/lit/ - Literature

>>15076597
>>15076597
The prophecies, miracles, martyrs, perpetuity, wisdom, and history of Christianity altogether indicate a possible existence of God. There is both an epistemological and practical basis for belief, and that’s not even including personal revelation and experience. You can’t tell someone there’s no reason to believe something as he believes it. Obviously he sees something in it. There’s a reason there are a billion Christians and not a billion spaghetti worshippers.
> There is no reason to believe in God
I still can’t believe you actually typed this out and thought that it didn’t sound retarded

>>14868384
if you blatantly deny the literary value and the effort taken to create the Bible, divinely inspired or not, then it’s clear that your pride is causing you to have active faith against God’s existence.

>>14840574
http://www.bible-codes.org/Names-Bible-Prophecy-Code.htm

https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/

There are “infinite” religions, but the unthinking atheist assumes that they’re all equally probable. As if extinct religions, unknown religions, unprophesied religions, can be as probable as Christianity. Good Christians are good Buddhists, good Hindus, etc. Even the Quran says that there are Christians in heaven (2:62). But Jesus says “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one may come to the Father except through me.” The practical conclusion is to be a Christian. Why is Jesus the way? Because no one is good. Everyone sins. What arbitrary distinction is there between good and bad people in those religions that emphasize good works? The only threshold that makes sense is that only perfect people are good. So works alone is not sufficient, as we are all sinners.

Deuteronomy 4:29
>But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Proverbs 8:17
>I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
Jeremiah 29:13
>You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:7-8
>Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Isaiah 55:6-7
>Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Lamentations 3:25
>The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
James 4:8
>Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded

http://www.bible-codes.org/Names-Bible-Prophecy-Code.htm

https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/

>>14820837
http://www.bible-codes.org/Names-Bible-Prophecy-Code.htm

https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/

>>14812658
>0.00000000001% chance
http://www.bible-codes.org/Names-Bible-Prophecy-Code.htm

https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/

>>13927782
Prophecies, history, and wisdom. No other religion is like it. It’s not easy to imagine how it all could have been faked.

>>13836983
Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Daniel 9, and the many prophecies and parallels connecting the OT and NT. And Christianity was the first religion to emphasize faith and not just good works. It was the religion based on a pre-exiting religion, built on Judaism. It was prophesied to come, and came. What mind could have planned it all? And why? To fake such a religion is no easy task. And with the beautiful literature, detailed histories, and clear wisdom, it just makes the Bible stand out even more. It’s just difficult for me to say that it’s faked because I have no idea how it could have been. Too many coincidences have to add up. I would rather have faith for it than against it.

>>13814686
>vague prophecies
https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/
>>13814687
Why does the Quran say “Christians” can go to heaven? How can you be a CHRISTian and not believe Jesus was the Son of God? If Jesus were actually a Muslim, then where are the records of THOSE teachings? Why is Islam affirming a religion that contradicts itself?

>>13451653
Because Christianity is the only truly exclusive religion. Even Islam isn’t totally exclusive:
>(2:62) Whether they are the ones who believe (in the Arabian Prophet), or whether they are Jews, Christians or Sabians – all who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do righteous deeds – their reward is surely secure with their Lord; they need have no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Now contrast that with the Bible:
>(John 14:6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Every significant religion other than Christianity emphasizes good actions, while Christianity acknowledges that we cannot become perfect through action or wisdom alone. Only Jesus claimed to forgive our sins completely, and this happens through faith in his sacrifice for our sins. God is making the decision easy for us. Every religion is implicitly admitting that you can be Christian, but the Bible says that Jesus is the ONLY way, and he is!

>>13431113
Quran:
>(2:62) Whether they are the ones who believe (in the Arabian Prophet), or whether they are Jews, Christians or Sabians – all who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do righteous deeds – their reward is surely secure with their Lord; they need have no fear, nor shall they grieve.
And of course, there are other reasons not to follow the religion built around such a “prophet” as Mohammed, for reasons I don’t think I need to mention.
>Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, etc.
None of these religions are exclusive. They all usually emphasize good works, not what you believe (except maybe Zoroastrianism, which believes in a monotheistic God that judges you by your works). So a good Christian is a good Buddhist, and a good Hindu, etc. but if Christianity is true, then none of these religions are safe. If you want to contend my belief that a good Christian can still benefit if these religions are true, then that’s fine, but what is the worst that could happen? Reincarnation? I would rather be reincarnated an infinite amount of times than risk not following Jesus, and suffering forever. So all of these religions can be ignored in favor of Christianity.

