| Author | Message | ||
     Luftkoph |
I also like the smell of skunks. Me also but only from a distance,I was way to close once and it is a whole different kina smell up close | ||
| Hex |
Skunk. Kind of like perfume that you can taste through your skin? Got dogs, been skunked. 2x I've been busy with family. My grandpa was a horseman. http://ryanrodco.com/photos/horseback.html and a Catholic who loved the Pope, and Ronald Regan...  But he was also cool enough to have had Bob Dylan stay with his family for a while in the '60. That too shaped my life. All 4 of his sons were hippies of one sort or another. Catholic hippies. My Uncles and Father. He loved us very much. (Message edited by Hex on January 10, 2010) | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
ok so I was raised catholic all my life and now that I am an adult and have been exposed to different religious cultures I have formed my own opinions about religions and stuff. one Jews, Christians, and Muslims all believe in the same GOD they just have different beliefs about Jesus and his roll in the skeem of things. Buddhist do not believe in a supreme being as Buddha was not a god he was a human being like all of us. Buddhist people are very selfless people. To be a Christian is to be selfless so that being said they do not veer that far off from the other 3 religions. I do not know anything about Hindus or pagans so I cannot comment on those religions so I am leaving them out as well as these new fad religions like the one were tom Cruz is a god or something like that. Ok so looking at the 4 main religions in the world all believing in being a selfless person and all I believe that weather or not there is a god or not if you are a good selfless person and help your fellow man and what not you will go to were ever it is you are supposed to go. | ||
| Hex |
Also interested in Religious intolerance and understanding whyTF someone would declare holy war on us? And WTF does that mean? | ||
| Sifo |
I assume you are talking about Bin Laden and the 9-11 attack. My view on this is that it all started with Saddam Husein invading Kuwait. This was a chance for OBL to defend a Muslim nation from an invader. Doing this would, in his belief system, assure his place in Paridise. Unfortunately for OBL the UN actually took action (one of the few times). This took away his big chance to be a soldier of Allah in a true Jihad. The UN lead defense of Kuwait of course lead to building US military bases in Saudi Arabia that OBL could use as a rallying cry to convince some sheeple to attack the infidel nation that was occupying their Holy land of Mecca. In other words - No good deed goes unpunished. | ||
| Bjbauer |
Hey. Just want to say God Bless to all. If you're not a believer then best wishes.  | ||
| Swampy |
Thus, the purpose of good and evil, for a fallen man to find redemption through the free gift that Jesus offers, by accepting the sacrifice/blood payment that Jesus made for him. So if Yoda had stopped the Dark Side, redemption would not be possible because there would be nothing to be redeemed from. So how did Obi Wan Kenobi become "One" with the force? Hex, Holy War, is the religious excuse people give when they want to destroy a religious belief that is contrary/different then theirs, weather it is because of a squewed interpretation of a reconized religious organizations sacred writings or from a private vision/interpretation either by private vision or interpretation. So a jihadist dosen't care what religion you are, if you are not theirs you are considered an infidel and worthy of innialation. There have been many different examples of this by almost every religion. Hitler/Aryan-Jews/non-aryan Dark ages Catholic version of Christianity-non-believers/anabaptists/jews Muslim Jihadists-non-muslims There are many more examples that I missed offending, but history is full of them. I love you guys, I will drink a beer with any of youz. This has been great therapy for me as it has been a year since I set foot in a church. I went from being a well respected Sunday School teacher to an infidel, in the blink of an eye due to my pursuit of love an happiness, which required me to give up everything that I had, a 32 year marriage, a home, cars, money, everybody I knew(all my friends in church)and my future financial security. But you know what? I have found the Love of my life, I have not stopped smiling for the past year, I have an unquenchable joy in my heart. My only regret is I only wish I had done it sooner, but the time was not right. I am looking forward to lifes next adventure I know it was posted elsewhere but here goes again: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=35103 | ||
| Eaton_corners |
It is all just opinion until God shows you the truth. If You really want to know the truth, ask God, He will show you. | ||
| Bjbauer |
Referring back to the OP. This morning I attended Mass and our priest who is from Poland mentioned that friday he was talking to one of his priest friends back in Poland and that a mutual friend was to be beatified. This priest had been kidnapped and murdered by the KGB in 1984 for working with the Solidarity movement. He often works incidents from his days in Poland into his sermons. When he was speaking at the dedication of a new Chapel added to our church this past fall he told of a time in Poland when the people had built a Church in a barn and at the dedication the government people came to tear it down but thousands of the local folks blocked them and the Communist's backed down. When you hear him speak of the risk and sacrifices that people have made to practice their religion in places like Poland under Communism you realize how fortunate we are to live in a country were the founders had the foresight to create a system that gave us the rights and freedoms we all too often take for granted. | ||
| Moxnix |
"I'll welcome being shown anything in the Old or New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures that is not true, with supporting evidence." That's like saying free beer for anyone over 80 as long as they're accompanied by their parents. No, it's not. I'm asking for someone to disprove Christianity by nullifying the truth of the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and the Gospels of the New Testament. You appear to be making a joke. There is a difference. Grumpy, are you planning to stay in France when it becomes an Islamic republic? | ||
