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The Reason For My Faith
Posted Friday, March 21, 2008, at 8:41 AM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
For I follow a King who died for his subjects only to rise again on the 3rd day to give hope to all that is lost.
Without belief in the death and resurrection my faith would be in vain , but it isn't.
Whether you call it Passover or Easter just take time to reflect what happened during this season a long time ago and just know that he is coming back.
That is a guarantee he will come back and get his bride and take her home and the path will begin and last for eternity.
That is what sustains and keeps me pressing on , to know there is something on the other side.
That is why all other faiths are void for none of the other religious leaders died for their followers and rose again.
Those are just religions whether it be Islam Buddhism or Hinduism or whatever.
The only true God is the God of Abraham Issac and Jacob as spoken of in the Old Covenant and was made in the flesh in the form of JESUS CHRIST in the New Covenant and inspired men to write of his deeds and his words in the object that I cherish only second to God himself and that is my Bible.
It leads me it instructs my whole life and everything else falls into place.
Come Jesus come get your bride and take her home.
Happy Passover [Easter]
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Couldn't be better said by anyone. That is what you call good works.
Amen!
The problem with your system is that you have no proof whatsoever, anyone with enough emotional religious fervor can claim just about anything and they have. Do you know anything about Buddhism & could atleat say what the term Buddha means? Who or what is this bride and where is home? Can you defend this statement? Thanks,......H
My Faith Is My Proof that is all I need.
Ah, the self assuredness of a closed mind. Without some measurment of having correct valid reasoning for your belief system and testing it with some level of logical proof you are building a veiw of a irrational faith. History is full of people that were so sure of the apparent way of reality, like the earth is flat, continents don't move, the sun revolves around the earth, man will never fly or go to the moon or go faster than 100mph. But your one line answer doesn't suprise me, I had that feeling you didn't know a thing about Buddhism but were perfectly confident in your proclamation that you are much better off being Christian. You can be whatever you want to be, but it's unwise to criticize whole heartedly something you obviously know nothing about because you're convinced you found the ultimate truth. What seperates this state of mind from those Mullahs sitting over there in Iran? I thought maybe you would at least want to know what you are rejecting, I mean wouldn't you like to try the chocolate icecream once before holding up the bowl of vanilla to the world and proclaiming it's utter absolute pure goodness. So take a day or two to answer the Q's, I'll wait.........H
Even (especially?) a correct answer could use some backup with substantiated knowledge.
We begin by taking it on "faith" that one and one is two,red and blue make purple,cats are mammals,one never ends a sentence with a preposition,etc. then further study and experience adds details and expands on that first foundation.
During this period,we begin to make "hand-me-down" knowledge our own and explore new things for ourselves so we can know what we want to incorporate into our lives,what we can do without and why.
After a while,we will know more about the things we reject than their advocates.
The accumulation of knowledge about things occurs while we experiment with them in a living laboratory based in our everyday lives.
All we learn takes us back full circle to simple,unalloyed faith.
From ignorance,we proceed to a demand for proof then we move from seeking to study.
After that,we advance to an insistance that the truth is a given and then we arrive at an intimate knowledge of truth that owns every particle of our being and offers a quiet confirmation to those who are begining their own journey of discovery.
We evolve from not knowing to "just knowing".
We utilize our knowledge as a framework to support growing faith then come to an awareness of reality that is strong enough to uphold the beliefs of others as it becomes our time to teach what we have learned.
We can wind up knowing that there is always a new truth and a new aspect of the truth we already have awaits us in each new moment.
We learn how much we don't know or comprehend but that becomes our challenge and comfort instead of a frustration.
In response to the question "What is Truth?",we begin with fidelity,progress to objective reality and return to fidelity after moving from *needing* something to be valid then *needing* proof (like the doubter,Thomas) to demanding nothing from a truth but the opportunity to relish its existence.
A statement such as "My Faith Is My Proof that is all I need." may be evidence of naivete' at the begining of the learning process but,later on,it refers to what remains after everything redundant or ineffective has been pared away.
Those who have nothing to prove aren't afraid that the proof might not exist.
They know that reality will conform to reality-not to what we wish the truth might be.
They gain confidence as they learn to distinguish between the limits of a presumption and the limits of human understanding.
We are at our most convincing not when we appear to know everything but when it is evident that we want truth to define us rather than the other way around.
BTW,you can add anything to vanilla to make it a new flavor (like chocolate).
It's a might harder to turn chocolate into pistachio,strawberry or butter pecan.
I'm of the opinion chocolate alone is proof that a loving God exists but vanilla is good by itself and allows for plenty of improvization.
Hlaktoong (or whatever the new name is),
We Christians have all the proof we need. Our Savior came out of a tomb. Yours and all the hopeless ones' remain in one.
We are trying to celebrate this miraculous event today as you try to put doubt in our minds. Our risen Savior promised us the Holy Spirit that discerns the Evil One as which you appear to come from.
In reference to your comment, "I mean wouldn't you like to try the chocolate icecream once before holding up the bowl of vanilla to the world and proclaiming it's utter absolute pure goodness.", I might add that it almost sounds as good as the temptation a predecesor of yours tried thousands of years ago in Eden.
Some of us will choose to just listen to the Holy Spirit we were given and simply not eat of your fruit (chocolate ice cream).
Good try anti.
Hlaktoong,
These guys will not answer questions because I have no answers, This is what I been trying to find out for months. They are so closed-minded about their own faith they can't even grow within it. They believe one strict convoluted bull that they can't even answer one simple question. The only reason I am posting here now is to make sure you don't even waste your time on these tards.
ETERNAL LIFE IS NOT A WASTE OF TIME !
ETERNAL LIFE IS NOT A WASTE OF TIME !
-- Posted by michaelbell on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 12:44 PM
Evil Monkey said to not waste time on getting answers, he said nothing about Eternal Life being a waste of time Michael... LEARN HOW TO READ!
I don't think looking for answers and asking questions is a waste of time.
If you don't find out anything,that is an answer in itself.
If we want others to look into the facts about what we promote instead of being gullible or dismissive,then we need to do so ourselves.
Familiarity with others' views prevents us from looking foolish by believing information about their ideologies that just isn't so.
We can better instruct them about the flaws in their set-up if we've bothered to learn what those errors might be.
Gaining such knowledge is not easy.
It is,at least,as difficult as learning the truth about our own beliefs and the history of our own faith.
An open exchange of information gives people the chance to see what is worthwhile in another's belief system and make a closer examination of their own beliefs as they describe them to those outside their faith.
For those who are trying to proselytize,it's not a bad thing to learn what others are looking for and why they accept and reject what they do.
Skeptics and staunch believers should agree that knowledge should never be feared and that a valid belief will stand up to the most critical scrutiny.
We aren't wasting our time unless we let fear or arrogance prevent us from listening to one another and trying to be a bit wiser tomorrow than we are today.
Thereis only one answer and it is not hard to find.That answer is Jesus Christ and acceptance of what he did on Calvary.
There is only one answer and it is not hard to find.That answer is Jesus Christ and acceptance of what he did on Calvary.
"These guys will not answer questions because I have no answers, This is what I been trying to find out for months."
Posted by Evil Monkey on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 10:31 AM
You got that right Evil One. Boy did you ever get that right! Glad to see some honesty shining through.
Looks like we all took a little nap in English class every now and then. I will be the first to admit I took my share of them.
quantumcat,
I need not stay in a chocolate bowl until I turn into a Snickers candy bar to know I do not like the chocolate.
Some of us can smell it in the air and know we do not want chocolate. I am sticking with the vanilla.
However, your anology of the vanilla and chocolate has a lot of underlying meaning.
Your comment, "you can add anything to vanilla to make it a new flavor (like chocolate)" is understood if you recognize the "vanilla" as the pure gospel and the added "chocolate" as a false doctrine. The (light) vanilla is indeed the pure cream and is not pure once you add the (dark) chocolate let alone the nuts that get mixed in trying to create a different flavor (doctrine).
Have all the flavors you desire. Simple vanilla will suffice for me. It is the cream of the crop.
Hey, Evilmonkey, I know it can be frustrating and seemingly hopeless but it's ok I'm not here to ruin anyone or try to convert. Buddism is very hard with alot of self examining work. Certainly doing it through internet blogs would be ludicrous.
And Q-cat really nice, thanks!
