I'm a Christian, and.... - God's Not Dead 2 (2016) Discussion

[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

GND and GND 2 are never going to win Oscars, or any other major awards. But these films are basically liked by quite a few people anyway, because these films really aren't dramatically different from what the Hallmark Channel produces. I enjoyed these films, but I agree there are reasons why other films won awards.

What I do know for certain is that there's no legit reason for anyone to have a board rage attack over these films. That hysteria makes no sense, except to militant atheists that think they were specifically targeted. But the atheists were never the target audience in the first place. Secondly, GND 1 didn't have any atheists.

My regret with GND 2, is that the school board was made to appear atheistic. In reality, school boards are often made up of Christians, but I have observed that many Christians run in fear of atheist law suits. Which is the more realistic outcome to motivate school administrators and board members to humiliate teachers for making an innocent mistake by providing a Biblical answer to a student's question. Keep in mind that atheists are using the word 'persecution' of Christians to characterize this film, and not the 'humiliation of Christian educators', purely for dramatic effect.

Also in the real world, there are many teachers who have been reprimanded by administrators and boards, but rarely do these cases go to trial. GND 2 really represents to me a prediction of a case that will occur in the future, as atheists continue to push their luck in a nation that's gradually transforming into an evangelical dominated nation.

Atheists are really going to have something to squawk about if Ted Cruz and the Republican Congress ever pair up.

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[–] Nyuterra 9 years ago

Atheists aren't the only ones who get offended when Christian beliefs get brought up in school. As a Jew, I really do not want "christian values" pressed upon my children. And no, there are far more fundamental differences between our belief systems than simply "Jews reject Christ".

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

I thought Jesus was a Rabbi Jew...but never mind.

Apparently 'Jesus value's are REALLY offensive to some people.

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[–] Nyuterra 9 years ago

Jewish opinions of Jesus run a gamut. On one extreme you have the idea that he political activist who fought against the corruption of the Temple, only to have his words misinterpreted by his followers. On the other end of that spectrum... the view expressed by some orthodox sects... is that he was a heretic. My opinion of Jesus is neutral.

Regardless, the belief in Jesus is NOT the only line between the two religions:
Christians believe in eternal damnation. Jews do not.
Christians believe in original sin. Jews do not.
Christians believe Satan is antagonistic towards G*d. Jews believe he is G*ds loyal servant. (and in fact could never rebel, since unlike man, angels have no free will)

This is just a few of the major differences.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

You do realize that Christians and Jews have a lot in common as well, right?

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[–] Nyuterra 9 years ago

I apologize for being a bit blunt, from our perspective that's only because your religion is a corruption of ours.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

Speaking of corruption, yeah I love what you've done with the place in the Middle East. Guess I'd feel that way with that much hate directed at one country too.

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[–] chas_simpson 8 years ago

you make no sense at all. your an idiot!

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[–] bluh5d 8 years ago

So you attack him for the middle east when you get offended... actually jews have nothing to do with the middle *beep* east conflicts at all and while i am atheist they produce a good portion of scientific knowledge and hold MANY Nobel prizes. something muslims barely have either of but yet have 1.5 BILLION followers Vs the few million jewish people.

Your an idiot.

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[–] crbolton-30616 9 years ago

That's because Christianity is a perversion of Judiasm, which was the first of the Abrahamic religions. But it's not the only religion Christianity stole stories and ideas from. The story of Jesus is almost a direct ripoff of Mithra, who died for the sins of humanity, had 12 apostles, and had a last supper, just to name a few tenets.

Nothing in the Bible is original.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

Christianity is a perversion

Yeah, no bigotry there. lol

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[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

How about you suck an egg?

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[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

explaining how religion isn't a perversion.

You're the only atheist calling religion a perversion. The other atheists know you're a moron for doing so. Can't blame them for keeping their distance from your foul mouth.

in their own words

Atheist bias. (When they aren't misspelling words like you do springheeler.)

