ram-Rajya” meaning peaceful and a perfect kingdom. Finally one day, HE DIED.

 

Jesus:

Jesus, as “the” Son of God, is God. The Bible tells us, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of his being.” (Hebrews 1:3) We, humans, are fallen beings born with a sinful nature, and can never ever attain holiness through effort and good works because by nature our tendency is to sin. For God to accept us, our sinfulness had to be addressed, and since we are incapable of forsaking our sinful nature, Jesus, the Son of God, came to redeem us and sacrificed his life on our behalf. “…The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice because he was sinless. Therefore, once we accept Jesus, as our personal Savior, we inherit his righteousness because he shed his blood for the remission of our sins. The Bible says about Jesus, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation…For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things…by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:15-19)

 

I have only provided briefest of introduction to the “originators” of various faiths. I have decided to concentrate on the founders because that gives the clearest indication, as to why Jesus is different! The character and divine attributes that were evident in Jesus, as he manifested himself to his followers during his life on earth are as follows:

 

1. Existed before the world was created:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:1)

 

Jesus was NOT created after God created the world but, in fact, through him all things were made. He was not created from dust like Adam and Eve. He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15)

 

Mohammed or Nanak or Buddha, did not have pre-existence but were born as any other child, according to their parents’ will. Jesus, however, forsaking his spiritual existence, and to do God’s will, took up a body of flesh and blood, to save us from our sinful nature. He was born not because of parents’ will, but was born of the Holy Spirit. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. (John 1:14)

 

During his ministry, Jews of Jesus’ time often questioned and asked him, as to who was he? “I tell you the Truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I AM!” Therefore, Jesus substantiated his pre-existence.

 

2. His coming into the world was foretold:

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

 

None of the messengers or prophets of other religions had their birth predestined and foretold like Jesus.

 

Prophet Isaiah, filled with the Holy Spirit, not only prophesied Jesus’ birth hundreds of years ago before it took place, but also proclaimed him to be God. …But in the future He will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea …For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:1)

 

Prophet Micah, prophesied the exact location of Jesus’ birth, and also confirmed his eternal existence. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from days of eternity. (Micah 5:2)

 

3. The Son of God

The aged, righteous and devout Simeon at the Temple, on seeing Jesus as an eight-day old baby, praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29)

 

From his early childhood, Jesus knew who he was. When at the age of twelve, during a visit to Jerusalem, he got separated from his parents who later questioned him regarding his behavior - “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)

 

God, himself, called out from heaven to declare Jesus as His Son. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and lighted on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16)

 

Jesus told his disciples, “All things have been committed to me by my father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22)

 

4. He knew his mission:

Unlike Mohammed, Nanak, and Buddha, Jesus did not receive a “calling” from God out of the blue; he did not (overnight) receive a revelation to be a messenger of God. He did not need to seek out God in order to learn the meaning of life. To the contrary, he declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 3:16)

 

Jesus came to show the compassion and love that God has for us. Prophet Isaiah prophesied regarding Jesus, “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives that are in prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in the darkness.” (Isaiah 42:6) During his ministry, Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to blind, freed people from demonic powers and raised the dead.

 

Jesus did not lay down rules and regulations for prayer. He did not advice to visit some holy site to atone for our sins. Jesus came to relieve us from the burden of sin. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28)

 

Jesus summed up his coming into the world in a very simple, yet graceful and divinatory statement -

 

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

 

5. Taught with authority:

God said to Moses, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you among from among their brothers; I will put my words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18)

 

Jesus did not need to spend years in solitude to gain wisdom and knowledge. Unlike Mohammed, Nanak, and Buddha, Jesus did not need to seek out God. He did not need a divine revelation or a visit from an angel to reveal the mind of God. In fact, Jesus was raised among the most backward considered Jewish people, the Galileans. Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ time told Nicodemus (one of the leaders) that “a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” (John 7:52) However, after listening to Jesus in the Temple at the feast of Tabernacles, “the Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” (John 7:15) Jesus did not need to study the scriptures to understand and comprehend its meaning. Jesus knew the scriptures inside out because the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

 

Moreover, during his ministry, Pharisees and Jewish leaders observed that Jesus not only broke the Sabbath rules but also forgave people their sins, which made Jesus equal to God. (Matthew 9:24) Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy, and on numerous occasions tried to stone him to death. (Matthew 12:14) But, they were afraid of large crowds that seem to follow Jesus everywhere he went. To the religious authorities, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the prophets, I have not come to abolish but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) And the Temple guards, who were sent to arrest Jesus, came back and declared, “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” (John 7:46)

 

Through out the Gospels, we read that ordinary people were amazed, and astonished at Jesus’ teachings.