Isn’t this odd? Why is Christianity so exclusive? All these other religions focus on works, or of cultivating wisdom, but so does Christianity. But only Christianity teaches that it is not through works or wisdom that we are saved, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We are sinners, so how can we achieve union with God through our own works? We are not perfect, so how can we come near perfection? Only through divine grace and forgiveness, which God offered through the sacrifice of Jesus.

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”

>>13421456
>not biblical prophecies
Not an argument. You have to have faith that the Bible was one big convoluted forgery by several men spanning millennia.
>>13421457
Semantics

>>13420177
The Bible is the most practical book out there, especially the New Testament. Not only does it give you an idea of perfection to strive towards, but it also comforts you in life and in the moments of death, because though you aren’t perfect, and you sin, Jesus can wash away those sins, allowing you to come near God in the afterlife. ALL other religions teach otherwise. They only emphasize good works, as if that’s enough to come near God. And not only that, but Christianity is really the only true exclusive religion. Sure, if Buddhism is true, then we reincarnate again, but surely a good Christian won’t have a bad new life? But if Christianity is true, then Buddhists are screwed. But of course, this isn’t the only reason why you should choose Christianity. It has wisdom, prophecies, miracles, history spanning millennia...it is THE religion. Even Islam allows you to be a Christian:
Quran:
>(2:62) Whether they are the ones who believe (in the Arabian Prophet), or whether they are Jews, Christians or Sabians – all who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do righteous deeds – their reward is surely secure with their Lord; they need have no fear, nor shall they grieve.

And every other religion either allows to be a Christian, or it’s some random African religion we’ve never heard of, and it certainly isn’t as beautiful as Christianity.

Christianity is the most reasonable, beautiful, practical religion out there.

>>13407098
Prophecy is evidence of divine influence. It’s not 100% proof, but it’s enough reason to have faith. The numerous parallels between the OT and NT is something unique to Christianity and no other religion (to my knowledge). If Christianity is fake, it’s a literary masterpiece regardless. This is just an evidential proof/reason to believe.

>>13400021
If you think there’s no evidence, then you have to believe that all the prophecies and miracles surrounding Jesus were completely made up. That all of Christianity is one huge conspiracy spanning millennia. If you reject prophecies, then what other proof will you accept?

>>13388403
So it makes more sense to believe than not to believe. But which religion should we follow? Let us first eliminate the religions that we do not want to follow:
>any religion/philosophy that claims wisdom without God cannot be trusted, since man is infinitely ignorant, especially about heavenly things
>any religion that doesn’t promise a good afterlife can be dismissed, since we have no good reason to follow it
>any religion that allows you to follow another path and still benefit can be dismissed, since we can simply choose a religion that is exclusive
>any religion that is dead/extinct can be dismissed, since obviously that God does not care about our worship of him. This does not necessarily mean that the most popular religion is true, however.
>any religion that claims it’s inspired by God, but does not give sufficient reason to believe this, such as through prophecy or miracles, can be dismissed
>any religion that is polytheistic, having no “monotheistic” God as laid out in various rational arguments, can be dismissed, since such a religion does not get its wisdom from the only source that matters. Indeed, these gods could very well be demons.

I could probably add a few more general criteria, but that is enough for now. What religions are we left with to seriously consider? Christianity, for sure. Islam and Judaism, maybe. Those are the most popular monotheistic religions, accessible to nearly everyone. It doesn’t take much to disprove Islam: just compare Muhammad and Jesus. One performed miracles and fulfilled many prophecies, the other didn’t. One looted and killed and had many sexual relations, the other didn’t. This should be enough. As for Judaism, then it is already unlikely to be true, since Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies and references (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) and odd coincidences such as “Bethlehem” meaning “house of bread.” And in the book of Daniel, it’s said that the messiah will come before the destruction of the second temple (70 A.D.), which is what Jesus did. Furthermore, even if Judaism is true, then as long as a Christian follows the old law as best he can and worships God, then perhaps he will not suffer in the afterlife.

Overall, one can simply say that Christianity is the most difficult religion to have been faked. It also directly addresses our problems (we are sinful) and gives us a remedy through Jesus Christ, as prophesied long ago. We are given this beautiful religion in one of the most influential texts of all time, the Bible, and it’s clear why. What religion can compare? Yes, there are infinite religions, but does that mean they are all equally probable? Ask yourself, if Christianity is true, or X religion is true, then is there any religion X such that this dilemma would cause you trouble and hesitation?

