Christianity is the correct religion

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Timmy

I resisted the temptation to jump into this thread. But today, the flesh is weak.



Other religions spread quite nicely, apparently without the Holy Spirit's help. But would Christianity fizzle without it? Why? Do its arguments make no logical sense? Why doesn't its message, on its own merits, compel people to get on board?

What "other religion" is spreading "nicely?"

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by pelathais

What "other religion" is spreading "nicely?"

I've heard that Islam is growing fast.

[Timmy]

http://fastestgrowingreligion.com/numbers.html

Christianity has the highest number of adherents, just under 2 billion. It also enjoys the highest number of net converts per year (converts in minus converts out), over 25 million per year. But it doesn't have the highest growth rate, as a percentage. The top five annual growth rates:

1. Zoroastrianism 2.65%
2. Bahá'í 2.28%
3. Islam 2.13%
4. Mandeans 2.12%
5. Sikhism 1.87%

Christianity's rate is about 1.36%, compared to the global population growth rate of 1.41%.

These figures are for the decade from 1900-2000. Not sure what more current data would indicate. And I'm not sure what the numbers would do if corrected to reflect true Christians (however you would like to count them), vs "nominal" Christians!

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Timmy

http://fastestgrowingreligion.com/numbers.html

... And I'm not sure what the numbers would do if corrected to reflect true Christians (however you would like to count them), vs "nominal" Christians!

Well, who gets to decide who are "true" Christians and who are not?
Is that like the definition of "true" Apostlics on this site?
a definition that changes from person to person?

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Sam

Well, who gets to decide who are "true" Christians and who are not?

Everyone!

Is that like the definition of "true" Apostlics on this site?
a definition that changes from person to person?

Of course!

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Everyone!



Of course!

That was silly, of course. Not everyone gets to decide who is a real Christian and who is fake (or sub-par, or deceived, or whatever). The real way to do this is to consult the Bible. Everyone who meets its requirements is in. Everyone else is out. Couldn't be simpler!

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Not sure I follow. Does the Christian message make logical sense, or doesn't it?

I believe my point was that it's easy enough to receieve enough academic evidence to accept the existence of an historical Jesus. To believe his claims defy logic. The son of God? Messiah? A dying redeemer?

Great book worth reading: Jesus Among Other Gods. You'd like it, Timmy. Right up your alley.

[Jeffrey]

I believe most consensus that count religions, are those who themselves define what faith they belong to. Easy enough.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

I believe my point was

So, you aren't sure, either?

that it's easy enough to receieve enough academic evidence to accept the existence of an historical Jesus.

Which I do. Why wouldn't I?

To believe his claims defy logic. The son of God? Messiah? A dying redeemer?

That's where your post was fuzzy. You said "Jesus' claims make great logical sense. . . . But to believe what he said defies logic," (emphasis mine). Thanks for clarifying.

Great book worth reading: Jesus Among Other Gods. You'd like it, Timmy. Right up your alley.

Thanks, I may do that.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

I believe most consensus that count religions, are those who themselves define what faith they belong to. Easy enough.

Sure, a poll taker would have no choice but to do that. If you say you're a Christian you count!