Greece-Corfu (photo from trekearth.com)
I asked for permission to use these statistics a few years ago and was told I could as long as I cite the sources. This is something a few bloggers need to learn to attempt to follow as much as possible...but I have no one I associate with in mind.
I post this information as I find it useful to consider from time to time. I am planning on providing comments in the comments section.
From:
Adherents.com: World Religions
'(Sizes shown are approximate estimates, and are here mainly for the purpose of ordering the groups, not providing a definitive number. This list is sociological/statistical in perspective.)
A major source for these estimates is the detailed country-by-country analysis done by David B. Barrett's religious statistics organization, whose data are published in the Encyclopedia Britannica (including annual updates and yearbooks) and also in the World Christian Encyclopedia (the latest edition of which - published in 2001 - has been consulted). Hundreds of additional sources providing more thorough and detailed research about individual religious groups have also been consulted.'
Major Religions of the World
Ranked by Number of Adherents
1.Christianity: 2.1 billion
2.Islam: 1.5 billion
3.Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
4.Hinduism: 900 million
5.Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
6.Buddhism: 376 million
7.primal-indigenous: 300 million
8.African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
9.Sikhism: 23 million
10.Juche: 19 million
11.Spiritism: 15 million
12.Judaism: 14 million
13.Baha'i: 7 million
14.Jainism: 4.2 million
15.Shinto: 4 million
16.Cao Dai: 4 million
17.Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
18.Tenrikyo: 2 million
19.Neo-Paganism: 1 million
20.Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
21.Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
22.Scientology: 500 thousand
Adherents.com: Branches of 'cultural Christianity'
Cultural Christianity
Catholic 1,050,000,000
Orthodox/Eastern Christian 240,000,000
African indigenous sects (AICs) 110,000,000
Pentecostal 105,000,000
Reformed/Presbyterian/Congregational/United 75,000,000
Anglican 73,000,000
Baptist 70,000,000
Methodist 70,000,000
Lutheran 64,000,000
Jehovah's Witnesses 14,800,000
Adventist 12,000,000
Latter Day Saints 12,500,000
Apostolic/New Apostolic 10,000,000
Stone-Campbell ("Restoration Movement") 5,400,000
New Thought (Unity, Christian Science, etc.) 1,500,000
Brethren (incl. Plymouth) 1,500,000
Mennonite 1,250,000
Friends (Quakers) 300,000
'This page copyright © 2005 by Adherents.com. Webpage created February 1999. Last updated 28 October 2005.'
---
From when I was a toddler: Re: the Shake n' Bake guy on television...
That act always bugged me. His 'dome' did not look right.
Perhaps if he had his head Shake n' Baked some hair would regrow?
---
Blackberry photos. These ones are from the village I live in.
1.Christianity: 2.1 billion
ReplyDelete2.Islam: 1.5 billion
Wow. Muslims (and others) often mention that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world; and yet, Christianity actually has the largest number of adherents? Very interesting!
4.Hinduism: 900 million
5.Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
6.Buddhism: 376 million
With the size/population of China and India, it is a bit surprising that these are not at the top. Of course, there are also many Christians and Muslims in China and India.
I remember that Shake 'n Bake commercial. I also remember that song, though I never got much into watching Soul Train, even though it was on every Saturday. The guy lip-syncing the female part seems somewhat silly.
Can't wait to check out the videos when I get home!
ReplyDeleteObviously the "Christian" number is misleading since it includes non-Christian cults like Mormonism and JW's. Of course the qualification of "Cultural Christianity" takes care of that, I suppose. And it can be argued that RC is another "religion" altogether, at least from the point-of-view that the Vatican practices and promotes a false gospel by rejecting the full, meritorious work of Christ as the sole means of salvation and by including other "redemptive" mediators between God and man besides Jesus Christ. I wouldn't say that the majority of faithful Roman Catholics aren't "saved" because most of them probably don't know the doctrine of their own "church". But I can't imagine that the practicing priests, cardinals, etc. aren't already condemned for knowingly rejecting the true Gospel in favor of a false gospel.