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[–] crbolton-30616 9 years ago

Too funny. You don't even know what a perversion is...

per·ver·sion - noun - The alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.

Christianity is a perversion of Judiasm, meaning it took the parts it liked, and changed everything else to fit it's own agenda. As I mentioned in my first post above, Judiasm isn't the only religion Christianity stole from. Far from it.

I'll say it again - nothing in the bible is original. It's all stolen stories and ideals. If you actually take the time to investigate pagan religions prior to Christianity, or even Judiasm, almost every story has been told many times before.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

oo funny. You don't even know what a perversion is...

per·ver·sion - noun - The alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.

2. sexual behavior or desire that is considered abnormal or unacceptable.
synonyms: deviance, abnormality; More

It's fun when you atheists omit information to promote your ridicule and get caught.

Judiasm isn't the only religion Christianity stole from.

Now you're accusing Christianity of committing a criminal act. What a nutjob.

I'll say it again - nothing in the bible is original.

Then stop reading it, since you don't understand it, and get off this board.

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[–] CosmopolitanHobo 9 years ago

Now you're accusing Christianity of committing a criminal act. What a nutjob.

You're not seriously suggesting that Christianity hasn't stolen from previous cultures and religions are you kurt? I mean, I know you're not a Christian but you're so obsessed with it that you must surely know it to be true. We even had a brief 'discussion' about Christmas, a festival Christianity absolutely stole/appropriated for itself.

However, I wouldn't necessarily say that it stole from Judaism so much as began as a sort of retcon to it.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

However, I wouldn't necessarily say that it stole from Judaism so much as began as a sort of retcon to it.

It's simply amazing to me how you abuse and manipulate the English language on a daily basis for your own social gain. You should be ashamed - and a Brit no less.

Nothing was "stolen", Cosmo Exaggerationist.

Jesus was a Jew. His parents were Jews. The Disciples were Jews. Christianity was born FROM the Jewish faith. No one put on a burglar mask and stole from other religions.

And I'm sorry if some Jews stick their fingers in their ears and chant 'la la la Christianity is phony la la la', but just because people disagree with one another on religious issues doesn't mean a felony theft occurred.

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[–] CosmopolitanHobo 9 years ago

It's simply amazing to me how you abuse and manipulate the English language

Would that be the same English language that you struggle with on a regular basis?

You should be ashamed - and a Brit no less.

Can't be letting an opportunity to express some anglophobia pass you by can you?

Nothing was "stolen", Cosmo Exaggerationist.

Stolen/appropriated actually. I do find it curious how you don't realise this is patently what happened. Especially seeing as how you look down upon and consider Christians to be weak "insects" who need your protection.

Jesus was a Jew. His parents were Jews. The Disciples were Jews. Christianity was born FROM the Jewish faith.

Exactly, which is why I very clearly said that it's more like a retcon to Judaism, not a theft. Christianity was born out of what already existed in Judaism, expanded upon it and changed a few things, hence the New Testament and the differences between the two. It's not a perfect description but given that we're on a film board I think it's quite apt.

And I'm sorry if some Jews stick their fingers in their ears and chant 'la la la Christianity is phony la la la'

What exactly does this have to do with anything that I've said?

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[–] mindfull1 9 years ago

Dude, he's using the first definition of perversion, not the second. You don't really believe that when someone uses a word it means all of the definitions as given in the dictionary, do you?

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

Dude....I think you should keep your "perversions" to yourself and leave them off this board entirely if you want to be taken seriously. Or leave.

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[–] mindfull1 9 years ago

Did you even understand what I said? It sounds like you're just mad and are lashing out. If you can't explain why you introduced the second meaning of perversion, you've lost the argument.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

If you want to call religion a perversion to every person you meet, you'll lose more than an argument. More than likely you'll be viewed as a nut job.

But I encourage you to do so, since I like the idea of many people shaking their heads and walking away from you.