 

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:28)

 

Not only the miracles performed by Jesus captured their attention but his explanation of the scriptures through the use of parables, his examples of tales taken from everyday life, and the authority with which Jesus spoke of God made them follow him everywhere he went. The disciples, on seeing Jesus subside a storm, in fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:24)

 

Finally, to fulfill what God (the Father) had said to Moses, Jesus affirmed, “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” (John 12:49)

 

6. Died willingly for a purpose

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Jesus’ mission was to redeem mankind from its sinful nature. As humans, no matter how much we try, we could never measure up to God’s standard of holiness. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites proved this point again and again. Had God chosen some other people instead of the Jews, I do not think the 100% failure rate would have been any different. But, in His Son Jesus, God found a perfect sacrifice to restore fallen humanity back to Him. Jesus came to redeem us by sacrificing his life on our behalf. God made him who had no sin to be a sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Although Jesus died, but he died willingly, fully knowing in advance, the day, the time and the manner in which he would die. Whilst, the likes of Mohammed, Nanak, Buddha, Krishna and Rama, all died, with no predetermined knowledge, Jesus however, not only foretold and spoke of the crucifixion but the Prophets (Isaiah 49 - 53) and King David (Psalm 22) graphically spoke of Jesus’ death, hundreds of years ago before it actually took place.

 

Mohammed, Nanak, Buddha, Krishna and Rama, all died and their death served no purpose for their believers. But the death of Jesus paid the price for my sins. God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice and now wants me to accept him as my personal Savior. Accepting Jesus, as my Savior, is the only way I can be spared of God’s wrath on the judgment day. The Bible says, The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son, will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:35)

 

7. Resurrection

Resurrection of Jesus is probably the single most important difference that sets Jesus apart from all others. Not only did Jesus foretold his death but also proclaimed in advance that he will rise up on the third day after the crucifixion, and rise up, he indeed did. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, ”and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” (Mark 10:33) Muslims have a mosque built where Mohammed is buried, Sikhs have temples built where their Gurus were cremated, and Buddhist and Hindus build statues and worship them and remember their gods by reenacting their “good-over-evil” victories year after year. But Jesus’ tomb was found empty by his disciples. (John 20)

 

As a Christian, I do not need to go to a tomb to atone for my sins. I do not need to reenact the crucifixion to sanctify myself and make myself acceptable to God. Because Jesus is ALIVE! After the crucifixion, for forty days, Jesus appeared to his disciples, (Luke 24:36) and gave them proof of being alive by eating bread and fish with them. (Luke 24:41) Jesus invited Thomas, one of the disciples to “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27) Jesus opened up his disciples’ eyes to understand the scriptures and explained his death and the Resurrection. (Luke 24:45)

 

Hindus believe in reincarnation of souls depending on their past lifestyle and the “works” a person has done. But Jesus promised to give me a glorified body that will not see decay or death. Because Jesus rose from dead - I know, and I know, and I know - I will be in his glorified presence one day. I do not need to wash myself in some holy river to purge my sins. I do not need to fear coming back as a man or a beast or a bird or a reptile after death. I have been washed with the blood of Christ that takes away my sins once and for all. “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

 

8. Promised the Holy Spirit

All other religions base salvation for believers in their “works.” Believers are encouraged to perform good works, which may vary from, doing social work and forsaking the world, to deliberately afflicting bodily pain and, performing rituals and certain acts on a regular basis to attain favor with God. Hindus believe in receiving “Mukti” as a result of doing good works in one’s life. But before God, of the Bible, my good works are as filthy rags. God declares, my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8)

 

My personal effort to become good and holy in the sight of God will never succeed because my natural instinct is to sin. It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. (Romans 9:16) God made us and he knows what is inside of each and everyone of us. I can never attain God’s favor and justify myself with good works. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourself, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8)

 

As a Christian, God accepts me because I believe in Jesus and I accept him as my personal Savior. Only after accepting Jesus, the good works begin to flow through us because Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us in all things. And I will ask the father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16) The Holy Spirit is our teacher and spiritual guide in this day and age. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

 

9. Personal relationship

Greater love has no one but this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) Jesus, as a friend, sacrificed his life for me. The good news is that death could not keep him down. Now, he desires to have a personal (one-to-one) relationship with me. I do not need to recite designated scriptural verses and repeat set of prayers to make God hear me. I do not need to rub my nose on a statue or crawl on roads, bow down to a book or worship it, posture myself on a ground in certain direction or in a certain way to make God hear my prayers. Once I accept Jesus, as Lord, he becomes my personal friend. I can talk to him about anything, anytime, and anywhere. He longs to show God’s love and mercy to me everyday of my life. He wants to have fellowship with me and wants me to rest, in his presence, from all labor. Jesus sees, hears and feels everything that happens to me because he is ALIVE. Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)

 

After we accept Jesus, he abides in us. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. (1 John 4:15) The Holy Spirit connects us to Jesus because God is Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals to us the unfathomable knowledge of God that cannot be learned or acquired without the presence of God’s Spirit in our lives. In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:11)

 

10. Promised to return

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2)

 

Mohammed, Nanak, Buddha, Krishna and Ram, all died and left no, whatsoever, assurance of ever returning. Jesus, however, promised to return to establish the Kingdom of God.

