Satanism

[Pizza]

One of my favorite bands, twenty one pilots, is not really a Christian band. Tyler, the lead vocalist, sings mainly about mental disorders, such as depression. Although he has said that he is Christian, and let's ghat influence his music, he never actually sings about God or the Bible. In interviews, he's said that he doesn't want to go on stage and tell people what to believe, but only wants to be a friend to them, especially if they're going through rough times, but has no interest in trying to convert them. Does that make him less of a Christian. I know that the Bible does say that Jesus said specifically to go and make disciples. Again, does this make Tyler less of a Christian?

Jesus said a lot of things, some were meant to be taken literally and lived out to the letter. Other things he said were parables, stories meant to teach something, but not to be taken literally. Then there are statements made that are more "in the middle" and a combination of the two.

We are to "go and make disciples", but many of us can't reach people by 'preaching' or 'witnessing' to them. That never worked on my dad. What worked on my dad was watching others live their lives and beliefs each day. Tyler is doing what he feels convicted to do. Additionally, Tyler may be like me, I'd never put a "Christian" bumper sticker on my truck - I'd forget it was there, but others would NEVER forget it and I may act in a way that destroys a person's perception of Christianity - so now bumper sticker for me. Am I not 'making disciples'? Anyway, Tyler is in the public eye - maybe he is afraid that openly being Christian would hurt his record sales, or, maybe he just does not feel qualified and called to preach and teach. I'll leave that between him and God.

 

[Pizza]

isnt it off putting for non-christians how close minded a lot of christians are?

Actually, people are a LOT more closed minded when it comes to their POLITICS than religion.

 

[LovethroughDove]

Again, does this make Tyler less of a Christian?

I don't know if you have really left the forum, but if you haven't I know about Twenty One Pilots and Tyler. My 14 year old got me into listening to them and I've actually posted Heavy Dirty Soul in the "What are you listening to right now".

There are many bands that don't "label" themselves as Christian, but they are definitely speaking of the Bible and Jesus without being in your face about it because a majority don't receive the gospel that way. Tyler definitely writes about God lifting him out of the depths of his despair.

A little explanation of the lyrics.
He starts off talking to God because he hasn't in a while (haven't been the best of sons)

Desert of my mind (just like the Jews were in the desert for 40 years)

Haven't found a drop of life (Jesus says he is the Way, the Truth and the Life)

Haven't found a drop of water (Jesus says "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from him"
Also near the end of the Bible in Revelation it says "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.) - - - - that has both water and life referenced in it.

He is trying to hold onto the water he has hand (Holding onto the truth) and that is why he is talking to God right now

But you specialize in dying (Jesus died for us)

You hear me screaming Father (He is calling out to God)

He wants God to wash him with the Truth.

 

[LovethroughDove]

Tyler is an apostle for the next generation coming up in the world.

 

[Jim Parker]

"not willing to consider different ideas or opinions". thats why u have many different denominations of christianity,

I believe that is an accurate observation.
But almost all of them still remain within the realm of Christianity and differ only in the detwhereas Christianity and Satanism (in whatever form) are two totally differ views of reality. They cannot both be right.

 

[LovethroughDove]

Back in control (Sin has been removed)

I fought it a lot and it seems a lot like flesh is all I got Not any more, flesh out the door, swat (When you are born again you are born of the Spirit and the flesh is not in control of us totally anymore)

You should take my life You should take my soul (He doesn't trust himself, but asks God to guide him)

Next verse about surroundings - God has taken over his life

Holding onto You - This is a relationship where he absolutely knows how much he needs God

The tie it to a tree and noose - is biblical too. (Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." - - - - Our sins were put on the cross with Christ

Entertain my faith (He wants to live his faith)

Introspective beat (As a Christian this is what we do)

 

[jaybird]

Hello all. My name is Mekros, and im actually a satanist. i know, i know, very off putting, but let me explain. im whats called a atheistic satanist. this basically means that i dont worship satan, i dont have rituals, i dont read the satanic bible, and i dont offer animal sacrifices. those who do are theistic satanists, and they're actually a minority. firstly, please dont spam me because of my religion. respect is very important to satanists, believe it or not. im not here to convert u, i just have a question. isnt it off putting for non-christians how close minded a lot of christians are? one of the key principles in satanism is having an open mind, and thats actually why i joined. im not insulting u, dont worry. im just curious.

as a Satanist where do you go when you leave this world?