Are we done here?

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[–] mindfull1 9 years ago

Shaking their heads and walking away from me on an online forum? I think I have more important things to concern myself with. The problem is you apparently don't understand how a dictionary works.

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[–] kewlbns69 9 years ago

you should really read up on constantine before calling people ignorant...just a thought. apparently you've read the dictionary at least. ;)

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[–] chas_simpson 8 years ago

there is no god, there is no jesus, the bible is at best the compilations of 3rd grade children. religion is merely a man made construct. arguing over which religion can claim legitimacy is like arguing how to deal with all the zombies that are reeking havoc all over the world.
so your all idiots

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[–] CaptFredricks 8 years ago

Perversion has two meanings. The first, "The alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended." The second, which has nothing to do with what the previous poster said, is the one you cited. No information was omitted; you're simply being a jack@ss.

I was raised a Christian, and for 19 years of my life, I tried to live as a Christian until I came to realize religion is a total joke. I have a pretty damn good understanding of the Bible, and all I can say is, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if it "stole" (sorry, how about I use "borrowed" instead?) from other cultures and religions.

Rant over. You can all return to your normal lives.

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[–] chas_simpson 8 years ago

there is no god, there is no jesus, there are no atheists. the only thing that the bible gets right is geographic locations. you will better serve yourself by creating the church of dr sues. at least then your celebrations will rhyme and you get the best green eggs and ham. or just join scientology their all the same.

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[–] gladoscake 9 years ago

Very true, so true, especially Jesus and Horus, many Sumerian or 'Sun' Religions. Noah's Ark and the many worldwide flood stories from Hinduism. Allah and Yaweh, Jesus of Islam the prophet of God, and Jesus of Christianity the son of God, it's all borrowed and came from another Religion, especially the belief in Hell or Underworld, that's the problem with Organized Religion, you know a Religion that wasn't stolen? Buddhism, though technically it's more of a philosophy or lifestyle.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

Then if you feel it's all bullsh*t, why are you here on this board?

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[–] bible-and-science-forum 9 years ago

Buddhism, though technically it's more of a philosophy or lifestyle.

No. That's a popular myth.

In the academy, such as the Dept of Religious Studies and the Dept of Religion and the Dept of Asiatic Cultures & Languages, you will find that Buddhism is certainly as well as "technically" a religion. You are making the mistake of assuming that a non-theistic religion (such as varieties of Theravada Buddhism) is only a "philosophy" or "lifestyle". No.

We define a religion as a recognition and reverence for that which is transcendent. The transcendent in most religions tends to be a deity or deities. But there are other types of transcendence, such as achieving a level above this world, as in realizing Enlightenment.

The "philosophy" idea has been around a long time and I don't know for certain how it got entrenched among a lot of my undergrads, for example. Of course, of anyone who has actually studied world religions, the both theistic and non-theistic religions are true religions. They go well beyond just "philosophy" and "lifestyle." (They are far more than just choosing to be pacifist or a vegan.)

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[–] bible-and-science-forum 9 years ago

As soon as you use the term "stolen" concerning religious traditions, you discredit yourself. You'll never find it in any peer-reviewed publication of the academy.

And once you claim to link Jesus to Horus, we suspect you were a gullible consumer of the Zeitgeist film.

That's two tell-tale traits which put you in the same category of zero credibility as Ken Ham and Ray Comfort. Enjoy your time in the anti-knowledge community.

Are you for real? Do you also think 9/11 was a controlled demolition sponsored by the U.S. government and that the Apollo program was a hoax and chemtrails poison the public?

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

As soon as you use the term "stolen" concerning religious traditions, you discredit yourself. You'll never find it in any peer-reviewed publication of the academy.

Thank you. My thoughts exactly.