| Ninefortheroad |
Some very good discussions and insights! Here is something a little bit out of left field..... If Christ died to pay (blood payment) for our sins.... Whom did he pay? Who required this payment? | ||
| Swampy |
Blood Sacrifice was instituted with Adam and Eve, the very first sacrifice was the animals that provided Adam and Eves covering when they became mortal. An innocent animal died to cover their sin. An innocent Jesus died to remove your sin. Also a side thought with Adam and Eve. It is widely believed that Adam did not know what he was doing when he took and ate the fruit from Eve. Adam knew full well what he was doing, he was told not to eat it by his creator and was not some dumb paint chip eating yolkl like me with memory problems and headaches. He knew that since Eve ate the fruit he would then be separated from her forever because of her disobedience. I believe his love for her is what caused him to eat the fruit, because he could not stand the thought of being separated from her who came from him. Think about it for a minute, two perfectly created beings, designed for immortality, until the blood begins flowing in them, which causes them to become mortals. Why do you think some couples are so intune with one another, inseparatable is seems, closer than a sister? Adam gave it up freely, Jesus gave it up freely, You can give it up freely Just like Obi Wan Kenobi did when he became one with the force. And now a word from our sponsers..... (Message edited by swampy on January 10, 2010) | ||
| Moxnix |
Bjbauer--It was a Pole who ran the muslims out of Europe some centuries ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_III_Sobieski I suspect it will be the Poles who run them out again, since most Western Europeans squat to go wee-wee in the face of the new efforts to expand the Caliphate. I spent the better part of 3 years traveling into Poland from W. Germany during the time of Solidarnosc, still have some souvenirs. With my German name and W. German address, ran the west end of a network to bring people out with Red Cross "invitations." That we got away with it under the eyes of the W. Germans, E. Germans, Russians, and the Polish UB was a highlight of my youthful skullduggery. Poles are people of uncommon heart, and sometimes I miss the Cold War if only for the friendships. | ||
| Eaton_corners |
Because I am not anywhere near as talented as these 2 writers, I have to recommend them again. "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel "Miracles" by C.S. Lewis "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis And of course I would strongly recommend The Bible. Interesting note about these authors; They were both self-described atheists in their youth. | ||
| Bjbauer |
Moxnix- wow. I'll bet you have some amazing stories from that time. | ||
| Ninefortheroad |
E_C: Excellent reading suggestions! Converts makes some of the best Christians! Here is some more "Christian" reading: "A Sheppard looks at Psalm 23" by P. Keller Easy reading, real world stuff! "Christ of the Celts" by J. P. Newell Now here is a old but eclectic reading on Christ, nature and human nature. "I Asked For Wonder" by Abraham J. Heschel Collection of writings by Heschel, very Jewish, extremely insightful and surprisingly Christian. All of the last 100+ post, not bad for a bunch of bikers! Another surprise we may have forgot..... One of the most well known Christ-like people of the last 75 years is not Christian but Hindu... Ghandi God is way big! (Message edited by Ninefortheroad on January 10, 2010) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Moxnix, I wasn't taking the mickey, just pointing out in my flippant way that what you're asking for is patently impossible to fulfil. as for, Grumpy, are you planning to stay in France when it becomes an Islamic republic? That's a tough one to answer, it all depends where the sea washes my ashes to, as I'll be long dead if it ever happens, which I think is highly unlikely. The French are a very militant lot & I just don't see it happenning, they already had one revolution that's celebrated every year (just as you do) which resulted in the separation of church & state. I don't see them standing by to let it all go backwards. If you lived here you'd know the feeling of Joe Publique towards our Arab friends (they're alright but I wouldn't want my daughter to marry one), most of whom are as religious in their devotions as Christians are, that's to say they class themselves as Muslim but aren't fanatical about it. They just want to get on with their lives in peace & wouldn't want sharia law to f*** all that up either. If you apply the same model to your own country? what? you going to be all Mexican? get real! | ||
| Baybueller |
I have not studied all religions but have found for me I am my God. My conseience is my guide. I was raised Catholic and understand the idea of commandements as a way of social guidance. If you are true to yourself you are good to go. | ||
| Moxnix |
Grumpy, we took to heart the idea that no democracy lasts more than 200 years. In 1976, our Bicentennial, the voters elected Jimmy Carter, who started to give away the store, a matter that has accelerated since his being tossed out of office 4 years later. Oh, absolutely we are breaking our own rice bowl what with millions of illegal Latin Americans coming up in droves and settling in for a slice of the American Dream pie. See, we were a Judeo-Christian success story, with morality and laws. Now we are a wisp of our former selves, allowing Christian-hating atheists and abortionists to reign as false gods to the dumbed-down. Our public schools produce graduates who cannot read their diplomas, but understand texted messages and how to operate video game controls. Let's see, no morals, rank stupidity, all our industry gone overseas. . . . I guess we are committing national suicide. Still, faith offers comfort, so das macht's nichts . . . . | ||
| Nik |
