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OT: Okay Christians, help me out...

Do you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter as a literal story?

  • Yes, it is a story of something that physically happened.

    Votes: 67 69.1%

  • No, it's more of a parable than a literal story.

    Votes: 7 7.2%

  • Not a Christian, sorry.

    Votes: 23 23.7%
  • Total voters
    97
TheDude1

TheDude1

Well-Known Member
Apr 15, 2010
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Was telling my son the Easter story, and my wife and I were discussing the story of the Resurrection.

She said she thinks most Christians see it as a parable, not as a literal story.

I said no, I think the majority of Christians see it as a literal story.

This place is the most diverse place (in terms of religions, regions, education, etc) I can get opinions from... so can I ask, how do the Christians here see it?

No need to discuss or bash or whatever; just wanted input.

Happy holidays in advance!
 
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It's a literal resurrection. Christianity doesn't make any sense if it's not a literal resurrection. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Cor 15:19-22)."

It seems to be the nature of mankind not to accept things they cannot explain, and no man can explain the resurrection. But neither can man explain how life came to be; but who denies that we live? If we gave up everything we cannot explain, we would have to give up life (Franklin Richards).

Sometimes people refer to Jesus as a great moral teacher, which CS Lewis soundly shoots down: "“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
 
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It’s a tough deal. I’m not sure it’s written verbatim how things went down or not, but I’m a believer and it’s changed my life for the better over the years so I stick to it. But, I still wonder and waiver at times like any normal believer because it’s all faith.

For instance, Genesis going down exactly as written is a little hard to believe. I think there’s a lot of symbolism across the Bible.

Christ’s death and resurrection I do believe happened in some fashion tho.
 
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JimboBBN said:
Is it the offseason already?!
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No, it isn’t. Thank god. I’m sure I’ll be praying a lot this weekend, so I could give a shit whether the story is literal or not. Whichever ever he hears me better, I’ll go with that.

I’ll come back to this thread on Tuesday after Kansas wins the tourney. We can talk about Jesus then, OP.
 
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Don't have kids but if I did...

I probably wouldn't tell them straight up that things like Santa Claus and religion are myth.

Would give them a book for kids that teaches science and reason instead.
 
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bkingUK said:
Don't have kids but if I did...

I probably wouldn't tell them straight up that things like Santa Claus and religion are myth.

Would give them a book for kids that teaches science and reason instead.
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Yea, I'm with you. I have first hand experience of kids being forced to believe and follow something, not really having a chance to make a decision for yourself. I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school up until high school. I was able to make a decision for myself, based on my life experiences and studies, without having someone force it down my throat. I will do nothing but give them the tools so they can make a decision on their own.
 
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While a Catholic, and subscribe to those teachings, my core belief is that there is a superior power in our universe. What I mean is that there are still a great many things yet to be discovered. These discoveries will unlock many answers on the how and whys. A good example is the constant discoveries that point out that civilizations lived earlier than previously thought. When looking at the Resurection, I believe it happened. But a story was created as a means of people being able to explain it in their own lifetimes. After all, miracles are being performed in hospital surgical centers everyday.
 
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Of course. I don't get why it's hard to believe. Looks at the universe, whether you're a Christian or Atheist, science proves the universe literally appeared or came from nothing. Nothing can't create something. You live in a body that literally heals itself. You have atoms that hold mass together. If we were farther away from the sun we'd freeze, closer we'd burn up. Gravity starts at the most perfect spot to actually hold us together.

If you do believe in God but not the resurrection you probably need to think deeper. You believe in a all powerful, ever present God who created all of life but it's hard to believe he came down as a man, lived perfectly, died intentionally as a sacrifice and rose again because he is God. I don't get why resurrection is hard to believe but evolution or the big bang isn't... We live in a supernatural world.

The fact you're alive is a testament to that.
 
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ThePhog08 said:
Of course. I don't get why it's hard to believe. Looks at the universe, whether you're a Christian or Atheist, science proves the universe literally appeared or came from nothing. Nothing can't create something. You live in a body that literally heals itself. You have atoms that hold mass together. If we were farther away from the sun we'd freeze, closer we'd burn up. Gravity starts at the most perfect spot to actually hold us together.

