Stoning vs Beheading

[Atwood]

I had an interesting conversation with a lady today in relation to Christianity's form of punishment from the OT (stoning) and Muslim's form of punishment (beheading). She had no understanding of Christianity and how either one of these punishments were justified enough to put someone to death. She then continued to explain how both religions were just as bad as the other if they both teach to murder. As a Christian how would you explain to someone who is non religious, who does not understand the difference between the two punishments and how they compare?

Christianity?
There are a number of distinct systems in the Bible. There is the Garden of Eden, there is the antediluvian world, there is the world after the flood, there is the Law of Moses, there are the teachings of the earthly Lord Jesus, and there are letters written to the Church founded on Pentecost.

The Church has no duty whatsoever in executing murderers by any means. The government has been given that responsibility. After the flood man was given the duty of executing murderers. Under the Law of Moses a number of crimes had the death penalty. One way of executing criminals was stoning under the Law of Moses for Israel. I suppose that while it seems cruel, it gave the criminal a little time to repent & trust YHWH for salvation leading to eternal life. Where does the Bible call "the Law of Moses" Christianity? The Law of Moses is not the system of behavior prescribed for the Church.

Executing criminals is not murder. Murder is essentially hating someone and taking their life with forethought (as opposed to being careless as in driving too fast).

The Brits came up with a number of ways to execute, including drawing & quartering. The old chopping block was used, along with burning, and hanging. This has nothing to do with Christianity in the Church.

The current Islamist method of chopping off the heads even of children and persons who did no crime against them whatever, is an abomination, a horse of a different color altogether. Certainly Christians have no mandate to kill persons who refuse to convert.

The comparison is absurd.

 

[Atwood]

The Lord Jesus did not repeal any part of the Law of Moses. He did not repeal EYE FOR EYE & TOOTH FOR TOOTH.

He endorsed every jot & tittle of the Law of Moses, adding teaching to it however, in the context of the proclamation of the imminent King of God.

In the Sermon on the Mount, he did deny the validity of "Ye have heard it was said by them of old . . . blah blah." That is taking issue not with the Law of Moses, but with the (oral) tradition which the Pharisees followed in preference to the Word of God in the OT. It is not the Law of Moses repealed, but the Pharisaic distortion of that Law. Eye for eye might be used to excuse personal vengeance (though the OT forbids vengeance).

Eye for eye was a very fair law in the Law of Moses, which also allowed for a monetary settlement if the victim would accept it. Our modern prison system is an abomination foreign to the Law of Moses. There are no prisons under Moses. But we idiots have prisons & give criminals free room & board, utilities, entertainment, and medical treatment. The taxpayer is punished for the crime at a very high cost.


The Lord never waved capital punishment. However, under the OT system, it was possible upon repentance to get forgiveness (as in David's case, though David was chastised sorely).


John 5, and Luke 6 do not wave capital punishment. Alice in Wonderland!

John 8's story of the woman taken in adultery is an apocryphal addition not part of the original. It never happened, & its theory is wrong.

 

[Atwood]

><>t<><

I learned a lesson decades ago from my elderly Pastor that corrected my witnessing to unbelievers. YES you certainly tell them the whole truth, HOWEVER there is secret to learning how to deliver it. One Sunday morning after my Pastor had seen me witnessing to an unbeliever during the week, he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into his Office and said, "I have one thing to say to you. Keep it Simple stupid, you were going clean over his head." NO, you do not water it down, but YES, you keep it Simple.

What business does a pastor having in grabbing someone in the arm & then judging what someone says as "Keep it Simple stupid." I think that was a clear violation of the commandment vs calling someone a fool -- abusive language. It sounds to me like arrogant flesh. It sounds also to me like he assaulted you.

 

[jeff_peacemkr]

nah.... not even close ! the modern use of terms like 'abuse' and arrogant and assault and so on are carnal.......

compare how jesus was treated, then later paul was treated, and the other disciples : >

EXEC - Essene Nazarean Church of Mount Carmel
Obviously, the Essenes, as we have mentioned earlier, were fully aware that the Sadducean penalty included hanging an individual alive on the tree.essene.com/History&Essenes/Exec.htm

. Much of the time we don’t have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, “God bless you.” When they spread rumors about us, we put in a good word for them. We’re treated like garbage, potato peelings from the culture’s kitchen. And it’s not getting any better.

and jesus said the student is not above his teacher -
to take on the same mind as jesus- accept suffering without complaint.

and in particular, not to take other believers to court..... etc et al (i.e. don't do like pagans do being litigious or self-protecting)

 

[jeff_peacemkr]

but DO speak out loud against abortion - the murder of unborn life ..... which is more prevalent now than death by anything else..... and so the world is condemned, along with those who go along with it......