 

[Mekros]

okay, sorry about last night, i got really depressed, and kind of flipped out. i still hold true to everything i said, though. to answer ur question jaybird, atheistic satanism is just that, an atheistic religion, but its not even a religion, more of a frame of mind. satanists readily admit that they dont know the answers. as for the rest of u, and please understand that this is my honest opinion. some of u are pretty decent people, but the majority of christians i talk to, the more it scares me. they treat people who dont conform to their way of thinking, with almost contempt. that scares me, because does that mean god is like that? theres a problem here, either with god or christians. and then, the more i read the bible, the more god sounds like these people. a god who would order his favorite nation to go and slaughter an entire country in his name. a god who would burn down an entire city with fire, and turn the people running from town into salt. the god who wont physically, verbally communicate with christians because his voice is so scary, and so holy and perfect, that we'd just drop dead. and then we have these christians, who look down on the rest of humanity, trying to convert them "because they love them". why did i turn out this way then? something people dont understand is that i didnt just leave god. i fell into an addction, and hung on for a year. each day, morning and night, i cry for help, then i started screaming for help. i would just collpase in the shower, and pray, cry, and beg for help, for mercy. i would sob as i fell asleep. i was only 14! but no help was given, no mercy came, and it just got worse. now, u can blame this on me, and berate me for turning away from god, berate me for coming onto CF and "accusing" christians, but that doesnt help, it never helps. i dont understand.

 

[jaybird]

okay, sorry about last night, i got really depressed, and kind of flipped out. i still hold true to everything i said, though. to answer ur question jaybird, atheistic satanism is just that, an atheistic religion, but its not even a religion, more of a frame of mind. satanists readily admit that they dont know the answers.

i guess i missed the part that said atheist.
i believe there is more to this world than what we see, i believe i came from somewhere and i believe there is another world beyond this one. understanding these things is why i chose the belief system i am in.
if i was in a belief system that told me i came from no where, go no where after death, i would scratch my head and ask whats the point of being here in the first place.

 

[civilwarbuff]

okay, sorry about last night, i got really depressed, and kind of flipped out. i still hold true to everything i said, though. to answer ur question jaybird, atheistic satanism is just that, an atheistic religion, but its not even a religion, more of a frame of mind. satanists readily admit that they dont know the answers. as for the rest of u, and please understand that this is my honest opinion. some of u are pretty decent people, but the majority of christians i talk to, the more it scares me. they treat people who dont conform to their way of thinking, with almost contempt. that scares me, because does that mean god is like that? theres a problem here, either with god or christians. and then, the more i read the bible, the more god sounds like these people. a god who would order his favorite nation to go and slaughter an entire country in his name. a god who would burn down an entire city with fire, and turn the people running from town into salt. the god who wont physically, verbally communicate with christians because his voice is so scary, and so holy and perfect, that we'd just drop dead. and then we have these christians, who look down on the rest of humanity, trying to convert them "because they love them". why did i turn out this way then? something people dont understand is that i didnt just leave god. i fell into an addction, and hung on for a year. each day, morning and night, i cry for help, then i started screaming for help. i would just collpase in the shower, and pray, cry, and beg for help, for mercy. i would sob as i fell asleep. i was only 14! but no help was given, no mercy came, and it just got worse. now, u can blame this on me, and berate me for turning away from god, berate me for coming onto CF and "accusing" christians, but that doesnt help, it never helps. i dont understand.