If you do believe in God but not the resurrection you probably need to think deeper. You believe in a all powerful, ever present God who created all of life but it's hard to believe he came down as a man, lived perfectly, died intentionally as a sacrifice and rose again because he is God. I don't get why resurrection is hard to believe but evolution or the big bang isn't... We live in a supernatural world.

The fact you're alive is a testament to that.
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ThePhog08 said:
Of course. I don't get why it's hard to believe. Looks at the universe, whether you're a Christian or Atheist, science proves the universe literally appeared or came from nothing. Nothing can't create something. You live in a body that literally heals itself. You have atoms that hold mass together. If we were farther away from the sun we'd freeze, closer we'd burn up. Gravity starts at the most perfect spot to actually hold us together.

If you do believe in God but not the resurrection you probably need to think deeper. You believe in a all powerful, ever present God who created all of life but it's hard to believe he came down as a man, lived perfectly, died intentionally as a sacrifice and rose again because he is God. I don't get why resurrection is hard to believe but evolution or the big bang isn't... We live in a supernatural world.

The fact you're alive is a testament to that.
Click to expand...

I can get on board with this.
 
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TheDude1 said:
Was telling my son the Easter story, and my wife and I were discussing the story of the Resurrection.

She said she thinks most Christians see it as a parable, not as a literal story.

I said no, I think the majority of Christians see it as a literal story.

This place is the most diverse place (in terms of religions, regions, education, etc) I can get opinions from... so can I ask, how do the Christians here see it?

No need to discuss or bash or whatever; just wanted input.

Happy holidays in advance!
Click to expand...

You do understand that the data you get will not be correct because of the last selection you added!?!?!?

The responses should be for Christians only...So the first two selections only...That will give the actual breakdown of the Christians on this board!!!

SmokinSmile
 
I'm pretty agnostic myself despite my upbringing, but my Mother and Grandmother both believed it that he rose from the tomb.
This is also what was taught to my children, but they're now old enough to form their own opinions.
 
ThePhog08 said:
Of course. I don't get why it's hard to believe. Looks at the universe, whether you're a Christian or Atheist, science proves the universe literally appeared or came from nothing. Nothing can't create something. You live in a body that literally heals itself. You have atoms that hold mass together. If we were farther away from the sun we'd freeze, closer we'd burn up. Gravity starts at the most perfect spot to actually hold us together.

If you do believe in God but not the resurrection you probably need to think deeper. You believe in a all powerful, ever present God who created all of life but it's hard to believe he came down as a man, lived perfectly, died intentionally as a sacrifice and rose again because he is God. I don't get why resurrection is hard to believe but evolution or the big bang isn't... We live in a supernatural world.

The fact you're alive is a testament to that.
Click to expand...
Science has proven we do not need any sort of god to exist. I'm an agnostic, so I don't know what the hell happens when we die. It is fun to think and talk about, though.
 
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I certainly agree God doesn't have to exist. I believe in the story though but certainly understand why many don't. There are lots of stories in the Bible I find to be parables that many other Christians think are literal though. I find it unreasonable that the people who believe Jesus spoke so frequently in parables can't fathom God doing so as well (in the OT for example). In fact, I think to believe in the Bible as the word of God one must assume some of it it meant as figurative rather than literal. Anyway, while being a Christian who is often full of doubt and cynicism about much I have had a great many interesting conversations with friends of mine who are atheist or agnostic. They sometimes get frustrated with me because I am not the close minded religious person they would prefer argue with over such matters, haha. I am not offended by someone who finds it stupid to believe. I get it. I also have had a great many conversations with other Christians where they get frustrated with me because I'm not a fundamentalist. I think too many Christians think they have it figured out, which is ridiculous to me. Why would I want to believe in any sort of higher power that I could actually figure out anyway. We can figure out people and I certainly have no interest in looking upon them as some sort of deity.
 
