It's not a distorted view at all slimebeast. The Catholic Church in general was about the worst thing that ever happened to Christianity.

Ecumencial councils and other such acts were what widdled down Christianity.

Originally it was rather free and open for discussion. Trying to find truth in gods words and path.

Once the romans took over... it was the roman line or nothing. Well worse then nothing actually.

Afterall, all one really needs to know what god wants for you is to have god in your life, no?

I didn't expect that, either. O_O

Christianity is one of the most well defined "religions" in its early period. What's the New Testament? The Gospels establish a clear base and also how to interpret the Old Testament, by Jesus words and teachings. Jesus himself said that He was in the Father as the Father is in Him and many more statements that point towards his divinity. The Book of Acts is a description of the early Church and of what they believed in, the same Church that degenerated over the centuries into a "no Church", because it left some basic principles.

All the epistles describe perfectly and in detail the Christian doctrine. "Roman stuff" is far later than the biblical texts, including the New Testament.

You should read and study the Bible before talking about that. Those who think that evolution is "the truth" criticize us when we speak because you say that we don't study it before saying a word against it. This is a friendly advice.

Kasz

I agree about the Catholic church and Christianity becoming institutionalized and whatnot being a negative thing, but you are over-emphasizing the importance of obscure Gnostic views that were left in the cold in the 2nd century, long before Roman influence on Christianity.

"The Catholic Church in general was about the worst thing that ever happened to Christianity.

Ecumencial councils and other such acts were what widdled down Christianity."

I agree.

"Originally it was rather free and open for discussion. Trying to find truth in gods words and path."

More or less. Some aspects were discussed but not because of Christianity allowing to discuss everything, but because not everyone understood it the same way. Paul said that there's only one true Gospel, and that if somebody spreads another Gospel, that must be anathema. However, is true that there wasn't an institution that pretended to enforce its own point of view.

"Once the romans took over... it was the roman line or nothing."

Indeed.

"Well worse then nothing actually."

Worse that than nothing. As I said before, there's only one true Gospel. Those who don't accomplish it, will not inherit the eternal life (this isn't a threat, but an invitation to follow this path). Jesus said that not everyone that calls Him Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who obey and accomplish the Father's will.

"Afterall, all one really needs to know what god wants for you is to have god in your life, no?"

Not exactly. Maybe according to other religions, but in Christianity, we learn that God wants us to praise Him in truth and doing His will, according to His Word. My previous replies also speak about this.

I hope that I cleared out some points.

I own a number of bibles and have actually read them before thanks.

"I am the father" and "the father is me" is hardly definitive... he could very well just be stating that he is speaking gods word and intentions.

I may as well say jesus said he wasn't a god when he referred to himself as "The son of man."

Additionally there are many mentions of "Sons of god" another term applied to jesus that is applied elsewhere.

"I own a number of bibles and have actually read them before thanks."

You're welcome...

""I am the father" and "the father is me" is hardly definitive... he could very well just be stating that he is speaking gods word and intentions.

I may as well say jesus said he wasn't a god when he referred to himself as "The son of man."

Additionally there are many mentions of "Sons of god" another term applied to jesus that is applied elsewhere."

If we're going this way... read further because there are lots of quotations speaking about the superiority of Jesus in comparison to angels. God's angels are not to be adored, while Jesus was (after His resurrection He allowed people to do so), and the epistles and the Book of Revelation also speak about this.

He being called "The son of man" is a way to refer to the human condition that He was put in to accomplish God's plan.

So, your position is.  If you have god in your life... and follow the path god has laid out for you.  Your still doing something wrong... even though your doing everything as god tells you... because one branch of chrisanity that was chosen for roman convinence tells you your doing things wrong.

No offense... but i'd take the presense, serenity and fullness of feeling gods presense over church doctrine anyday.  Espiecally considering the dubious nature of some of the catholic churches actions that went against even it's own teachings.

@Slimebeast: It was only 30+ years ago when Bonobos got their own definition of species. Until that, they were considered as one breed of Chimpanzees. They don't differ much from Chimpanzees, so i can't say whether they are closer to us genetically or just in behaviour.

Homosexuality is more common among animals than people seem to know. But, Bonobos do act more like humans when it comes to sex in general.
For the Gorillas, i didn't specifically mean it was your mistake, just that it's what people usually think how it goes.

The polyteism in christian religion isn't unambigous, since there's one character that's specifically god and two other god-like characters. Christianity isn't monoteist as JW or islam, that have only one character playing the role of god, but more like buddhism, where there are different incarnations of the same god.

I consider myself a Protestant because my basic doctrine is evangelical, not Roman Catholic nor any other. By the way, every Christian is actually Catholic, although not Roman. The Roman Catholic church "stole" this term and made it exclusive, but a Christian is Catholic because it means that he/she is part of the universal church. That's why I differentiate between Catholich and Roman Catholic.

I try to follow God's will without being compelled by any institution. The Bible is my only guide. Of course, I accept advice, but if I see that this teaching or advice goes against the Bible, I don't accept it.

This thread is derailing.........

@Kasz

"Additionally there are many mentions of "Sons of god" another term applied to jesus that is applied elsewhere."

A son of god is someone who is in god(follows the ways of God completely).
The prophets were called sons of God. Jesus was the Son of God.

The capital letter means something, no?