On another note, isn't it interesting that the two largest "religions" in the world both claim their identity from and allegiance to the One True God of the Scripture (OT) though, obviously, they both understand this God in diametrically different ways? To be sure, Islam's Koran is extrabiblical "revelation" and therefore amounts to an outright rejection of the God of the Scripture (but they would say the same thing about our NT and it's proclamation of Jesus as the Great I Am). Anyway, I just thought that was interesting.
Personally, I don't think Biblical Christianity is a "religion" at all, but that's beside the point. :-)
GGM
'Wow. Muslims (and others) often mention that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world; and yet, Christianity actually has the largest number of adherents? Very interesting!'
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff.
There are approximately 2 billion cultural Christians in the world.
As you know, Jesus noted one must be born again (John 3).
The world would be a much different place if there were 2 billion regenerated persons on this planet.
Although it is not my musical preference, in general terms, I like the song.
A masculine looking man pretends to sing an obvious female part.
The lip-sync is ridiculous.:)
Can't wait to check out the videos when I get home!'
ReplyDeleteCool.
'Obviously the "Christian" number is misleading since it includes non-Christian cults like Mormonism and JW's.'
Yes. These groups deny the Biblical Christ. They are not born-again/regenerated.
Okay, now let us wait a day or so and see if web snoops from these groups post comments, like previously on more than one occasion.
'Of course the qualification of "Cultural Christianity" takes care of that, I suppose.'
Yes, I put that in.
'I wouldn't say that the majority of faithful Roman Catholics aren't "saved" because most of them probably don't know the doctrine of their own "church". '
Agreed.
God regenerates the elect.
The elect will hold to primary New Testament doctrines.
The elect may hold to theological error on secondary issues.
'To be sure, Islam's Koran is extrabiblical "revelation" and therefore amounts to an outright rejection of the God of the Scripture (but they would say the same thing about our NT and it's proclamation of Jesus as the Great I Am). Anyway, I just thought that was interesting.'
Yes, as I basically noted this in the present thekingpin68 article.
'Personally, I don't think Biblical Christianity is a "religion" at all, but that's beside the point. :-)'
Academically, Christianity is a world religion.
There are many world religions.
Practically and academically, in general terms, Christianity is the true religious philosophy.
Thanks my friend!
satire and theology disse...
ReplyDeleteI need a ride on that train...
Really cute, isn't it?? =)
The train is my favourite way to travel...
ReplyDeleteHey, Russ. Yes, those stats are pretty interesting. Thanks for digging them up.
ReplyDeleteSince you like interesting pictures, I was wondering what you make of these. They were taken by a lady at whose house we have Bible study. They do a lot of outdoorsy stuff, and they've never ran across anything like this. :)
Thanks, Greg.
ReplyDeleteAs a man, I view the woods as one big outdoor washroom.;)
No, i'm not on Facebook. Sorry...
ReplyDeleteNo problem.:)
ReplyDeleteBooyah! I'm Number 1! I'm Number 1!
ReplyDeleteThe Blog of Christ
Interesting statistics.. and BTW you live in a beautiful village :)
ReplyDeleteTamela
Well, well, a satirical phony Christ makes an appearance.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible discusses false Christs.
Matthew 24: 23-27 from the NASB:
23"(AA)Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him.
24"For false Christs and (AB)false prophets will arise and will show great (AC)signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even (AD)the elect.
25"Behold, I have told you in advance.
26"So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them.
27"(AE)For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the (AF)coming of the (AG)Son of Man be.
The Bible claims Jesus Christ is eternal and by implication is therefore God (John 8: 58). Christ is claimed as the Word and God (John 1: 1-2).
In conclusion, this issue of Christ is seriously worth considering.
In other words:
There are satirical Christs.
