Some of them were good questions, however the presenter irritated me.. I do not know why. Seemed smug I guess. I think he would turn off sincere questioning people
78 Questions for Christians?
by cantleave 17 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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jgnat
Call me a text diva, but there's no way I'm dedicating seven minutes to a talking head. I would read faster. Could someone publish the questions?
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MadGiant
1. Is Anne Frank burning in hell?
2. How about Mahatma Gandhi?
3, Is Fred Phelps in Heaven since he believed in the divinity of Jesus?
4, Should a killer who genuinely repents at the end of his life go to Heaven?
5, Should a kind-hearted atheist go to Hell for all eternity?
6, Do kind-hearted religious people who just aren't Christian also deserve to burn?
7. Would you be happy in heaven if someone you loved was in Hell?
8. If your child were dying, and I hope that never happens, would just pray for them or would you take them to a doctor?
9. And if you'd do both, which one do you think has more of an impact?
10. Whose prayers does God answer? 11. And if it's ultimately His Will, why bother praying?
12. If you have cancer, what would help you more: Certain drugs, or prayer?
13. If you had an amputated limb, would prayer ever bring it back?
14. If you have an exam coming up, what would contribute more to a higher score: Prayer or more studying?
15. If you prayed for me over YouTube right now, do you think I would know it?
16. What matters to God more: The quantity of people praying or the quality of their prayers?
17. If quantity matters, shouldn't the most popular team always win the Super Bowl? If quality matters, why do people you love sometimes die no matter what you do?
18. Is it possible that your prayers have no supernatural effect and only serve to make you feel better?
19. Would you ever admit it if that were true?
20. Is there anything in your life that makes you doubt God's existence?
21. How would your life change if you had serious doubts about God's existence?
22. Was Jesus white?
23. Why does God seem more likely to answer the prayers of a talented athlete than a starving child overseas?
24. Why does God Seem to hate Africa?
25. If a group of Africans swooped in to your community with the intention of converting you and your neighbors to their tribal faith, what would your reaction be?
26. Does God speak to you?
27. If God spoke to you and told you to kill someone, would you do it?
28. Is God always watching you? How about when you're on the toilet?
29. How do you respond when someone who's not a Christian tells you about their religious faith?
30. Do you listen and consider what they have to say or do you just ignore them because they don't believe what you believe?
31. What do you make of Muslims who think the Koran is the true holy book? Are they wrong? Have you read the Koran? Why do you dismiss them so easily?
32. Is homosexuality itself a sin?
33. Should gays and lesbians have the right to get married?
35. Why would God make people gay and then punish them for being gay?
35. If God's already sending gay people to hell, why do you feel the need to persecute them here on Earth?
36. Why does God playing hide and seek with all of humanity?
37. Do you believe Jesus is coming back to Earth during your lifetime?
If you do, what do you say to the many generations of people who have been saying that for centuries?
38. Why is the story of Jesus' birth and life so similar to that of mythological beings well before his time?
39. Is it possible that religion may have less to do with what's true and more to do with the circumstances of where you were born?Some questions are related, so I counted them as one question.
Take care,
Ismael
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jgnat
Thank you, MadGiant/Ismael!
Question
Catholic*
Salvation Thru Christ Christian
Liberal Christian
My ornery self, no longer orthodox
1. Is Anne Frank burning in hell?
God is just, and there are many degrees in the afterlife, including purgatory. After a time in purgatory, Ann may be released to her heavenly reward.
Yes. This teaching may be difficult to accept but the scriptures are clear.
Who am I to judge? We serve a just God, so no such mistake is possible.
There is no evidence of hell, of an afterlife.
2. How about Mahatma Gandhi?
The Church doesn't have a teaching on any individual person's final destination, except for canonized Catholic saints.
In general, the Church teaches that Christ instituted baptism as necessary for salvation. God might work outside of the sacraments. We don't know when and how.
See these sections of the Catechism, especially starting at paragraph 839:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P29.HTMYes. This teaching may be difficult to accept but the scriptures are clear.
Who am I to judge? We serve a just God, so no such mistake is possible.
There is no evidence of hell, of an afterlife.
3. Is Fred Phelps in Heaven since he believed in the divinity of Jesus?
See above. Even Satan believes in God and trembles. You know a tree by it's fruit and God is not fooled. 4. Should a killer who genuinely repents at the end of his life go to Heaven?
The heavenly reward is not about seniority! See Matthew 20:1-16.
Short answer, yes, long answer Repentance is the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs. 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30, 2 Peter 3:9, Ezekiel 18:21-23, Revelation 2:5, James 4:8-10, Proverbs 28:13, Acts 2:38, Revelation 3:19, Mark 1:15
The modern Christian concept of repentance and forgiveness is incomplete. The wrongdoer also has an obligation to restore as much as possible what he has broken or stolen. There must be a turning away from past acts (changed behavior). The wronged party is the only one who has the power to forgive, and there is no obligation to forgive. At the end of his life, a killer won't have time to fully restore what he has broken. Check out the justice and reconciliation process in Rwanda. 5. Should a kind-hearted atheist go to Hell for all eternity?