 

The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give it’s light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. (Mark 13:26)

 

Forty days, after resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us in a limbo. As Jesus was ascending to heaven, the angels told the disciples, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

 

In conclusion, let me say that although, God is beyond my comprehension, yet I can relate to Him because God made Himself known to me through Jesus. When I focus on Jesus, I know what God is like. In flesh, God is beyond my reach, but as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit teaches and reveals God to us when we sincerely seek Him. Jesus was without sin, and yet he understood my sinful nature. He willingly died for my sins to redeem me and has forgiven all my trespasses against God.

 

God has shown His mercy and love through His Son Jesus. Rest assured, the day of the Lord is coming when we will all stand before God for judgment, and he will ask what did we do with His Son Jesus, the Christ? Now then, if you have not received Lord Jesus in your life, are you prepared to face the Living God on Judgment Day?

[brajeshwara das]

Um, ok. Where to begin? You are not the body:

 

 

 

na tv evāhaḿ jātu nāsaḿ

na tvaḿ neme janādhipāḥ

na caiva na bhaviṣyāmaḥ

sarve vayam ataḥ param

 

TRANSLATION

Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

 

 

(edited out the purport because it would be out of context a bit, and the translation alone is enough)

 

I've read the Bible several times and have great respect for Jesus. Have you read the Bhagavad Gita? Just curious.

 

 

 

 

[brajeshwara das]

This is the issue: faith. If you have no faith in our scriptures, why would you expect us to have faith in yours? (which I actually do have some regard and limited faith in BTW). They just become so many empty words if faith isn't present. I believe the Lord's mercy descends to all depending on thier capacity to receive it, so I can see validity in your faith for you. What I am uncomfortable with is the notion from many Christian quarters that the Lord's mercy is limited to thier faith. I sincerely hope that isn't the case with you.

[theist]

I received rebirth through the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. Because he taught monotheism I am a monotheist. The Bible and Koran have scant knowledge about the Supreme Lord whom Jesus worshipped obeyed and served. Lord Jesus Christ wants us to have the same understanding of the Father and relationship with Him that he himself has. So to try to fullfill that desire of his for me I had to look outside the Bible and most certainly what presently constitutes Christian theology which has no resemblance to the teachings of Christ.

[Guruvani]

I have a problem with this idea that one can make summary of any guru, God or saviour in a single paragraph.

This mentality that one can give any sort of reasonable presentation of the life and precepts of any of these personalities mentioned above in a single paragraph summary is stupid, offensive and misconceived.

 

This is the kind of ignorance and deception that is commonly found to occur on the INTERNET, the web of illusion.

[brajeshwara das]

I have a feeling this same post appears in a hundred different forums across the web. What is especially telling is that the poster says HE DIED in caps but has absolutely no clue whatsoever about what he's talking about. Christ also apparently died, it says so in the Bible, it may say he rose again but it does say he died . I want to be respectful and give the guy a chance to discuss the Lord we all want to serve, and I have to believe he is sincere and wants to do some sort of service, but this really seems a counterproductive way of going about it.

[Beggar]

At least they know the Hare Krsnas are here, and have been here for the last 41 years. And if its gotten that far, then watch out cause its not going anywhere for a long. long time. Face it.

[bija]

 

God has shown His mercy and love through His Son Jesus. Rest assured, the day of the Lord is coming when we will all stand before God for judgment, and he will ask what did we do with His Son Jesus, the Christ? Now then, if you have not received Lord Jesus in your life, are you prepared to face the Living God on Judgment Day? quote by justasking

Some christians and theologians speak of a Universal Christ and a Universal Act...once for all.

 

A simple question often put forward by christians to the so-called non-believer is...are you saved? Do you believe in Jesus?

 

Another question may come about from this....what about the person who has never been taught of, or heard of Jesus? Are they saved at judgement?

 

This is where the Universal Theology comes into play. An act performed by Jesus Christ once for all. All encompassing...for everyone. Not just for the saved or select few. For everyone.

 

This Universal Theology is justified by Jesus Christ's complete love for all souls. A personage not of judgement, but of a new covenant above law. A covenant of mercy and grace. The law of love.

 

Romans chapter 6 vs 6-10: We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is free from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives he lives to God.

A devotee of Krsna who has studied the Bhagavad Gita will possibly see new light in his reading of the new testament after he has studied the Gita. I challenge you guest...to source a copy of Bhagavad Gita As It Is by Srila Prabhupada (available online) and do a sincere study of it. Then re-read the new testament of the bible, then revisit this forum for discussion.

 

Gaudiya Vaisnavism is non-sectarian by nature, so being an aspiring follower of the Vaisnava's I am not so interested in sectarian debate.

[Erik]

Wow.....