There are false Christs.
There is the Biblical Christ.
This issue of Jesus Christ is worthy of serious academic consideration.
So, I allowed one satirical comment from you. Please do not expect to get another one unless you would like to seriously discuss issues.
Cheers.
Russ
Thank you, Tamela.
ReplyDeleteRuss:)
wow, i was amazed at the other religions i am unfamiliar to...
ReplyDeletebeautiful village you live in... ive always wished to live somewhere like that ^_^ I envy you
Thanks, Miel.
ReplyDeleteThe many trees contribute to making the area environmentally friendly.
There are approximately 2 billion cultural Christians in the world.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Jesus noted one must be born again (John 3).
The world would be a much different place if there were 2 billion regenerated persons on this planet.
Good point. The number of people who claim to be Christians, vs. those who are truly born again, are two different numbers.
The Bible discusses false Christs.
Yes, and I think it was good of one to visit your blog site to prove that exact point. He made a good guinea pig.
So, I allowed one satirical comment from you. Please do not expect to get another one unless you would like to seriously discuss issues.
Booyah! Another one bites the dust...
'Booyah! Another one bites the dust...'
ReplyDeleteLOL, more than likely, unless an intelligent presentation is made.
Satirical Christs, false Christs and the Biblical Christ are all concepts.
Biblically, false Christs are actual persons and the Biblical Christ is an actual person.
Satirical Christs can be actual persons.
A satirical Christ can be a false Christ (I realized this previously), although I had the Biblical definition in mind.
Thanks a million, Jeff.
That lady is me!!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteThat photo was a little old and I wanted to change it.
'That lady is me!!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteThat photo was a little old and I wanted to change it.'
I know, and I see you are now in Germany and not Sao Paulo.;)
Interesting
ReplyDeleteAloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
Cloudia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the message, and email with nice photo.
I bookmarked your blog.
Obama's Muslim adviser says Sharia "misunderstood"
ReplyDelete"Yes, all that hand-chopping and stoning really isn't all that bad, if you look at it from the right perspective. Dalia Mogahed, you may recall, along with John Esposito cooked the data from a global survey of Muslim attitudes in order to increase the number of Muslim "moderates" -- classifying people as "moderate" who hate America, want to impose Sharia, and support suicide bombing. "Barack Obama adviser says Sharia Law is misunderstood," by Andrew Gilligan and Alex Spillius in the Telegraph, October 8 (thanks to Andrew Bostom):
President Barack Obama's adviser on Muslim affairs, Dalia Mogahed, has provoked controversy by appearing on a British television show hosted by a member of an extremist group to talk about Sharia Law.
Miss Mogahed, appointed to the President's Council on Faith-Based and Neighbourhood Partnerships, said the Western view of Sharia was "oversimplified" and the majority of women around the world associate it with "gender justice".
The White House adviser made the remarks on a London-based TV discussion programme hosted by Ibtihal Bsis, a member of the extremist Hizb ut Tahrir party.
The group believes in the non-violent destruction of Western democracy and the creation of an Islamic state under Sharia Law across the world.
Should an adviser to the President of the United States really have given her sanction to such a group? Apparently she has no problem with its goal:
Miss Mogahed appeared alongside Hizb ut Tahrir's national women's officer, Nazreen Nawaz.
During the 45-minute discussion, on the Islam Channel programme Muslimah Dilemma earlier this week, the two members of the group made repeated attacks on secular "man-made law" and the West's "lethal cocktail of liberty and capitalism".
They called for Sharia Law to be "the source of legislation" and said that women should not be "permitted to hold a position of leadership in government".
Russ, remember our brief conversation in your previous blog article about 'radical Muslims vs. radical homosexuals?' Well, check this out:
ReplyDeleteFrance: Muslim soccer team refuses to play match against gay team
Cheers, Jeff.
ReplyDeleteObama awarded 2009 Nobel Peace Prize...
Far too soon.
