NationStates Jolt Archive

I just won a debate with my Born Again Christian parents, who were talking about all the poor "mis-informed Muslims." I was sick of this idiotic crap, especially in my family, so I set them straight.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

My argument went like this....

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven. Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.

What do you think?

I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.

Born Again Christian parents

I feel for you, I really do.

This is preety stupid really. Any christians today still think like that?

EDIT: Oh yeah, get some Joseph Campbell book and give it to them. I believe Joseph Campbell is the cure for fanatism

It's not an overarching "Christians believe . . . " thing. Some denominations emphasize works, others stress that nothing but acceptance of JHC as your savior will be your e-ticket to paradise.

This is preety stupid really. Any christians today still think like that?

That's the whole point of christianity, to stroke the ego of their god.

This is preety stupid really. Any christians today still think like that?
Alas. Just check all those "God..."-threads.

Topic:
I think that works are more important, since I don't believe in the existence of deities, and further think that the common good should be the instance for everyone to work for.

I want a mechanic who believes in good works.

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven.
This part pretty much all Christians would agree with
Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.This part is not ours to judge.
I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.Most Christians are too. However, Christianity insists that faith inspires works, and that faith without works is dead. You need both, you see.

Y'all do know that Catholics are Christians, right?

Works > faith

Y'all do know that Catholics are Christians, right?

I believe the word you meant to use was "idolaters".

That's really the whole point of Christianity. We're to realize that it's not what we do, but what God does. Sin is sin, be it stealing candy or murder. It's all the same to God, as it all separates us from Him.

Are we familiar with "We all fall short of the glory of God..." and "Your deeds are as filthy rags unto the Lord"? Those pretty much say that it doesn't matter what we do as (wo)men, good or bad, as it all falls short of God. That's not to say that we shouldn't do good deeds. By all means we should strive to be good. But that's not the redemptive quality. It's God's grace that redeems us, not ourselves.

Call it stroking God's ego if you will, but that's not how a majority of us Christians see it. We do it because it's the least that we can do for Him who saved us.

Edit: I also agree with Ciyar. Faith without works is dead. However, we also need to understand that works without faith is dead as well.

Works...definitely works. But then, I was raised Catholic, so what do I know?
I try to think of the worst case scenerio. Which is better: an empty display of faith or an empty display of good works? Even if we had a lot of people attempting to "buy" their way into heaven through donations, the good done is better for society than unfelt displays of faith.

Faith... though if you are truly faithful, your actions should at least not be totally contemptible.

well let's see here:

I'll have to paraphrase:

Romans 10:9
"If you speak with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved."

John 3:16-17
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

Those two.. which are two of the most famous passages in the New Testament (and Bible, for that matter), point to faith being the cornerstone of salvation.

I just won a debate with my Born Again Christian parents, who were talking about all the poor "mis-informed Muslims." I was sick of this idiotic crap, especially in my family, so I set them straight.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

My argument went like this....

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven. Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.

What do you think?

I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.

In the word of James, "faith without works is dead". It is impossible to have a saving faith without having works. A professor friend of mine is fond of saying, "Works won't save you, but you won't be saved without them." The works that we do are never enough to overcome the "wages of sin" only faith in God can do that, but once that is done it is impossible to maintain faith without having it produce in us works. Making any sense?

Also, I don't see anything that says Ghandi won't be in Heaven. That is between him and God. Who are any of us to judge someones eternal salvation. True, we can recognize specific acts that are evil, but only God can read the heart and only God has the right to judge.

Oh, I forgot to answer your question, you can really have the former without the latter. Faith is more important, but inextricably linked to works. So, the answer is kind of both.

And to get back to someone saying how a convicted murderer could end up in heaven... that point of view is justified by the story of Jesus' time on the cross.

He was crucified with two criminals. One of the criminals asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus told the criminal that he would be in Paradise soon.

Concerning Ghandi, I cannot judge either, as the others say. However, I can say that should he had heard the gospel and rejected it, then there's a very high chance that he did not make it to the Kingdom of Heaven. But I don't know what went on in his life, so I can't make that call.

"Now show me your alleged faith apart from any good works if you can, and I by good works will show you my faith."

What worries me about these religious people is their lack of faith in humans... this whole sheep thing... just sound like a lot of low self steem...

"Now show me your alleged faith apart from any good works if you can, and I by good works will show you my faith."

You and James :p, I think I said that already BTW ;)

And to get back to someone saying how a convicted murderer could end up in heaven... that point of view is justified by the story of Jesus' time on the cross.

He was crucified with two criminals. One of the criminals asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus told the criminal that he would be in Paradise soon.