You seem to focus on God from a negative perspective and primarily from the OT which can be very difficult to understand from modern POV. So, rather than throw a litany of accusations at God from that perspective how about focusing on the NT which is what Christians attempt to live their lives by.....try focusing on one or two questions that cause you the most difficulty. There are some Godly people here who might be able to help you with answers.

 

[Mekros]

You seem to focus on God from a negative perspective and primarily from the OT which can be very difficult to understand from modern POV. So, rather than throw a litany of accusations at God from that perspective how about focusing on the NT which is what Christians attempt to live their lives by.....try focusing on one or two questions that cause you the most difficulty. There are some Godly people here who might be able to help you with answers.

but then wouldnt i just be lying to myself? its like trying to be friends with a murderer, trying to overlook what he does for a living, and he also wont talk to u, instead might send u vague texts at 1:00 in morning. besides, i cant really help the negativity, since im a natural pessismest. i also have a hard time connecting with people. this isnt the only forum ive been on. ive been on multiple. most are still pretty mad at me, because i tend to ask them the questions that they cant or wont answer, and then the accuse me of insulting them for no reason. im litterally only looking for answers, yet ive been doing this for about 6 months now, and not one of them have been answered. besides, from a christian pov, ive heard whole sermons done on the fact that u cant just think of god as the fluffy, fuzzy NT god, because hes the same god in NT as in OT. it makes no sense. and i already know that ive angered a whole lot of people this forum as it is, so if i get deleted, youll know why

 

[civilwarbuff]

but then wouldnt i just be lying to myself? its like trying to be friends with a murderer, trying to overlook what he does for a living, and he also wont talk to u, instead might send u vague texts at 1:00 in morning. besides, i cant really help the negativity, since im a natural pessismest. i also have a hard time connecting with people. this isnt the only forum ive been on. ive been on multiple. most are still pretty mad at me, because i tend to ask them the questions that they cant or wont answer, and then the accuse me of insulting them for no reason. im litterally only looking for answers, yet ive been doing this for about 6 months now, and not one of them have been answered. besides, from a christian pov, ive heard whole sermons done on the fact that u cant just think of god as the fluffy, fuzzy NT god, because hes the same god in NT as in OT. it makes no sense. and i already know that ive angered a whole lot of people this forum as it is, so if i get deleted, youll know why

So, are you saying you have a good grasp of Judaism from its religious, historical, geographical, and political existence? If so, ask away though there is a good chance the answers won't make much sense to you. If you don't have that good grasp baby steps would be better and focus on the NT....especially the 4 gospels......

 

[Mekros]

little backstory, ive been raised in the church entire life. my first preschool was a christian academy. i accepted god into my heart at 8 yrs old in my familys small duplex on a military base. ive asked this question before so here it goes. whats the physical difference between christianity and, lets say, hinduism? christianity started out as a small belief with good intent, and grew over the centuries into a multibillion dollar corp. i honeslty see no difference. i would even go far as to say that people of the muslim faith have a lot more faith than christians. i swear i dont mean this in any disrespceful way, but they do strap bombs to themselves, knowing that theyll be with Allah one day. not that thats right, but thats a whole lot of faith.

 

[civilwarbuff]

whats the physical difference between christianity and, lets say, hinduism

I am not sure what you are asking......'physical difference'.....don't know what you mean here.
BTW if you use the 'reply' button it will help us know who/what you are responding to......

 

[Mike]

christianity started out as a small belief with good intent, and grew over the centuries into a multibillion dollar corp.

A lot of things got bigger and more complex since the time after Christ's resurrection when the Church was born. There are 2017 expenses associated with running a church facility and its ministry. I wouldn't compare the Church as one big corporation. Most are not associated with each other financially. Non-denominational and independent churches have their own budgets they must meet. The pastors' salary doesn't go up and down depending on how much our church takes in. You'd be surprised at the charitable places most churches use financial offerings to support.

Honestly, I think this is the kind of thing people hear and repeat. Our church doesn't press for financial offerings. They stress the importance of giving back to the Lord, regardless of where they give the money to. And they promote other churches in the community, not just their own.