 

there was no mention of the very fact that Lord Jesus died, right ?

Yet he died, left his body and travelled to the spiritual worlds, his task was done on earth.

 

here are some sites, you might read for yourself, if you are interested

 

www.tombofjesus.com

 

http://www.salagram.net/Jesus-Went-To-India.htm

 

www.comparativereligion.com/reincarnation3.html

 

 

I hope, guestjustasking, you will have the time to read these and give some feedback on it...

 

As a great admirer of Lord Jesus (i followed Him in a past life),

 

Erik.

[Guest guest]

 

I have a feeling this same post appears in a hundred different forums across the web. What is especially telling is that the poster says HE DIED in caps but has absolutely no clue whatsoever about what he's talking about. Christ also apparently died, it says so in the Bible, it may say he rose again but it does say he died . I want to be respectful and give the guy a chance to discuss the Lord we all want to serve, and I have to believe he is sincere and wants to do some sort of service, but this really seems a counterproductive way of going about it.

 

For sure. I didn't bother even reading it. Asking him if he is not his body is too much for him, The Bible does not make this kind of knowledge known and most Christians will not consider anything not in the Bible as truth therefore they remain in ignorance.

 

Their only hope is to start spending more time with the teachings of Jesus and less with studying Paul.

[inquirer_for_truth]

 

Some christians and theologians speak of a Universal Christ and a Universal Act...once for all.

 

A simple question often put forward by christians to the so-called non-believer is...are you saved? Do you believe in Jesus?

 

Another question may come about from this....what about the person who has never been taught of, or heard of Jesus? Are they saved at judgement?

 

This is where the Universal Theology comes into play. An act performed by Jesus Christ once for all. All encompassing...for everyone. Not just for the saved or select few. For everyone.

 

This Universal Theology is justified by Jesus Christ's complete love for all souls. A personage not of judgement, but of a new covenant above law. A covenant of mercy and grace. The law of love.

 

Romans chapter 6 vs 6-10: We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is free from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives he lives to God.

Since you use the Bible as evidence, I will reply with a passage from the Bible. Actually, the same passage you used.

 

 

Sadly, you a have taken it out of context. The passage, from beginning to end, is Romans 6:1-11(in the NIV):

 

 

 

Romans 6:1-5

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with Him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with Him in his resurrection.

 

 

This part of the passage begins by reminding us that all those who were baptized into Christ Jesuswere baptized into His death, buried with Him, all of them will be raised with Him to glory. The reward, that glory, is promised to those who are baptized into Christ. That is, true believing Christians.

 

 

 

Now that everyone knows the context, we can move on to the passage that bija provided, again in the NIV:

 

Romans 6:6-10

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

 

 

"For we know that our..." Who is this 'our'? Remember the context... believers in the Lord Jesus Christ (Christians). "Because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." Died? remember, believers who have been baptized into Christ's death died with Him. Now comes the climatic point... "once for all". I believe that, looking at the context this passage gives, 'all' would refer to the same "all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death" and therefore died in Him and will be risen in Him (in verse 3...^up there ).

 

 

 

Now the last verse... NIV again, of course :

 

Romans 6:11

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

"alive to God in Christ Jesus." Sounds pretty obvious to me. A person needs to believe in Jesus Christ, or else they will die, dead in sin, and face the judgment God has prepared.

And since the Bible is valid evidence here (since it was quoted and such), then you all should also check out the book of Revelation, where Jesus Christ Himself speaks of the judgment that will come upon those who do not place their faith in Him. at least before you deny that there will ever be a judgment.

 

 

 

lol. Sorry. Here I go making trouble again...

[brajeshwara das]

Yes, all well and good especially if you fully accept the current Bible as unpolluted teachings of Jesus (which I don't), but when you say Christ (meaning the Lord God) does that mean to you only that incarnation (as Christ) can be accepted, or do you acknowledge that the Lord's mercy extends beyond that one time, place, and circumstance and that the Lord can manifest whenever He wants to for the salvation of the spirit souls? Does the Lord have that freedom? This is the teaching in the Bhagavad Gita that allows us to accept Christ as valid and accept Christians as having a bona-fide connection to the Lord. An issue arises when we are denied the same.

 

The Lord we speak of is one and the same as the Christian God, described in a differnt way, so when in the Bible it says to follow Him, we accept that and try to hear and follow Him wherever He speaks, for us most clearly in the vedic literature and through our Gurus. We don't limit Him to ancient Israel nor ancient India.