Hahahaha, I imagine 2 guys on the cross;

"Hey you"
"W-what?"
"Remember me!"
"Why? I´m gonna die in like, 15 minutes..."

What worries me about these religious people is their lack of faith in humans... this whole sheep thing... just sound like a lot of low self steem...

It's by no means low self esteem. We were created by God. His "perfect" creation, if you will. The fact that He made us just to love us is alone enough to fill one's heart with boasting. However, we screwed up, so we have to pay the price and live in imperfection.

As for a "lack of faith in humans", I'm pretty much an optimist. I know people can do good, but I also know that we have the potential to do bad. I guess then that I'd be a "cautious optimist", if you will.

The presumptuousness of these people is quite funny. As if the christian god Yahwe would even have jurisdiction over Ghandi. Brahma and its myriad of avatars would kick his ass if he were ever even to glance at him.

You're also assuming that we believe that Bhrama even exists. If we believe that Yahweh is the One True God, and that there is no one else to contest with him, then we believe that Ghandi is indeed in His jurisdiction, as is all people.

The presumptuousness of these people is quite funny. As if the christian god Yahwe would even have jurisdiction over Ghandi. Brahma and its myriad of avatars would kick his ass if he were ever even to glance at him.

I bet on the one who have more arms. :D

lol

You're also assuming that we believe that Bhrama even exists. If we believe that Yahweh is the One True God, and that there is no one else to contest with him, then we believe that Ghandi is indeed in His jurisdiction, as is all people.

Your god's low self-esteem is irrelevant. Ghandi has Brahma and Vishnu and Krishna and Shiva and Kali and Hanuman and Ganesha etc on his side. Outnumbered, your deity is.

It's by no means low self esteem. We were created by God. His "perfect" creation, if you will. The fact that He made us just to love us is alone enough to fill one's heart with boasting. However, we screwed up, so we have to pay the price and live in imperfection.

As for a "lack of faith in humans", I'm pretty much an optimist. I know people can do good, but I also know that we have the potential to do bad. I guess then that I'd be a "cautious optimist", if you will.

You believe atheists can be good too? I´m someone who clearly rejected the idea of god (as you know), but still, I read the bible and use it as a guide now and then because I know of its valuable lessons. But, really, I don´t believe in a good old man smiling and watching over us. I believe in the teachings, but I do it because I believe they help me with my life. Am I sinner too? Following the bible, but rejecting the idea of a higher being watching over me? Will I burn in hell?

You believe atheists can be good too? I´m someone who clearly rejected the idea of god (as you know), but still, I read the bible and use it as a guide now and then because I know of its valuable lessons. But, really, I don´t believe in a good old man smiling and watching over us. I believe in the teachings, but I do it because I believe they help me with my life. Am I sinner too? Following the bible, but rejecting the idea of a higher being watching over me? Will I burn in hell?

We are all sinners. Even Christians are sinners. The only difference being that we have decided to accept God's grace and others...well...haven't. We're no more special than you or anyone else. Of course, because we are Christian, we need to be an example of Christ's love for everyone.

And you don't need to believe in an old man smiling, as it never describes God as looking old, or even being a man. (Jesus being the exception, but that's a little different)

We are all sinners. Even Christians are sinners. The only difference being that we have decided to accept God's grace and others...well...haven't. We're no more special than you or anyone else. Of course, because we are Christian, we need to be an example of Christ's love for everyone.

And you don't need to believe in an old man smiling, as it never describes God as looking old, or even being a man. (Jesus being the exception, but that's a little different)

You didn´t answered my question? Will I go to hell? Being an atheist, but still, following the bible´s teachings?

Works all the way. Once, I might have said faith. But not now.

If you don't take all of God's Word to be truth, and not follow the part about accepting Christ as your savior and redeemer, then you have not been saved from sin, and God's grace has yet to fall on you.

Following his morals isn't enough to get you to Heaven, you also need to follow Him. John 14:6 states: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" You cannot enter the gates of Heaven unless you have accepted Him.

Have you ever lied or wanted to sleep with a woman other than your wife (including your wife before she was your wife)? Ever murdered someone, disrespected your parents, or stole something? Ever used the Lord's name in vain?

If you don't take all of God's Word to be truth, and not follow the part about accepting Christ as your savior and redeemer, then you have not been saved from sin, and God's grace has yet to fall on you.

Following his morals isn't enough to get you to Heaven, you also need to follow Him. John 14:6 states: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" You cannot enter the gates of Heaven unless you have accepted Him.