I'll welcome being shown anything in the Old or New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures that is not true, with supporting evidence. That's like saying free beer for anyone over 80 as long as they're accompanied by their parents. Isaac was only 75 when Abraham died at 175. I think Noah's sons may have been able to get some free beer though. (Message edited by nik on January 11, 2010) | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Heres my angst on it. not religious. so apparently I am going strait to hell... and indeed if that is the case then why the F would god create man if only to damn him to hell ? Especially if god is all seeing, all knowing, all present. So the outcome was known before the beginning was undertaken; wtf is the point? And because I am an infidel, I get to go to Allahs Hell too. Or is it more as I suspect, that Man created god in his image, because if horses were superiour suredly god would be equine. I really think man created the mystic of religion (all of them) because he couldnt grasp a nothing, couldnt deal with the fact that at the end of it all, it is indeed pointless, a void, an abscence. Say what you want, none of us know until we're dead, if even then. | ||
| Eaton_corners |
I'm not so sure God has damned us to hell. It's more accurate to say that we chose to be damned. I agree that God did not ask Me before He created me, whether I wanted to be born or not. But, since I am here, I absolutely have to decide who I will serve. Will I serve myself, or will I serve God, these are the only two choices we have. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
How do we know this isn't hell? or heaven for that matter? Are we just components of some creature's enormous dream? & will we all disappear when it wakes? Are we a huge lab experiment somewhere? Now we're getting to Philosophy, which is a whole nother can of worms. If you'd like some entertaining & fun reading with some very interesting takes on life & religion & philosophy, try reading Terry Pratchett's "Discworld" series. His writing has an English cast to it, but don't let that put you off, it's worth the effort. Oh, & don't read on the train or plane as some of it will have you giggling to yourself like a loony. | ||
| Milt |
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| Not_purple_s2 |
Huge Pratchett Fan here, Grumpy. and on the topic of religion/God here's an excellent snippet from his newest book "Unseen Academicals" ‘I have told this to few people, gentlemen, and I suspect never will again, but one day when I was a young boy on holiday in Uberwald I was walking along the bank of a stream when I saw a mother otter with her cubs. A very endearing sight, I’m sure you will agree, and even as I watched, the mother otter dived into the water and came up with a plump salmon, which she subdued and dragged on to a half-submerged log. As she ate it, while of course it was still alive, the body split and I remember to this day the sweet pinkness of its roes as they spilled out, much to the delight of the baby otters who scrambled over themselves to feed on the delicacy. One of nature’s wonders, gentlemen: mother and children dining upon mother and children. And that’s when I first learned about evil. It is built in to the very nature of the universe. Every world spins in pain. If there is any kind of supreme being, I told myself, it is up to all of us to become his moral superior’ - Havelock Vetinari | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Hell is the eternal absence of access and relationship to God. Because God is holy (completely sinless) he can NOT be in the presence of sin. Man is stained by sin as result of the fall of man. One doesn't need to teach a child to lie, cheat, steal, be selfish, to hate, to murder. Just as we require a sacrifice to satisfy justice (prison time, death penalty, financial penalties), God requires a sacrifice to cover the offense (sin). The original, temporary solution offered by God to man was the animal sacrifice. This is where the term scape goat came from. A person would take a pure blameless perfect animal and symbolically transfer their sin to that animal for sacrifice and payment of offense. The ultimate solution was for God, pure and blameless, to come to earth in human form and offer Himself as the pure blameless and sinless scape goat for all mankind. The sacrifice of Christ offers man the ability to pay the sin debt to God. sin | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
The original, temporary solution offered by God to man was the animal sacrifice. This is where the term scape goat came from. A person would take a pure blameless perfect animal and symbolically transfer their sin to that animal for sacrifice and payment of offense. See that to me is messed up. Symbolically transfer their sin? How do you transfer sin? Killing the goat doesn't take away wrong doing. I can understand that giving up the goat is a sacrifice, especially in those days. But would it not be better to give up the goat to someone in need or, if applicable, to someone effected by the sin. But at any rate that doesn't clean away the sin, it is a payment for sin, a punishment. I just don't' understand the idea of transference of sin. It sounds like a scam to me. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Are we just components of some creature's enormous dream? & will we all disappear when it wakes? Ha! I've got that one: "I think, therefore I am."- Rene Descartes. Seriously, that was this philosopher's attempt to answer your question. He reasoned that the fact that he could think and reason was proof that he actually existed. I knew that Humanities 301 would pay off eventually... | ||
| Metalrabbit |
God Himself nailed to a wooden cross,, must have been important to Him. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Yes but what Descartes' pronouncement doesn't take into account is God, are we part of God's dream (If he exists)? Are we just the bits of some vastly complicated game? Or are we all just bodies being inhabited by other beings on vacation from their inter-universal drudgery? None of these theories, or the many thousands of others, can be disproved with solid evidence. It comes to a question of belief in the end, and I have no need to be told what to believe, I'm quite happy to do my own research & make my choices accordingly. Oh & you've probably all guessed by now, but I read a lot. My wife despairs of my ever expanding library which has a good percentage of SF & Fantasy amongst many many other genres both fiction & non. |