See above. 6. Do kind-hearted religious people who just aren't Christian also deserve to burn?
Yes. This teaching may be difficult to accept but the scriptures are clear. 7. Would you be happy in heaven if someone you loved was in Hell?
One may purchase indulgences for those who have passed on. Heaven is a higher existence; there will not be male or female, or the common bonds we are used to here on earth. Matthew 22. All tears will be wiped away. Revelation 21:4 8. If your child were dying, and I hope that never happens, would just pray for them or would you take them to a doctor?
http://www.catholichealingprayers.com/ For all questions involving praying: Matthew 7:7, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:24, John 14:12-14, Matthew 18:19 and James 5:15-16. Take them to the doctor and pray like hell. My pastor used to quote a german proverb, "Pray as though nothing else will work and work as if no prayer will help." 9. And if you'd do both, which one do you think has more of an impact?
It depends. Is it a condition that there is no modern medical cure? 10. Whose prayers does God answer?
Sometimes God Says "Not Yet". 11. And if it's ultimately His Will, why bother praying?
That would be belief in predestination, which not all Christians subscribe to. 12. If you have cancer, what would help you more: Certain drugs, or prayer?
13. If you had an amputated limb, would prayer ever bring it back?
14. If you have an exam coming up, what would contribute more to a higher score: Prayer or more studying?
15. If you prayed for me over YouTube right now, do you think I would know it?
16. What matters to God more: The quantity of people praying or the quality of their prayers?
17. If quantity matters, shouldn't the most popular team always win the Super Bowl? If quality matters, why do people you love sometimes die no matter what you do?
18. Is it possible that your prayers have no supernatural effect and only serve to make you feel better?
19. Would you ever admit it if that were true?
20. Is there anything in your life that makes you doubt God's existence?
21. How would your life change if you had serious doubts about God's existence?
22. Was Jesus white?
No. As the Son of Man he represents all of humanity and all races.
No
No
No
23. Why does God seem more likely to answer the prayers of a talented athlete than a starving child overseas?
Are you saying prayers are respected quantity over quality? An athlete has a 50-50 shot to win the game. The odds for the hungry child sadly, may be lower.
24. Why does God Seem to hate Africa?
25. If a group of Africans swooped in to your community with the intention of converting you and your neighbors to their tribal faith, what would your reaction be?
26. Does God speak to you?
Yes
27. If God spoke to you and told you to kill someone, would you do it?
That's not God. That's schizophrenia with auditory delusions.
28. Is God always watching you? How about when you're on the toilet?
29. How do you respond when someone who's not a Christian tells you about their religious faith?
30. Do you listen and consider what they have to say or do you just ignore them because they don't believe what you believe?
31. What do you make of Muslims who think the Koran is the true holy book? Are they wrong? Have you read the Koran? Why do you dismiss them so easily?
32. Is homosexuality itself a sin?
33. Should gays and lesbians have the right to get married?
34. Why would God make people gay and then punish them for being gay?
35. If God's already sending gay people to hell, why do you feel the need to persecute them here on Earth?
36. Why does God playing hide and seek with all of humanity?
37. Do you believe Jesus is coming back to Earth during your lifetime? If you do, what do you say to the many generations of people who have been saying that for centuries?
38. Why is the story of Jesus' birth and life so similar to that of mythological beings well before his time?
39. Is it possible that religion may have less to do with what's true and more to do with the circumstances of where you were born?
*Catholics! If I have messed up theology, feel free to correct me!
I have to get back to work. I'll filll this in when I have moments here and there.
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MadGiant
I'll give you a hand with #4.
Sort answer YES.
Long answer: Yeah,
Repentance: Repentance is the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs.
2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
1 John 1:9 ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 3:19 ESV Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.
Luke 13:3 ESV No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Acts 17:30 ESV The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
2 Peter 3:9 ESV The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Ezekiel 18:21-23 ESV But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
Revelation 2:5 ESV Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
James 4:8-10 ESV Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Proverbs 28:13 ESV Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Acts 2:38 ESV And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 3:19 ESV Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
Mark 1:15 ESV And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and belie
Take care,
Ismael
For all questions involving praying: Matthew 7:7, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:24, John 14:12-14, Matthew 18:19 and James 5:15-16.
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InChristAlone
Ismael, it is true that the book can be used as one pleases. There are many beliefs that I was once dogmatic about. As my spiritual life has grown, I have learned that it is much more about my personal relationship with God and less about criticizing others. If others choose to believe the same thing that I do, great. If not, that is their choice. My job is to cultivate my relationship with God and share with others the love of Christ. Please don't assume that I mean one thing when I say another.
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MadGiant
"Ismael, it is true that the book can be used as one pleases. There are many beliefs that I was once dogmatic about. As my spiritual life has grown, I have learned that it is much more about my personal relationship with God and less about criticizing others. If others choose to believe the same thing that I do, great. If not, that is their choice. My job is to cultivate my relationship with God and share with others the love of Christ. Please don't assume that I mean one thing when I say another." - ICA
Thanks, so your deity have nothing to do with the one portrayed in the bible?