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[–] nsrichie 9 years ago

Maybe do some research.
http://www.jonsorensen.net/2013/04/17/exploding-the-mithras-myth-christianity-did-not-borrow-its-beliefs-from-a-roman-mystery-religion/

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[–] ldavey44 8 years ago

For all that might be deceived by these Mithras comments. NONE of these have a grain of truth but simple disinformation that do the rounds on the internet - created to discredit Christianity. For those who do not simply believe hearsay and actually bother to research facts, the truth on Mithras can easily be found.

Mithras ascends into the skies in a chariot and does not return. Mithras does not have 12 Apostles and there is no Last Supper, he is not born of a virgin and does not die for mans sin. He is born from a ROCK!

Mithras is not the only figure to suffer from disinformation to simply discredit Christianity. All can be easily dismissed with a little proper research instead of latching onto hearsay.. To name a few Horus, Mithras, Krishna, Dionysus.

Christianity is not a copy of any of these so called Gods.

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[–] clearthinkernow 8 years ago

What's historically been called "Judeo-Christian" values, shows the Jewish people and Christians share the same values. To say that Jewish values and Christian values are different is not being truthful. The way you speak of "Jews" makes me think that you are not one. It is also not true that "Jews reject Christ". The Jewish people do not believe that Christ is the Messiah that they've been waiting thousands of years for. But they do not reject Him and fully believe that He came to earth and taught the people.

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[–] TheRadiobox 9 years ago

I think you might find this interesting if you believe that the United States is, as a whole, becoming more of a Christian/any sort of religious believers:
http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/

Don't touch my Rare Pepes.

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[–] saltcitybaptist 9 years ago

My regret with GND 2, is that the school board was made to appear atheistic. In reality, school boards are often made up of Christians, but I have observed that many Christians run in fear of atheist law suits. Which is the more realistic outcome to motivate school administrators and board members to humiliate teachers for making an innocent mistake by providing a Biblical answer to a student's question. ... but rarely do these cases go to trial.

I have not seen the film - but the review stated that "When a high school teacher is asked a question in class about Jesus, her response lands her in deep trouble."

First, if a valid question is asked - an answer should be given. Now possibly, the teacher might say - this is my personal view, and keep it short and simple. Answering a question - is NOT an innocent mistake - it is being a good teacher by answering the question!

The poster I quoted stated that school boards are often made up of Christians. Well, they could be CINO - Christians in name only, and not committed Christians. (I could expound but that would be a whole different discussion)

"...but rarely do these cases go to trial" - could be the teacher could not afford the lawyers (in spite of the great pay they make) -

Just because, I do not agree with something - does not mean it should not be brought up in school - I remember back in 1967 in 10th World History, our teacher was going to show a movie about the Nazi's and treatment of the Jews - there was a Jewish girl in our class - who's parents went thur the Holocaust - Mr. G gave her the option of missing class that period - as it would be too much on her. But it was truth - and we needed to know about it.

Sounds like a good movie - will try to check it out.

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] chas_simpson 8 years ago

gods not dead, gods not alive, there is no god

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[–] gentelg 9 years ago

My issue with films like this is that it plays into the persecution complex that many (Not all mind you.) Evangelicals have developed lately. The same ones who go on and on about how they are being persecuted because they are being forced to treat gays and lesbians as humans instead of being allowed to be blatantly rude and hateful against them. For example the victim playing by so called "Christian" bakers who act like they are a Jew in Nazi Germany because a same sex couple had the audacity to ask them if they could bake a cake for their wedding. "Sigh"

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[–] mr-scheps 9 years ago

Great point, gentelg! It's like the truth from the Bible verse that was kind of mentioned in the film ("don't war against flesh and blood, but against evil") ...the problem is that this movie seems to help take that truth out of context and even give credence to fighting with the government rather then fighting your own evil in your heart.

I hope I didn't misconstrue your comment. :)
Thanks for replying!

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[–] gentelg 9 years ago

I understand you. My guess is that you were more or less saying "Worry about your own life before you judge others for how they live theirs!"