Well then, I´m screwed... see you in the lake of fire... I will keep helping the people here, don´t need your god approval...
And in a second hand... something joseph campbell say (I will not quote, because I don´t remember the exact words):
Jesus says he is the way to get to the father. But, hey, who knows? Maybe I want to go for the mother instead.

Is that directed towards me, Droaam?

I just won a debate with my Born Again Christian parents, who were talking about all the poor "mis-informed Muslims." I was sick of this idiotic crap, especially in my family, so I set them straight.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

My argument went like this....

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven. Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.

What do you think?

I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.

that doesnt go for catholics by the way

Well then, I´m screwed... see you in the lake of fire... I will keep helping the people here, don´t need your god approval...
And in a second hand... something joseph campbell say (I will not quote, because I don´t remember the exact words):
Jesus says he is the way to get to the father. But, hey, who knows? Maybe I want to go for the mother instead.
Hey mate. Don't mind the assumption that you are doomed, I'm on my way to hell too for doubting that a God who lets millions of people burn in hell while doing nothing to save them can be merciful.
Still, I believe that it is every man's moral duty to help other people and to work on the common good. I hope with my heart that at least there is some sanity in the universe and that all these bible quotes and christian theories are nothing but empty lies.

You didn´t answered my question? Will I go to hell? Being an atheist, but still, following the bible´s teachings?

as someone stated before.. there is only one way into heaven.. gods way.. it is no one elses duty or even right to judge weather or not you will go to heaven or hell.. so in reality no one can say what will happen to you. You make your own choices and live with them as we all do. If you look at religion in the moderate way more christians do.. religion is far less overbaring then most people here make it out to be. Only atheists latch on to the nut cases who proclaim every word in the bible is reality while judging everyone insight.. God himself said thou shall not judge.. didn't he ?

If you don't take all of God's Word to be truth, and not follow the part about accepting Christ as your savior and redeemer, then you have not been saved from sin, and God's grace has yet to fall on you.

Following his morals isn't enough to get you to Heaven, you also need to follow Him. John 14:6 states: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" You cannot enter the gates of Heaven unless you have accepted Him.

who are you to say how god is accepted in the heart of any person.. by following the truth jesus preaches.. he is following him in a way, weather he directly admits it to himself or to you. It is not for you or for me to say who is going to hell and who is not... there is only one way into heaven.. gods way.. and you certainly are not qualified to preach what that way is... I would say no person is.

Which is more important? Faith...

However, faith without works is dead (Hebrews chapter 2).
The entire book of Romans stresses that only Jesus is going to get you to heaven, and that that's what the problem with the Judists was (more specifically, the Pharacies). The book of James was written by Jesus' brother and he stresses that works is important, both however say that they go together and that you must have both. Hebrews also talks alot about faith and works.

"Show me your faith without your works, and I'll show you my faith by my works."

That quote pretty well sums up the fact that you must have works in order to have faith. You must have faith in Christ to go to heaven.

SO.... from the Pentecostal perspective... faith is more important, but not by much.

who are you to say how god is accepted in the heart of any person.. by following the truth jesus preaches.. he is following him in a way, weather he directly admits it to himself or to you. It is not for you or for me to say who is going to hell and who is not... there is only one way into heaven.. gods way.. and you certainly are not qualified to preach what that way is... I would say no person is.

He's quoting God inspired scripture. He's not wrong at all. All he said was that you must accept Jesus in order to go to heaven. He's absolutely correct.

Works.
Gandhi will not spend an eternity of non existence just because he was not a Christian.
I do not believe that Jesus is just going to leave everyone who doesn't believe in Him fall to dust(I don't believe in Hell, except for the Devil). He is the only way to God...but Jesus reaches out for you, even if you do not make a concious effort to reach out for Him.
And doing good works and showing the evidence of love in your works...is the type of thing that would justify Jesus's intervention on your behalf.

I believe in works, because the only thing I have faith in is that Occidio Multus and Bitchkitten are very nice people. Said faith has been sorely tested but it has still held. Barely. :D

Works.
Gandhi will not spend an eternity of non existence just because he was not a Christian.
I do not believe that Jesus is just going to leave everyone who doesn't believe in Him fall to dust(I don't believe in Hell, except for the Devil). He is the only way to God...but Jesus reaches out for you, even if you do not make a concious effort to reach out for Him.
And doing good works and showing the evidence of love in your works...is the type of thing that would justify Jesus's intervention on your behalf.

Does the Bible mention anything that backs up your beliefs?

I'm not trying to be mean by the way. It just makes me curious if the Bible says that this is true.

