I have no idea if the "end" as you say it, will happen in my lifetime or not. I doubt that it will, but again, I'm not God. But let's pretend for a minute that none of it is true. What's the worst that has happened? I lived my life attempting to serve others. Is that a bad thing? Now let's assume it is true? What does that mean to those that didn't believe?
Those that didn't believe. Well if there is this god then he should be benevolent, and if his story is ture it will not mater if you believe or not. But there is no proof at all that there is this god in the heavens, I mean how could he just sit there and watch his children kill each other in his name?
There's no sense in getting into a pissing contest, but it amazes me how some will mock another person's beliefs. What gain is there to mock what another person believes just because you don't believe the same thing?
Didn't mean for this to be construed as mocking. If so, I apologize.
It just seemed to be ONE logical answer to the question of free will.
If there is a god and he is all knowing, then our "free will" has already been determined. If god does not know what will happen, then he is not all powerful.
Rick
------------------------------------ ILIAA
Training, Community, Support, and Success Independent Life Insurance Agents Assn rick@iliaa.org
I was confused all of my life (didn't really know it, but had a feeling something wasn't right). Tried a little bit of everything. Stayed confused and didn't know it.
I became a Christian at 26. As I grew in the knowledge of God in Christ by studying His Word, I became less confused. I am nowhere near perfect or holier than thou; if anything I am MORE aware of my many shortcomings than ever. But there is one thing now that I am not and that is confused. It took an awful long time. I am now 51. Sorry...I'm a little slow.
I have to admit that I was a lost soul (a little like JSF) until after college.
I didn't believe in God or any type of supreme being. But one day...I met a guy named Murray. (and just to clarify...I'm married with children, and not a homosexual). Murray had an answer for everything. Most of the time, they weren't right, but that was Ok. He would sort of remind you of "Kramer" from Seinfeld.
Anyhow, I don't know what happened to Murray. But he changed my life.
"When a man...a stranger man appears....he is your light."
Corinthians 15:8
"Murray appeared from nowhere and disappeared again."
Psalms 21:5
"And Moses declared that in the new generation, a man would appear confused and unknowing. But this man named Murray would be your answer."
I have to admit that I was a lost soul (a little like JSF) until after college.
I didn't believe in God or any type of supreme being. But one day...I met a guy named Murray. (and just to clarify...I'm married with children, and not a homosexual). Murray had an answer for everything. Most of the time, they weren't right, but that was Ok. He would sort of remind you of "Kramer" from Seinfeld.
Anyhow, I don't know what happened to Murray. But he changed my life.
"When a man...a stranger man appears....he is your light."
Corinthians 15:8
"Murray appeared from nowhere and disappeared again."
Psalms 21:5
"And Moses declared that in the new generation, a man would appear confused and unknowing. But this man named Murray would be your answer."
Deuteronomy 19:12
Again, why the need to mock another person's beliefs? Does it make you feel better about yourself?
Sman...I'm not mocking JSF. I appreciate his beliefs and he sounds like a good guy.
It was more of a general "sillyness" type of post, which I have been known to do.
You need to understand, scripture is part of a Christians beliefs and to make fun of them is making fun of that persons beliefs. If you "appreciated" his beliefs, you wouldn't make fun of those beliefs.
I can handle the mockery. I just want to know what makes one do that. Is it insecurity? Is it misunderstanding? What is it? You and the others can continue all you'd like. My skin is tough enough to handle it. I would really like to know what it is that compels a person to do it.
I can handle the mockery. I just want to know what makes one do that. Is it insecurity? Is it misunderstanding? What is it? You and the others can continue all you'd like. My skin is tough enough to handle it. I would really like to know what it is that compels a person to do it.
Is it worse to make light of someone's beliefs (and meaning no personal harm) or for a person to tell an Atheist that they are doomed to an eternity in hell for being a non-believer? (Of course, since I don't believe in heaven or hell...)
Why is it that it is okay to joke about almost everything else, but apparenty god (and that usually means the Christian god) is not allowed?
I have no use for the belief, but respect the believers as people.