So lets look at what happened on that hill so long ago and why it speaks to people today. If you just take it soli on its own divorced from the politics and the social situation of the time, it's just a being that was willing to completely offer up his body, and personal mental wishes for the chance to show others that he totally beleived in what he was teaching. This level of self-sacrifice hits us because of the particular nastiness of the execution. Emotionally and practically how can anyone take that path that was his particular one and achieve liberation. So I think Q-cat hit on a very good point "We evolve from not knowing to "just knowing"
So my question is this, what is it that knows itself to know and what is realized as a ultimate truth that is apprehended that makes people so sure that no other level, state, awareness is possible? Is that knowing veiw really ultimate? And if it is the final answer then it should be sustainable with correct proofs.
Ok so briefly, 1st I'm sorry that I'm writing this now, you have to understand that this is just another day to me, 2nd the "temptation a predecesor of mine" this stuff will not work on me.And or course I'll be waiting for the hell condemnation, but I have to warn you there are 8 hot and 8 cold hells in Buddhist cosmology so don't waste your time. I know I'm just some stranger on the net so why would you believe me if I told you all I ever wanted since I was 16 was for other beings to be happy and free, cause the journey just can't be about me.
If you could though just a small gesture of enlightened tude, please say a small prayer fot the Tibtens that are and will be facing the very hard hammer of chinese oppression now and certainly in the future. Thanks,.........H
There are different types of religion out there, but have you ever noticed everyone that believes or doesn't calls out to God? I hear it so much it drives me crazy. (oh my god) This is what you hear at school, at the grocery store, when you turn on the t.v. I try not to judge on how they're using God's name, and it's a very popular saying. How do ya feel about this? Does it bother you?
8 hot and 8 cold hells in Buddhist cosmology
Posted by Hlaktoong on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 6:17 PM
Our preacher said they're are people out there that air-condition hell to try and make people feel safe and they can go about living the way they want to. Where did Buddha come from? Why should people believe in him? Didn't he die himself? Was there a resurrection?
That is good to know. I now have 8 hot hells and 8 cold hells to choose from. Who gaurds the thermostat and keeps everyone from complaining. Maybe everybody could group up in teams of preferrable climate desires. Somebody just tell me which hell has the thermostat set on 68.
Indeed I can agree though to say a small prayer for the Tibtens. I pray they realize they can be covered by a loving and living Christ and escape the fantasy of a dead and buried Budda.
My Lord, My God, Why?
I tried reading about Buddha and it makes no sense to me.
dismounted from his horse and bade farewell to his aide. He then cut off his hair and threw it into the sky, where it was caught by the gods of the Land of the Thirty-three Heavens.
It just sounds rediculous. The whole story of Buddha does. People are looking for the true meaning of life and most wierd ones will buy into this.
It even said he used his magical powers to put the guards in a deep sleep so he could escape the castle.What?? Sounds like a fairy tale. It all started when his mother dreamed of a white elephant coming down from heaven and that was the same night she conceived. ha! I had to quit reading. very strange.
Annette 5, It does not take long to see darkness when you have seen the light. The light will always reveal the darkness as it did for you.
I have found though, that it helps to become more secure in your faith when you start studying other religions. Like parkerbros. said the it doesnt take long to see the darkness.
Btw, it wouldnt be faith if we could have seen Jesus live and in the flesh then watched him crucified, and then resurected. It would be just believing and not faith. So I shouldnt have to have solid scientific proof along with video footage and dna evidence to support my faith. I havent seen the wind, but I know its there. I havent seen my brain, but I know (well im pretty sure anyway, well maybe just kinda sure) its there.
Use of a common expression does not constitute proof of a deity.
The Buddha taught all things that are created are impermanent.
These early stories of the Buddhas life are very symbolic and come from a culture that is over 25 centuries old. Here is one that is common, as soon as he was born it was said that he stood up and walked and where his feet touched lotus blossoms sprouted. He also proclaimed that as he walked he said "if you look to the N.S.E. or West there is no one as great as I" So what are we to make of this? I don't know anyone including myself that actually believes this is true. it's just a long lost cultural myth, like so many others from the past, another example Adam & Eve.
Ok next problem, you don't choose which Hell, these were taught so people would understand that there would be bad results from doing hateful, and harmful bad deeds. Thereby taking rebirth in a lower realm.
Ok Annette there are many translations of his basic life story, some HIGHLY symbolic and others more straight fwd., some good, others condenced and not too good, just like in the Bible where the New Test. books have certain things & others leave certain things out. But please keep reading because it's his struggles and efforts that he put forth with to then finally find the way to end suffering and acheive enlightenment. Try for now to get past the mystical imagery get to the heart of the story. It would be like someone picking up a Bible for the 1st time and getting to the part of Jesus doing miracles and saying this is just a crock and putting it away and then never learning some good underlying truths about life.
Remember please that the only reason I interjected here is because of the original statment, "Those are just religions whether it be Islam Buddhism or Hinduism or whatever." It's not my plan to convert, that would be crazy. You can remain as Christian as you please, but I just want people to know correctly what they are rejecting and not have it based on some half truth and a false premise. So that is why I'm asking those certain questions in my last my post.............H
Thank you,Hlatoong,
I'm glad you're asking -if it makes people think.
I get a bit squeamish around people of any mindset who seem tooo sure about their opinions.
They have a tendency to distrust other peoples' ability (or right) to think and become so zealous that they try to make their take on the world the only one available.
About the only good I can say about such tactics is that suppression often makes people more interested in what is being squelched.
As the enemy targets freedom,knowledge,critical thinking and compassion for his final solution,this oppression urges people to focus on important values we might take for granted in more pleasant times.
An open mind might be at risk for a bad idea falling in but a closed mind can't let any good notions come out to reach those who need them.
We need to turn a discerning eye on everything that we might distinguish the good from the harmful-even among our own beliefs.
We can't stop learning and listening to God's voice wherever we might find it.
(Even if He chooses to reveal Himself through the contrast between the Goual'd and the Tokra of Stargate instead of lessons from human orthodoxy.)
We can't know the good in our own truth or the bad in others' error if we don't examine them.
Nor can we know what wisdom others have found during their spiritual pilgrimages or what impurities might have entered our own philosophy.
(Just because it's brown,doesn't mean it's chocolate.)
Whether one believes that "All roads lead to Rome" or that there is only one path to God,there is still the fact that one road can lead in two directions.
We can be on the right road headed in the wrong direction or off on a side path but pointed toward our intended destination.
Either way,God is coming to meet us on our journey and if we listen for His voice and follow the directions He provides,we won't remain lost.
Hlaktoong,
Are you local? National or International?
quantumcat,
In reference to your claim:
"Either way,God is coming to meet us on our journey and if we listen for His voice and follow the directions He provides,we won't remain lost."
Tell me about this God you know and present. Tell me about his character.
Is he all loving? Does he know anger and wrath? Where did you learn of him? Where do you find the directions to follow? What does your God think about your ability to follow his directions?
How pure and perfect is your God? Will your God allow anything less than perfect in his presence? What can I do do to be in the presence of your God if I would so desire?
In reference to your comment:
"(Just because it's brown,doesn't mean it's chocolate.)"
Let me add to it by saying also that if it is brown it probably is not vanilla.
And lastly let me confirm that I believe it is nothing wrong with looking and even sniffing at all the bowls but believe some people can identify vanilla from chocolate without having to swallow it and poison their entire system.
To each and all, by all means, eat of the bowl of choice. To all you chocolate lovers look at the bright side. For everyone such as I who do not want to partake of the chocolate it is more for you. To everyone else you are welcome to my bowl of vanilla. It is the opposite of the chocolate. The more everybody eats out of it the more that is left in the bowl for me when I look back into it. The vanilla will keep resurrecting itself while the chocolate becomes dung and is buried.
Evilmonkey, I am from NJ, lived here all my life, Irish/English mom, Italian dad, raised Catholic. The name I'm useing is a Tibeten term because it's just easier to find one that's not already used.
Q-Cat, yep life does contain many paths and veiws that have valuable points, like sci-fi, like Babylon 5. The one thing that is most disturbing is this tendency to think that our own particular veiw has all the answers to life, the universe, everything. History has shown over and over again that there is no one uber philosophy, and when people try to impose it on reality then disaster will always follow. The REALITY of the complex universe is just to immense. I suggest watching the History Channel series called the "The Universe" to get a excellent idea on what is really going on out there, it will change anyones understanding.
Ok ParkBro, you got to let that simple analogy go before you break it to the absurd. Your dualistic thinking is quite apparent, it was not to be a point about good and evil, just a example of a different phenomenal experience of the same underlying cause. Both are cold, soft, sweet, smell good and have the same mouth appeal. No need to tout the difference so strongly, their underlying basis is the same, just a different stimulus.............H
Hlaktoong,
I watch little television other than the History Channel of which I do see the series called "The Universe". Indeed it does show us the reality of a complex universe. No matter how much more I watch it my faith in the God of his word does not falter. It actually confirms my faith in and through his word.