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[–] mr-scheps 9 years ago

...while I agree with that statement too, I think I was more or less trying to say "worry about your own love, joy, peace, hope (e.i. spiritual fruit) before you worry about whether the government says you can pray in school."
But, yeah. 😃

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[–] pelican_somber 9 years ago

Person doesn't want to participate or be complicit in an event they don't believe in, yet has served gays many years. Person gets sued out of business by gays for not participating in event. And you think that the gays in this case are like Jews in Nazi Germany? You're absolutely insane. Perhaps you would like to tell me when it was that a 1940's German jew successfully used the state to sue a Nazi for being "hateful."

Yeah...valid comparison.

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[–] eric_m_bi 9 years ago

Person doesn't want to participate or be complicit in an event they don't believe in, yet has served gays many years. Person gets sued out of business by gays for not participating in event. And you think that the gays in this case are like Jews in Nazi Germany? You're absolutely insane. Perhaps you would like to tell me when it was that a 1940's German jew successfully used the state to sue a Nazi for being "hateful."

Yeah...valid comparison.

Isn't that like saying, person doesn't want to be complicit in interracial wedding because he believes "God is the original segregationist"? Believe it or not, if a company or government agency denies services to someone based on race or sexual orientation then they are going to be sued, and quite rightly so. Last century, interracial marriages were the controversy, this century it's gay marriages; the topic has changed, but the landscape hasn't.

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[–] lildraco 9 years ago

You earned a subscrib from an atheist, congrats, I really enjoyed how you two broke it down and gave your views then the fact you were intelligent about those views. Good job

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[–] mr-scheps 9 years ago

Thanks a lot! ...that really means a lot to me! (...and Derek too)

While we'd both identify as Christians, we pray to God (pun intended...lol) that our channel isn't a "christian channel" but a solid "movie channel."

So thanks for subscribing...and please let us know anything you think we can improve on...or just let us know how we're doing from time to time. 😉

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[–] monstermaniac 9 years ago

Nice review. You guys are great at talking about movies in front of a camera, very articulate and confident.

And I think it is great that you are Christians that understand the implications of religion in schools and other such questions.

The fact is, if the state endorses a religion, they inevitably have to impose that religion, thus compromising all other religions or people with no religion. So for true freedom of religion to be the law of the land, everyone must also have equal freedom FROM religion.

Keep up the good work. I hope you have a million subscribers one day.

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[–] mr-scheps 9 years ago

Thanks a lot!!! We've only just started - I hope we continue to get better as time goes on. ;)

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[–] MalfoyRocks1 9 years ago

I'm a Christian and I think this movie is a propaganda piece of crap... Sorry to be so blunt. But I'm sick of getting a bad name because Christians can't learn to respect other's views.

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[–] PaulaFromTwoson1 9 years ago

I don't watch religion based films most of the time because I'm Atheist and it will just anger me. Although, there are some films out there that are based on religion that I can see why people like it. Like Passion of the Christ and movies like that. But this one makes Christians look like a victim. In no way will white-privileged Christian people ever be threatened. But perhaps now they do because my generation (15-30) are less likely to believe in God than older folks. Now that we are taking prayer out of school and not blaming god for our problems and trying to solve it ourselves, they think we think God is dead. This movie is basically trying to portray that, in a horrible "save us" kind of way. This is not even based on a true story! It's one thing if this actually happened, but it's just something someone made up for fun, to rally up their people. Films like this I don't agree with and it's just throwing fuel into the fire of the Christian people. Like they need any more help growing their cults.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

I don't watch religion based films most of the time because I'm Atheist and it will just anger me.

Like they need any more help growing their cults.

Obviously you do have anger issues. Not sure why you felt so threatened that you decided to come to this board.

In no way will white-privileged Christian people

So only white Christians who are financially successful view faith based films?