coryfly said:
I certainly agree God doesn't have to exist. I believe in the story though but certainly understand why many don't. There are lots of stories in the Bible I find to be parables that many other Christians think are literal though. I find it unreasonable that the people who believe Jesus spoke so frequently in parables can't fathom God doing so as well (in the OT for example). In fact, I think to believe in the Bible as the word of God one must assume some of it it meant as figurative rather than literal. Anyway, while being a Christian who is often full of doubt and cynicism about much I have had a great many interesting conversations with friends of mine who are atheist or agnostic. They sometimes get frustrated with me because I am not the close minded religious person they would prefer argue with over such matters, haha. I am not offended by someone who finds it stupid to believe. I get it. I also have had a great many conversations with other Christians where they get frustrated with me because I'm not a fundamentalist. I think too many Christians think they have it figured out, which is ridiculous to me. Why would I want to believe in any sort of higher power that I could actually figure out anyway. We can figure out people and I certainly have no interest in looking upon them as some sort of deity.
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The ones who are so far on either end of the spectrum, I have no hope for. They aren't fun to have discussions with, usually because its their way or the high way. I don't care what you believe, as long as you don't tell me what I believe is wrong.
 
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JimboBBN said:
The ones who are so far on either end of the spectrum, I have no hope for. They aren't fun to have discussions with, usually because its their way or the high way. I don't care what you believe, as long as you don't tell me what I believe is wrong.
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Honestly, I don't even care if you tell me what I believe is wrong as long as you aren't ridiculous or childish about it. It is the pious condescending attitude that shuts down discussion. Like you said, it is almost always from those who are so extreme. I'm often accused of being too flimsy on things such as this because I can see both sides of it so people think I don't have strong opinions or don't stand for anything. It isn't that. I'm just not a jerk who thinks what I believe is the only reasonable way to think. I stick to being like that about sports and things that don't matter.
 
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JimboBBN said:
Science has proven we do not need any sort of god to exist. I'm an agnostic, so I don't know what the hell happens when we die. It is fun to think and talk about, though.
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I graciously disagree. Big Bang and evolution can be easily debunked (as it's presented currently) by physicists . At their best, most findings are labeled theories. Even so , if you trace evolution back to the gas ect. matter, molecules, even black matter (which we can test or observe really, has to come from somewhere. Scientifically matter can not come from non matter. There had to be , imho, a supernatural non matter to create matter. The universe when studied is self evident as intelligent design. Even with the odds of chance + time one has to take a logic leap to come to the big bang.

The age of earth and the universe is a hot debate to this day among scientist. Mainly because we assume people that "emerged from slime" have to intellectual capacity to understand or develop tools to understand the universe. I don't believe man has the capacity to understand.

Plus a pretty big issue among theists or agnostics and definitely atheists is the origin of morality . Hundreds of years of studying human behavior , plus nature and nurture, most experts conclude morality can not be self inspired. Morality it taught and passed down. Meaning tracing humanity to it's origin there had to be a first moral giver.

I love that you're open to discussion.
 
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dukedevilz said:
Wish political discussions were carried out with this same mindset.
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Most people believe the reason someone believes the opposite politically that they must be a bad person. If that is the case no discussion can be civil. Good political discussion starts with "a person can believe the opposite of me and still be a good person with good intentions"

I am pro life. I am pro life because of the rights of the baby and father and research shows extreme mental and emotional trauma to women who have them. I belive abortion is rooted in racism ect.

But someone can hear I am pro life and assume I am anti-women ect and thus no true civil open exchange of ideas can happen.
 
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ThePhog08 said:
I graciously disagree. Big Bang and evolution can be easily debunked (as it's presented currently) by physicists . At their best, most findings are labeled theories. Even so , if you trace evolution back to the gas ect. matter, molecules, even black matter (which we can test or observe really, has to come from somewhere. Scientifically matter can not come from non matter. There had to be , imho, a supernatural non matter to create matter. The universe when studied is self evident as intelligent design. Even with the odds of chance + time one has to take a logic leap to come to the big bang.

The age of earth and the universe is a hot debate to this day among scientist. Mainly because we assume people that "emerged from slime" have to intellectual capacity to understand or develop tools to understand the universe. I don't believe man has the capacity to understand.

Plus a pretty big issue among theists or agnostics and definitely atheists is the origin of morality . Hundreds of years of studying human behavior , plus nature and nurture, most experts conclude morality can not be self inspired. Morality it taught and passed down. Meaning tracing humanity to it's origin there had to be a first moral giver.