Happy Weekend!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou as well, Aline.:)
ReplyDeleteFrom Facebook:
ReplyDeleteRuss Murray thekingpin68© of Maple Ditch, BC awards: Saint Chucklins the Noble Computer and Family Guy Prize. JJ and JJ Jenkins and Jolly the Noble Long Commenter Prize. Mommy, the Noble Typist and Proofreader Prize.
Meaningful, eh.;)
Wow! That's a lot of Christians, hopefully a lot more love to share with all the people of the world.
ReplyDelete-Peacefully Yours-
I remember watching these Shake and Bake commercials as a child, very funny, now I'm craving chicken, but not fried, shake and baked!
ReplyDelete-Finger Licking Good-
Article in MacLean's on moral decline in Britain.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDelete-Finger Licking Good- was associated with Colonel Sanders that had a full head of hair, a mustache, beard and represented KFC.
Shake n' Baked was associated with pushy salesmanship and not a particularly famous saying.
I think you 'confused' the two chickens.;)
shake n' baked again
From article:
ReplyDelete'And the British nanny state’s rearing of a generation of snarling, brutish, eternally arrested adolescents slumped in Hogarthian depravity seems not an unfortunate side effect but an all too foreseeable consequence.'
There is the Britain described above. One of major depravity.
There is also a Britain of morality and class.
Britain is heading in the wrong direction, in too many cases.
From:
ReplyDeleteLaugh Olympics
'Criticizing the Olympic Games could come with a hefty price tag and even six months' jail time.
A new B.C. law is on the table that would allow police to enter homes and private properties with only 24 hours' notice to remove anti-Olympic material, and could land offenders with a maximum fine of $10,000 a day and up to six months in jail, according to the B.C. Civil Liberties Association...
The B.C. government issued a statement on Wednesday, stating the amendments will give Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler the "temporary enforcement powers to enable them to swiftly remove illegal signs and graffiti during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
"The legislation does not change the existing scope of authority to regulate signs and graffiti," the statement read. "Rather, it provides, on a temporary basis, a faster way of removing signs and graffiti that violate municipal bylaws during the short period the Games are underway."
If the law does pass, municipalities would need to enact their own bylaws to act on the new powers.'
Reasonable protest of the Olympics should be allowed.
The law seems an overuse of government power.
Christianity still rules.
ReplyDeleteYou live in a beautiful place.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Cheers,
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend, MD.
Russ:)
I was born and grew up in Miami. After I moved out of my parent's house (actually, for years, ever since my early years of High School, I lived in a one-room house behind their house, on their lot), I moved to an apartment, 15 minutes away. That apartment (where I lived for 16 years), was in the city of West Miami. The size of the city of West Miami is only three-quarters of a mile. West Miami has 6,132 residents, a 4% increase since the 2000 census.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of the city of West Miami, 84% according to the U.S. census, consists of Hispanics. As of 2000, Spanish as a first language was at 87.38% of residents, while English spoken as the mother tongue was only 12.61% of the population. (It is higher now, as many more have come to Miami from Cuba since then.) A nearby city, Little Havana, is similar, though even increased, as far as the Hispanic population and language. But really, all of Miami-Dade County is mostly Hispanic, and mostly consisting of Cubans. Ft. Lauderdale, which is in Broward County, is moving toward that direction, as well.
When one of my brothers lived on Miami Beach, he used to watch the boats come in every day, bringing in new 'political refugees' (which is really what they were, as opposed to immigrants) that had escaped the Communist regime in Cuba. One of my former girlfriends had escaped from Cuba on a "banana boat" as one of those 'political refugees.' She had also spent time in prison in Cuba for being against Communism. She had never even heard the gospel before, until I presented it to her. (But she never became a Christian, as far as I know.)
As of 2000, 61.61% of West Miami were Cubans. 2.98% were Nicaraguan residents. 1.91% were Colombian residents. 1.25% were Hondurans. 1.04% were Peruvians.