I have to say you came in a little like a bull in a china shop, but I sense that you're being a little more real now. Be real with us, and we'll be real with you. Be honest, and we'll be more honest.

 

[Douglas Summers]

okay, sorry about last night, i got really depressed, and kind of flipped out. i still hold true to everything i said, though. to answer ur question jaybird, atheistic satanism is just that, an atheistic religion, but its not even a religion, more of a frame of mind. satanists readily admit that they dont know the answers. as for the rest of u, and please understand that this is my honest opinion. some of u are pretty decent people, but the majority of christians i talk to, the more it scares me. they treat people who dont conform to their way of thinking, with almost contempt. that scares me, because does that mean god is like that? theres a problem here, either with god or christians. and then, the more i read the bible, the more god sounds like these people. a god who would order his favorite nation to go and slaughter an entire country in his name. a god who would burn down an entire city with fire, and turn the people running from town into salt. the god who wont physically, verbally communicate with christians because his voice is so scary, and so holy and perfect, that we'd just drop dead. and then we have these christians, who look down on the rest of humanity, trying to convert them "because they love them". why did i turn out this way then? something people dont understand is that i didnt just leave god. i fell into an addction, and hung on for a year. each day, morning and night, i cry for help, then i started screaming for help. i would just collpase in the shower, and pray, cry, and beg for help, for mercy. i would sob as i fell asleep. i was only 14! but no help was given, no mercy came, and it just got worse. now, u can blame this on me, and berate me for turning away from god, berate me for coming onto CF and "accusing" christians, but that doesnt help, it never helps. i dont understand.

I have been there (what you wrote above). I would beg in prayer for help. I would ask God why He does not answer my prayers (I was in my teens then). I would ask what I could do to get in His favor with never an answer from God. Even studying the Scriptures was no help (I really did not understand them then). I did not know it at the time, but I was suffering from depression, you can not explain what that is like to people who have never experienced it, but It hinders the spirit of man with our communication with God. It was later on in life that the Lord revealed Himself to me through His Spirit and the Scripture. For all that time, up and till then, I had been trying to justify MYSELF to God and why He should help me. I would ask God for help and then I would live my life the way I wanted to (no fellowship). The reason I had no fellowship and answers from God is that I was not calling on the God in Scripture, but of what I THOUGHT God was. Once I come to know Him, I called upon God of creation.... of the Scriptures. There is much more of how I got there, even vision and personal teachings. If your interested, I will tell you more.

Christ in us
Douglas Summers

 

[Mekros]

A lot of things got bigger and more complex since the time after Christ's resurrection when the Church was born. There are 2017 expenses associated with running a church facility and its ministry. I wouldn't compare the Church as one big corporation. Most are not associated with each other financially. Non-denominational and independent churches have their own budgets they must meet. The pastors' salary doesn't go up and down depending on how much our church takes in. You'd be surprised at the charitable places most churches use financial offerings to support.

Honestly, I think this is the kind of thing people hear and repeat. Our church doesn't press for financial offerings. They stress the importance of giving back to the Lord, regardless of where they give the money to. And they promote other churches in the community, not just their own.

I have to say you came in a little like a bull in a china shop, but I sense that you're being a little more real now. Be real with us, and we'll be real with you. Be honest, and we'll be more honest.

im not spitting out rumors though, im drawing off of personal expierince. i church that i was going to was trying to raise about 300,000 for upgrades to the church and literally spent a two week sermon on how important it was to give to the lord. u know what my sister came up to me and said? shes only twelve, yet she said that the sunday school teachers had been telling them to talk about donating to their parents.