 

[pastac]

This is why so many people get off track on cc and I am sure in life all the theological mumbo jumbo for something simple!!! The op was about a unbeliever set in their ways and how to make some headway into delivering some sensible truth to a person who already deems the information foolishness and false. All the rest of the theological high flaunting advice means nothing today that woman is still an unbeliever! and the op has no better grasp on what to do than with the original post because all the back seat pastors have given so much lofty advice that would make most people run away and not be drawn because of so many words and no wisdom with them. Ignorance of Gods word is clear on several fronts and giving dissertations to the unbelievers shows just that!
pastac

 

[pastac]

I did not say TRY TO KICK THE DOORS OPEN, did I?

I said I will ALWAYS tell EVERYONE WHO ASKS, the WHOLE TRUTH.

I do not water down the Word of GOD, because easy believism thinks it should be watered down and sugar coated.

Easy Believism, preaches a Love ONLY Doctrine, which is a FALSE GOSPEL and FALSE DOCTRINE.

Yes, I was Volunteer Protestant Chaplain, in the super max prison that is the end of the line in the California Dept. of Corrections. I do not believe in Scalp Hunting, like many TV Preachers do; so I have no idea of exactly how many that I had the joy and privilege to help led them to receive JESUS CHRIST as LORD, meaning MASTER. Every one was told about BOTH the LOVE OF GOD, and the WRATH of GOD, including the REALITY of the Lake of Fire being the LITERAL Eternal Torment in HELL, that Jesus Christ warned about. My guess is that many more become TRULY BORN AGAIN from Teaching the WHOLE COUNSEL of GOD, than teaching a watered down, love only False GOSPEL.

Apparently you have a major misunderstanding of what casting pearls before swine is.

It has absolutely NOTHING to do with making people accountable for the Truth, and
NOTHING to do with hiding the Truth about GOD's Wrath from them until they accept Jesus;
and then telling them the Rest. THAT is a Psuedo Christian CULT tactic, called bait and switch.

When one has repeatedly rejected the TRUTH, you don't continue to share the Wisdom of GOD with him to give Him more opportunities to trample it underfoot; because that is when it becomes casting pearls before swine.


2 Corinthians 13:2-3 (NIV)
[SUP]2 [/SUP] I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,
[SUP]3 [/SUP] since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

Titus 3:10-11 (HCSB)
[SUP]10 [/SUP] Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning,
[SUP]11 [/SUP] knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.

Jude 1:5 (ESV)
[SUP]5 [/SUP] Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.

Luke 13:3 (NIV)
[SUP]3 [/SUP] I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.


NOW, that should be clear enough, that we tell them about BOTH the LOVE of GOD and the WRATH of GOD, at least twice before we give up on them and refrain from saying more to them, for THAT is WHEN, and not sooner, it becomes casting pearls before swine.

You have left me speechless with your dissertation on what you think you know. Since it is clear to you and whoever agrees with your assessments I hope you win more souls to the kingdom. Note tossing around scripture to a babe will not assist that babe if the babe has a very low tolerance for milk already chewing up meat and feeding it to them will still cause heartburn and indigestion!!!
You are accountable to the truth as a believer unbelievers are not accountable for the truth for they are under deception and truth is their enemy until such a time as the make a decision to be freed from delusion and deception and we do that with a lot of wisdom and a few words.
pastac

 

[pastac]

Since when are we not to tell Unbelievers the Truth?

Since when are we supposed tell Unbelievers a watered down half Truth, (making it a lie), just to make it more palatable to them?

I am sorry, but I will always declare the whole council of GOD to anyone who asks.

Acts 20:27 (NKJV)
[SUP]27 [/SUP] For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

I can tell a man his breath stinks, i can tell that same man his breath has a terrible odor,i can insist he takes a piece of mint or gum for he needs it.All true but how i say what i say will only get the desired result.!
pastac

 

[Gandalf]

I had an interesting conversation with a lady today in relation to Christianity's form of punishment from the OT (stoning) and Muslim's form of punishment (beheading).

She had no understanding of Christianity and how either one of these punishments were justified enough to put someone to death.
She then continued to explain how both religions were just as bad as the other if they both teach to murder.

As a Christian how would you explain to someone who is non religious, who does not understand the difference between the two punishments and how they compare?