There are a lot more Bible verses than John 3:16
A book that can be used anyway you want is worthless.
Take care,
Ismael
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Anony Mous
Answers according to JW's:
1. Is Anne Frank burning in hell?
We don't believe in "hell" we renamed that place so it doesn't seem like we're evil, but the place that burns which Jesus, David, Paul and others refer to; yep, that's where she is.
2. How about Mahatma Gandhi?
Sure is
3, Is Fred Phelps in Heaven since he believed in the divinity of Jesus?
To get into heaven, you have to be annointed and those people that believe they are going to heaven may have serious mental problems.
4, Should a killer who genuinely repents at the end of his life go to Heaven?
If you're a JW and partake of the symbols, you're going to heaven. We had drunkards and child molesters go, why not murderers?
5, Should a kind-hearted atheist go to Hell for all eternity?
Yes, they will. Atheists are of the Devil.
6, Do kind-hearted religious people who just aren't Christian also deserve to burn?
Even Christians, if they aren't JW's, they are going to burn at Armageddon
7. Would you be happy in heaven if someone you loved was in Hell?
I'm happy today if someone who is not a JW dies.
8. If your child were dying, and I hope that never happens, would just pray for them or would you take them to a doctor?
Yeah, we're not monsters, we go to the doctors, we only refuse the treatments that will save lives.
9. And if you'd do both, which one do you think has more of an impact?
We put greater trust in the Watchtower than in God or man.
10. Whose prayers does God answer?
Only true JW's
11. And if it's ultimately His Will, why bother praying?
It's the Watchtower's will. They Governing Body are the mediators these days.
12. If you have cancer, what would help you more: Certain drugs, or prayer?
Armageddon
13. If you had an amputated limb, would prayer ever bring it back?
Paradise will
14. If you have an exam coming up, what would contribute more to a higher score: Prayer or more studying?
We don't do higher education.
15. If you prayed for me over YouTube right now, do you think I would know it?
We don't pray for non-Witnesses. Don't throw your pearls in front of swines and all that.
16. What matters to God more: The quantity of people praying or the quality of their prayers?
Whether or not they're JW's.
17. If quantity matters, shouldn't the most popular team always win the Super Bowl? If quality matters, why do people you love sometimes die no matter what you do?
Because they're not JW's. Or if it's JW's that have bad luck, it's because they secretly sinned.
18. Is it possible that your prayers have no supernatural effect and only serve to make you feel better?
I don't know, let me find a Watchtower on that question.
19. Would you ever admit it if that were true?
Why do you keep asking me these questions, do you doubt the Watchtower as Jehovah's organization on earth?
20. Is there anything in your life that makes you doubt God's existence?
Apostate, apostate, apostate! Burn the apostate!
21. How would your life change if you had serious doubts about God's existence?
I'd have to study more.
22. Was Jesus white?
Off course. He had an American-type face and he had a beard. But it's not okay for us to have beards anymore.
23. Why does God seem more likely to answer the prayers of a talented athlete than a starving child overseas?
Serena Williams is a JW. The starving child hasn't read their publications yet.
24. Why does God Seem to hate Africa?
Because he didn't allow JW's to buy political cards there like we did in Mexico.
25. If a group of Africans swooped in to your community with the intention of converting you and your neighbors to their tribal faith, what would your reaction be?
Offer them a Bible study.
26. Does God speak to you?
Only if you're annointed.
27. If God spoke to you and told you to kill someone, would you do it?
Already did.
28. Is God always watching you? How about when you're on the toilet?
Off course, why do you think I read Watchtowers there.
29. How do you respond when someone who's not a Christian tells you about their religious faith?
I offer them a Bible study.
30. Do you listen and consider what they have to say or do you just ignore them because they don't believe what you believe?
I act like I'm listening, then I offer them a Bible study to correct their ways.
31. What do you make of Muslims who think the Koran is the true holy book? Are they wrong? Have you read the Koran? Why do you dismiss them so easily?
We have a tract for that, but I don't have it with me. I'll come back with it.
32. Is homosexuality itself a sin?
Yes.
33. Should gays and lesbians have the right to get married?
No.
35. Why would God make people gay and then punish them for being gay?
God didn't make people gay, they are succumbing to their own sinful nature. You can be gay, you just can't "act" gay.
35. If God's already sending gay people to hell, why do you feel the need to persecute them here on Earth?
Because the Watchtower tells me to.
36. Why does God playing hide and seek with all of humanity?
He doesn't, the Governing Body is right there in NY.
37. Do you believe Jesus is coming back to Earth during your lifetime? If you do, what do you say to the many generations of people who have been saying that for centuries?
He's already here. They were wrong, except for the last century, that's just new light.
38. Why is the story of Jesus' birth and life so similar to that of mythological beings well before his time?
Satan put it in their minds to write it down - it's somewhere in this 70's Watchtower, let me find it in the Index.
39. Is it possible that religion may have less to do with what's true and more to do with the circumstances of where you were born?
JW's are the only religion that have the truth.