>>13385291
So it makes more sense to believe than not to believe. But which religion should we follow? Let us first eliminate the religions that we do not want to follow:
>any religion/philosophy that claims wisdom without God cannot be trusted, since man is infinitely ignorant, especially about heavenly things
>any religion that doesn’t promise a good afterlife can be dismissed, since we have no good reason to follow it
>any religion that allows you to follow another path and still benefit can be dismissed, since we can simply choose a religion that is exclusive
>any religion that is dead/extinct can be dismissed, since obviously that God does not care about our worship of him. This does not necessarily mean that the most popular religion is true, however.
>any religion that claims it’s inspired by God, but does not give sufficient reason to believe this, such as through prophecy or miracles, can be dismissed
>any religion that is polytheistic, having no “monotheistic” God as laid out in various rational arguments, can be dismissed, since such a religion does not get its wisdom from the only source that matters. Indeed, these gods could very well be demons.

I could probably add a few more general criteria, but that is enough for now. What religions are we left with to seriously consider? Christianity, for sure. Islam and Judaism, maybe. Those are the most popular monotheistic religions, accessible to nearly everyone. It doesn’t take much to disprove Islam: just compare Muhammad and Jesus. One performed miracles and fulfilled many prophecies, the other didn’t. One looted and killed and had many sexual relations, the other didn’t. This should be enough. As for Judaism, then it is already unlikely to be true, since Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies and references (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) and odd coincidences such as “Bethlehem” meaning “house of bread.” And in the book of Daniel, it’s said that the messiah will come before the destruction of the second temple (70 A.D.), which is what Jesus did. Furthermore, even if Judaism is true, then as long as a Christian follows the old law as best he can and worships God, then perhaps he will not suffer in the afterlife.

Overall, one can simply say that Christianity is the most difficult religion to have been faked. It also directly addresses our problems (we are sinful) and gives us a remedy through Jesus Christ, as prophesied long ago. We are given this beautiful religion in one of the most influential texts of all time, the Bible, and it’s clear why. What religion can compare? Yes, there are infinite religions, but does that mean they are all equally probable? Ask yourself, if Christianity is true, or X religion is true, then is there any religion X such that this dilemma would cause you trouble and hesitation?

>>13375204
Why Islam is a useless religion:

Quran:
>(2:62) Whether they are the ones who believe (in the Arabian Prophet), or whether they are Jews, Christians or Sabians – all who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do righteous deeds – their reward is surely secure with their Lord; they need have no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Bible:
>Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

>>13371283
So it makes more sense to believe than not to believe. But which religion should we follow? Let us first eliminate the religions that we do not want to follow:
>any religion/philosophy that claims wisdom without God cannot be trusted, since man is infinitely ignorant, especially about heavenly things
>any religion that doesn’t promise a good afterlife can be dismissed, since we have no good reason to follow it
>any religion that allows you to follow another path and still benefit can be dismissed, since we can simply choose a religion that is exclusive
>any religion that is dead/extinct can be dismissed, since obviously that God does not care about our worship of him. This does not necessarily mean that the most popular religion is true, however.
>any religion that claims it’s inspired by God, but does not give sufficient reason to believe this, such as through prophecy or miracles, can be dismissed
>any religion that is polytheistic, having no “monotheistic” God as laid out in various rational arguments, can be dismissed, since such a religion does not get its wisdom from the only source that matters. Indeed, these gods could very well be demons.

I could probably add a few more general criteria, but that is enough for now. What religions are we left with to seriously consider? Christianity, for sure. Islam and Judaism, maybe. Those are the most popular monotheistic religions, accessible to nearly everyone. It doesn’t take much to disprove Islam: just compare Muhammad and Jesus. One performed miracles and fulfilled many prophecies, the other didn’t. One looted and killed and had many sexual relations, the other didn’t. This should be enough. As for Judaism, then it is already unlikely to be true, since Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies and references (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) and odd coincidences such as “Bethlehem” meaning “house of bread.” And in the book of Daniel, it’s said that the messiah will come before the destruction of the second temple (70 A.D.), which is what Jesus did. Furthermore, even if Judaism is true, then as long as a Christian follows the old law as best he can and worships God, then perhaps he will not suffer in the afterlife.

Overall, one can simply say that Christianity is the most difficult religion to have been faked. It also directly addresses our problems (we are sinful) and gives us a remedy through Jesus Christ, as prophesied long ago. We are given this beautiful religion in one of the most influential texts of all time, the Bible, and it’s clear why. What religion can compare? Yes, there are infinite religions, but does that mean they are all equally probable? Ask yourself, if Christianity is true, or X religion is true, then is there any religion X such that this dilemma would cause you trouble and hesitation?

