The Bible says that God is spirit (John 4:24), and is not flesh and blood (Matt. 16:17).
However, His characteristics are those of a living, personal, individual Being. These include the following:
* He lives (John 5:26). * He loves (John 3:16; Rom. 5:6-11). * He speaks (Matt. 3:17) * He works (John 5:17,20) * He knows (Matt. 6:8,32) * He wills (Matt. 7:21) * He sees (Matt. 6:4,6,18)
God is not just an impersonal force, nor does He need a physical body in order to possess personal characteristics. God is spirit, not material or physical, and yet He possesses the characteristics of a personal individual.
RE:The Bible says
by chaddi wala on Aug 05, 2008 07:41 PM Permalink
Hinduism cannot save because it worships the wrong God, follows the wrong religious authority, seeks the wrong destiny, and teaches the wrong ways to achieve that destiny. True salvation can be found only in Jesus Christ. It can be understood only through the gospel of Jesus. And it can be obtained only by faith and obedience to Jesus' teaching.
Again, Hindus offer no objective evidence that their teachings were revealed by God or that their Scriptures are truly divine. They may try to show they are reasonable, but mainly they urge you to try it to see if you find it satisfying. If you get hooked emotionally on it, like other experiential religions, you will not likely listen to reason. But there is no valid evidence why anyone should believe it.
Only the Bible offers consistent reasonable evidence to convince the unbeliever that it is truly revealed by God. That evidence is found in fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony of miracles, the resurrection of Christ, etc. Only in Christ can we have assurance for our faith.
RE:The Bible says
by Rajeev Bhayana on Aug 05, 2008 07:51 PM Permalink
I have only one question , Tell me why you people bury dead bodies. My next question will follow once you ans this
RE:The Bible says
by ravula reddy on Aug 05, 2008 08:13 PM Permalink
Each and every day of the Jesus was written in book. But 7yrs of Jesus life is or not mentioned in the book. Do you know where he was all these 7yrs? Jesus spent 7yrs to gain knowledge in Himalayas after he got the knowledge he returned to Jerusalem. He got his knowledge from the Hindu Pandits. But still people say that Christianity is great. When your god got knowledge from Hindus then how come Christianity is greater than Hinduism.
RE:The Bible says
by Rajeev Bhayana on Aug 05, 2008 08:12 PM Permalink
Thats what Bible teach you hate all who don't follow, thats great where as Hinduism teach love everyone
Christians and Muslims think that only their religion is the real one, all others r fake. This is the cause of all religious conflicts in the world.
In this age of science let us not waste time and energy in discussing religions. All regions hv some superstitions. Let us not ask people to convert to other religions.
Let us love all human beings, animals and plants and believe in scientific theories. Whatever is unscientific, should b kept aside.
I read in a newspaper sometime back that crores of rupees come from oversease to Kerala churches, who use this money for conversion activities. This should b stopped. Also some Kerala catholic bishop asked catholics to hv more children. This is anti humanity, as the world population has already reached 610 cr. In 1800 it was 79 cr only. Rising population combined with consumerism is already causing global warming, pollution etc.
This is simply a marketing ploy by christists, much like poobah including some biblical figures (Moses, etc.) in Kuran to make it palatable to the gullible. Why not stick with the original, Sanatan dharma aka Hinduism?
The Bible very clearly instructs to go spread the word--meaning conversion to christianity.
The BIGGEST point of contention "the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ the son of GOD" this has extremely strong implication/impact of/on conversion. This says that the followers of rest of the religions will go to hell. FEAR mongering and ridiculous.Sadly this is white mans attempt to even MONOPOLIZE heaven. Its so ridiculous, that any educated person will refrain from even discussing this.
I was entirely educated in English medium schools run by missionaries, we had to start our day with the lord's prayer. Were canned if caught speaking in Hindi.
Christianity has matured to use social programs and money to convert people world wide, Indians in Carrabian Islands, Blacks in USA and Africa etc. Versus Muslims who are still in the infancy stage use the sword.
By referencing the Indian Hindu Philosophical/religious scriptures they are ONLY reaffirming the Universality of the teachings.
There is a lot of commonality in the Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism,Christianity, Jewish VERSUS Islamism.
I am happy to hear that there has been a muslim terrorist attack in China. This is the same country that has been supporting Pakistan in every way against India. Hopefully it will wake up to the reality of what India has been facing for a long time. USA and Europe has woken up to reality of the muslims true nature of the ANIMAL.
RE:Hindu Philosophy and Chtristainity........
by west on Aug 05, 2008 06:38 PM Permalink
By referencing the Indian Hindu Philosophical/religious scriptures they are ONLY reaffirming the Universality of the teachings
HINDUISM is different from ALL other religions on TWO points: 1) No single PROPHET declared as the ONLY ONE through whom salvation is possible 2) No single dogma or series of dogmas you HAVE to ACCEPT before you can call yourself a HINDU.