 

[Eugene]

i accepted god into my heart at 8 yrs old

Hi again Mekros, and I did something similar at around ten years old. By the time I went into the Air Force I let them know right up front that I was an atheist. I will say that that was seemingly just a part of my attitude of being against authority, and everything at that time of my life. Sometime later I was asked to attend a special dinner a representing the Air Force with President Eisenhower, his wife, and many generals when President Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack and was returning to Washington. WHAT? I wouldn't eat with that blank-blankity-blank. Well so much for that. and my parents would have been so proud, and come to find out he was one nice guy with the troops.

church that i was going to was trying to raise about 300,000 for upgrades to the church and literally spent a two week sermon on how important it was to give to the lord

I have no idea if you know this but the Church is one body of believers said in scripture to be one Body in Christ (1 Cor 12:20); it is located in different locations such as we read of in Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna, and if you read the judgments of the Church through Revelation Chapters Two & Three they are at different levels of spiritual growth. It appears you were going to a portion of the Church needing correction.

When I can, the assembly I attend has nothing we can join, I have never heard a sermon of giving to raise money; not even bake sales or other ways of normally associated with many, and when you accepted God into your heart you became a child of God and belong to God as having been born of Him. Think that's impossible? I'm here today knowing me to have been most rebellious as a teen, and yet God would not let me go. Sin? There was no limit in my eyes as long as I was satisfied. Dear Mekros, when you accepted God at eight years old your path had just begun, and I personally do not believe you're here today for no good reason. I hope to see you for a long time to come.

 

[Mike]

im not spitting out rumors though, im drawing off of personal expierince. i church that i was going to was trying to raise about 300,000 for upgrades to the church and literally spent a two week sermon on how important it was to give to the lord. u know what my sister came up to me and said? shes only twelve, yet she said that the sunday school teachers had been telling them to talk about donating to their parents.

Keep in mind, churches (with a small c) are earthly organizations run by men who are no less susceptible to sin and poor judgment as you and I. It's unfortunate when someone's only experience is a church that is not allowing itself to be led by the Holy Spirit. In most towns you have good and bad. I believe with all my heart if you gave an honest chance at a Christ-centered church, talked with a leader of that church about your experience, and got involved in a good teen group to be encouraged, you would begin see Truths you never conceived.

I know depression is real, and you'll likely need professional counseling to begin to heal. Christians understand and accept a few key things. There is 1 universal Truth. Two different things cannot both be true. We seek Truth. While God's ways are sometimes impossible to fully understand, this shouldn't be disconcerting or surprising. This is the God who Created the universe, the world, and each of us. I expect and desire a God who exists on an infinitely higher level way beyond my understanding to be my God. If he's perfectly understandable by someone in my place, he wouldn't be much of a god. Our God is much of a God.

 

[dirtfarmer]

little backstory, ive been raised in the church entire life. my first preschool was a christian academy. i accepted god into my heart at 8 yrs old in my familys small duplex on a military base. ive asked this question before so here it goes. whats the physical difference between christianity and, lets say, hinduism? christianity started out as a small belief with good intent, and grew over the centuries into a multibillion dollar corp. i honeslty see no difference. i would even go far as to say that people of the muslim faith have a lot more faith than christians. i swear i dont mean this in any disrespceful way, but they do strap bombs to themselves, knowing that theyll be with Allah one day. not that thats right, but thats a whole lot of faith.

hello Mekros, dirtfarmer here

There is no "physical" difference between Christianity and Hinduism, or any other religion that this world has to offer. No religion has a life lived by it risen savior in it's converts. Belonging to Christ, being born from above, is an organism not an organization as the religions of the world are. Living by faith is different from living by rules of do's and do not's. As believers we know that we are not 'sufficient' within our selves, but it is the one that lives through us that makes a difference. It is not knowing about God, but God knowing us. Our spirit has been separated from that which controls our actions in this world, our soul. The spirit that we have been born with has been separated from our soul and made conscious of God, where by we cry Abba Father.

Church that has 4 walls and a roof with a steeple is an organization that requires a physical joining to the membership. Being a Christ follower has no building of 4 walls and a roof, but is being place into the body of Christ by the Spirit, as determined by God, for the edification of the body.