>>13364397
>>13364413
So it makes more sense to believe than not to believe. But which religion should we follow? Let us first eliminate the religions that we do not want to follow:
>any religion/philosophy that claims wisdom without God cannot be trusted, since man is infinitely ignorant, especially about heavenly things
>any religion that doesn’t promise a good afterlife can be dismissed, since we have no good reason to follow it
>any religion that allows you to follow another path and still benefit can be dismissed, since we can simply choose a religion that is exclusive
>any religion that is dead/extinct can be dismissed, since obviously that God does not care about our worship of him. This does not necessarily mean that the most popular religion is true, however.
>any religion that claims it’s inspired by God, but does not give sufficient reason to believe this, such as through prophecy or miracles, can be dismissed
>any religion that is polytheistic, having no “monotheistic” God as laid out in various rational arguments, can be dismissed, since such a religion does not get its wisdom from the only source that matters. Indeed, these gods could very well be demons.

I could probably add a few more general criteria, but that is enough for now. What religions are we left with to seriously consider? Christianity, for sure. Islam and Judaism, maybe. Those are the most popular monotheistic religions, accessible to nearly everyone. It doesn’t take much to disprove Islam: just compare Muhammad and Jesus. One performed miracles and fulfilled many prophecies, the other didn’t. One looted and killed and had many sexual relations, the other didn’t. This should be enough. As for Judaism, then it is already unlikely to be true, since Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies and references (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) and odd coincidences such as “Bethlehem” meaning “house of bread.” And in the book of Daniel, it’s said that the messiah will come before the destruction of the second temple (70 A.D.), which is what Jesus did. Furthermore, even if Judaism is true, then as long as a Christian follows the old law as best he can and worships God, then perhaps he will not suffer in the afterlife.

Overall, one can simply say that Christianity is the most difficult religion to have been faked. It also directly addresses our problems (we are sinful) and gives us a remedy through Jesus Christ, as prophesied long ago. We are given this beautiful religion in one of the most influential texts of all time, the Bible, and it’s clear why. What religion can compare? Yes, there are infinite religions, but does that mean they are all equally probable? Ask yourself, if Christianity is true, or X religion is true, then is there any religion X such that this dilemma would cause you trouble and hesitation?

>>13352086
So it makes more sense to believe than not to believe. But which religion should we follow? Let us first eliminate the religions that we do not want to follow:
>any religion/philosophy that claims wisdom without God cannot be trusted, since man is infinitely ignorant, especially about heavenly things
>any religion that doesn’t promise a good afterlife can be dismissed, since we have no good reason to follow it
>any religion that allows you to follow another path and still benefit can be dismissed, since we can simply choose a religion that is exclusive
>any religion that is dead/extinct can be dismissed, since obviously that God does not care about our worship of him. This does not necessarily mean that the most popular religion is true, however.
>any religion that claims it’s inspired by God, but does not give sufficient reason to believe this, such as through prophecy or miracles, can be dismissed
>any religion that is polytheistic, having no “monotheistic” God as laid out in various rational arguments, can be dismissed, since such a religion does not get its wisdom from the only source that matters. Indeed, these gods could very well be demons.

I could probably add a few more general criteria, but that is enough for now. What religions are we left with to seriously consider? Christianity, for sure. Islam and Judaism, maybe. Those are the most popular monotheistic religions, accessible to nearly everyone. It doesn’t take much to disprove Islam: just compare Muhammad and Jesus. One performed miracles and fulfilled many prophecies, the other didn’t. One looted and killed and had many sexual relations, the other didn’t. This should be enough. As for Judaism, then it is already unlikely to be true, since Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies and references (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) and odd coincidences such as “Bethlehem” meaning “house of bread.” And in the book of Daniel, it’s said that the messiah will come before the destruction of the second temple (70 A.D.), which is what Jesus did. Furthermore, even if Judaism is true, then as long as a Christian follows the old law as best he can and worships God, then perhaps he will not suffer in the afterlife.

Overall, one can simply say that Christianity is the most difficult religion to have been faked. It also directly addresses our problems (we are sinful) and gives us a remedy through Jesus Christ, as prophesied long ago. We are given this beautiful religion in one of the most influential texts of all time, the Bible, and it’s clear why. What religion can compare? Yes, there are infinite religions, but does that mean they are all equally probable? Ask yourself, if Christianity is true, or X religion is true, then is there any religion X such that this dilemma would cause you trouble and hesitation?

If I look up interpretations of Bible passages, I often find that the translation supposedly does not accurately convey the original meaning for whatever reason. But this raises the question, couldn’t other parts be mistranslated too? Is there a translation out there that actually gets it all right, so that no one can say “well actually this word is supposed to be this” ? Or do I just need to learn Greek and Hebrew?

>>13192044
Forgot pic

>>12619317
Literally all the prophecies. No other religion is prophesied like Christianity is.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/18269/18269-h/18269-h.htm#SECTION_XI