I am registered with another forum with lots of atheist on there. These people are so thick skinned and they will not listen to any logic. The Bible says we will fall away into our own evil desires without God in our lives and it is clear to see with worldly people. They will question God and His motives and then give you the old line of “why would an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God allow sin?”.

Free will is a mystery to them…

 

[VCO]

What business does a pastor having in grabbing someone in the arm & then judging what someone says as "Keep it Simple stupid." I think that was a clear violation of the commandment vs calling someone a fool -- abusive language. It sounds to me like arrogant flesh. It sounds also to me like he assaulted you.

><>t<><

NO, YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

He and I were very close friends, and I certainly took no offense to what he said.

I had an immense amount of respect for him, AND HE WAS LOVED BY ALL THE MEMBERS.

You had to have been there, to appreciate his old fashioned style of Love and discipline.

His teaching style was very similar to Dr. John MacArthur's, but unlike Dr. MacArthur,

I considered Pastor Neil a spiritual Grandfather, because he had wisdom that was way

beyond his Education. He had wisdom that only comes from MANY YEARS of LIVING THE WORD.

The lesson was received GRACIOUSLY, and it brings a smile to my face every time I remember it.

From what you said, I take it that you have never had that kind of Love for a Pastor and his Teaching.

How Sad!

 

[VCO]

I can tell a man his breath stinks, i can tell that same man his breath has a terrible odor,i can insist he takes a piece of mint or gum for he needs it.All true but how i say what i say will only get the desired result.!
pastac

Take a lesson from Jesus, it appears you have learned the easy believism false watered down way.

You are not the one that will MAKE HIM BELIEVE. THAT is the job of the HOLY SPIRIT. You are but the Sower of the Seed, and you have not Sowed the true Gospel unless you Tell them BOTH about the LOVE OF GOD, and WARN THEM ABOUT HIS WRATH.

Mark 1:15 (HCSB)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!”

Mark 6:12 (ISV)
[SUP]12 [/SUP] So they went and preached that people should repent. {If you do NOT make them aware of what SIN IS, how will they ever come to the conclusion that they NEED TO REPENT.}

Luke 13:5 (ASV)
[SUP]5 [/SUP] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 8:22 (HCSB)
[SUP]22 [/SUP] Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Matthew 25:40-46 (HCSB)
[SUP]40 [/SUP] “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
[SUP]41 [/SUP] Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels!
[SUP]42 [/SUP] For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink;
[SUP]43 [/SUP] I was a stranger and you didn’t take Me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of Me.’
[SUP]44 [/SUP] “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’
[SUP]45 [/SUP] “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’
[SUP]46 [/SUP] “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 13:37-43 (NKJV)
[SUP]37 [/SUP] He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
[SUP]38 [/SUP] The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
[SUP]39 [/SUP] The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
[SUP]40 [/SUP] Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
[SUP]41 [/SUP] The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
[SUP]42 [/SUP] and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[SUP]43 [/SUP] Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Now since JESUS did not withhold Warnings about GOD WRATH on the wicked who refuse to believe in HIM; where on earth do you get the idea that your easy believism idea of leaving the warning about God's coming Wrath out is a BETTER PLAN, than the ONE OUR LORD USED?

You lead them to like Jesus.

WHERE DOES IT SAY IF THEY LIKE JESUS, THEY ARE SAVED?

I lead them to Revere (Fear) HIM, Submit to HIM willingly as MASTER, and most important of all TO GENUINELY LOVE HIM, forever establishing an inner personal LOVE relationship with HIM.

John 14:15 (HCSB)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.

1 John 2:4 (HCSB)
[SUP]4 [/SUP] The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn't keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Easy Believism is a False Gospel and False Doctrine that is LEADING MANY to think they are Saved when they are only on the Broad Road to Destruction.

Matthew 10:28 (HCSB)
[SUP]28 [/SUP] Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

 

[VCO]

You have left me speechless with your dissertation on what you think you know. Since it is clear to you and whoever agrees with your assessments I hope you win more souls to the kingdom. Note tossing around scripture to a babe will not assist that babe if the babe has a very low tolerance for milk already chewing up meat and feeding it to them will still cause heartburn and indigestion!!!
You are accountable to the truth as a believer unbelievers are not accountable for the truth for they are under deception and truth is their enemy until such a time as the make a decision to be freed from delusion and deception and we do that with a lot of wisdom and a few words.
pastac

><>t<><

Is that why it bothers you to be shown what the Scriptures actually say?

1 Peter 3:15 (HCSB)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

The original post stated the unbeliever was looking for an explanation of the difference between stoning in the Bible and the Beheadings carried on by ISIS, in other words SHE ASKED, therefore giving her the Scriptures, is what GOD WANTS us to do.

