<p>@ dcTalk, Any person who believes Jesus of Nazareth is “the Christ” and identifies as a Christian is a Christian. So Hitler was a Christian. You may believe he wasn’t a “real” Christian, but that doesn’t matter. Just like it doesn’t matter that the Catholic church does not recognize marriages outside of church valid and technically views children from non-Catholic marriages as bastards. Those people are still married no matter what somebody tries to say.</p>
<p>Also, to the OP, I would say that you should use whatever example you are confident is going to get your point across. It doesn’t matter if you use Jesus of Nazareth, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the narrator from Invisible Man, Lisa who lives down the road, Buzz Aldrin, Aeolus (the Greek god of the wind), or Snooki from Jersey Shore. If it gets your point across the way you want, use it.</p>
<p>@lacrosse37 I don’t understand your posts. That’s like saying, “What if I forced you to listen to me about my position on abortion?” Or better yet, “What if I forced you to listen to me about Alexander the Great?” That’s basically what a piece of literature does…</p>
<p>I agree with SerenityJade…simply put, you can reference Christ, or any other historical/literary figure if you can use it to back up your point.</p>
<p>Just like what I said earlier, be careful; don’t say, “Jesus healed a blind man,” that’s a terrible statement if you want to persuade someone. Saying “Most Christians believe that Jesus healed a blind man” is true and can’t really be refuted.</p>
<p>I can’t believe that people like lacrosse37 know how to use a computer. Although clearly spelling is beyond his capabilities. </p>
<p>lacrosse37, Jesus is regarded as a prophet in Islam. Osama bin Laden absolutely did believe in Jesus Christ, and he believed that he was a holy figure. If you’re going to spew random garbage, at least try to know a little something about what you’re spewing.</p>
<p>As an atheist, I think Jesus was a really commendable guy who preached good values and genuinely helped people. I don’t believe that he turned water into wine, that he was the son of God, or that he is our savior, however. He was just Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph, and there’s nothing wrong with writing a theologically neutral essay about him in my humble, atheist opinion.</p>
<p>I agree with you Sikorsky. You gave sound advice as a teacher. I also attempted to introduce the principle of considering the audience when writing and choosing appropriate content and style. Perhaps other readers will benefit from your sound advice, but I don’t see the point in feeding this discussion further.</p>
<p>I don’t think he meant you GF I think he was referring to the argument(s) on the posts. I was not referring to you either. I was agreeing with the futility of giving advice on how to write an appropriate essay for the SAT when the discussion went so far off track. I am sorry if this was misunderstood.</p>
<p>When I posted that, the post immediately preceding it was a particularly outrageous and offensive one from lacrosse37. That post has since been taken down. Good riddance, too.</p>
<p>So no, GolfFather, I was not intending to call you out. But I see that it sure looks that way now. I’m glad you asked, so we could clear that up.</p>
<p>And now I, too, wish this thread would just pass into oblivion.</p>