While living in that apartment for 16 years, I had one American neighbor, one Italian neighbor, and everyone else was Cuban.
When I was little, the Cubans who lived around us were more traditional and high-class, with very good family values. But when I lived in that apartment for 16 years, the Cubans who lived around me were the 'mariolitas' -- the ones that Castro released from prison to come to the U.S.
One time, there were over a hundred cars parked on our block, because they were having a Santeria meeting. Santeria is a religion which combines Catholicism, witchcraft and voodoo. There were voodoo drums playing all night long, and all the people were dressed all in white.
Also, my American neighbor would pick up the decapitated chickens and goats every morning off the railroad tracks, that the Cubans had sacrificed in their Santeria ceremony the night before.
I am thinking about driving back down to Miami sometime, in order to hand out Spanish gospel tracts to people there. I have done that once so far, since moving away. It usually takes, if you drive the speed limit, 5 hours to drive from where I now live, to Miami. But it took me 7 hours, because I stopped at every Welcome station and handed out gospel tracts and put gospel tracts in the bathrooms and elsewhere. If I go again, I will need to first find a job, so I can have money for gas, etc. I will also need to start studying Spanish again, so I can communicate (at least to a limited extent) with the people there, because much of the tiny bit of "survival Spanish" I learned while living there, I have forgotten. (I could have become fluent in Spanish long ago, but I had a bad attitude. I was constantly thinking, "Why should I have to learn Spanish just to communicate with people at the grocery store, the laundromat, with my neighbors, etc.? This is America! They need to learn to speak English!" So, because of that attitude of resistance, I only learned a tiny bit of Spanish, despite having Cuban girlfriends teach me some Spanish; having a Cuban sister-in-law; having a brother-in-law who speaks Spanish and whose mom is Puerto Rican and whose step dad is Cuban; some of the TV stations being in Spanish; and owning books, cassettes, CDs and DVDs that taught Spanish.)
Yesterday, two Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door and gave me an "Awake!" magazine with an article on Hell (they believe in annihilation, and not in an eternal Hell), and they said they would be back to talk about it. In past years, I used to just tell them I was not interested, and close the door on them. But now, I have more of an evangelistic desire, I think, and I usually welcome the opportunity to talk to them. But I also realize that debating with them will do no good without a lot of prayer, and without the Holy Spirit both working in them, and speaking through me. So, ideally, I also want to spend intimate quality and quantity time in God's Word and in prayer beforehand (besides doing a lot of preparation research on JWs), in hopes that I will be filled
ReplyDeletewith the Holy Spirit (including His wisdom, His guidance/leading, His words, His peace, His joy, and His power) when I talk to the JWs. I believe this was the case when I talked to that JW over a year ago, and tears came to his eyes, and the only reason (he said) he would not accept Christ as his Lord/Savior was that, if I was correct, his mother (or grandmother, I don't remember) was currently in Hell, and he refused to accept that as being the case. So today, I was doing research and writing down a list of questions to ask the Jehovah's Witnesses, in order to show them that what they believe is not true, and does not even line up with their own corrupted version of the Bible, which is the New World Translation. They used to read the King James Version of the Bible, but now I think they only read the New World Translation, so I am going to use their own translation to try to show them how they are in error. But again, only God can change their hearts.
Thanks, Jeff.
ReplyDelete'I was born and grew up in Miami.'
You must be a 'huge' Florida Panthers fan then.
'One time, there were over a hundred cars parked on our block, because they were having a Santeria meeting. Santeria is a religion which combines Catholicism, witchcraft and voodoo. There were voodoo drums playing all night long, and all the people were dressed all in white.'
A little different than having Mr. Rogers as your neighbour, eh?
'Also, my American neighbor would pick up the decapitated chickens and goats every morning off the railroad tracks, that the Cubans had sacrificed in their Santeria ceremony the night before.'