To clarify your statement to me that said:.... "you got to let that simple analogy go before you break it to the absurd." I remind you that a creator of an anology has only the right to start one. The right to stop it or let it go lies with another of which you are not. My Guidance will determine when I should let it go.
Play on what you wish but dualistic thinking is not a card that has been dealt for you. It is indeed a matter of good and evil. And frankly I will never see less than evil in someone who makes a comment such as you did earlier in: "So lets look at what happened on that hill so long ago and why it speaks to people today. If you just take it soli on its own divorced from the politics and the social situation of the time, it's just a being that was willing to completely offer up his body, and personal mental wishes for the chance to show others that he totally beleived in what he was teaching. This level of self-sacrifice hits us because of the particular nastiness of the execution. Emotionally and practically how can anyone take that path that was his particular one and achieve liberation."
As stated earlier, have all the flavors you want. Some of us die and never know their flavor. Some of us taste of the everlasting word and know it is ours from the moment we taste it through eternity.
To resolve your claim that we never want to learn or study the alternatives I wish to rebutt that claim with a word from a wise and thoughtful that you will recognize and see I indeed know of more flavors than vanilla..... Confusious say: Bowl of cholate ice cream looks better left in box that it taste when thrown back in face."
What ever became of that wise ole man?
Parkerbrothers,
I am a christian! I sometimes read about different religions just to see how ignorant false gods sound. There's only 1 God. He is the beginning and Jesus is the only way to heaven. I have faith and His word to live by. Nothing in my bible sounds rediculous. Jesus did perform miracles and there's nothing weird about that. Just like the Hebrews God brought them out of slavery by Moses(one man), opened the sea and carried them across dry land, and gave them freedom. While Moses was recieving the 10 commandments , the people which he did all these miracles for and brought them to freedom, made a golden calf to worship because I guess they were bored. That's just like today. God created us and everything in it and everyone wants to create these false gods to worship because it's the "in" thing to do. Ohh enlighten me and I will have peace in a false god. That's a load of crap. Jesus gives us peace!!
Hlaktoong,
Just one more little thing.
If you ever can truly see a resurrected Christ you will no longer need a dead and buried Budda, Confusious, Mohammad, etc., etc., etc., to lead you. They can only lead you to where they are, even with their wise sayings.
If you ever happen onto the risen Christ you will understand the differences in the underlying basis and know they are not the same and then join me in an apparant strongly touted message and see your err in making the comment...."No need to tout the difference so strongly, their underlying basis is the same, just a different stimulus............."
Annette 5,
I feel the same way. I actually receive confirmation of my faith as I read of them. I also know there is a time to put them down and stop reading more about any of them.
I enjoyed your write on Moses and the 10 commandments. It made me think of how God already knew what they would be doing before Moses got to them. He also knew they would never be able to keep a one of the commandments long enough for an angel to blow a trumpet.
He knew it was going to take the promise he made in Eden...." And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." to cover their sins and his wrath and to bring them back into a relationship with Him.
He gave them the law to be their schoolmaster and lead them to the delivered seed. The seed from the tree of life that was in Eden even before then got planted, sprouted, grew and bore fruit, got chopped of at the ground, sprout back up out of the ground and became the tree of life with everlasting fruit.
It appears as if you have done already as quoted in Genesis....
"and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever."
I pray that all people such as Hlaktoong, Evil Monkey, nascarfanatic' etc., etc., etc., can receive the light that grew the tree and reach forth their hand and pick of it. Only when I see them resting in the shade of that tree in green pastures by the quiet waters will I know they are properly nourished.
SO... do you ever work?
Only 16 hours a day average. I do take breathers though and look around and see what is going on. I am always learning something new (although erroneous). I found out yesterday that there are 8 cold hells and 8 hot ones. The week before there was 2 Christ on different sides of the world at the same time. I can't wait to learn something this week.
It would be nice if everyone could just see this simple Savior and simply trust in his faith and work on a simple cross.
Do you ever work on anything but the deflamation of a man (Michael) on his own blog about his family, his weight, his work ethics, his proclamation of his Savior he loves?
And are you ever going to be proud of what you are and believe in and crawl out of the car you hide in and into a man with a name? If you believe in your faith stand up and say so. If not, put it in park and idle your tailpipe.
I answered your question. Be courteous and do the same.
parkerbrothers,
Haven't answer mine yet and you aren't courteous whatsoever, so why should you get the same respect, Hypocrite.
Hlaktoong,
I am a huge fan of Michio Kaku, and I believe he sums up alot of what is up with the universe. And I have found that Buddism isn't really a religious statement it is more of a lifestyle that can be brought in with any religion. You will see that there are a few on here that cannot seem to grasp that they are so tied down with their own belief system they cannot think for themselves, Their intelligence and arrogance binds them to slothful ways.
Well you're right that Buddhism isn't a religion per se. More like a ethical mind science with a belief in a after life. It's really quite extensive in the various facets it covers for different purposes. But the core doctrine of Shunyavada fits perfectly with alot of the discoveries that of Michio Kaku writes about. Now that we know we know we are a particle and can be a wave projection through seemingly empty space simultaneuosly how does consciuosness learn to be both in harmony. Fullfilling our deepest need to merge but also take care of the practical in full interpenatration of the 2 aspects.
EM you can't argue with them useing strict science, that is another part of reality that doesn't address the human spirit. While quantum theory and particle physics with astrophysics have the same underlying veiw that the doctrine of Voidness has in Buddhism, science can not get you directly hooked up with it to perceive this level directly. Their's will be and rightly so a cognitive inferential perception which in Buddism is a proper step also but only goes so far in dealing with the human condition and won't be able to end the pain and suffering.
So I'm doomed never to get any answers? LOL!.......M
Evil,
A lifestyle that can be brought with any religion? Oh ok let me go out and buy a statue of Buddha, light candles, make some kind of meaningless chanting while ringing my little bell, and bowing to Buddha; then pray to my God and study the bible. I believe my God would be very unhappy with me and I do not want to make my God upset. He is the only one I care to please. That is a religion. Anytime you are putting something else before God you are worshipping that. Buddism is a made up religion with a bunch of nonsense to back it up. Like I said before I read some of it but I know when to stop. Just like Oprah saying she found her "new religion" God loves everyone, everyone is going to heaven, there is no sin, there is no hell, no devil, love, love, love. Bull, bull , bull. Oh I forgot the most important part..she doesn't believe in Jesus, the only person to get you to heaven. So that means her followers will think they don't have to be saved, and everyone will go to hell. Sad world we live in.
Amen! Annette 5
Hlaktoong
You say you do not want to convert anyone, you sure are working on EM. And another thing, I don't understand a word you're saying(jibber jabber). I guess that's a good thing. I'm pretty strong in my faith. I guess you believe you are coming back in the next life, and if you're good you will come back as something wonderful like a King! Isn't that what your Buddha said? What are you talking about an after life? When does it end? never? I'm so glad I have a life beyond this that is permanent and I'll be with my Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ! You should try converting to Christianity. It is a peaceful place and the outcome is awesome! And it won't be a hot or cold hell.
Thanks michaelbell! see you in heaven!
Annette,
It is no different worshipping a BOOK and stating it is a Word of God. Show me any proof that is truly the Word of God. It was written by man. If you argue it was written by men inspired by God, then why was 85% of the inspired books removed 400 years later? And then 1900 years later? Oh I guess they "magically" became uninspired by God? How can something you hold so cherished be inspired by men who has completely changed it throughout the centuries?
The problem I have is, God he is omnipotent, he possesses more power than all. The talk of Heaven and Hell and the many other things, Trinity, um, the many Christs that parkerbrothers keeps rambling on about... I can pretty much tell he is from the Church of Christ... Not Jesus.
Annette,
Here is the one question I have, What is God's original purpose and once you answer that, ask yourself, Why would he change his original plan?
Evil Monkey,
Did you mean to sign your last post:
So I'm doomed never to get any answers? LOL!.......M
You are one step further than I am. I may be accussed of talking to myself but you will not find me answering myself as you have.
You may not think you have gotten your answers but you have answered mine in a way all your own.
You became entrapped to your own dualistic thinking of which you knew and it knew you.
