Ooops, had to fix my post above....too many spelling errors. It's still early in the morning here!

[b][i]Yes ‘Christ’ must be the ‘Messiah’ because they are the same word in two languages, but the Messiah was a particular type of person in Jewish culture – and Jesus did not fulfill the expectations required of a Messiah.[/i] [PDM] Of course he did to some, thus Christianity was born. [SqueekyChimp][/b] Only because Christians took over a specific title - a title specific to Jews. [b]Of the other references you outline of similar practices between various pagan religions and Christianity, my point was and still is simple. I agree that there are similarities with a few practices/symbols but do not see that as a correlation in doctrines. That is the only point I wanted to make clear. I think we have reached an understanding in that arena so we can move on.[/b] This is kind of what I said you would say. You ask why I state something, but then say, in effect, that my points are not really relevant. I disagree. But there is no point in going round in circles. I really don't follow how you can say:'I agree that there are similarities with a few practices/symbols but do not see that as a correlation in doctrines.' :confused: I wonder what would enable you to see 'a relation in doctrines'? Well, we shall just have to agree to differ. :) [b]Are you coming for tea today? :) [/b] I'd love to come for tea - but I think it might be a bit too far today! :)

PDM,

I think I shall bow out from further discussion on religion. It is just too difficult for me to explain in writing. If you lived around the corner and we could get together, sit down on several occasions and discuss the matters outlined above, I believe it would be much easier to understand each other's viewpoints and expound on them. I still think you misunderstand my meanings and I will blame that on my faulty writings.

Suffice it to say that I am an open minded person who enjoys learning about other viewpoints surrounding various topics including religion. I can see that you are open minded too and a searcher. We would have plenty to talk about.

Squeekychimp, only on 16th October being afraid of this reaction, I posted
I cannot speak for others - I enjoy this debates. I shall miss you if you decide not to contribute. I really would like to know your viewpoints and understand them with reasoning.

May I add (on a lighter note) you do seem angry and frustrated.

OH haha! I agree with frustrated somsuj! Not angry however.

Frustrated with my inability to adequately express my views. I bowed out once before on this topic, guess I shall again!

Please don't.

We love you to be here. We also know that you love us too.

{ this is my modified version of 1 Corinthian 13 :
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.}

Our love will bring you back!

I admit, at the moment, to feeling somewhat confused.

So, okay, maybe we'll have to wait until we can all get together, face to face, with that nice cup of tea.

There are plenty of other things to talk about.

What confusion PDM ?

The confusion of trying to have a deep and meaningful conversation, over different continents, in different time zones, with various people I have never met, but with whom I enjoy conversing, without the benefit of facial expressions and / or body language, and hoping that we may all understand each other completely.

At least I am in UK - a bit towards south you see!

But a meaningful conversion does not depend on these - it just needs to be meaningful.