This religion had evolved into a "way of life", "a way of thought" by the time of the INDO-SARASWATHI CIVILISATION - 7,000 to 2,500 Before Christian Era.
1) There are many PROPHETS in Hinduism. But not a single one felt, he was the only one IMPORTANT. Every Hindu Prophet believed his IDEAS AND TEACHINGS were more IMPORTANT than him. Prophets carrying divine inspiration or extraordinary spiritual insights will come in EVERY AGE, "Sambavami Yuge, Yuge" declared our Lord Krishna Vasudeva. Each will REINFORCE THE SAME MESSAGE: It is: "Hey, Manava, this earthly life is for YOUR SPIRITUAL AND INTELLECTUAL EVOLUTION. You are your own FIRST FRIEND and your own FIRST ENEMY. You it is who must make the effort to clean yourself." Hence it is that the Great VEDA is summed up in the Universal Hindu Prayer: ASATHOR MA SAT GAMAYA THAMASOR MA JYOTHIR GAMAYA MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA
No Prophet, No Dogma, are any good without the individual achieving progress in his/her intellectual and emotional persona.
Hindu Wisdom has avoided serious conflicts in India. But if Mid-East religions continue to eat into Hinduism, the world would be deprived of this Wisdom. Or, Hinduism may have to develop some manner of resisting.
RE:Dogmas are the Problem with Most Religions
by dhaval vyas on Aug 05, 2008 07:54 PM Permalink
That's the half sentance. and Half santence are very dengerous some time. By the way, it means, ( will born in many yugs ) there is no word for "yug" in english.
Many people in this forum is concerned with Conversion but I would like to highlight few points here and I accept many other societies and people are also doing some of the things that I mentioned below. 1. Christians especially catholics never tried to convert any person to thier religion and it accept other religions. 2. Christians in India is proud of thier Hindu culture and its customs. 3. Any Christian organisation never be part of any communal clashes in recent times. 4. Christians are always helped the humanbeing with love and compassion to the poorest and the needy people in any condition. 5. Christians have started schools and colleges across all over India which never attempted conversion of any of its students. Many top science and arts colleges are run by Christians. 6. Christians have helped our society for improving health by opening small clinics and hospitals across many villages and towns. 7. Most of the orphanages, rehabilitation centers and mental clinics in India is run by Christian instituitions. 8. Catholics in India is not accepting any kind of foriegn aid in any form and they are collecting money from its followers to support its activities. (Sharing each other). 9. Missionaries are not earning for thier family (they are not married) but for uplifting of poor and the development nation by sacrificing thier whole life.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Bharat Kr on Aug 05, 2008 05:48 PM Permalink
Westerners are leving christianity rapidly. They are either becoming atheists or joining Vedic-Hindu and Buddha dharma. Yoga has engulfed the whole west, and Yoga is nothing but Vedic-Hindu dharma and philosophy. So to keep the numbers, christians are working hard to find new harvests in India, SE Asia.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by shoji joseph on Aug 05, 2008 05:57 PM Permalink
Please read Bible at once for your knowledge. I have read many Hindu texts, such as Mahabharata, Ramayana and other many books in the form of stories from my childhood which was very interesting those days and I always encourage others to read those books but not able to read Quran due to its easy avialabilty. The new "version" of Bible have no change in its contents but it has many references from our Upanishad, Bhagavad Geetha and the the life of few good Indians.
RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Shan Shan on Aug 05, 2008 06:11 PM Permalink
Can you show any one such issue in reeent times from any christian organisation or church? HINDUISM is a very good but it fanatic followers think differently like Jehadis are doing for Muslim community. Respect others even if they do not accept you.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Bharat Kr on Aug 05, 2008 06:56 PM Permalink
Hindus are fanatic now, beacuse of Jihadi and Christian missionary terrorism. Tit-for-tat is the policy now for hindus. That days are over to bully Hindus and convert them. Note, Bharat is a Hindu nation, like western nations are chrsitian nations. Christianity and Muhamdism are align to Bharat. But they can live, if they respect Hindus and their way of life.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Bharat Kr on Aug 05, 2008 06:24 PM Permalink
Rediff: Why you don't delete Shan shan mesage? 'Report abuse' disabled by moderator. That shows Rediff is a chrsitian run site, whose purpose is to deceive Hindus and earn money. Hindus beware from Rediff site. YOu delete Hindus messages and allow chrsitian deception messages.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by shoji joseph on Aug 05, 2008 05:19 PM Permalink
Some sects of christian denominations are doing conversion by hgiving monetaray help in the form of shelter, cloth, financial aid but not by Catholics in India. People might have converted to christianity by seing the equality in that religion where no castism exist and they might have experienced LOVE, compassion & kindness of missionaries and its supporters through thier life.
RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Ram Sharma on Aug 05, 2008 07:12 PM Permalink
I understand that Indian Christians r said to b having caste, based on from which caste they converted.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Sunit Kumar on Aug 05, 2008 05:52 PM Permalink
"Some sects", yaa i have heard that before from the Religion of Peace, craper !!