[Guest guest]

There are many different sects of Christianity, and some have additional texts and more depth to their teachings, than the comic book teachings we get from the fundamentalist sects (believe like us, or you will burn in hell forever ). Like the Sophian Gnostics.. the Sophian Gnostics are the closest to the dharmic religions (Hinduism/Sikhism/Jainism/Buddhism). The Sophians believe in reincarnation and that all beings can finally be liberated, if not in this lifetime, in future lifetimes. This is their site: sophian.org

 

Some other Christian sects that speak of karma, reincarnation and other topics that show they have more depth to their teachings and spiritual understanding are:

 

rosicrucian.com/

essene.org

 

and to inquirer:

 

There are some Christians that teach that all souls will be

"saved" in the fullness of times, and many verses throughout the canonized Bible that speak of this, see: tentmaker.org for more info, and their forum tentmaker.org/smf/ There are many more sites like this. Google Christian Universalism and Universal Reconciliation.

[brajeshwara das]

 

There are many different sects of Christianity, and some have additional texts and more depth to their teachings, than the comic book teachings we get from the fundamentalist sects (believe like us, or you will burn in hell forever ). Like the Sophian Gnostics.. the Sophian Gnostics are the closest to the dharmic religions (Hinduism/Sikhism/Jainism/Buddhism). The Sophians believe in reincarnation and that all beings can finally be liberated, if not in this lifetime, in future lifetimes. This is their site: sophian.org

 

Some other Christian sects that speak of karma, reincarnation and other topics that show they have more depth to their teachings and spiritual understanding are:

 

rosicrucian.com/

essene.org

 

and to inquirer:

 

There are some Christians that teach that all souls will be

"saved" in the fullness of times, and many verses throughout the canonized Bible that speak of this, see: tentmaker.org for more info, and their forum tentmaker.org/smf/ There are many more sites like this. Google Christian Universalism and Universal Reconciliation.

 

Sure, and I in no way would try and lump all Christians into one intollerant, close-minded lump. My parents are still Episcopal and are very open minded, though chaste to thier line, as I would expect them to be.

 

Mahatma Ghandi said "I came to the conclusion long ago … that all religions were true and also that all had some error in them, and whilst I hold by my own, I should hold others as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we are Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu … But our innermost prayer should be a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian."

 

I don't necessarily agree people shouldn't switch to another faith if their current faith doesn't fully resonate with their heart. I would say being a better anything would be to see the Lord in the other religions as well, with whatever degree of clarity you find there. AT the very least tolerance and respect should exist.

[bija]

For a thread that started out as a real judgement rattler...there are some real interesting understandings being expressed. It seems the bible can be taken literally, black and white, word for word, as "inquirer_for_truth" has expressed.

Or at other times, there may be different levels and understandings at which the bible can be read.

 

Personally I like interpretations of the bible that have been explained by people who have had an exposure to eastern philosophy, such as vedic scripture. Such interpretations are very universal in their approach, and give breathing space to people of other faith. Personalities such as Bede Griffiths lived in India for many years, they kept to their christian faith, but perceived their Jesus as a universal figure.

 

By this approach persons such as Bede opened dialogue, and for this received many critics. Even the letters of Paul could be read to justify such critique. So I feel it really comes down to the way we interpret scripture such as the

writings of the new testament. It can be read either as black and white or on a more mystical level. Such approach is possible because of the nature of the writing itself.

 

Now it may be claimed to be heretical to read the bible with shadings of the Gita in the background, but on a personal level, that is what I find most satisfying to my faith. Each to their own ofcourse.

[gHari]

How do I respond?

 

Ain't that cute ... an ant beginning to climb Mount Everest. Somehow found the right place, but just not equipped with the sincerity requred to reach the summit.

[Guest guest]

 

Sure, and I in no way would try and lump all Christians into one intollerant, close-minded lump. My parents are still Episcopal and are very open minded, though chaste to thier line, as I would expect them to be.

 

Mahatma Ghandi said "I came to the conclusion long ago … that all religions were true and also that all had some error in them, and whilst I hold by my own, I should hold others as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we are Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu … But our innermost prayer should be a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian."

 

I don't necessarily agree people shouldn't switch to another faith if their current faith doesn't fully resonate with their heart. I would say being a better anything would be to see the Lord in the other religions as well, with whatever degree of clarity you find there. AT the very least tolerance and respect should exist.

 

Tolerance is certainly to be practiced by any spiritual person, no matter their religion, but "respect" for "other" religions/traditions/spiritual philosophies, besides their own, is something that Christian (and Muslim) fundamentalists find very hard to do. The reason is: they believe only their religion can save your soul, and if you don't convert within your lifetime, you are eternally damned when you die. Therefore, a "good" Christian (or Muslim) will try to get you to convert from whatever your non-Christian (or Islamic) religion is, before it's too late, and you find your soul damned. Missionary work and trying to save people from what they deem as false religions (Hare Krishna, Buddhist, Sikh, Wicca), is something they feel compelled to do. They can't respect religions which they believe are damning millions of souls to hell.

