Jesus lived life like a lion and died like a lamb. Battled the evil of the world with the Sword of God, and walked to His death with a resolved acceptance.

How can I answer a question that asks me to choose between Aslan and Jesus? I won’t even try. Jesus wins hands down and the books – if doing their job as a Christian themed set of stories – shouldn’t expect us to choose, but should point us toward Jesus.

What truly fascinates me about the responses, is the veiled contempt and subtle maligning of those who are anti-God and the earnest entreaties and heartfelt language of those who love Him.

If this question were about a Muslim god and Aslan would those who are anti offer the same response, or would they be more tolerant, perhaps more comfortable with the theme.

Why do God and Jesus arouse so much ire?

What has a church or a Christian done to each of you that your fellow man has not done in equal quantities? If your friend rips you off, or runs off with your woman, or steals your last dollar, are you as angry at him as you are at a Christian who shows his weakness?

I know that part of the anger is because Christians tells the world that the buck stops with them, that there is nothing better or greater or more important for our lives than this belief in Jesus. And then they turn around and commit the same sins as the people they are preaching to. Hyprocrites they become. Human they remain.

But you know what. God looks at each and every one of us – believers and non believers – the same. With an infinite love that overlooks our frailties and sees something greater inside us.

Realist asked
“ If you do hear from god in any way, and i am not talking about how he he gave you some sign when a car went past etc, i will become a believer in your religion right now.”

Realist – He said to say “Hi”.

ROB...where 'are' you ? :) I think I have an answer. You probably don't tweak to this yourself, but you have set yourself up as an authority and arbiter on how God should 'be'.

Its important that the appropriate tone be associated with this post, and I hope you will accept its 'speaking the truth in love'in a pastoral sense.

You have made the ultimate value judgement that all of us should refrain from. You have actually judged 'GOD' thereby setting yourself ABOVE Him....not so much the Christians. You have looked at 'the church' (only some manifestations of it of course) and you then decide "They are bad, so God is also bad".

You could have searched through Church history, and history of Missions, and seen the Christlike self sacrifice that 1000s of individuals have made over the centuries, and said "Yes.. indeed they walked with Him" but no, you decided only to look at the worst examples and then Judge God on this basis.

Romans 10:3 "Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness"

That is you in a nutshell.. 'established their own'...

I'm grateful to see brothers and sisters in Him speaking here, I share their joy in passing on the Grace that renewed us to others also.

Instead of looking at Azlan and the books, there might also be value in looking at C.S. Lewis own story, of antagonism towards Christianity, until God met him :)
That happens to all, sooner or later, and for some it will be as Savior, for others it will be as Judge, but all in Justice.

Rob.. which 'soil' are you (at the moment) in the Parable of the Sower ?

Martin Ibn Warriq, how dare I? If you don't want people expressing views about christianity and it's god then do something to get your fellow believers to show some respect for those who don't share your faith. Personally I have had an absolute gut-full of the continual pushing of christianity by some on this site along with their bashing of other faiths (or lack thereof).

Your friend coach and others on this site are very consistant with their denegration of others beliefs and their advocacy of ideas which I strongly disagree with. I have responded directly to comments made by coach with my own views on the matters. The last post was pretty much a point for point response to coaches response to my earlier post.

If your god has an issue with my views he is welcome to take the matter up with me (as is anybody elses god). Better yet maybe a genuine revival in the modern church or some Ananias and Sapphira type cleansing. Don't tell me about your faith, let me see it in the way you live (or post) and let me ask what you have got that I have not got.

In the mean time I don't need the followers of any such god telling me how miserable I am for not knowing their god or how I deserve to suffer an eternity of torment for not accepting their gods wonderfull plan of salvation for my life.

Maybe you could put away childish things, get over your sad beliefs and take responsibility for your own life. Not sure I want to gird my loins, that sounds dangerous.

Again for those christains who do treat others with some respect my apologies if you feel caught in the crossfire. I generally don't share my views about the christain faith and it's god with christains unless they push the point and I have maintained close friendships with a number of evangelical christians who are able to resist the temptation to tell me what I have to believe. Likewise for people of other faiths.

R0bert

RObert,

Your analogy of God as the c.e.o. of a rotten company clearly shows your misunderstanding of basic doctrine and relationship of the creator to His creation. My intension is to reason with you as I respect your opinions on OLO.

1. God created the universe
2. He created humans in his image
3. He created us with freedom of choice

So even though God knows each one of us intimately, He does not micromanage us as slaves, employees, or robots. Therefore He is not ‘responsible’ for our choices. We make a mess of things that does not change who God is. We cannot bring Him down to our level to blame Him for our stupidity.

Furthermore, He knows very well that humans fall short of His perfect standard. As much as it hurts Him He allows us to fall and fail not because of His incapability to intervene – but because of our selfish desire to be ‘the boss’ He wants to demonstrate how futile that is. (Hence the need for Jesus).

Allow me another car comparison - a four year old child on his dad’s lap stirring the car believing all along that he/she could drive.

I will dismiss all your closed fist display of anger and lack of respect at the god you don’t know. It is but another reflection of your insecurity and false pretence at “I’m ok therefore I don’t need a god to rule my life”. That’s understandable. (No patronising intended).

One question remains:
“…, rather accept that my "faith" was evangelical, born again etc, etc.”

Please clarify this for me – did you mean you come from an evangelical background or you where once a born again evangelical?

Coach

Much as I agree with your beliefs and share your love of our God, I have to say that the following comment to Robert will probably undo any good comments you have included. Jesus did not disrespect his accusers, his 'enemies', the unbelievers and any others who did not follow Him. I would think to follow His lead should be our goal.

" I will dismiss all your closed fist display of anger and lack of respect at the god you don’t know. It is but another reflection of your insecurity and false pretence at “I’m ok therefore I don’t need a god to rule my life”. That’s understandable. (No patronising intended). "

Mark,
I agree with you about violence. It is said to be the last resort of the incompetent and it always leaves more questions and confusion in it's wake than anything else.

But I disagree with you completely about Jesus. He was no lamb. He lived his life in violent times when force decided the outcome in most affairs. Yes, he used violence on the moneylenders in the temple - but only to make a point. And that didn't actually resolve anything. What did resolve things for many people after him was that he had the courage of his convictions and stayed the course despite all temptation to waver. That is what convinces people ever since that what he stood for was important. That is what inspires people.

Who today can say they don't give in to temptation and take the easier path?

No matter what you think about Jesus, it's clear he was a lion among men and it is this courage, conviction and leadership that we should strive to emulate.

steve42