Our God does believe in tolerance, He does believe in love, truth, and He asks that we not judge lest we be judged. It is one thing to spend a lot of time spewing forth God's word and then sitting back and feeling all self righteous that We know all the answers, but God doesn't want us to know everything. He leaves us to look into His word and to experience the world around us. As far as peculiar sounding symbolism,anyone read Revelations lately? To the uninformed ear, most would consider it totally weird and not understand a word. The same is said of Buddhism. While God does not want us to worship any other gods but Him. He would not be offended if you took the examples laid forth in the works of the Buddhist monks and lived a life of goodness, kindness, and peace. These men live an exemplary life of remaining pure of heart and doing good to and for others. Their hearts are kind and good. I cannot say the same for several of the people in this column. Their judgmental attitudes and lack of good will is appalling. As far as judging those we do not know, how do you know where someone's heart is if you do not know them? I know several of the people in this blog and one in particular and he is the light of my life and the apple of my eye. Those who speak ill of him will never be a friend of mine. The boy is intelligent and questioning, he wants to know the truth but not just the truth that is spouted out like spit. He wants answers, real answers to the truth of spirit and of light. I am so proud of him my heart swells with adoration. So, though some feel we live in a sad world. I feel that our world is precious and because we live in a country where views can be expressed, ideas exchanged, and beliefs can be had without fear of reprisal, death or ...well I was going to say verbal attacks but that doesn't really work in this blog does it?
My God is an Awesome God, He LIVES in our hearts (well-- some of our hearts)!
Where do you get your information about the bible? from men? Men that Satan uses to stray others away from the word? I believe God has let his word survive through the test of time and we have the information we need. If the word was destroyed completely what would people think of God? He will not let that happen. He is the alpha and omega.
God made us and set us on this earth and has given us a choice. If we choose Him we will be with him and live forever. If we don't we go to hell to burn forever with a devil that will also be destroyed one day. God never changes. People change. When we choose to have a relationship with God he is right there, but when we stray, God stays, and we leave him. Then when we decide we want to make our lives right again He is there to take us back and to forgive us. I went through a period in my life when I thought I didn't need God. I was an awful person. After my child was born I thought, how can I teach her right when I'm not where I need to be. God used that to bring me back to Him. I'm older now and realize I need Him everyday.
God never changes. People change. -- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 6:54 PM
Wow, I thought you said you read the Bible. Apparently not dear.
And you are right that PEOPLE change. So do their thoughts on what the Bible should have and should not have included. Evil Monkey has done research, that's how he gets his info. Perhaps you should take some notes.
grannyapple
What's wrong with defending God? This world is too accepting of crap. Oh be nice to the gays, it's their choice, and let them believe in the god of their choice, aborting babies is their choice, don't say anything to them it will offend them. "whatever" It's time we take a stand! We have let a woman take prayer out of our schools because we as Christians sat back and didn't fight it like we should. All because people are afraid they'll offend someone. This is God's world! not do as you will and everything will be peachy. It's my "choice" to take a stand for my God!!!
What's wrong with defending God? This world is too accepting of crap. Oh be nice to the gays, it's their choice, and let them believe in the god of their choice, aborting babies is their choice, don't say anything to them it will offend them. "whatever" It's time we take a stand! -- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:04 PM
You aren't defending God. You are being a completely judgemental HYPOCRITE.
I bet Annette goes to Sunday School every Sunday and is really good at memorizing all the scriptures and is really good at coming back with everything that any preacher has ever preached to regurgitate this information. But how does one get to know Him on a personal level? I am sorry to say that the Bible is not always the last word. God lives within us if we know Him and He allows us to discern what is Truth and what is not. Unfortunately, that takes a lot of time, prayer, reading, and above all love. LOVE your fellow man. God is Love and God asks that we TURN the other cheek, not slap someone before they finish talking. Well I cannot stay on here because I cannot believe the intolerance people have of each other's opinions. Read 1 Corinthians 13 the love chapters interesting stuff - it asks us to love ewwww sinners, people who hurt us, ewwwww, people who don't necessarily know God so that they will be able to see God in us. Hmmmmm.
jesuslovesevery1
Please change your name because you are representing Jesus and he would be defending the word.
This question was directed to EM, but since you decided to comment... where did EM get his information? That was my question to him ,but since you know EM mind answer that!
How am I being a HYPOCRITE?
jesuslovesevery1
Please change your name because you are representing Jesus and he would be defending the word.
This question was directed to EM, but since you decided to comment... where did EM get his information? That was my question to him ,but since you know EM mind answer that!
-- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:08 PM
Change my name? LOL... You don't like the truth huh? You are correct, Jesus WOULD defend the word, until man decided to tear it apart.
Read 1 Corinthians 13 the love chapters interesting stuff - it asks us to love ewwww sinners, people who hurt us, ewwwww, people who don't necessarily know God so that they will be able to see God in us. Hmmmmm.
-- Posted by grannyapple on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:07 PM
Thanks Grannyapple. Finally a fellow-TRUE Christian.
How am I being a HYPOCRITE?
-- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:11 PM
You want EM's info, he has talked about it TIME & TIME again. And when it is presented you act as if it's the work of the Devil. SO don't ask for information you aren't willing to ahere to.
Thanks Grannyapple. Finally a fellow-TRUE Christian.
-- Posted by jesuslovesevery1 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:13 PM
Every post I've read that you have commented on has been negative and attacking. Don't pretend to be a loving person. Maybe you are being the HYPOCRITE>
Those are just the comments you chose to remember. Nice try.
I don't post on here all of the time like you , so I've never heard where he gets his info. Don't act like you know me. Your statement did not answer my question and that was your only way out.
Read 1 Corinthians 13 the love chapters interesting stuff - it asks us to love ewwww sinners, people who hurt us, ewwwww, people who don't necessarily know God so that they will be able to see God in us. Hmmmmm.
-- Posted by grannyapple on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:07 PM
Just a reminder. Have a blessed night.
You know what, Jesus talked with the tax collectors, the women of the streets, the poor, the sinners and cast out demons when the preachers and the pharisees would not give them shelter, food or clothing. Each time Jesus asked us to treat others as if the poor and the poor of spirit were HIM. We need to stop using the gays, abortion and sin as a way to keep ourselves from being like THEM. Take a hard look at yourselves in the mirror, ever gossip, ever talk bad to others, speak unseemly words, be intolerant, judgmental or take a drink, smoke or eat too much...like during a feast? Listen, WE ALL FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. Thank God for loving us so much that he gave His only son... but We do have a choice, he allows us those choices. Just like Annette deciding to do right by her child...before her baby, she was interested in having a wild time. Well, fine, but it's your choice, God wants us to love Him, but also understand everyone is not at the same place in their lives. It takes time, patience and tolerance to allow people to see God in us. Carrying around a gun and pointing at people and telling them, LOVE JESUS isn't going to cut it. Love, Tolerance and the ability to understand people's faults might be a better way. Carrying a Huge Bible and thumping on it will drive people away. Bringing home someone less fortunate and feeding them and giving them warm clothes might help more, Seeing Jesus in us is better than screaming, You are Going to Hell if you don't believe. If they don't believe in Jesus, they probably don't believe in Hell so that doesn't cut it either.
And Jesuslovesevery1 never change your name because HE does....
I'm a very loving person. Just defending my God like other Christians should.
Just a reminder. Have a blessed night.
There's your way out when you don't have an answer.
I'm a very loving person. Just defending my God like other Christians should.
Just a reminder. Have a blessed night.
There's your way out when you don't have an answer.
-- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:24 PM
I don't see one inkling of a defense of God in your statement. I see hate, condemnation, and justification for hopeless antics. That is not God. Like I said, READ THE BIBLE, you'll see what I mean by God does change. I mean after all, OLD Testament, is vastly different than the NEW Testament. Saying all of that, I forget what your question to me was?
God wants us to love Him, but also understand everyone is not at the same place in their lives. It takes time, patience and tolerance to allow people to see God in us. Carrying around a gun and pointing at people and telling them, LOVE JESUS isn't going to cut it. Love, Tolerance and the ability to understand people's faults might be a better way. Carrying a Huge Bible and thumping on it will drive people away. Bringing home someone less fortunate and feeding them and giving them warm clothes might help more, Seeing Jesus in us is better than screaming, You are Going to Hell if you don't believe. If they don't believe in Jesus, they probably don't believe in Hell so that doesn't cut it either.
And Jesuslovesevery1 never change your name because HE does....
-- Posted by grannyapple on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:24 PM
AMEN Sista!
grannyapple,
A mother will always have a prejudice eye for her son.
I for one am not capable of judging your son and do not feel anyone on here has tried to judge him, you or me for that matter. Every judge has an authority vested in him to pass sentence of which I see no one lay claim to such, especially me.
Are you so proud of him that your heart swells with adoration when he claims....."Hell, I believe Stargate has more fact then the Bible and I know Stargate is pure fictional." and...." I don't believe in God, Hell or any of the other crap so none of it matters. And as I grow older, I am finally given up believing in Santa and the Tooth Fairy." and then....."Simply put, the Bible isn't a really good source of information".
