The internet can really be spiritually dangerous.

[Orion]

You know, the internet, and what is posted on it, can really be dangerous to someone who is questioning their faith, or even just looking at the possibility of spiritualism. This morning, I spent a good amount of time viewing some pretty devastating [to organized religion] things that could even make a strong believer give a second thought. Some stuff is obviously wrong and can be easily taken as a weak attempt at slamming faith, . . . but then there ARE some that make a pretty darn good point. I won't post any of them here. . . . . It's probably against the rules, but more so, it could cause someone to question their faith, and that isn't my place to do.

What have you see on the internet that is along these lines?

 

[Quath]

I think it is dangerous if any information is not skeptically received. I always try to find a website that "disputes" such information. Then I weigh out the arguments and try to decide which one makes the most compelling arguments. This is the tough step where you have to fight hard to remove personal bias.

 

[Orion]

But when that same information is making a very good point, . . . . a point, mind you, that completely trashes the belief you have been in since your parents took you to church (which was from birth), then you are left at a very uncomfortable "crossroads" of what appears to be rather truthful in it's boldness, and what may damn you to hell for even considering THAT take on it. :-?

 

[Vic C.]

But when that same information is making a very good point, . . . . a point, mind you, that completely trashes the belief you have been in since your parents took you to church (which was from birth), then you are left at a very uncomfortable "crossroads" of what appears to be rather truthful in it's boldness, and what may damn you to hell for even considering THAT take on it.

Faith is trust. Belief is another matter. For instance; What I have learned about Jesus' birth and crucifixion changed some beliefs, but didn't affect my faith in a negative way. After all, it isn't God who ever errs in correct doctrine and belief... ;-)

 

[Orion]

I see faith and belief as about the same thing, actually. What did you learn about Jesus' birth and crucifixion that changed some beliefs and did you learn them online? What were they before and now?

 

[Vic C.]

I see faith and belief as about the same thing, actually. What did you learn about Jesus' birth and crucifixion that changed some beliefs and did you learn them online? What were they before and now?

I knew for a while that HE wasn't born on the 25th. of Dec. Online research and studying helped me settle on a time of year that is based on scriptural evidence. I don't celebrate Good Friday for the same reasons. Through some research, studying the word and praying, I'm comfortable with the belief that it may have actually been a Wednesday.

I won't elaborate now, but stayed tuned... these subjects will rear their heads again soon enough. They always do. I can point you to threads where we have discussed them in the past, if you want.

 

[Orion]

If they're not big threads. I may not be so inclined to read them if there are a lot of pages. :wink:

 

[Featherbop]

I would say that no matter where you look, there is plenty of information that shows the errors of faith/belief. The media is used both for people who minister to those who hold to a faith, and for people who spread reason. Not just the internet by any means. Ultimately though, if one has a faith, evidence will either not matter because the person will not change despite the evidence against the beliefs, or the person will adapt their faith to the evidence. This has happened plenty in the evolution/creation conflicts.

I was a christian for quite sometime, and have only just recently realized I had no reason for what I believed in. Even though the "spiritually dangerous" internet and other things were there and I used them, it was only after I removed the shackles of faith that I realized there was so much information and evidence that contradicted my worldview that I didn't ever even see. I was blind. Only after removing the blindfold did I see things I did not want to see before.

So I would say how "spiritually dangerous" something is depends on the person. Some will always ignore evidence that contradicts their faith. Some will adapt their faith. Some will throw away or lose their faith.

 

[Orion]

Some of what I saw wasn't necessarily "evidence against it". It was stuff taken right from it and presented in a new light.

That's all I'll say, again, since I don't want to influence someone elses faith.

 

[Veritas]

eh... there is alot in the world that is spiritually dangerous.

I actually really enjoy reading all the criticisms, faults, and errors that people find pertaining to Jesus and what He has done for us.

By knowing the "problems" inside and out I can find the best answers and be a better witness to those without the Truth and to those with questions.

So... I don't mind if ya post them. ....as long as its not nasty and vulgar or something.

 

[Orion]

And that SAME internet can scare the living craaauuud out of you. Saw some YouTube videos of a few satanists. Ridiculous statements, vulgar imagery, evil imagery, . . . hailing satan, . . . . it makes you want to remain a Christian, especially if that was the alternative!!! :o

 

[Quath]

Satanism is just one of the millions of alternatives to Christianity. It is just a different belief system. I have met a few Satanists and they are just about as varied as Christians are in their beliefs.

Some are just anti-Christian. They just want to do the opposite of Christianity. This is usually because of the abuses they see Christianity inflicting upon the world. Some believe in a real Satan and some just use him as a metaphor.

Another group is the rebellious youth. These are people who want to try something cool and taboo. I think this has become the Goth scene.

Another group are those that oppose the turn the other philosophy. They believe that you have to fight fire with fire and vengence with vengence.

Another group believes that Satan is like Prometheus or the savior of humanity against the indifference of God/Zeus. They tend to think of the Bible as the biased version from the perspective of Zeus.

 

[Veritas]

Satanism is just one of the millions of alternatives to Christianity. It is just a different belief system.

And just like all alternatives to Christ, they are wrong... they are a lie.

 

[Orion]

Yeah, I talked to one who called herself a satanicwitch and she said that she sees satan as a symbolic archetype. Thing is, . . . what IS that archetype, really? If it is the Christian satan, that being is absolute evil. I don't know why anyone would want to associate themselves with the concept of "absolute evil", . . IF that is the characterization they are talking about. But I wasn't really worried about this girl. She wasn't all that worrisome. One video I saw, I wouldn't want to meet this guy in a dark alley!!