Not sure if anyone is still reading this thread, but I just got back from holiday vacation.
First, some general thoughts. Even in my submission to Christ, I am as anti-religion as anyone here- within the given context of "religion." I believe that thinking there is anything I can do to merit God's grace, love, and forgiveness misses the point. I am equally annoyed by the dogmatic legalism that seems to define the lives of fellow believers. I think the moment I knew God was the same moment that I realized the extent and reality of my sin, not just intellectually but internally... NOT when I performed a certain action.
Individually:
Brett- I pretend to understand your position because I used to somewhat agree. I think you are just being logical, which is obviously a good thing. I guess now I feel like I was generally irreverent, arrogant, and cynical in my pride. Either way, there is no shame in applying reason and calculation to the human condition. Glad you "came strong" with your thoughts. I do not think you are religion bashing.
a2b2c3- Buddhism seems like it is working out for you in spite of your angst toward organized religion. I would just tell you that a questioning attitude is equally encouraged among Christians; even Jesus's own disciples questioned him.
inverted- I agree that "some Christians are more judgmental than most." I think the point where certain Christians consider themselves moral champions is where they are missing out. The Bible says in Romans that not a single person is righteous, and in Corinitians that Christians should be more introspective than aggressively judgmental. There is nothing a human can do to merit forgiveness.
P-ubhi18- I think there is nothing less arrogant than completely submitting yourself to God. I do think religion is arrogant when it starts to play the role of God and (again) use legalism and dogma to determine worthiness. I disagree on many levels with the contention that God is arrogant for judging his creation. From my experience, God is loving, perfect, and just.
Harrier Dude, incubus582, Cate, Fmr1833, Chief- From my perspective, the act of evangelism is less about Christians marching into battle and more about just sharing the good news. Yes, we are called to evangelize. But, I think there is a dichotomy or at least some disconnect between the two methods. I honestly feel bad that your interpret some of these people as aggressively trying to brow-beat you into acknowledgment. From what I have seen, some of that is just sharing the good news of your life and the Gospel, and others are trying to fill a quota to try and please God. In 1 Peter, Christians are instructed to give a defense for the hope that is within them. I do no think this means breaking into someone's house so that you can be sure to give them a defense, or trying to find situations where you can have a captive audience who cannot avoid hearing you out. Ultimately, evangelism can be as simple as sharing the Gospel with the compassion God gives, but it NEVER involves intrusive convincing and persuasion of the high ground.
Birdman- Where we disagree is where the Bible contradicts your statement. In John 14, Jesus says that sinful humans need Him (and his substitutionary sacrifice for our sins) to get to heaven. You are not the first to view it as "moronic," but I think the validity of the Bible is likely an endless debate and is one we would have to have in order to resolve your position.
Swanee- Here is another case where the Bible is my reference, so we will likely get no where. I think that being a "good person" is impossible in God's eyes. We are all sinners in God's eyes- which is mind-blowing. That there is no pathetic action I can perform to try to get into the good graces of God. His grace is perfect already. I became a Christian when I realized my sin. What a moment and one I never could have imagined outside of God's love for me.
red_ryder- I can identify with your view of the Bible as being in line with "Aesop's Fables." I think that the Bible, as a whole, to including the Old Testament, is about Jesus and the character of God. There is less congruency among Aesop's fables, ha ha. But, there is some powerful prophecy in the the Old Testament that came to life in Jesus.
Ultimately, I am just amazed by the grace of God. I believe that there is evil and sin in the world. God sent his son Jesus to justify humanity and save those who acknowledge Him. His grace and love are powerful, real, and extremely hopeful in my life. For anyone relecting on their faith, I would encourage you to do less "dipping your toe in the water" and just dive in. It has changed my life and now I know the creator of the universe.
I want to thank everyone for contributing to the post, it has been very enjoyable to read!
Maybe Matthew was still working off all the excess "water into wine" supply as he was taking dictation.