Enter Shake n' Baked guy...
'I am thinking about driving back down to Miami sometime, in order to hand out Spanish gospel tracts to people there. I have done that once so far, since moving away. It usually takes, if you drive the speed limit, 5 hours to drive from where I now live, to Miami.'
I enjoy driving in Florida. A beautiful place.
Here is the good video you posted on Jehovah's Witnesses previously:
JW
You must be a 'huge' Florida Panthers fan then.
ReplyDeleteActually, no.
I enjoy driving in Florida. A beautiful place.
I now live in Central Florida, and I enjoy it here FAR better than Miami. Oddly enough, I actually experienced culture shock
as far as the language (it was very odd hearing people speaking English everywhere), people waving at you on the street, and people being more friendly here. It was also a shock at first to get used to the much colder weather (I hate cold weather) and the much larger insects (now, 7 years later, these things don't bother me much anymore). It is also much cleaner here, and the traffic is far better (but getting worse as more people from the larger cities move here). Driving here is much more pleasant, and in some ways, much more scenic (than in some areas in Miami, at least). And, some things are somewhat less expensive here (in Miami, for example, I could never afford a house like I have now). I would rather drive 45 minutes here than 10 minutes in Miami. Part of this, of course, is due to a large city vs. a smaller city.
I still enjoy flan, and, though I have not seen any medianoche here ('midnight' sandwiches), they do have Cuban sandwiches here, which I buy often. And, though I have not seen it in stores here, my Cuban sister-in-law sometimes makes arroz compoyo (chicken and rice), which I also enjoy. They do have Tres Leches (a delicious dessert; literally, "three milks") in stores, but it is expensive (then again, so is flan).
People who have lived in many places, especially many different countries, are familiar with changes and different cultures.
'You must be a 'huge' Florida Panthers fan then.
ReplyDeleteActually, no.'
Canadian sarcasm.
Hey, I am watching A View to a Kill (1985) on WGN Chicago.:)
Watch it, if you can.
"Thus if [a] Muslim commits adultery his punishment is 100 lashes, the shaving of his head, and one year of banishment. But if the man is not a Muslim and commits adultery with a Muslim woman his penalty is execution...Similarly if a Muslim deliberately murders another Muslim he falls under the law of retaliation and must by law be put to death by the next of kin. But if a non-Muslim who dies at the hand of a Muslim has by lifelong habit been a non-Muslim, the penalty of death is not valid. Instead the Muslim murderer must pay a fine and be punished with the lash....Since Islam regards non-Muslims as on a lower level of belief and conviction, if a Muslim kills a non-Muslim...then his punishment must not be the retaliatory death, since the faith and conviction he possesses is loftier than that of the man slain...Again, the penalties of a non-Muslim guilty of fornication with a Muslim woman are augmented because, in addition to the crime against morality, social duty and religion, he has committed sacrilege, in that he has disgraced a Muslim and thereby cast scorn upon the Muslims in general, and so must be executed....Islam and its peoples must be above the infidels, and never permit non-Muslims to acquire lordship over them." -- Sultanhussein Tabandeh, A Muslim Commentary on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ReplyDeleteHey, I am watching A View to a Kill (1985) on WGN Chicago.:)
ReplyDeleteWatch it, if you can.
I saw some of it. They played it 2 days in a row here.
'Hey, I am watching A View to a Kill (1985) on WGN Chicago.:)
ReplyDeleteWatch it, if you can.
I saw some of it. They played it 2 days in a row here.'
Thanks for the Islam information, Jeff.
As for the movie...it is not one of the better Moore Bond films.
A blog that I think Jeff would like, and I believe Jeff and you Russ have been here before is www.interest01.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThis women is an atheist and we have been going back and forth for years. lately she has been avoiding my questions and now she says she found a new blog that talks about evolution. I told her it was a joke. But maybe if you guys have time you can pay her a visit and toss in your two cents. It's pretty dead their, just me and her. Rick b
Thanks, Rick.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that is the site where you and Saint Chucklins were called 'a holes' by a commenter.
