smithsc07 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Are you literally saying that the Bible never says be committed to my word? The Word became flesh and our means of understanding him, his teaching, the promises of God (both good and bad) come directly and soley from Scripture. The bible shows you what true love is and how to live it out. If you think you have that figured out minus scripture then you're lost.

dlbrooks9 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

He referred to HIMSELF that way. It was not my judgement but HIS label that he gave himself. I think that is what is so very discouraging. It makes me want to give up sometimes. Christians are so bashed and instead of reading the Bible or trying to understand many comment about things they DON't know anything about or label without thinking. It is really discouraging.

creatingbliss (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

preaching the gospel based on youth focus groups is utter nonsense. we don't understand the 'feelings' of youth? the 'youth' need to understand their 'feelings' are temporary, and that hell is eternal. small upside, infinite downside. the secular culture teaches their 'feelings' are OK. read the bible. pray. live the word of god. tell the truth. don't dumb it down. don't water it down. you don't have to judge others, but you don't have to stay silent in the face of sin and injustice.

sunnygirl213 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

"kids 16 to 29"...I suppose that does qualify as "kids" nowadays.

TheLostTruckDriver (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

It is a good practice for anyone who has strong beliefs for or against religion to know how to communicate with those who they would like to open their minds. It seems there is a division rather than a debate. Let each side express their beliefs and carefully conduct yourself when answering with your opinion. Respect the person, not necessarily their beliefs and don't assume you are going to change them by just throwing your personal feelings at them. Find common ground, then proceed.

Gabedizzzle (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

You have proved your judgement by refering to your daughters boyfriend as athiest. I have received more disdain and disrespect from supposed christians than from anyone else.

Gabedizzzle (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The "real" Jesus. Preached love so if you serve him with love where is the problem. Scripture has nothing to do with it did he say "you must read my scripture" no but he said you must love others. As christians we are not trying to win unbelievers favor, we are simply trying to show them a better way of life through our actions. Your nitpicking is exactly what Gabe Lyons is talking about. It is also the reason a large majority of people refuse christianity outright.

aikido7 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Fundamentalists almost operate in fear of the modern world, which ultimately will first cause their marginalization and self-isolation and finally, their disappearance.Jesus' preaching and his program were stood on their head when Constantine made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.The facts of history show that the basic kernel of nonviolence, help for the poor and spreading the teachings of Jesus were hijacked to serve and maintain the power of Empire.Sad.

joshuaquigley (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I feel what Gabe researched is absolutely the truth of 1. Where our culture is. 2. What "future belivers" see how present believers behave. 3. Just the "language" we use is absorb. Seriously... Jesus modeled what it is we should be doing, we have to stop justifying our excuses start owning up to our selfishness. Love all, all the time.

dlbrooks9 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

As a mother of young people, I can tell you that I am very discouraged. I tried to listen, show compassion, and not be judgmental to my daughter's atheist boyfriend.I tried to listen. I have received disdain, disrespect. When my son almost cursed him out, he listened. My basics of Biblical Christianity was viewed as soft and easy to walk over.