Do you feel the same way grannyapple?
If you do why even mention the book of Revelation?
If not, why do you not talk to him about what he says?
Nobody can talk to a son in a way like a mother can. He is indeed intelligent and would probably listen to you.
Or has that what he has already done?
Good Night All, Jesus Does Love Everyone...even me...
I don't see one inkling of a defense of God in your statement. I see hate, condemnation, and justification for hopeless antics.
Where did all of that come from???
Why don't you go back and read my post again.
What's wrong with defending God? This world is too accepting of crap. Oh be nice to the gays, it's their choice, and let them believe in the god of their choice, aborting babies is their choice, don't say anything to them it will offend them. "whatever" It's time we take a stand! We have let a woman take prayer out of our schools because we as Christians sat back and didn't fight it like we should. All because people are afraid they'll offend someone. This is God's world! not do as you will and everything will be peachy. It's my "choice" to take a stand for my God!!!
-- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:04 PM
OH yeah, the love,hope, and peace is bountiful here!
Where did I speak of condemnation? Did I say I hated anyone?
gays, people who abortions and a "woman" who took prayer out of school is CRAP = condemnation....
What has a gay person ever done to hurt your marriage? You don't ask gay people if it's ok for you to get married, why do they need your input? People have had abortions? It's not as if that is just easiest choice ya know. Perhaps you should consider adopting the millions of children around the world who aren't wanted, loved, nurtured, or even thought of. Before casting stones it's wise to be sure you look into a mirror and name off all the sins you are guilty of.
Evil Monkey said to not waste time on getting answers, he said nothing about Eternal Life being a waste of time Michael... LEARN HOW TO READ!
-- Posted by jesuslovesevery1 on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 1:52 PM
Wow, I thought you said you read the Bible. Apparently not dear.
I don't see one inkling of a defense of God in your statement. I see hate, condemnation, and justification for hopeless antics. That is not God. Like I said, READ THE BIBLE, you'll see what I mean by God does change.
You aren't defending God. You are being a completely judgemental HYPOCRITE.
-- Posted by jesuslovesevery1 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 7:06 PM
Look at all of your signs of LOVE!!
Rudeness, name-calling, judgemental
OMG. We have something in common :(
gays, people who abortions and a "woman" who took prayer out of school is CRAP = condemnation....
Do you even know what condemnation means? not that! I'm wasting my time on this conversation. In the words of a wise person once before me "have a blessed night"
HAHA. Awe. That's all I wanted to hear.
Annette 5,
If you cannot answer the question that I asked, then please go find the answer then your answer. I will then answer the questions you have. If you want to call me, 931-536-1279, I can explain more but I am pretty busy at the moment to continue responding to people who cannot read.
An Evil and Wise Monkey indeed.
Night, night, Monkey. see you tommorrow.
To all my friends who know the Jesus I know have a blessed evening.
To all the rest may he come into your dreams and show you all that without him you are doomed.
For without the sacrifice of the cross you will face the wrath of God.
It is ashame that a countries morals have slipped so low that it has to decide if it wants to let the same sex marry each other.
It is a shame that if somebody decides they want to be the opposite sex they can and it is outright disgusting that almost 50,000,000 babies have been aborted since 1973.
I suppose they could of all been have to cases Yeah Right.
I had stated earlier that I would get off my pulpit about the homosexual agenda and abortion and other things .NOT!
After seeing a video clip on how Christian's rights are being violated to further the cause of gays,Muslims and all others I got really ticked off.
If they can have rallies promoting their agenda then the Christian voice should be heard!
Israel turned its back on God and you see what happened[if you read and believe the Bible that is]
911 the people got patriotic that is all fine and dandy.
She needs to get back to the principles that she was founded on The Bible !
If I offend so be it but the Christian voice will be heard !
God took out Egypt for supressing his people, he wiped out Sodom and Gommorah for its evil ways.
Israel has paid for a thousand lifetimes for turning her back on God.
But God always provides a way back and that way is JESUS THE CHRIST THE SAVIOUR OF ALL MANKIND !
America needs to repent as a nation!
If the fire gets hot here imagine what Hell is like, ain't no air condition or ice water there.[Gospel according to Pastor Mike!
Be Blessed everyone!
michael,
take a xanax.
who needs a high when you have the most high?[JESUS CHRIST]
can't get enough I am addicted.
me too michael!! You see where I'm coming from don't you?
Annette,
Here is the one question I have, What is God's original purpose and once you answer that, ask yourself, Why would he change his original plan?
Still haven't answered the question.
I did answer your questions.
Where do you get your information about the bible? from men? Men that Satan uses to stray others away from the word? I believe God has let his word survive through the test of time and we have the information we need. If the word was destroyed completely what would people think of God? He will not let that happen. He is the alpha and omega.
God made us and set us on this earth and has given us a choice. If we choose Him we will be with him and live forever. If we don't we go to hell to burn forever with a devil that will also be destroyed one day. God never changes. People change. When we choose to have a relationship with God he is right there, but when we stray, God stays, and we leave him. Then when we decide we want to make our lives right again He is there to take us back and to forgive us. I went through a period in my life when I thought I didn't need God. I was an awful person. After my child was born I thought, how can I teach her right when I'm not where I need to be. God used that to bring me back to Him. I'm older now and realize I need Him everyday.
-- Posted by Annette 5 on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 6:54 PM
God's original purpose was to make us and us follow Him and He still wants that. I believe that is the plan for our lives.
Annette,
My bad, I didn't scroll up enough. I apologize. I am shocked someone actually answered. Ok I am glad you believe the God wouldn't change his purpose, he is all-knowing and doesn't need to change it. So therefore he sent his Son, Jesus to die for us to perform the sacrifice to save us. Do you agree?
I do agree!
Awesome, me too. Now his original purpose was for Paradise, correct? And we both agree that he doesn't change his mind. So he sent his son, Jesus, to save our eternity from the absence of God which is death. Now, you wanted my answers regarding the Bible.
In the Bible, it says Jesus was the Word of God. It never mentions the Bible as the Word of God. There have been alot of documented periods of times that the Bible has been manipulated and many books and letters were removed for reasons that were not in good heart or mind. Evil people removed them for their own agendas. THis is why I say the Bible cannot be trusted because alot of it isn't there.
Why worry about what's not there,and trust and follow what is there. Do you know what verse it says Jesus is the Word? Like I said before I believe God gives us what we need to live by and how we can have eternal life. I don't know about any missing scriptures. Where did you say you got your information from? what evil people?
Annette,
Alot of the Lost books are mentioned in the Bible. Constantine removed over 600 books from the Bible in the latter part of the 4th Century, The Archbishop of Canterbury removed 14 books from the Bible in 1875.
These books included alot of information about Jesus, his infancy, his childhood. You heard of Enoch, that too, was mentioned in the Bible. Alot more information on Heaven and Hell. Soloman, how the temple was... well. I leave that one as a secret, because that is pretty incredible story.
You seemed to be missing alot of what I been talking about.
I just have a hard time believing that God would want us to ignore the teachings of the entire teachings of inspired people. Now, you have to understand there are some people that do not want to know more because that takes alot of effort and most are not smart enough to ask the questions to find out more.
Those type of people throw insults, slurs and try to stop you from seeking more knowledge then them. So, I am glad you didn't assume the worst in me, but a few people on here think I do not believe in God or that Jesus is my Savior. Their problem is, I like to know more about everything around me including his life on Earth.
Revelation 22:7
[ Jesus Is Coming ] "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."
I did find this verse. I'm sure when the word was all put together God saw to it it included all that we need.
Keep searching. If you find something let me know. I just try not to believe everything I hear. You know how people like to stretch the truth. You have to watch yourself these days. You don't know what's out there. So many different teachings, religions, cults. It's good to ask questions. c-ya!
Annette, What a wonderful verse. And so,my question is: when did God have John write that verse, Before all of those scriptures were deleted or after. Yes, He did say "he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book" is blessed. Which prophecy? Which book? which words. Also, the Book of Revelations is so open to interpretation that no one really knows what any of it means because of all the symbolism. Is it literal? Is it a dream?
Also, the Book of Enoch has another version of the end of the world (the Rapture/Armageddon). But you know what? Enoch was left out of the Bible. Did you know that he also did not die, but was taken up into Heaven like Elijah?