 

There are mystics and esoterists within Christianity and Islam, that feel differently of course... and can see many paths as leading to the same destination. These people will show respect, and not try to convert others or try to scare them into their sect/belief system. These are also the types one can hold interfaith dialogues with. Generally speaking though, and certainly historically, the 2 major Abrahamic religions, have shown little "respect" for religions besides their own. Sometimes out and out destroying ancient traditions from the face of the earth. Study what happened to the pre-Christian traditions in Europe for instance.. :/

[Guest guest]

 

Since you use the Bible as evidence, I will reply with a passage from the Bible.

 

Devotees, on this forum you find that just about once a month a Christian believer comes along and makes a statement to the effect that Jesus is Lord, the Bible is THE word of God, and that everybody in the world should believe in Christianity. Because if you don't then you will go to hell.

 

Some devotees here like to be involved in a discussion with the visitor Christians, and inevitably it comes to the point where the Christian visitor will start saying "if you accept the Bible, then you must accept..." -- which they follow with a few statements about professing allegiance to Jesus and so forth.

 

What amazes me is that so many devotees accept this Bible as a genuine scripture. The Bible itself is a perfect testament to the shocking things that have been done by "Gods's chosen People", who were supposedly acting according to "God's plan" when they committed dozens of acts of genocide and other acts of barbarism in the so-called Holy Land.

 

Our Guru, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, was scathing in his criticism of the religions of the Bible and their imaginary stories of Adam and Eve and Satan, the Messiah myth, and so forth.

 

Why is it that so many devotees feel so much empathy with Christianity and the fact Testaments of the Bible which was created by servants of a Roman Emporer, three hundred years after Jesus Died. Yes he DIED. It is a a fact.

 

Why do devotees ignore the obvious fact that the Christian religion borrowed much of its' myth from the religion of Mithraism. For the Mitharaism religion also has a Hero born of a virgin, twelve apostles, death by crucifiction and a rising from the dead after three days in a cave. Obviouisly Christianity borrowed much from this older religion of Mithraism. So why do devotees give so much credence to this fake religion of Christianity?

[brajeshwara das]

 

Tolerance is certainly to be practiced by any spiritual person, no matter their religion, but "respect" for "other" religions/traditions/spiritual philosophies, besides their own, is something that Christian (and Muslim) fundamentalists find very hard to do. The reason is: they believe only their religion can save your soul, and if you don't convert within your lifetime, you are eternally damned when you die. Therefore, a "good" Christian (or Muslim) will try to get you to convert from whatever your non-Christian (or Islamic) religion is, before it's too late, and you find your soul damned. Missionary work and trying to save people from what they deem as false religions (Hare Krishna, Buddhist, Sikh, Wicca), is something they feel compelled to do. They can't respect religions which they believe are damning millions of souls to hell.

 

There are mystics and esoterists within Christianity and Islam, that feel differently of course... and can see many paths as leading to the same destination. These people will show respect, and not try to convert others or try to scare them into their sect/belief system. These are also the types one can hold interfaith dialogues with. Generally speaking though, and certainly historically, the 2 major Abrahamic religions, have shown little "respect" for religions besides their own. Sometimes out and out destroying ancient traditions from the face of the earth. Study what happened to the pre-Christian traditions in Europe for instance.. :/

 

Certainly true enough, but again, I was raised Episcopalian and I never got any heavy preaching against anyone. It was really mellow, I don't know if it was my particular church but they definitely gave me a foundation to grow on, and though I rejected Christianity as my faith of choice, it wasn't because I found them particularly closed minded. So as I agree with much of what you say, I think there is much tolerance (at least there used to be) in many Christian churches. Maybe not theologically, but in common practice.

[brajeshwara das]

 

Devotees, on this forum you find that just about once a month a Christian believer comes along and makes a statement to the effect that Jesus is Lord, the Bible is THE word of God, and that everybody in the world should believe in Christianity. Because if you don't then you will go to hell.

 

Some devotees here like to be involved in a discussion with the visitor Christians, and inevitably it comes to the point where the Christian visitor will start saying "if you accept the Bible, then you must accept..." -- which they follow with a few statements about professing allegiance to Jesus and so forth.

 

What amazes me is that so many devotees accept this Bible as a genuine scripture. The Bible itself is a perfect testament to the shocking things that have been done by "Gods's chosen People", who were supposedly acting according to "God's plan" when they committed dozens of acts of genocide and other acts of barbarism in the so-called Holy Land.

 

Our Guru, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, was scathing in his criticism of the religions of the Bible and their imaginary stories of Adam and Eve and Satan, the Messiah myth, and so forth.

 

Why is it that so many devotees feel so much empathy with Christianity and the fact Testaments of the Bible which was created by servants of a Roman Emporer, three hundred years after Jesus Died. Yes he DIED. It is a a fact.

 

Why do devotees ignore the obvious fact that the Christian religion borrowed much of its' myth from the religion of Mithraism. For the Mitharaism religion also has a Hero born of a virgin, twelve apostles, death by crucifiction and a rising from the dead after three days in a cave. Obviouisly Christianity borrowed much from this older religion of Mithraism. So why do devotees give so much credence to this fake religion of Christianity?

