From: wvanweer@wsuaix.csc.wsu.edu (Wayne VanWeerthuizen)
Subject: Re: The Bible
Organization: Washington State University
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 92 22:28:47 GMT

In article <23299@goofy.Apple.COM> ksand@apple.com (Kent Sandvik) writes:
>In article <1992Apr13.141226.7171@serval.net.wsu.edu>,
>wvanweer@wsuaix.csc.wsu.edu (Wayne VanWeerthuizen) writes:
>> In article <22820@goofy.Apple.COM> ksand@apple.com (Kent Sandvik) writes:
>
>> >Could you explain why I have a great time just now, and no religious
>> >needs?
>> But, Biblically, we are to worship God because it is right.  Not for any
>> other reason.
> 
>> I'm a Christian because I believe it to be right.  Regardless of whether
>> Christianity is or isn't true.  I'm a Christian because I believe it is.
>> Not for any other reason.
>
>I think we then agree that there's no need to do any missionary work
>amongst people, because they should *personally* think that Christianity
>is right or not. Isn't that the case, or didn't Jesus himself state
>that his disciples need to evangelize and convert people (i.e. they
>have to be *converted*).

First, I'm much at fault for not saying what I meant to in my original
comments.  For one I created an ambiguity with the word right, using it
both in the sence of 'good and proper' and in the sense of 'true, correct.'
This was gross error on my part.

Here is the above segment corrected, albeit a bit redundant and obvious in
parts.  Also, slightly expanded.
-----------------
But, Biblically, we are to worship God, because it owed to him.  Not for
any other reason.  He may bestoy blessings, but he is to be worshipped
a prioi.

Now, I'm a Christian because I believe it's doctrine to be true.  There
I give God the praise I believe is due to him.  I may be wrong in my
judgement, that doesn't negate the judgement being my motive.  Even
my sole motive.

Contrary to the sayings of certain people 'selling' Christianity,
according to scripture people can live a life without God, and  
without having some 'inner void' needing God to fill it.  What the
Bible says it that it is has been clearly shown in all creation
that God is owed our worship.  So people are held responcible for
denying this.  It says that denying God is bad for people when 
God finally judges them, but NOT that they must experience ill
effect in the mean time.
---------------
Now, I hope this cleared things up.  But, just in case, I'll make
some quick comments on your point.

I believe special relativity is true also.  That still doesn't mean
people will believe it without being taught.  No, I still take time
to explain relativity to friends at school.  
 [In all seriousness, btw.   I AM a physics major.]

Same with Christ's doctrine.  Many won't understand it until taught.

-------
Footnote: I do NOT plan to defend the claim God's Word makes about
      his glory being obvious.   This is not to say I don't feel it's
      defendable.

Final Question:
     Does 'personally' in you quote not simply mean 'each.'
     Why the emphasis on it?


-- 
Wayne VanWeerthuizen | wvanweer@wsuaix.csc.wsu.edu | Christian, X-trinitarian
205 Scott Hall       | (509) 335-1835 (voice)      | Physics ugrad, 21yrs old
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