Instigator / Pro
8
1363
rating
13
debates
3.85%
won
Topic
#2421

Christianity is not a religion.

Status
Finished

The debate is finished. The distribution of the voting points and the winner are presented below.

Winner & statistics
Better arguments
0
9
Better sources
4
6
Better legibility
2
3
Better conduct
2
2

After 3 votes and with 12 points ahead, the winner is...

JRob
Parameters
Publication date
Last updated date
Type
Standard
Number of rounds
5
Time for argument
One day
Max argument characters
10,000
Voting period
One week
Point system
Multiple criterions
Voting system
Open
Contender / Con
20
1523
rating
2
debates
100.0%
won
Description

As a new-ish Christian but long time student of the various topics related to Christian theology, I find a disproportionate number of arguments against a false version of Christianity. Perpetrated by a large number of people professing to be Christians. Yet many of these claims of why religion is bad, the terrible things that have been done in the name of Christianity, and a shallow understanding of the faith with the name branding of Christian without the knowledge of what that means that are brought up in debate against Christians are the same things recorded in the New Testament that Jesus said were wrong and not what He intended or meant.

In addition there are stark differences between Christianity and the other religions I'm more familiar with. One's which are shared in entirety by these other religions. At what point is it then fair to say the it's no longer applicable to call Christianity a religion? The true version at the very least.

Why i think this is worth bringing up? Religions have caused utterly terrible things. Furthmore, id argue under my proposed definiton, most of the religions doing the heaviest damage have a system where man seeks God. Where man needs to do something to get to God. This is not only not Christianity, but often is used by people, via the excuse of enforcement of the religions tenants, who are in power positions of the religion to try to keep power, get more power, and abuse their power over others. Again, nothing consistent with what's in the Bible and specifically called out as wrong by Jesus.

I used max rounds to give a few for level setting.

So the main point is when people say things in these discussions like look at what has resulted from religion and names all kinds of terrible acts and deeds done through history, or bring up the legalistic image based stereotypical "religious" person, that these ideas and things are in direct contrast to Christianity. And if that what's being used then Christianity most certainly is not. Thay said, you all have a point. Perhaps a more fair title would be Christianity is not a religion, per the colloquial definiton of religion? I just don't think it's fair to equate Christianity with things that Jesus literally rallied against.

For example. In more than one debate I've seen the quote from Richard Dawkins brought up, in the context of applying to Christianity, where he says that forcing a religion on your child is akin to child abuse.

The problem. You can't force someone to love someone. A Christian is called to love God and love neighbor. You can't force someone to believe something. A Christian is called to believe in the diety of Christ and their being a sinner. I can go on. What's more, that quote is usually used in conjuction with my reference to the colloquial definition above. I think this is unfair and wish we could all at least be on the same page about what is and isn't Christianity and the way of life preached by Christ. Not that I claim to have every answer. Far from it. But the Bible is clear on the core tenants of Christianity. No interpretation required. I legitimately want to have these conversations, but there's no sense if we're not able to start from the same understanding. Then, they often simply turn out to be very unfruitful. And what a shame given the gift we have to be able to converse in this fashion.

Babylon Bee: Jesus Surprised to Learn Christianity Not a Religion
https://babylonbee.com/news/jesus-surprised-to-learn-christianity-not-a-religion/

Dis guy posted “your definition of Christianity is incorrect” then this.

Just noticed your definition in the debates tab - unsure if you just updated that recently or if I missed it.

If it's the latter, apologies - but I've accepted the debate and look forward to our discussion.

Semantics. "Proposed definition", please.

This debate definitely needs a definition for religion in the description to be pre-agreed with acceptable of the debate challenge.