The Catholic church (did you know catholic means universal?) was the reason that so many books were removed from the Bible, including the Gospels of Mary Magdalene and other disciples? And King James' version removed even more books AND edited some that remained. The Catholic Bible is a more complete version of the Bible, but if you really want to know about God, do some research outside of church and on the internet or in a library. Edification is an amazing thing, and isn't edification another term for enlightenment? Which God wants us to have? Doesn't He want all his children to be enlightened?
http://www.hallvworthington.com/Scriptur...
Like grannyapple,I'm getting more than a little tired of the "oneupmanship" that has invaded what should be a blog hosted by a sincere and serious man discussing important issues.
Instead,I see debate along the lines of which part of a boiled egg should be cracked to get it open.
Perhaps,some of us need to discuss egg cups,soft-boiled eggs,free range chickens and the egg's effect on cholesterol.
I'm getting reminded that oatmeal can make a good breakfast.
Sheesh!!!
I learned about God at home and at church.
I learned a LOT more about Him in the lives of those around me.
The conduct of those I have respected was a microcosm of God's rationality,creativity and love.
I learned of a God who had the righteous anger of a doctor who sees disease,a cop who sees the tragedy of crime and all the other helping professions who see so much preventable damage and unfulfilled potential in their line of work.
I did not see a petulant Sky Bully or a self-proclaimed deity who tormented his pets for fun.
I saw a Father who would warn a child to avoid hot stoves,lecture even as He treated its burns but would NOT impose His lessons by forcing that child's hand on a glowing stove-top.
He would be a God of judgement but completely fair and as protective of free will as He was generous with his compassion.
He brings Himself into the midst of imperfection knowing that His light,His wholeness,His warmth,His goodness cannot be diminished by any amount of darkness,void,cold or evil.
He gives of Himself so that when we are caught up in His presence,we are still there.
When an arborist separates the diseased portion of a tree and the healthy part,whether the tree survives depends on whether the damaged part was a small section of a functional whole or whether the tree was so corrupted that the living part could not support the entire tree or sustain itself if cut away from the sickness.
The same is true of our souls.
God wants to heal our illness when He can and remove that which is dead before it destroys the living.
He does not amputate to cripple us but to save our lives so that which is sound and whole will not be impeded by that which is past remedy.
He has toned down Himself that He might enhance us enough that we can be the stars absorbed by the sun instead of the darkness that it eradicates.
Yes,I saw this God in the Bible and heard of Him in sermons and religious instruction but I saw Him most in people who embodied what they had learned of Him.
They LIVED those verses in Corinthians,made people hunger for the grace they had and affirmed in their lives that this faith was more than rhetoric,brain-washing or hooey.
Their God wasn't an isolationist on a cloud.
He didn't spend all His time trolling for fans or setting up Heaven as a gated community.
His covenants weren't about how high the grass could grow in our green pastures.
He's been more interested in providing us a Home.
The God I was introduced to didn't demand we become perfect before we could come to Him and be accepted.
He'd come to us,where we were and offer us His perfection if we'd accept HIM.
He would give us direction in every form He could think of and he'd keep His hand upon us and remain right in front of us or at our sides until we got smart enough to realize that God was there and He'd never been misplaced.
I know I stay in dire need of the GPS (God-Provided Savvy) I get from the Word and those who act according to His will.
Some may think I never learned a damned thing from them.
That may be,but I had to UNlearn every one of the very damned things I got from the posturing and prejudiced.
If all I'd seen of God and His influence on His family was bickering and snarky attacks,I don't think I'd believe in Him.
I don't think The Creator,Redeemer or Paraclete would believe in that sort of god,either.
In the words of some other Powers:
"Oh,BEHAVE!!!"
quantumcat,
The oneupmanship started when parkerbrothers joined so maybe you can call him about it?
Annette 5,
You mentioned you did not know about what is termed "lost scriptures" and known by some as "missing scriptures".
You also seem to have an interest in knowing more which is great.
If you want to borrow any of the ones I have I would be glad to leave them somewhere for you to pick up and read for yourself.
I think once you read them you will see why most are not in the Bible today. A few of the books will probably impress you to believe perhaps they should have been added and/or not removed from the canon. There are very few that I have questioned.
Men who have devoted their life to the study of scriptures from a love of God have made decisions that were in the name of keeping his word pure. Even though there were and are a few of the books I feel I might have asked to be included in the canon and even a book at one time I would have had removed (James) from the canon I have to understand their decision as correct and believe that they are indeed being guided and protected by God through men that have devoted their lives to him in a way I have not.
Most if not all these books were deemed to have been written in the later centuries by a sect known as Gnostics. Although these books have a lot of good sayings in them they have been labeled as heresies by men with a devotion to maintaining a pure word. Most of the ones labeling these books as such have a devotion to the God of the Bible that is almost incomprehensible from our eyes. I find it easy to trust that God can protect his word when I remember who and what he brought out of the tomb.
Whether you choose to take the books from me, purchase them somewhere else, or simply choose not to read them at all I hope you always have a discerning mind and eyes that see the light as you do now.
Evil Monkey,
I am not trying to be oneup on you or anybody. Ask yourself the same question.
I showed up by chance on this blog. I stumbled onto it and was drawn to it. I was drawn to someone who seemed to love his God and was proud to say who he was, what he believed and why he believed.
What has kept me here though is trying to defend someone who others seem willing to be allowed to be beaten down with personal and cruel remarks on him, his family and most important, his beliefs.
It is again a simple thing Evilmonkey, you get off his back and I get off yours. His back has the gospel (good news) strapped to it and he was told to spread it. He cannot get it out of the backpack when a monkey is on it trying to devour it and a car keeps trying to do a burn out on his back.
And Evilmonkey the part that really gets me is you try to tell someone about all these missing books in one breath by using the Bible as your proof as in......."Alot of the Lost books are mentioned in the Bible"....and...."In the Bible, it says Jesus was the Word of God."..... and...."You heard of Enoch, that too, was mentioned in the Bible.".....and then in the next vile breath you might say.........." Hell, I believe Stargate has more fact then the Bible and I know Stargate is pure fictional".....or...."Simply put, the Bible isn't a really good source of information"....or...."I don't believe in God, Hell or any of the other crap so none of it matters. And as I grow older, I am finally given up believing in Santa and the Tooth Fairy."
You would get a lot more respect and credit for your thinking if you would use this Stargate that has more fact as you claim in your message.
Evil Monkey,
It is quite evident that you would like to propose a new canon which would include all the books your superior mind has selected as fit for canonization.
While it is early yet for you to bring it to press, at least give us the index of what you want included and/excluded from the current and I will at least read Monkeys' Manual out of respect for you being superior in intellect to all of us you have descibed as idiots, morons and unable to pass a kindergarten entrance exam.
But before I start reading I ask you to give me evidence of yourself that will help me give credence to your Manual and understand that your selection was derived from a man who has devoted his life to the gospel in a manner similar to ones who canonized our present Bible. Lay out the ground work before me for discernment.
It is not too late to start your push for your canon. If your faith is worth having it is worth working for. If your canon is of God and protected by God nothing can stop you Evilmonkey. He will see it through. If he brought our Savior out of the tomb he can protect his word that he has seemingly called you to bring forth out of the lost and found.
Everyone might ought to get to the stores quickly and buy Stargate before supply and demand drives the price of it higher than gas prices. I expect it to be named in the new canon if the man is a man of his word.
Please overlook my manners this morning.
Good morning!!! Evilmonkey.
parkerbrothers,
It seems you have alot to say and yet nothing is said... Keep trying?
Anything else you would like to say? Just because you are pulling up quotes to try and state I believe in something else, you didn't place the context in which those quotes were intended. I take it you got that tactic from G W Bush? I applaud you and your constituents' endeavors to try and, Yet again, looking like an over-spoken idiot basking for a little attention.
Thanks again for covering my ass with your lips.
True, true Evil Monkey.
The Parker Brothers seems to be damning more people than encouraging them to be Christians. Why not offer shelter to someone who has been through a terrible experience, like a woman who was raped and became pregnant and needed an abortion, or a gay person who has been beaten down by society or thrown out of his/her house by their parents, or a person just trying to fit in? Didn't Jesus stress compassion rather than Bible thumping, verse memorization, and carrying the gospel on your back?
Perhaps my God is bigger than yours, since you spend more time putting yours in a box than I do embracing his strength and magnitude by looking at the outside world that he has created.
Your words, ParkerBrothers, are beyond insulting. I appreciate and embrace your enthusiasm for God and Jesus and the resurrection (and hope that, like me, you feel humbled by such a loving God who would sacrifice his own son for my and YOUR sins).
Perhaps before opening your mouth (or hands on the keyboard), you should look beyond the Bible to other wonderful sources and things that God has created. Remember the phrase, "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it"? Step outside your tiny study where you can only see your computer and into a beautiful world created by God.