 

I like the sermon on the Mount and parables of Jesus. I used to only read what apparently came from Jesus when I was a kid, which rang so true in my heart. I wouldn't touch the Old Testament or Revelations, and ignored Paul. I took it all with a grain of salt, and didn't accept the ressurection. But Jesus still had a nice message: Love God, love each other, and live in the Kingdom of God. Hare Krishna.

[bija]

When attempting to enter dialogue with followers of other traditions I try to keep this article by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in mind, as a general rule of thumb.

 

It is true as "GuestSpeaker" pointed out that Srila Bhaktivinoda clarifies the defects of such teachings as Adam and Eve, Satan etc. But I think to use the words 'scathing criticism' is a bit strong. The comments on these false doctrines can be found in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's book, "Tattva Viveka", if anyone would like to read it first hand.

 

What "GuestSpeaker" questions in reference to devotees having empathy with the bible and christian philosophy as Absolute Truth, and his amazement at such thinking, does not ring totally true in my case. It is not that simple, and black and white.

 

But I feel in my heart there must be room for open dialogue with people of other faiths. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his first section of Sri Krsna Samhita takes this approach. The following article copied below comes from this book. This section of the book was written for swanlike people of contemporary thinking and different faith. It was used as a preaching strategy by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

 

Personally I have a general interest in all religious form. Not so much an attachment to the bible (or christianity) as such, for my faith and practice. Generally I do not read the bible much these days.

 

So to be put in a box and category such as "GuestSpeaker" possibly wishes to place certain devotees is a little strong I feel. It feels almost as if such words wish to demonize devotees; who have room for christian thinkers in their 'spiritual understandings (tolerance)' and view of the world, while holding to Vaisnava thought. And to use Srila Bhaktivinoda's words and standing as Guru, as a backbone for such labelling and categorizing.

 

This is just my personal feeling of such words. I wish to make no offence in expressing this.

 

 

 

 

Sectarianism in Spirituality

 

 

 

by Shrila Sacchidananda Bhaktivinoda

Thakura in Shri Krishna Samhita

 

Sectarianism is a natural byproduct of the Absolute Truth. When acaryas first ascertain and instruct the Truth, it is not polluted with sectarianism. But the rules and regulations received through disciplic succession regarding the goal and the method of achieving it are changed in due course of time according to the mentality and locale of the people. A rule that is followed by one society is not necessarily accepted in another society. That is why one community is different from another. As a community gradually develops more respect for its own standards, it develops hatred towards other communities and considers their standards inferior. These sectarian symptoms are seen in all countries since time immemorial. This is prominent amongst neophytes and found to some extent amongst madhyama-adhikaris. Amongst uttama-adhikaris, however, there is no trace of sectarianism.

Adherence to a particular standard is the prominent symptom of a society. There are three types of standards-alocakagata, alocanagata and alocyagata. Alocakagata is when sectarianists accept some external signs. Examples of alocakagata are tilaka, neck beads, saffron robes, and the baptism that is practiced abroad. The different activities practiced in the process of worship are called alocanagata. Examples of alocanagata are sacrifices, austerities, fire sacrifices, vows, studying scriptures, deity worship, constructing temples, respecting the purity of various trees and rivers, dressing like sannyasis, acting like acaryas, dressing like brahmacaris or grhasthas, closing one's eyes, respecting particular types of books, rules and regulations in eating, and respecting the purity of particular times and places. The examples of alocyagata are attributing personalism or impersonalism on the Supreme Lord, installing deities, exhibiting the mood of an incarnation of the Lord, speculating on heaven and hell, and describing the future destination of the soul.

The different forms of these spiritual activities create divisions of sectarianism. Differences that arise from places, times, languages, behaviors, foods, dresses, and natures of various communities are incorporated within people's spiritual practices and gradually make one community so completely different from another community that even the consideration that everyone is a human being may cease to exist. Due to these differences there is disagreement, cessation of social intercourse, and fighting, even up to the point of killing on another. When an ass-like mentality becomes prominent within the kanishta-adhikaris, they certainly indulge in these things. But if they develop a swanlike mentality, then they do not take part in quarrels; rather, they endeavor to attain a higher level. Madhyama-adhikaris do not quarrel so much about external standards, but they are always attacked by philosophical disagreements. Sometimes they condemn the standards of neophytes and establish their own standards as superior. They condemn the neophytes' deity worship in order to establish the worship-able Lord as formless. In such cases, they are also considered ass-like people.

Otherwise, if they had a swanlike mentality and a desire to attain a higher level, they would respect others' practices and inquire about higher topics. Contradictions actually arise only due to ass-like mentality. Swanlike persons consider the necessity for different practices to one's qualification, so they are naturally detached from sectarian quarrels. In this regard, it should be understood that both ass-like and swanlike people are found amongst the kanishta-adhikaris and madhyama-adhikaris.