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[–] PaulaFromTwoson1 9 years ago

I didn't say that's the people who view it, but it's certainly the person/people portrayed in this film. And I don't feel threatened. Religion is a joke to me. It's an excuse.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

Religion is a joke to me.

Famous last words in hell

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[–] PaulaFromTwoson1 9 years ago

lol I don't think you get it. I don't believe in anything, therefore, there is no hell. And I see you must have a loving god if you're implying that I will go to Hell. I'm glad you love your neighbor, even if I don't believe the same as you. I think you need to read the bible again, sir.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

I don't believe in anything, therefore, there is no hell.

Yeah...I got it the first time.

If you proclaim it doesn't exist then ignorance is bliss.

Enjoy the bliss.

I'm glad you love your neighbor

I don't hate the incurably dense, so don't flatter yourself.

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[–] PaulaFromTwoson1 9 years ago

I'm glad your only responding to things that you can make a come back on. Can't say anything about your god not being all loving one. I'm pretty sure that Jesus loves everyone, even those who don't believe. Why don't you? Why would you defy your god? You can't call yourself a Christian. I've been Christian and Lutheran before so I know all about what you know. But I was at least smart enough to see through the *beep* You have time to see through it too. Trust me, you're life will be much easier.

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[–] kurt-2000 9 years ago

'm glad your only responding to things that you can make a come back on.

You stated you're an atheist, therefore, why would you even watch this film? You're not making any sense, so how else am I suppose to respond? I don't go to the film boards for atheist films and make the same observations you've made.

I'm pretty sure that Jesus loves everyone

Wait... you said you're an atheist. (?)

Why don't you?

what? I never said I hated atheists or anyone else.

You can't call yourself a Christian.

I'm not a Christian. I simply believe God exists. I'm not an advocate for organized religion or the socio-political baggage that goes with it.

Trust me, you're life will be much easier.

Did I request a prognosis?

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[–] nopotential 9 years ago

But jesus is not the son of god.

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[–] chas_simpson 8 years ago

you're an idiot

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[–] venuslocal-27633 8 years ago

The commandments of Christ in the New Testament supersede those given in the Old Testament.

The commandments of Christ are but two
1. Love God with all your heart
2. Love thy neighbour as yourself

As we're repeatedly told, God's name is I AM. In other words, the essence of God is found through Love of the Self.

The type of Love that's referred to isn't the the love which requires another, nor is it conceit or arrogance, but rather it's complete acceptance and appreciation of who we are individually and collectively.

Love and appreciation of the Self is also central to non-theistic religions.

The difference that makes the difference among various states of Being, including religious thought, is in how we choose to express our understanding of Who We Are.

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[–] CosmopolitanHobo 8 years ago

God's name is I AM

Isn't that a dog food?

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[–] venuslocal-27633 8 years ago

I have no idea. Maybe.

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[–] Nethlem 8 years ago

The commandments of Christ in the New Testament supersede those given in the Old Testament.

O'rly?

“For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:18-19)

“It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the letter of the law to become invalid.” (Luke 16:17)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest part or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.” (Matthew 5:17)

“Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law” (John7:19)

The commandments of Christ are but two
1. Love God with all your heart
2. Love thy neighbour as yourself

So all the other things he did do and did say don't matter, because we now have these two commandments of Christ, and just them! No more of that nasty "stoning people and killing unbelievers" stuff!

You Jesus worshipers are a funny bunch, always picking and choosing with the stuff you want to follow, like the Bible is just some kind of menu with different options to select from.

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[–] venuslocal-27633 8 years ago

I, personally, have no affiliation with Jesus nor Christianity nor The Bible, other than the suggestion that loving ourselves is a good idea.

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[–] dileas 8 years ago

Yeah, but Christianity also frowns on masturbation.

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[–] IMDB_Vits 8 years ago

I'm a Christian who supports movies with good messages... not propaganda. Specially when the production is bad (which happens most of the time).

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