Why would someone want to become a Christian?

[Solja247]

So here is my question...Why would someone in their right mind become a Christian?

Most Christians arent happier or healthier than Non-Christans.

There is no benefits of being a Christian.

If a non-Christian was to have ever read their Bible, they would know more about the Bible than a lot of Christians (unfortunately this is very much true)

There isnt even a sense of community in most churches (not all)

A lot of churches are just back stabbers, if you dont fit in.

So now after all this why would some one become a Christian?

Please dont put this in Seeker's of Christ or Christian debates...Thanks.

[Zme]

Because it's true?
And it's better to endure whatever persecution and so forth happens in this world for eternal life in the next.

[Solja247]

Because it's true?[/b]

Why isnt Buddhism true?

And it's better to endure whatever persecution and so forth happens in this world for eternal life in the next.[/b]

Yet you have no guarantee of this, its an assumption.

Why would someone want to become a Christian, for the assumption, no guarantee that their is eternal life?

[Zme]

Why isnt Buddhism true?[/b]

The claims of Buddhism are so vague they might as well count for nothing. However, Christianity is inextricably bound to history; it is true only if the history proves it to be true. Since the historicity of Christ's existence, death and resurrection is comprehensive, Christianity is true.

Yet you have no guarantee of this, its an assumption.

Why would someone want to become a Christian, for the assumption, no guarantee that their is eternal life?[/b]

It's not an assumption for the above reason.

[Yoda]

First off:

Originally posted by Solja
Please dont put this in Seeker's of Christ or Christian debates...Thanks.

Threads in the generic debates section have to be religiously neutral. This is not.

Don't you believe in God? If so, this thread would be suited in Christian debates. Otherwise, SOC. Why don't you want it in either of those sections? While being here, it breaks the rules. So if you don't in your next post specify one of those destinations, the thread will have to be closed unfortunately...

Specifically:

http://www.christianteenforums.com/Debates...nes-t34404.html

Originally posted by Debate Rules+-->

ALL debates must be based on Christian values or be purely non-religious.
I'll clarify that for you. This means no debates on whether the Christian faith is true or not... Everyone here debating should be a Christian debating on issues in the Christian faith. The part of non-religious means something dumb like Choclate vs Vanilla or something stupid like that... or Ford vs Chevy... ya know stuff that doesn't really portain to Christianity. All topics not on this will be closed within the hour of this post.

The above is one from the archives, but is still to be applied and can be found here. Thanks for reading.

~Peter[/b]

Since I'm not closing the thread with this post though, I believe I'm allowed to continue answering the rest of your topic.

Hence:

<!--QuoteBegin-Solja
So here is my question...Why would someone in their right mind become a Christian?

Most Christians arent happier or healthier than Non-Christans.

Sadly, this mentality is an unfortunate consequence of the society (and church) of today. In reality, what matters is whether Christianity is true or not. What you've said is equivalent of someone saying "Most people who believe there are only 9 planets in our galaxy are actually happier and healthier than most people who believe there are 10. Therefore why should anyone believe there are 10 planets?" Would you accept that reasoning? God doesn't promise to make you happier or healthier in this life, so your "point" is irrelevant.

Originally posted by Solja
There is no benefits of being a Christian.

If it is true, then there is a lot of "benefit" to being a Christian. And even if there wasn't, surely our beliefs should be founded in reality rather than appeal.

Originally posted by Solja+-->

If a non-Christian was to have ever read their Bible, they would know more about the Bible than a lot of Christians (unfortunately this is very much true)[/b]

What does this prove? Theological ignorance is common among both believers and nonbelievers - and the lack of knowledge from both camps has been disastrous. Seriously, apart from myself, I only know of one other person IRL who has actually read the Bible!

Originally posted by Solja@
There isnt even a sense of community in most churches (not all)

A lot of churches are just back stabbers, if you dont fit in.

So now after all this why would some one become a Christian?

Well then the problem is with churches, not with Christianity. Go and find a different church if you want to.

<!--QuoteBegin-Solja
Why isnt Buddhism true?

We know Christianity is true because of the evidence for it - take this article for instance (may require free registration);

http://www.reasonablefaith.org/site/News2?...cle&id=5507

[Solja247]

The claims of Buddhism are so vague they might as well count for nothing. However, Christianity is inextricably bound to history; it is true only if the history proves it to be true. Since the historicity of Christ's existence, death and resurrection is comprehensive, Christianity is true.[/b]

Christianity has had a bloody past. We think Muslims are bad, they have nothing on us yet. You assume He resurrected, Jews assume He died, Muslims assume God saved from the cross... whos right?