Sorry Rick, that URL is not working for me. I tried more than once.
Interested01
ReplyDeleteI just now visited that Atheist site and read a few of her articles. She seems like the type of person who is not open-minded and would not listen to reason. After debating with Atheists and Evolutionists for years, I am pretty tired of all the fighting, and I have found that it is usually like talking to a brick wall. Actually, what I have experienced is that, too many times, it has been like talking to a small child who is a spoiled, smart-alack, naughty brat with a filthy mouth and a hatred toward God.
ReplyDeletePeople do not come to Christ through intellectual arguments, and "a person convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still." If someone enjoys verbal fights, or wants to hone their debating skills, then that might be a good place to do it. But for me, more and more, if they don't want to listen, I just choose to shake the dust from my feet as a testimony against them.
I will say, however, that, although I have met some Atheists who have been really nasty, and some who have even been extremely perverted and blasphemous, I have met others who have been honest and even polite.
Recently I have been following debates with Muslims, and debating one or two of them myself, and one problem with them is that they will lie outright in order to defend Islam, because their religion allows them to do that. They will usually be very polite at first, but they will sneak in little remarks that are meant to lead you to doubt. And, if you challenge them, they will boldly lie to you and try to deceive you outright. So you can't even have an honest conversation with them many times, because they consider deception to be one of their debating tools (called 'taquiyya'). Not only that, but if you really tick them off, they will say things to you that are so perverted and filthy and disgusting that it will really shock you.
So, whether it's an Atheist, a Muslim, a Mormon, a Jehovah's Witness, or whatever, they are usually not very open-minded. Only God can change their hearts. Nevertheless, that is no excuse not to tell people about Jesus, and I think we will be the most successful if we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit---not regarding whether or not we should witness, because the Bible already commands us to do so; but rather, who we should witness to, and what we should say.
eff I agree with what you said about going on the atheist blog. I stay their for two reasons.
ReplyDelete1. The lurkers that are reading.
2. I call her out when she does not answer me, so others, both atheists and believers can see her dodge the questions.
I would ask you Jeff if at all possible, go to her site and simply post like here saying that in your experience from talking to atheists they generally do not want to here the truth and so on.
I think even if she denys that,she really needs to hear it. Depending on how much you read of here posts, you saw I told her over and over she hates God.
She keeps saying she does not. But even if your not like me, staying their for years, at least a post or two might open her eyes. At the very least get her thinking, even if she refuses to admit it. Just a thought. Or maybe you can put out some basic info and your thoughts on Evolution so people can see that.
Science and evolution is not my field, I really cannot make a good defense for it, and she really places a lot of blind faith in it. Rick b
On the atheist blog she posted a new topic on the book, "Richard Dawkins-The God Delusion".
ReplyDeleteIf any one here has read the book and can comment on it that would be great, I have never read the book so I cannot say anything on it. Rick b
'I am pretty tired of all the fighting, and I have found that it is usually like talking to a brick wall. Actually, what I have experienced is that, too many times, it has been like talking to a small child who is a spoiled, smart-alack, naughty brat with a filthy mouth and a hatred toward God.'
ReplyDeleteVery good point.
People do not come to Christ through intellectual arguments, and "a person convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still." If someone enjoys verbal fights, or wants to hone their debating skills, then that might be a good place to do it. But for me, more and more, if they don't want to listen, I just choose to shake the dust from my feet as a testimony against them.
Good as well.
Thankfully, there are some friendly people out there with non-Christian views.
I tend to have reservations about commenting on the site much, in agreement with Jeff's comments.
At the same time, I do respect you for making a stance for Christ, Rick.
I wrote this article on Dawkins and Dawson:
Richard
Thanks, Jeff and Rick.