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Aby Koshy on Aug 05, 2008 05:21 PM Permalink
Dear West,
I am a Christian. But I am not writing this to buttress or tear down what you wrote. Only to point out certain discrepancies in what you wrote, vis-a-vis what "Shan Shan" (What next?) wrote.
1. He never said "missionaries" are not involved in conversions. He used the word "missionaries" only for the 10th point. I guess you can read it again.
2. "Dalit Christians clashing with some others" - Do you term them, "communal" clashes?
3. Somehow you have aggregated Christians in India as Catholics. Fundamental error.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by west on Aug 05, 2008 05:52 PM Permalink
aby - what you say to those hate spreading speeches in the churches every sunday morning to fight against hinduism?
RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Aby Koshy on Aug 05, 2008 06:08 PM Permalink
Hey West,
Honest man. Tell me which church actually said about fighting hinduism. I would like to personally kick the shit out of those guys. Where are they getting the message from??
Which theology are they preaching? Asses in shepeherd's clothing is how I would describe them.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by west on Aug 05, 2008 06:11 PM Permalink
aby - if christianity is so peace loving and spreads love, then why not it recognises other religions for salvation? why does it say non -christians go to hell? is that not spreading hate? now go and kick the butt of vatican
RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Aby Koshy on Aug 05, 2008 06:24 PM Permalink
You are talking three different things. Peace, love and salvation.
Christianity talks and believes in peace and love. But as far as salvation goes, Christians believe that Christ is the only way for salvation. As non-Christians, if it gets your goat, tell the Chrisitian to get lost, since he is offending you. If he still offends you, if I were you I would probably paste a duct tape on his mouth.
AND
it would do you a world of good to take time out of your busy schedule and read Discovery of India.
RE:RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by west on Aug 05, 2008 06:27 PM Permalink
aby - u didn't answer my question - why does the bible says non-christians go to hell?
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by west on Aug 05, 2008 07:25 PM Permalink
aby - does it say the only heaven to heaven is through jesus christ? does it not amount to saying that who doesn't believe in him will go to hell? is this not hate spreading message? and you call your self peace spreading people? grow up man
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by west on Aug 05, 2008 05:33 PM Permalink
aby -
1) u are confused soul - when he never said missonaries are not involved in conversions - doesn't it mean he said missionaries are involved in conversions - which is exactly what i said?
2) whenver a religion is involved in a clash, i call it communal - so, when dalit christians clash with upper caste christians - then it's communal clash
3) i didn't know there are so many sects in christianity. if so, why are there so many types of christians? i believe only catholics are recognised as priests by vatican. if so, isn't it not discriminating against other sects of christianity?
RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Aby Koshy on Aug 05, 2008 06:18 PM Permalink
1. If he never said, 2 2 is not equal to 5, did it not mean that 2 2 is equal to 5, which is exactly..... sheeeesh!
Who is confused???
2. I agree that as per "your" meaning of "communal", your stand is fine.
3. Vatican is the head of one among many denominations in Christianity. How does it matter to others whether Vatican actually recognizes them or not. For all they care, Catholics can go climb the nearest tree and fly!
Our beliefs are same, but maybe our adherences and practises may be different. Catholics are probably more westernised in their worship practises, while we are more Indian in our worship traditions. But we both believe in Christ to be the head of the Church.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Shan Shan on Aug 05, 2008 06:43 PM Permalink
Why should rediff against Bharat Kumar's wishes? Please tolerate others and thier views. What do you get if you delete (or kill) others if others are not accept you? ACCEPT others and thier values, learn to LOVE others and do not spread hatred among others AND please love yourself.
RE:RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Bharat Kr on Aug 05, 2008 06:58 PM Permalink
Why not you toelrate others views? Why delete Hindus views? Thats shows who are aggressive.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by H N on Aug 05, 2008 11:52 PM Permalink
mr shan. then it must be the other way. Because there are brown/black skin catholics in India. They must have been the original inhabitants of India. And Hindus came and converted 99.5% of them to hindu-ism. If you feel like there sand getting in to ears and nose and mouth. Yes, it is true your head is stuck in it.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Ram Sharma on Aug 05, 2008 07:10 PM Permalink
If Christians always helped the human being, why they killed unarmed people in Jaliyanwala and other places? Why did they buy & sell human being like animals?
Christian schools charge very huge fee and earn lot of money.
RE:HELPING THE SOCIETY
by Shan Shan on Aug 05, 2008 07:09 PM Permalink
Dear Loving Bharat, Please mention any such cases in any news media in recent times about the cases that you have mentioned. Christians are not against any religion. It is not demanding any one to convert to christianity, but if anybody wishes, then it welcomes thier decision. Is Missionaries killed any HINDU in INDIA like the hindu fanatics or jehadis did in our INDIA? Why do you hate christians dear my brother? Is anybody made you trouble?