I have found that when People Ask, they want a STRAIGHT ANSWER; not some wishy washy evasive response, guaranteed to gain little respect.

Ephesians 6:18-19 (ESV)
[SUP]18 [/SUP] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, claim the mystery
[SUP]19 [/SUP] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

Acts 4:13 (GW)
[SUP]13 [/SUP] After they found out that Peter and John had no education or special training, they were surprised to see how boldly they spoke. They realized that these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 9:28 (GW)
[SUP]28 [/SUP] Then Saul went throughout Jerusalem with the disciples. He spoke boldly with the power and authority of the Lord.

Acts 4:31 (NIV)
[SUP]31 [/SUP] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 19:8 (NIV)
[SUP]8 [/SUP] Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.


Have you EVER spoke the word of GOD boldly, or have you always watered it down?

 

[Utah]

Not sure if anyone said this (I have to leave and don't have time to read all the posts right now) but Christians didn't stone people, Hebrews did. Maybe I'm wrong, not sure.

 

[jb]

Stoning vs Beheading

Neither, thank you very much!

I'm a bit squeamish at the sight of blood!

 

[VCO]

What business does a pastor having in grabbing someone in the arm & then judging what someone says as "Keep it Simple stupid." I think that was a clear violation of the commandment vs calling someone a fool -- abusive language. It sounds to me like arrogant flesh. It sounds also to me like he assaulted you.

Apparently that acronym was not used much where you grew up, but it was a common expression where I grew up in the mid-west. "Keep it Simple stupid" means: Be smart enough to make it understandable to everyone.

Here is the origin of the expression, and it is linked to the planning of the SR-71 Blackbird.

KISS

is an acronym for the design principle "Keep it simple, Stupid!". Other variations include "keep it short and simple" or "keep it simple and straightforward". The KISS principle states that simplicity should be a key goal in design, and that unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
.
.

Related concepts

The acronym was first coined by Kelly Johnson, lead engineer at the Lockheed Skunk Works (creators of the Lockheed U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird spy planes, among many others).


While popular usage translates it as 'Keep it simple, stupid', Johnson translated it as 'Keep it simple stupid', and this reading is still used by many authors. There was no implicit meaning that an engineer was stupid; just the opposite.
KISS principle

THAT IS ONE QUOTE, but a glitch is changing it to three.

 

[VCO]

Neither, thank you very much!

I'm a bit squeamish at the sight of blood!

I agree, but what ever happened to the simplicity of a rope, trap door, and a hood?

When they had Public hangings within three days of the trial that convicted them, those certainly were a real deterrent.

Now after two or three decades of appeals after appeals, when just about everyone except the victim's family has forgotten about the murder, they finally strap him to a table out of sight and give him his last big overdose fix. And if everything goes right, he dies peacefully almost like he is enjoying the trip. Effectively erasing any trace of a deterrent.

Somehow, I doubt if that is really making the punishment fit the crime.

 

[VCO]

Christianity?
There are a number of distinct systems in the Bible. There is the Garden of Eden, there is the antediluvian world, there is the world after the flood, there is the Law of Moses, there are the teachings of the earthly Lord Jesus, and there are letters written to the Church founded on Pentecost.

The Church has no duty whatsoever in executing murderers by any means. The government has been given that responsibility. After the flood man was given the duty of executing murderers. Under the Law of Moses a number of crimes had the death penalty. One way of executing criminals was stoning under the Law of Moses for Israel. I suppose that while it seems cruel, it gave the criminal a little time to repent & trust YHWH for salvation leading to eternal life. Where does the Bible call "the Law of Moses" Christianity? The Law of Moses is not the system of behavior prescribed for the Church.

Executing criminals is not murder. Murder is essentially hating someone and taking their life with forethought (as opposed to being careless as in driving too fast).

The Brits came up with a number of ways to execute, including drawing & quartering. The old chopping block was used, along with burning, and hanging. This has nothing to do with Christianity in the Church.

The current Islamist method of chopping off the heads even of children and persons who did no crime against them whatever, is an abomination, a horse of a different color altogether. Certainly Christians have no mandate to kill persons who refuse to convert.

The comparison is absurd.

Correct if you overlook a few examples of Christian on Christian Martyrdoms and superstition generated Witchcraft trials. So our Christian history record is not totally spotless.

 

[pastac]

Take a lesson from Jesus, it appears you have learned the easy believism false watered down way.