I found it, I thought you posted it on the atheist blog. Thanks, Rick b
ReplyDeleteRick B,
ReplyDeleteI stay their for two reasons.
Regardless of what I said in my previous comment, I think it's good that you comment there.
I would ask you Jeff if at all possible, go to her site and simply post like here saying that in your experience from talking to atheists they generally do not want to here the truth and so on.
I may do something like that. It's just that, I've gotten into so many debates in the past, that I'm trying to learn to stay out of fights as much as I can. But I suppose I could make a 'gentle' comment there, and see what happens.
...I told her over and over she hates God.
She keeps saying she does not.
Yeah, I've heard Atheists say that before. They claim things like, "How can I hate God when I don't even believe in Him (or "Her," they will add)?" Though they may not realize it, you and I both know that they are actually in rebellion against God, and in fact, do hate Him, whether or not they realize it or want to admit it. Otherwise, why would they even bother to write a blog on it, or visit Christian sites and attack the Christian's beliefs?
Or maybe you can put out some basic info and your thoughts on Evolution so people can see that.
Another issue that I'm trying to avoid arguments about, but then again, though I should not try to start a fight, neither should I avoid standing up for the truth.
On the atheist blog she posted a new topic on the book, "Richard Dawkins-The God Delusion".
If any one here has read the book and can comment on it that would be great, I have never read the book so I cannot say anything on it. Rick b
I have not read that book, but one of the hosts of the local Christian radio station I listen to, who is somewhat of a bookworm/intellectual, has a blog site where, a few months back, posted a brief review on the book, though I think he mainly just said that Christians should read the book just to gain a perspective of the way the 'other side' thinks (in other words, to gain more appreciation for apologetics, is the way I would put it).
Russ,
ReplyDeleteThankfully, there are some friendly people out there with non-Christian views.
Agreed.
At the same time, I do respect you for making a stance for Christ, Rick.
As do I. And it is perfectly in character for Rick, who is a fighter, not only in martial arts, but in standing up for Christianity, as well. Not everyone should be as aggressive as Rick; however, my understanding is that some people come to Christ by being led gently, and others come to Christ by being knocked in the head or pushed toward the truth in a shocking manner, so Rick can certainly be used by God as a tool in the case of those unbelievers who need a stronger approach (IMO). And I'm sure that you can find stories of quite a few Christians in the past (missionaries, martyrs, etc.) who took a very strong and aggressive stance for Christ, against their persecutors or opponents. Martin Luther comes to mind, as one example. He certainly was no wimp.
Russ, if you don't post a link to your past article on Richard Dawkins, on that Atheist blog site, I just might do it, if you don't mind. Of course, it may invite some antagonistic comments to be left in your past article, or even in one of your present articles, so let me know.
Though this is slightly off-topic, though not really, because it does have to do with world religions, I believe and recommend that EVERY Christian should read this very enlightening and educational article: for educational purposes (remember: knowledge is power!); for apologetics purposes; and so that you will understand the true facts, especially in this day and age when historical revisionists have deleted and changed many facts of history:
ReplyDeleteThe Scourge of Slavery
OK, Rick talked me into it. I left a few comments (you know me: I can't just leave one!) on that Atheist's blog site, with what I consider to be some good links, which I hope everyone will check out and read. One is an audio, and, though the quality is not great, it is well-worth listening to; I would also suggest keeping the linked .pdf handout, which is also in the same comments, open for reference while you listen to the audio. Both, along with the linked blog article, are a critique of the Dawkins book, "The God Delusion," which her blog article concerns.
ReplyDeleteRuss, if you don't post a link to your past article on Richard Dawkins, on that Atheist blog site, I just might do it, if you don't mind. Of course, it may invite some antagonistic comments to be left in your past article, or even in one of your present articles, so let me know.'
ReplyDeleteGo for it, my friend.
I have visited more than once and have left links.
Go for it, my friend.
ReplyDeleteDone.
She now has a new article on the Big Bang.