I do not expect the asslike people will accept this book with respect. If neophytes and madhyama-adhikaris become completely indifferent in regard to the contradictions found in various practices and try to advance further, then they become swanlike persons. Then they are our respectable and dear friends. Although swanlike personalities may accept a particular practice from birth or childhood according to instructions they have received, they nevertheless remain indifferent and non-sectarian.

 

Here is Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's book Tattva-viveka for those interested to read. Part one contains the quotes of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, in which 'GuestSpeaker' has possibly referred to, in relation to the false doctrines of Adam and Eve, Satan etc. This book is a very interesting read.

Tattva-viveka part 1.doc

Tattva-viveka part 2.doc

[bija]

Text 33

eteñu väda-jäleñu

tat sad eva viniçcitam

anvaya-vyatirekäbhyäm

advaya-jïänaà eva yat

eteñu-in these; väda-of philosophies; jäleñu-in the nets; tat-this; sad-real; eva-indeed; viniçcitam-determined; anvaya-directly; vyatirekäbhyäm-and indirectly; advaya- jïänam-non-dual knowledge; eva-indeed; yat-which.

The truth lies somewhere in this network of conflicting philosophies. Directly and indirectly, the non-dual Brahman is understood there.

Commentary by Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura

These different philosophies are like a great net, a net badly woven by the different philosophers. In the midst of all these different philosophies the truth is somewhere to be found. Finding out what is untrue, throwing those untruths far away, and searching for what is the real truth is called "finding the truth". A French philosopher named Victor Kunja tried to understand the truth in this way, but in the end he could not find it. He failed because he searched only among the thoughts of the western thinkers. The western intelligence is very materialistic. The western philosophers had no power to understand the subtle difference between the spirit soul and what is not the spirit soul. Their minds firmly attached to matter, they said that material mind is the spirit soul. As a search for rice grains among the empty husks of already-threashed rice brings no result, so Victor Kunja's search was fruitless in the end. In the Içopaniñad (mantra 15) it is said:

hiraëmayena pätreëa

satyasäphihitaà mukham

tat tvaà püñann apävåëu

satya-dharmaya-dåñöaye

"O my Lord, O sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Please remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee."*

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam it is said:

aëubhyaç ca båhadbhyaç ca

çästrebhyaù kuçalo naraù

sarvataù säram ädadyät

puñpebhya iva ñaöpadaù

"As a bee takes honey from many different flowers, so a wise man takes the truth from many different great and small books."

In this way the Vaiñëava philosophers find the truth in books like the Vedas and Çrémad-Bhägavatam. In the less important books, the books written by materialistic philosophers, and in the very important books, the books that truly explain the sceince of the soul, the Vaiñëavas find the real truth. Part of that truth is called "advaya-jïäna" (the knowledge of impersonal Brahman). That impewrsonal Brahman is only a small porton of the whole Supreme Truth, the Truth that is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. By the word "sat" (the truth), the Supreme is described. When that sat (truth) is manifest, then the asat (untruth) is thrown far away. The word "sat" also refers to the world of spirit. This world of matter, which is called "asat", is only a reflection of that world of spirit. .pa

[Guest guest]

In the opening statement on this thread it says.

 

 

What makes Christianity different from all other religions in the world? Why is Jesus different from the likes of, Mohammed, Buddha, Guru Nanak, Krishna and Rama? Let me begin by emphasizing that I am not going to get into the details and specifics of various religions in the world today, but primarily concentrate on the basis of a faith. In monotheist religions, such as, Islam and Sikhism the basis of faith is one central figure, who had a direct interaction with God and becomes a channel to deliver God’s message; Mohammed for Muslims, Guru Nanak for Sikhs. In other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, god(s) comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes.

 

Now, let’s take a look at various chosen individuals from other religions and see what sets Jesus apart from all of them.

 

 

Most people who are devotees of Krishna will find this type of thinking offensive.

 

Justasking says, "god(s) comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes". The way this is written, it is mocking Hinduism.

 

It amazes me, totally amazes me, that devotees will tolerate this sort of spam article and then talk about how Vaisnavas should show respect for these spammers. Notice that Justasking has not returned to view the comments his article stirred up.

 

Spam

[brajeshwara das]

Lord Caitanya compells us to be tolerant, humble, and give honor to others. Even though we know the intentions of the original poster, shouldn't we take the high road, showing what our faith has taught us, and try and make something that may start off as a negative thing into a positive thing? I see no harm in it. The environment is friendly.

[sanatan]

Re: Non-Christians - how do you respond?

 

I still consider myself a Christian, so maybe responding isn't proper in this case...but I'll go ahead anyway.

 

just asking, you're obviously a spamming Bible thumper who goes from board to board with the same copy and paste line of baloney.

 

A good number of the people who have answered you here have been polite and accomodating ...I'm calling you out for what you are.

 

IMO, you have no business posting here.