Don't you believe in God? If so, this thread would be suited in Christian debates. Otherwise, SOC. Why don't you want it in either of those sections? While being here, it breaks the rules. So if you don't in your next post specify one of those destinations, the thread will have to be closed unfortunately...[/b]

Ok I just wanted atheist and non-christians to be able to have input. Please put it in the Christian debates.

Sadly, this mentality is an unfortunate consequence of the society (and church) of today. In reality, what matters is whether Christianity is true or not. What you've said is equivalent of someone saying "Most people who believe there are only 9 planets in our galaxy are actually happier and healthier than most people who believe there are 10. Therefore why should anyone believe there are 10 planets?" Would you accept that reasoning? God doesn't promise to make you happier or healthier in this life, so your "point" is irrelevant.[/b]

No i dont agree with the reasoning. But God does make us healthier and happier...I met this preacher at a Christian Camp and he was just always smiling...it wasnt drugs. But other than that, the message Christians give out SHOULD help people, it should MAKE them healthy and MAKE them happy. I dont see how God hasnt given every Christian health? (Sure some people are born with problems) But its about healthy living is instructed in the Bible. Health and happiness can bring people in. Why would I go to a church where all the good faithful members smoke when I worry about my health?

If it is true, then there is a lot of "benefit" to being a Christian. And even if there wasn't, surely our beliefs should be founded in reality rather than appeal.[/b]

Yes fair enough looking at objectively but when someone walks into church their first time they dont look at the logical side, they look at their benefits, Am i going to like it here? Am I going to find friends? if neither of those two questions are answered there are out, they dont care, they have better things do with their time.

What does this prove? Theological ignorance is common among both believers and nonbelievers - and the lack of knowledge from both camps has been disastrous. Seriously, apart from myself, I only know of one other person IRL who has actually read the Bible![/b]

People go, 'Why is Christianity dying in the West?' Are you seriously that stupid? (Im not saying you are Yoda) The church is dying because mose people would be able to jump to Daniel in their Bible or tell people anything about what they believe.

Well then the problem is with churches, not with Christianity. Go and find a different church if you want to.[/b]

But the churches represent Jesus, Christianity. Why would someone go back to Christianity after being treated like a dog?

We know Christianity is true because of the evidence for it - take this article for instance (may require free registration);[/b]

I am asking questions to get answers, I know Buddhism isnt the true religion

Some people may be thinking, I thought you were Christian, what is the go with this. In the West Christianity is dying, we need to each individually ask ourselves this question, why would some want to become a Christian...I will post my Biblical post 2moz...

[Zme]

Christianity has had a bloody past. We think Muslims are bad, they have nothing on us yet. You assume He resurrected, Jews assume He died, Muslims assume God saved from the cross... whos right?[/b]

No, I really don't think you understand. It isn't about me 'assuming' anything. Christianity is hostage to history; if history contradicts it, it ain't true. There is enough evidence, both Biblical and non-Biblical, to back up the truth of Christianity. I could type it out for you, but I'm kinda busy and I also don't think that's the purpose of this thread.
What I'm saying is though - Christianity is historically verifiable. That isn't true (as far as I'm aware) for Islam, Hinduism, etc.

[Soli Deo Gloria]

As a Calvinist, I propose no one wants to become a Christian unless God works in their heart in such a way, and if He does that, then He will regenerate them.

The primary problem I have is that you're making Christianity into a club you sign up for and not a lifestyle of repentance and sanctification.

[ilovejesusxoxo]

Someone would want to become a christian, because it's the only religion that gives you a Savior who saves you from sin and death. It's the only religion where God actually takes on a human form, steps down from his throne into darkness, becomes one of us, intereacts with us, to save us. It's the only religion that stresses God's love, mercy, grace and forgiveness for all who ask it. It offers not just rules and regulations but a personal intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Christianity also is the only religion where you do not have to save yourself --in fact it stresses that you can't, (Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8)because we are saved by the belief in the already completed work of Jesus Christ.

[mpok1519]

But, biblically, the earths history is only six thousand years which we know for a fact to not be true. Sooooo it's hard to say any religion is true when there are holes and gaps and flaws within a wide division of thefaith itself.