If you remove God from the box you - and others - have locked Him in, perhaps His divine grace will spread to you, and you will find openness in your heart for those you condemn - gays, women who have abortions, men and women who wish to have a sex change, those of other religions, scientists who work on stem cell research to save lives, doctors, lawyers, preachers, and you, and me, and any other human on this planet - including those who post on this site that may have dissimilar views than your own.
I honestly believe that Parkerbrothers is suffering from a mental illness. He needs Centerstone STAT!! He is like a dog with a bone when it comes to Evil Monkey and has completely turned me off to all this Christian Stuff. I put him right up there with Michael Bell.
I would hate to think this man was building my house, he seems crazy. JMO.
You are my new hero, stolen25!
AMEN phoenix_rising... AMEN!
I have asked those exact questions, with less eloquent terminology! Parkerbrothers, Annette, and Michael all should step out of their close-minded pavillions and into this thing called the real world.
I honestly have refused to comment anymore because this has become so childish, with they "monkey's butt" and stupid reposting of every comment made by EM, all in order to prove... nothing.
Jesus, God, or whoever you want to call them are amazing in their vast amounts of glory, their unconditional love for everyone (including gays, those who have had abortions, etc) and while some "Christian's" feel it is their right to come on here and denounce them as if they are without sin is why this world will NEVER CHANGE. Michael's and Parkerbrothers rants are a mirror image of the Bush administration. You want to know why nobody is following? Because you are setting a horrible example. Bush preaches PEACE through means of WAR. Michael preaches about Jesus as though his entire purpose was to vilify individuals and only associate with people of certain posture. I am simply waiting on them to talk to fellow-sinners with dignity and respect, not these endless amount of babbling that acccomplishes nothing but a prolonged argument.
Hey Evil-M I replied to your post and it was here this morning but now it's gone, computer glitch or am I being erased?.......H
Hey Evil-M I replied to your post and it was here this morning but now it's gone, computer glitch or am I being erased?.......H
Its still there, it is way at the top, my number is 931-536-1279, I won't give my email here;).
I am not of this world ,I am just visiting my home is in heaven ! Is yours?
Um, sorry Michael, but when the Mothership comes gets you... It's all yours...
Evil Monkey,
ROFLMAO!!! Mothership...LOL LOL LOL!!!!
Who's that flyin' so far from Hell?
Waaaay up in the middle of the air?
Must be friends of Michael Bell.
Waaay in the middle of the air.
With big wheels run by Faith and little wheels run by the Grace of God,
There are wheels within wheels way in the middle of the air.
Yes,there's a Lord who can heal 'cause He's real and we can join Him in the middle of the air.
who can argue with you Q-cat! very nice!
Quantumcat,
What an interesting post. I find it one of the less offensive comments posted here. You remind us that we "mere mortal Christians" are in a constant dance between Heaven and Hell, while others believe themselves to be so close to St. Peter they can smell his cologne. You have great insight. Thanks for ending my night right.
~Phoenix
Thanks,dear lady!
Well, I am going to end this interesting evening. Thanks for the interesting posts.
Q-Cat says, "The same is true of our souls."
1-Can anyone here discribe the nature of a soul?
2-Can you then explain how it relates to the body and then to the mind?
Thanks,........H
Hlaktoong,
While I can go to dictionary.com or some similar source to answer your questions on the soul, I, personally, can offer no answers. The soul is personal...I believe it is something we all must find for ourselves, and cannot name for each other. I would love to learn more about your ideas on this subject, especially based on your beliefs. I feel that through sharing such knowledge we can truly learn about others and ourselves.
Thank you for continuing to post on this topic, despite the criticism and rude feelings you have experienced.
Thanks,Px_rise, I've learned to take a detached outlook when people get a little insistent shall we say. I veiw this type of thing as a good dharma practice because it presents problems and veiw points that I haven't encountered yet.
So let me back up a little bit because no one here has answered even what the term Buddha means. It was not his name, in Sanskrit it means "awakened."
What did he wake up from and acheive his final enlightenment after 6 years of extremely difficult asceticisms and meditations? He discoverd that it all hinges on what is the prime "klesha" or mental affliction, that is ignorence. That ignorence is based upon the mistaken perception of the self, how it exists in it's self perception and then how it perceives outer phenomena and how it holds them to exist incorrectly with the minds misperception.
So it's ok to use a dictionary to find the best definition that you feel might describe the pure ultimate state,we both beleive that there is life after death and so something has to move somewhere, some how in this process. We have to start somewhere right?........H
Hlaktoong,
Did Budda rise from his grave or decide to just stay in it? I have always heard he died and remained dead. I do admit I have never heard a Buddist say that though. It has always been a non-Buddist that made that claim. What is the real answer?
ParkBro, everything that is created is impermanent, that which is born,dies. What better way to teach beings that to generate a sense of renunciation for the things of Samsara (realm of cyclical suffering) than to show even that his form body obeys natural law. Why would it be necessitated on Buddhists to see him get up from his death bed when they believe already the doctrine of rebirth? No need to preach to Buddhists that pyhsical disintergration is not complete utter annihilation.
parkerbrothers
A dead god. What's the point? Hlaktoong said Buddha was not his name. That's all I've ever heard. I guess as time goes on people change the meaning. It's all about being enlightened. Not praying to the dead god.Finding inner peace. Aren't you glad when you are alone and finding peace you can find peace in Jesus the living. There's someone actually listening. What good is a dead god? If they believe you come back after death as something else I wonder who or what they think he is now.
Annette, before you beginning flapping those jaws and fingers over the keyboard, step back and THINK. It's not that hard - use your brain.
Hlaktoong, I appreciate your post and will look further into your words. If I have any questions, I hope you don't mind me asking them. By learning more about one faith, I believe it enhances the knowledge of all faiths.
Hlaktoong,
That's right. I forgot. They reincarnate into cows???
Or do they?
Is Budda now cow that keeps dying and reincarnating into new cow into new cow into new cow into new cow into new cow.......?
Not poking fun or anything but that actually does sounds like a lot bull there.
Do your words ever stop turning into bs and bs and bs?
LOL LOL LOL...
Hlaktoong,
Please don't let any of these people bring you down. It took alot of courage to say that you are a Buddhist, which I respect immensely.
Please don't let any of these people bring you down. It took alot of courage to say that you are a Buddhist, which I respect immensely.
-- Posted by phoenix_rising on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 8:30 AM
Yes you look into this and read about how Buddha or whatever his name may be came about...his mother had a dream about a white elephant the very night she concieved. Everywhere he walked flowers popped out of the ground. He used his magical powers to escape the castle..blah blah blah. He even said when he was on his death bed that he never knew the true meaning of life and knew there had to be more to it.
Maybe on his death bed he was seeing something that most people see when they are dieing.
Hlaktoong,
That's right. I forgot. They reincarnate into cows???
Or do they?
Is Budda now cow that keeps dying and reincarnating into new cow into new cow into new cow into new cow into new cow.......?
Not poking fun or anything but that actually does sounds like a lot bull there.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 11:42 PM
Hlaktoong,
I was actually serious about the reincarnation into cows. Is it true? Or is it a myth that non-Buddist people have always told me. I have never heard it from a Buddist.
phoenix_rising thinks it is BS. Is it?
The Buddha is not a god as we would commonly think of one, after acheiving Buddhahood, Turning the Wheel (teaching) he passes away and goes to what is known as a Pure Realm, this is existance outside of Samsara (the realm of helpless rebirths) On a quick side note to know, Buddhists believe in rebirth not reincarnation that is a doctrine in most all of the Hindu schools. But anyway the Buddha doesn't have the power of a god it's just not like what you may think of in that context. If he did he would instantly end beings (ignorance) and liberate them out of Samsara. But he can't all they or the Bodhisattvas can do is teach beings how to work on the path and enlighten themselves. No one even a Buddha can take away anothers karma ( the law of cause & effect) and self-cherishing ignorence, that is done through your own efforts. There are 2 qualities that the Buddhas possess, Wisdom and Compassion through which they vow never to stop re-entering Samsara to teach beings the Way. Wisdom to see things in their true Reality nature and compassion as the prime motivation to end misery and suffering.
People here are coming at me with many points but I'll swing a stick at a few.
