I've been around John a little. He doesn't discuss religion much. He may be in his basement cleaning his other bike. It is peaceful down there without any internet.
This new section of BadWeB is a bit confusing. It's like a new Quick Board within the Quick Board. Subforums under a subforum. It took me a minute to realize how it works... only now beginning to grok it.
That being said...
World View -
Origin? God created the Heavens (plural) and the Earth.
To me, this means there is other life out there in space. Maybe we're not supposed to find it. Maybe we are. We'll find out when and if it happens... or doesn't.
The Bible's verses contain lessons for everyone. They tell us everything about everything.
Purpose? We must suffer the trial of this life and use it to help others who are in the same boat. The goal is to get back to Him, become One with the Father.
Morality? That which hurts others is likely immoral or evil in some way. The compass we travel through life with is subject to many forces, pulling it this way and that as we are beset on all sides by those who would do us harm. Through this journey we often have to make A or B choices that will hurt someone else in some way. Choose the lesser of the two evils and then seek to aid all who are affected in order to mitigate the effects.
Destiny? We end up in God, or oblivion. Our choices largely will determine the outcome. Our bodies are a temporary vehicle designed to travel across this physical realm. I'm not so sure that we haven't got another life after this one before the Eternal Life which is our Salvation. "This life" could possibly be divided into sections whereby we traverse this plane of existence and move into another upon suffering the pain of physical death. Maybe that's what "ghosts" are. Who knows? Is our interpretation of the original texts really accurate? I know that when I read the Bible, I know it to be true. My heart tells me so.
What I believe, above all other things is that Jesus Christ was a man born under a unique set of circumstances. He died a horrible death for me and all sinners.
Jesus Christ knew my name then, and he knows it now.
Hebrews 6:4- 6 4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. - Agnostic, Is a fool.
Romans 1:21-22 King James Version (KJV) 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
1 Corinthians 1:20 King James Version (KJV) 20. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1 Corinthians 2:14 King James Version (KJV) 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 3:19 King James Version (KJV) 19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Pat- I appreciate your diligence in all things KJV, no need to judge me a fool, I'll happily admit it. I'm fresh out of shits and f^cks for anyone on the Earth who cares to judge me... God alone will do that eventually.
1) Origin Choas 2) Purpose & Meaning (of our existence) Because we do 3) Morality Determined largely by our own value systems 4) Destiny As far as our planet goes, it'll be consumed by the sun at some point. The rest of it, who knows?
I'm just into doing what brings me joy preferably with somebody who tolerates me and wants to share in the same. I'll keep at it while I'm here.