EDIT: Whoa... I just realized that you don't believe in Hell. It's in the Bible, do you think they're kidding?

I just won a debate with my Born Again Christian parents, who were talking about all the poor "mis-informed Muslims." I was sick of this idiotic crap, especially in my family, so I set them straight.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

My argument went like this....

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven. Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.

What do you think?

I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.

Christens normally refer to Protestants. Catholics normally refer to Roman Chatholics and Easter(Greek) Orthodox.

Christens have all seperate beliefs depending on the founder. Luther believes that all you need is faith when Calvin believes if you arent working you are sinning. Catholics are if you have faith and repent your sins or if you are a nonCatholic and do good works you go to heaven.

Calvin is also predesitination so according to him it doesnt matter what you do, your fate was already determined.

Does the Bible mention anything that backs up your beliefs?

I'm not trying to be mean by the way. It just makes me curious if the Bible says that this is true.
I honestly do not know.
I never have picked up the Bible...I have just been blending every religion/philosophy that has ever come into contact with me.
My own thoughts go pretty deep, but, in general, it is that there was no Heaven to begin with...God created the Universe and the universe just sat there. After a lot of evil events, I could envision, somewhere along the road, God sending someone to deliberatley die for humanity, or an extremely powerful individual(I believe humans are deified on a certain level) sacrificing his/herself to save humans after death.
It was described in the tale of Jesus, so I figured that Jesus was probably that guy.

If you'd like an excellent answer to the question of faith and works, you should read Chapter 70 of the Desire of Ages by Ellen G. White. It makes perfect sense.

next time one of thos religious converting people comes to my door i actually gonna answer the door (a first for me :P) and when the try there pitch ima tell em 2 get teh eff outa my face muhahaha

A religion that grants passage for my faith seems silly. Faith is easier, Work is hard and thus the best. With only faith you don't need to work for yourself, all you need to do is hold that faith. On the other hand, with work, you need to work for your betterment and also keep your faith in what you're doing. So your claim to a good afterlife is twice as strong with work than with faith.

I just won a debate with my Born Again Christian parents, who were talking about all the poor "mis-informed Muslims." I was sick of this idiotic crap, especially in my family, so I set them straight.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

Where did you here Islam is all about Works did not Peter/Paul(obe of the two) say, "Faith without Works is dead." Christian is high in works with faith.



My argument went like this....

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven. Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.

What do you think?

I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.

Ghandi would go to the lowest Heaven until Ghandi repents of sins and accepts Jesus. Same with the Serial Killer. Except repenting and accept Jesus only saved the rapist from damnation.
Ghandis good deeds make him go higher if he chose to likewise repent and accept.

That's really the whole point of Christianity. We're to realize that it's not what we do, but what God does. Sin is sin, be it stealing candy or murder. It's all the same to God, as it all separates us from Him.


I'm not the greatest biblical scholar in the world or anything, but wasn't there a part of Matthew that says that if you get a job you should steal from it and give stuff away from your friends?

The point being law does not equal christian virtue.

Ghandi would go to the lowest Heaven until Ghandi repents of sins and accepts Jesus. Same with the Serial Killer. Except repenting and accept Jesus only saved the rapist from damnation.
Ghandis good deeds make him go higher if he chose to likewise repent and accept.

Where does anything say anything about varying levels of heaven?

Dante came up with various levels of Hell to account for how a just God could condemn millions of people to eternal damnation just because the missionaries hadn't figured out how to build a speed boat before they died. I don't remember anything about different levels of heaven though.

And Ghandi was educated in the west and chose to remain a Hindu. According to any Christian tradition this means he is currently burning in hell.

Ghandi would go to the lowest Heaven until Ghandi repents of sins and accepts Jesus. Same with the Serial Killer. Except repenting and accept Jesus only saved the rapist from damnation.
Ghandis good deeds make him go higher if he chose to likewise repent and accept.
What in the hell is "lowest heaven" are were did you get that from?

What in the hell is "lowest heaven" are were did you get that from?
Third heaven reference from where Paul said he was caught up in. Also my religion.
You see Third inplies more than 2. THus 3.

Later on you see the Sun, Moon, ans Stars discussed talking about the three kingdoms: Celestrial, Terestrial, and the lowest Telestrial. They are all Degrees of Glory.
You are still saved just not as great a glory.

The Sun is the greatest Glory, the Moon like the kingdom Terestrial has less (like compare brightness of moon to Sun), and the Stars brightness compared to Moon to your eyes shows difference in Glory of Terestrial to Telestrial.

But in the end its all Glory and Salavation. Just like an A, B, or C is passing in a class. But an A is regarded best.