I love that you're open to discussion.
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Definitely open, its great to talk about. If we are discussing origin, and you believe there is some supernatural being that began this process of the universe and life, where did this being come from? The energy in the universe is constant, none can come or go. The potential for life to form has always been there given the correct circumstances. Earth is not the only habitable planet for life, probably not even in this solar system. So the whole "the circumstances are perfect here, it can't be a coincidence" argument doesn't sit well with me. There are more planets and galaxies than our minds can comprehend, there is certainly life in this universe beyond earth. And again, molecules, elements, matter, those are all things that WE KNOW exists. People believe in supernatural things because of faith, nothing else. "Life finds a way."

And again, I'm agnostic, so I can argue either way :) just playing devil's advocate in this instance.
 
American Male said:
You do understand that the data you get will not be correct because of the last selection you added!?!?!?

The responses should be for Christians only...So the first two selections only...That will give the actual breakdown of the Christians on this board!!!

SmokinSmile
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Eh, I wanted to give non-Christians a chance to choose something... didn't want them feeling left out:)

JimboBBN said:
Its not a good day at the office until I give TheDude some fresh shit :D
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Oh hush up. You better be online tonight, and not off banging some dirty ho.
 
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ThePhog08 said:
I graciously disagree. Big Bang and evolution can be easily debunked (as it's presented currently) by physicists . At their best, most findings are labeled theories. Even so , if you trace evolution back to the gas ect. matter, molecules, even black matter (which we can test or observe really, has to come from somewhere. Scientifically matter can not come from non matter. There had to be , imho, a supernatural non matter to create matter. The universe when studied is self evident as intelligent design. Even with the odds of chance + time one has to take a logic leap to come to the big bang.

The age of earth and the universe is a hot debate to this day among scientist. Mainly because we assume people that "emerged from slime" have to intellectual capacity to understand or develop tools to understand the universe. I don't believe man has the capacity to understand.

Plus a pretty big issue among theists or agnostics and definitely atheists is the origin of morality . Hundreds of years of studying human behavior , plus nature and nurture, most experts conclude morality can not be self inspired. Morality it taught and passed down. Meaning tracing humanity to it's origin there had to be a first moral giver.

I love that you're open to discussion.
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Oh I have a lot to say about this. Unfortunately sitting at a conference with like minded nerds at the moment, but will respond.
 
As a Jew I consider Christmas a horrible holiday whereas I really like Easter cause that's the one where we finally got that traitor bastard!

GO JEWS! (the DePaul of religions)
 
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JimboBBN said:
Definitely open, its great to talk about. If we are discussing origin, and you believe there is some supernatural being that began this process of the universe and life, where did this being come from? The energy in the universe is constant, none can come or go. The potential for life to form has always been there given the correct circumstances. Earth is not the only habitable planet for life, probably not even in this solar system. So the whole "the circumstances are perfect here, it can't be a coincidence" argument doesn't sit well with me. There are more planets and galaxies than our minds can comprehend, there is certainly life in this universe beyond earth. And again, molecules, elements, matter, those are all things that WE KNOW exists. People believe in supernatural things because of faith, nothing else. "Life finds a way."

And again, I'm agnostic, so I can argue either way :) just playing devil's advocate in this instance.
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I like to start right there with the words "things we know exist" ... There has to be a foundation that there is simply so much "we don't know"

The best question I have heard to ask an atheist (which you aren't) is " Do you hope you're wrong" ... Most atheists deny the existence of God under the circumstance of the fact "there are things we don't know"

Agnostics come from the stand point that God must make sense according to our understanding. Meaning:Where did God come from?... It is looking for a logical answer under the assumption man can understand all. God says he has no beginning and no end. We dismiss the claim based on the fact we A. Can't understand it. B. can't observe it.

There are many wonders in life that are supernatural that doctors and scientists can't explains. But we accept them daily, based on the fact we can observe them . We don't need to understand what we can observe. Since God (assuming existence) intentionally made himself as can not be seen (although the bible claims in God all things were made and that the universe itself is proof of him) than we must investigate what we can see. Historical eye witnesses, historic events ect ect.

I highly recommend the documentary and book "the case for Christ" where a former atheist attorney sets out to prove his Christian wife wrong in an attempt to save his marriage. He puts together a case,just like an attorney would, to disprove God and Jesus. I researches the science, history, artifacts.

Another things that stood out in your post was "potential for life" given the right circumstances. The ability to believe in "the right circumstances" despite lack of scientific fact and understanding leads me to the belief "it takes just as much faith to be an atheist as Christian"
 
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