Yes cows can be reborn over and over again as that form. It is very important never to do bad deeds that allow the mind to sink to such a low level and get stuck because of not possessing the qualities to then practice and develop. Almost all low level rebirths whether it's a animal, preta, hell realm or misrable human were caused by actions predicated on deeds done with the 3 poisons of hatred/anger and desire/passion and they spring from the root one of selfish ignorance. Karmic results are extremely powerful, a tiny acorn will result in a big oak, one wrong action can destroy years of built up trust. Guard your actions like you would your eyes if someone threw sand at your face, because the results will follow like your shadow at noon on a clear day in July.
Pk.Bro, that was actually a good turn of a phrase. But be carful how you treat others or you could end up on EvilMonkeys toasted sesameseed bun!
Annette, if you can I would really like to see the exact phrase that you said the Buddha uttered when he passed. You don't have to believe what he said only maybe understand what he meant. It would help to know the source book you are useing so that you don't see it as the definitive work, thanks.
But I still see alot of dancing around and barely any getting to the heart of the matter, I understand this tactic........H
Hlaktoong,
He is keeping my buns so warm:) Thanks for thinking about them. BTW thanks for the information about Buddhism. I love the aspect and relief you can get from it.
Hlaktoong,
Sorry for getting reincarnation and rebirth mixed up.
Further excuse my ignorance, but are you saying that a man can be rebirthed as a cow?
I have heard of being "Born Again" but never thought bellowing or chewing on the cud came in the package.
I have heard of being "Born Again" but never thought bellowing or chewing on the cud came in the package.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 8:51 PM
It's what you do everyday
jesuslovesevery1,
That was a good one. Even I have to laugh with you on it.
YEAH.
If beings commit various bad deeds then anyone can degenerate into lower rebirths, just as if senteint beings practice virtuous positive actions, giving,morality,non-killing,non-covetness, meditation, beings can take higher rebirths into the better human type realms and heaven states. Humans are not the only intelligent life forms in Buddhist cosmology. The essential awareness of all beings that have minds are the same. It's the level of delusion that determines their next lives form. You grew up in a tradition that taught the absolute distinction between humans and other life. In Buddhism there is not much distinction, all are worthy of compassion and respect.
You have to understand something here, that this is a very different veiw of the universe, life, and it's meaning for human life. Karma is a extremely complicated system, it is said that you almost need to reach Buddhahood to see how it functions for each being. The effects for actions done in the past can stretch for 1000's of lifetimes into the future, so when the conditions are right they mature and the results appear. That is why sometimes we know really nice good people, who never harm anyone and they are for no reason killed in a car crash or develop a fatal illness seemingly from no where and no place that they don't deserve, and we're left with just asking why them and not the real nasty unpleasent person that lives to a ripe old age. Both are just experiencing ripening of past karma.
That is why it is really important to do (shak-ba) or the way to remove bad karmic deeds. We are all in over our heads in this world that we fully don't understand, it's my faith that the Buddha spoke the truth about what happens with negative actions. He wouldn't lie, that would be a mental affliction which he is free from by definition. I have to have some trust that there actually might be some others in this world that are tad smarter and more developed and further down the road than I, so I might want to listen to some advice about how to clear away the confusion.
The Buddha said don't take my word for anything that I teach, test it like you would test a peice of gold for being real and genuine. Then if you find it valuble use it. There ar stories of others that have lived in this world that faced almost unimaginable suffering, who would do anything that would bring these conditions onto themselves, no one of course, that is because the deeds that are done that bring misery are done in ignorence. Fated to experience lifetime after lifetime since "beginingless time" operating from the mistaken belief of how things are held we finally grasp the true state of the trap we have become ensnared in and seek liberation, where the mind becomes bliss, the heart is settled and sorrow is finished..........H
I'm glad Jesus didn't say "don't take my word for anything that I teach". Why would you want to follow someone that is unsure of themselves? Jesus is God's son and his purpose was to send Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins we committed and to die and be resurrected ,and all those that follow Him will have life after death to live with Him in Heaven for eternity. He taught while he was on this earth and wanted us to follow his teachings. God loves you and this world and wants us to choose Him. He is also a good listener. He's always there if you want to pray to Him. When I leave this world I don't want to come back.ha! ha!
Amen christiangirl. Once I'm gone, I ain't comin' back - not even to turn off the stove! ;)
Now,if I'm getting this right,if someone is a poor steward of their first life,they can be put into another kind of life that would teach them what they didn't get the first time around.
The person who did well can advance to a position where he can learn more and apply the gifts he has already.
A predator might become prey that he know how to live non-violently.
Prey might have to learn what it is like to be dependent on a life that is "red of tooth and claw".
During this time,we reap what we have sown in terms of logical consequences-only the time frame is extended to an infinite degree.
If a person damages the water table through his selfish ignorance,a future version of him might suffer thirst or the consequences of drinking and bathing in toxins.
If a person aids a child in one life,his future selves may benefit from that tot surviving to adulthood,acquiring an education and good values and spreading the help he received to countless others in an ever-widening ripple of altruism and fulfillment.
Who knows?
Maybe a particularly immature Holstein would be forced to re-enter life as a human until he got things right.
I'd not fault any leader for suggesting people think carefully before committing themselves to a person or lifestyle.
Truth will hold up to scrutiny.
A good deal will still be there once one has read the fine print,examined the product,done research,talked to satisfied customers and gotten advice from knowledgeable folk they trust.
Often,it is the charlatan who urges people to act before they think,accept his style instead of demanding substance ,finds free will an inconvenience and prefers to isolate people from any objective mentors.
(How different Eve's life would have been if she'd said:
"I don't know about this. Talk to Adam while I get God in here to give His side.")
There is a huge difference between cautioning people to take appropriate action in a timely manner and inciting them into following an order before they determine who's issuing it and if it's appropriate.
A theme common to both Christianity and Buddhism would seem to be taking wisdom when it's offered and using it to be who and what one was intended to be.
Willfully rejecting truth in favor of one's own preferences stunts the soul at best and can lead to infinite tragedy.
Foolish choices can bite one in the backside as viciously as a rabid junkyard dog.
I don't think H is here so his karma can run over our dogma.
I think he's just wanting to expand the frame of reference so we all know more about the others' belief systems.
(That's not a bad way of discovering more about what we believe,as well.)
Too often,we live by copies of copies of copies of what our predecessors learned without ever going to the source or examining what else is out there.
(Actually,we often ignore even the blurry copies.)
We can't know the error or validity in anything if we don't care enough about truth to look for it (much less act on it.)
Who is the worst sinner-he who registers for the "wrong" party or he who never takes stock of candidates and issues to vote at all?
Quantumcat, thank you for your comments! They have sorted out a great deal of issues that were becoming skewed in these blogs. Thanks for your words. :)
Q-Cat, nice, really nice, that is all I can hope for here. I'm not going to say much for today I just want people to take this in and post. Tommorow I'm going to place a question asked to the Dali Lama about the nature of perception and his response. I want to show a more finer form of debate about correct perception and just how subtle our mistaken veiws can be and not understand that we are acting out with improper motivations because of misperceptions of our selves(egotistic clinging)..........H
Thank you for your compliments.
I look forward to what we learn next.
Hi, there are reasons why I'm posting this exchange,this or something along the line of this should be debated because it helps get to the crux of the matter. I would like to 1st place 3 definitions that would help in understanding the level of debate here.
{inherent }....Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic.
{ nihilism. }The delusion that things (or everything, including the self) do not exist; a sense that everything is unreal.
{ dependent arising }..that phenomena arise together in a mutually interdependent web of cause and effect.
Question: If a person views the self and other phenomena as being empty of any inherent existence, is it then, in that state, possible for them to take any animate or inanimate phenomenon as their object, and through the power of imputation or words, enable that object to actually take on a manifesting role with the qualities which we view objects to have?
His Holiness DL: This is an instance of not properly understanding the meaning of "lack of inherent existence." If we think that "emptiness" means things cannot function, then, with an improper understanding of the view of emptiness, one will have fallen into nihilism. So, because one has failed to reconcile emptiness and the fact that things work, this view is incorrect. That is why it is said that the meaning of emptiness is to be understood in terms of dependent arising.
Now, since the meaning of emptiness is to be explained in terms of dependent arising, we can only explain something as arising dependently if there is a basis, that is, some thing that is dependent. Hence, such a basis must exist. We see then that when we speak of dependent arising, we are indicating that things work. Dependent arising proves that things have no inherent existence, through the fact that things work in dependence on each other. The fact that things work and the fact that they do so in dependence, one on the other, eliminates the possibility of their being independent. This in turn precludes the possibility of inherent existence, since, to inherently exist means to be independent. Hence, the understanding of emptiness, of the the emptiness of a kind of inherent existence that is independent, boils down to understanding dependent arising.
PS. I suggest printing it out so you can pick it up now and then to reread over time, Thanks everyone......H