Third heaven reference from where Paul said he was caught up in. Also my religion.
You see Third inplies more than 2. THus 3.

Later on you see the Sun, Moon, ans Stars discussed talking about the three kingdoms: Celestrial, Terestrial, and the lowest Telestrial. They are all Degrees of Glory.
You are still saved just not as great a glory.

The Sun is the greatest Glory, the Moon like the kingdom Terestrial has less (like compare brightness of moon to Sun), and the Stars brightness compared to Moon to your eyes shows difference in Glory of Terestrial to Telestrial.

But in the end its all Glory and Salavation. Just like an A, B, or C is passing in a class. But an A is regarded best.
Are you a Mormon? Whats the weather like on Kolob this time of year? This is a thread about christianity, why you felt in neccesary to go into all...that is beyond me.

That's kind of an interesting thing there...

For everyone's information, the levels of heaven thing is not a general christian ideal. I'm not sure what it is.

My beliefs stick with the 1 heaven and 1 hell.

31“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

41“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”


Considering that Jesus gave this speech about judgement day, and it mentions faith zero times and centers around good works, I would vote works are more important than faith.

Born Again Christians...LMFAO I love those people.

No matter how horrible their past is you can dunk someone in a river and they'll be forgiven. I understand that I'm missing a lot of important details but that is basically the gist' of a born again christian am I right?

I'm against religion as a whole, if you need someone else to decide what is moral for you and what isn't then I truly pity you. Not to mention it seems a little childish. "Be a good person and you a treat", I've heard that before...Oh yeah! Santa Clause. You should be a good person not because you're going to get a reward, but because it's the right thing to do. <readies the flame shield>

And your reply is exactly why faith is more important. Good works flow from faith. You all have already stated that even an atheist can do a "good work." That's fantastic. But as a Christian who reads the Bible, being good is not going to get me into heaven with God. Thank God! What kind of crazy pressure would that be? So that means everytime I have any kind of impure thought I'm notching my belt in the wrong direction? Luckily my answer to that is no. Because I believe faith is where it's at.

But back to "Faith without works is dead." Luke 6:43 says, "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree that produces good fruit." (NASB) Your faith is clearly demonstrated through your actions, but it is not the actions that will get you into heaven.

But back to "Faith without works is dead." Luke 6:43 says, "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree that produces good fruit." (NASB) Your faith is clearly demonstrated through your actions, but it is not the actions that will get you into heaven.

well said.

In a standard match, Works would end up on top by technicality, but Faith would destroy Works in an all-out cage match.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

It depens on the individual group of christians, some belive one, some the other. Some both. In fact, if you take the New Testamant as a whole, it becomes obvoius that both are neccasary. Many choose to ignore and to pick and choose certain passages to justify their stance. My personal belief is that it requires both faith and works, but there will be a chance to develope faith in the next life, and be saved. Perhaps even redeem yourself of some bad works. Admit, not everyone will have the chance to belive in, or even hear of, Jesus Christ in this life. And there are so many conflicting senses of what is right and wrong.

This part pretty much all Christians would agree with

This part is not ours to judge.

Most Christians are too.

However, Christianity insists that faith inspires works, and that faith without works is dead. You need both, you see.

Yay!!! i completely agree with you

I just won a debate with my Born Again Christian parents, who were talking about all the poor "mis-informed Muslims." I was sick of this idiotic crap, especially in my family, so I set them straight.

It is my understanding that Christianity is all about faith, and Islam is all about works following so far?

My argument went like this....

If a convicted serial murderer and rapist accepts Jesus as his lord and savior, repenting all of his sins, he goes to heaven. Ghandi, on the other hand, is not Christian and is therefor now burning in hell.

What do you think?

I'm tired of Christians who would rather try to convert somebody rather then try to clothe or feed them.
You rip. You set them straight, all right: in your own mind. True, some people of all religions (or lack thereof) are radicals (including atheism), but just because someone is born Muslim or Hindu (or any religion for that matter) doesn't mean God will hold them accountable. As long as they live good lives and were born into that faith, I believe that they have a shot at salvation, whether their religion was correct or not.
Not that this matters, but serial murderers are hardly ever rapists. You might want to get a criminal psychology book. Not only that, but that isn't the case. Technically, Hitler was a Christian before he went completely insane and, in a way, thought that he was a demi-god. That doesn't mean that he went to Heaven. You have it all wrong, and you're using that to spew crap without the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Now, you've been set straight. You'd best start telling it like it is before you look like even more of a fascist.

Matthew 25:

34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

41“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Jesus said that he decides righteousness by acts.