You are not the one that will MAKE HIM BELIEVE. THAT is the job of the HOLY SPIRIT. You are but the Sower of the Seed, and you have not Sowed the true Gospel unless you Tell them BOTH about the LOVE OF GOD, and WARN THEM ABOUT HIS WRATH.

Mark 1:15 (HCSB)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!”

Mark 6:12 (ISV)
[SUP]12 [/SUP] So they went and preached that people should repent. {If you do NOT make them aware of what SIN IS, how will they ever come to the conclusion that they NEED TO REPENT.}

Luke 13:5 (ASV)
[SUP]5 [/SUP] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 8:22 (HCSB)
[SUP]22 [/SUP] Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Matthew 25:40-46 (HCSB)
[SUP]40 [/SUP] “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
[SUP]41 [/SUP] Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels!
[SUP]42 [/SUP] For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink;
[SUP]43 [/SUP] I was a stranger and you didn’t take Me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of Me.’
[SUP]44 [/SUP] “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’
[SUP]45 [/SUP] “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’
[SUP]46 [/SUP] “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 13:37-43 (NKJV)
[SUP]37 [/SUP] He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
[SUP]38 [/SUP] The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
[SUP]39 [/SUP] The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
[SUP]40 [/SUP] Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
[SUP]41 [/SUP] The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
[SUP]42 [/SUP] and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[SUP]43 [/SUP] Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Now since JESUS did not withhold Warnings about GOD WRATH on the wicked who refuse to believe in HIM; where on earth do you get the idea that your easy believism idea of leaving the warning about God's coming Wrath out is a BETTER PLAN, than the ONE OUR LORD USED?

You lead them to like Jesus.

WHERE DOES IT SAY IF THEY LIKE JESUS, THEY ARE SAVED?

I lead them to Revere (Fear) HIM, Submit to HIM willingly as MASTER, and most important of all TO GENUINELY LOVE HIM, forever establishing an inner personal LOVE relationship with HIM.

John 14:15 (HCSB)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.

1 John 2:4 (HCSB)
[SUP]4 [/SUP] The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn't keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Easy Believism is a False Gospel and False Doctrine that is LEADING MANY to think they are Saved when they are only on the Broad Road to Destruction.

Matthew 10:28 (HCSB)
[SUP]28 [/SUP] Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

How about you take a lesson on reality and not spout so much trival nonsense.I believe the word in totality.You are not my source or even remotely close.A unbeliever has the final say and this specific unbeliever made the word true and not your nonsense.This specific believer thought our sisters words were foolish.I will wager your drawn out dissertation of so called truth would fare no better. Side note believeism is a manmade concoted word that holds no value to me at all. In case you need to know I graduated both Bible college and seminary ,Im skilled and trained ministry for 20 years effective leader and soul winner!
pastac

 

[Human]

I had an interesting conversation with a lady today in relation to Christianity's form of punishment from the OT (stoning) and Muslim's form of punishment (beheading).

She had no understanding of Christianity and how either one of these punishments were justified enough to put someone to death.
She then continued to explain how both religions were just as bad as the other if they both teach to murder.

As a Christian how would you explain to someone who is non religious, who does not understand the difference between the two punishments and how they compare?

They compare like this; they're both barbaric and unnecessary.

 

[pastac]

><>t<><

Is that why it bothers you to be shown what the Scriptures actually say?

1 Peter 3:15 (HCSB)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

The original post stated the unbeliever was looking for an explanation of the difference between stoning in the Bible and the Beheadings carried on by ISIS, in other words SHE ASKED, therefore giving her the Scriptures, is what GOD WANTS us to do.

I have found that when People Ask, they want a STRAIGHT ANSWER; not some wishy washy evasive response, guaranteed to gain little respect.

Ephesians 6:18-19 (ESV)
[SUP]18 [/SUP] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, claim the mystery
[SUP]19 [/SUP] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

Acts 4:13 (GW)
[SUP]13 [/SUP] After they found out that Peter and John had no education or special training, they were surprised to see how boldly they spoke. They realized that these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 9:28 (GW)
[SUP]28 [/SUP] Then Saul went throughout Jerusalem with the disciples. He spoke boldly with the power and authority of the Lord.

Acts 4:31 (NIV)
[SUP]31 [/SUP] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 19:8 (NIV)
[SUP]8 [/SUP] Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.


Have you EVER spoke the word of GOD boldly, or have you always watered it down?

Here is watered down what gives you the impression I water Gods word? You have gaul but no tact. You cant show me watered word from me but you have shown an inability to focus.Jesus was the perfect teacher I better stay with his methods yours lack control. Hows that for watered down?
pastac