View a believer from a couple of points. He believes that unbelievers are doomed to heel and an eternity of punishment. Now this believer doesn't want anyone to suffer this eternal damnation, so they might really try to guide, pray , educate the atheist to what they see as the truth. If they are wrong, their heart was in the right place trying to help his fellow man, no foul.
However, assume his belief his true, if he can help the atheist change his view, he would be a "lifesaver". Right or wrong most believers care about those that are non believers.
"You need to understand, scripture is part of a Christians beliefs and to make fun of them is making fun of that persons beliefs. If you "appreciated" his beliefs, you wouldn't make fun of those beliefs.
I can handle the mockery. I just want to know what makes one do that. Is it insecurity? Is it misunderstanding? What is it? You and the others can continue all you'd like. My skin is tough enough to handle it. I would really like to know what it is that compels a person to do it.
Sman..I hate to say it, but many people who "appreciate" the beliefs, make fun of them. Have you watched TV lately? Have you seen any movies this century?
What compels a person to do it? Nothing.
Have you ever read the writings of Hamas or Hezbollah? That's who you should be concerned with. Not a goofy poster on an Insurance Forum.
"Men are men. And there can be no peace as long as there are men."
The radical islamists truly believe. They believe at an insane level. Who else would kill women, children, the elderly, the innocent, and themselves in the name of their religion. I hope somebody is keeping a serious eye on these guys in the middle east. God help us if ONE of them get nukes.
Is it worse to make light of someone's beliefs (and meaning no personal harm) or for a person to tell an Atheist that they are doomed to an eternity in hell for being a non-believer? (Of course, since I don't believe in heaven or hell...)
Why is it that it is okay to joke about almost everything else, but apparenty god (and that usually means the Christian god) is not allowed?
I have no use for the belief, but respect the believers as people.
Rick
Rick,
Those are very real and valid questions. I would think it's more acceptable to joke about the "Christian God" as you say it than it is to joke about the muslim god. Most Christians aren't going to kill someone over the joke.
I never tell someone they are doomed to hell. If they ask what I believe, I share that with them. I tell them about my personal experiences. I don't ask them to believe the same thing. I can only show, by example, why it is I believe what I believe. It's up to God to do the rest. There isn't anything one person said to me that made me believe in God. Other than the fact that I was at the end of my rope one day and someone shared a simple message about His grace and mercy. If that belief came out of desperation, that's ok. It has taken me many years to walk this journey and I have only come to believe all the more that He is real in my life.
It's absolutely ok to make jokes. But sometimes it borders mockery simply because we have different beliefs. Heck, within the Christian faith there are many jokes about the different denominations. Like, what's the difference between a Methodist and a Baptist? A Methodist will speak to you in the liquor store.
The reason that would be funny to some in the Christian faith is due to the fact that there is a lot of truth in that statement. Which means there is a ton of hypocrisy within the Christian faith. I think far too many Christians are legalistic and rigid. They believe that anyone who doesn't think and act like they do is not as good as they are. What they forget is the fact that they were once the very person they are judging and condemning. That's not the message of Christ.
The problem with many denominations and those that consider themselves believers is that they think they have to live up to the 10 commandments. When in fact, it's a virtual impossibility to do so. And that's the reason for the cross. The debt was paid and brings us into right relationship with God. We don't have to do anything to earn it.
You don't have to believe that. But for you to tell a Christian that there is no God, is no different than telling them that they don't have a parent. I know you may not get that. I understand you want tangible proof that God exists. There would be no need for faith in that? One day you may get your tangible proof. Or maybe not. As for me, I have personal experiences that I just don't think can be explained by chance. And that's something that no person can ever convince me of otherwise.
So to me, God is real. I don't need to see Him in person to believe it. I've seen too many things happen that can't be explained by chance. I really am ok with jokes about my beliefs. But sometimes they do get personal. Whether intended or not. Don't get me wrong, I get as fed up with some believers as you probably do. Maybe more so. Because I get lumped in with them by the likes of you.
At this point, I don't care if you want to joke. I'm not going to defend my faith nor take it personal. So have at it.
Re: Jesus Is My Health Insurance
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