Quote (jhenTux @ Mar. 10 2008,12:27)Sola scriptura (Latin ablative, “by scripture alone”) is the assertion that the Bible as God's written word is self-authenticating, clear (perspicuous) to the rational reader, its own interpreter (“Scripture interprets Scripture”), and sufficient of itself to be the final authority of Christian doctrine.I think…[Read more]

Mandy,Most people, and especially “believers” feel they are correct in matters of salvation and theology, their intense feelings lend creedence and support that their views are truth.  It follows to them that, if I know truth and feel I'm right, then others who see see things differently must then be wrong.  This is the great pitfall for some t…[Read more]

Quote (Stu @ Mar. 09 2008,16:30)Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?Then he is not omnipotent.Is he able, but not willing?Then he is malevolent.Is he both able and willing?Then whence cometh evil?Is he neither able nor willing?Then why call him God?-EpicurusIStuartIs god able to prevent evil – yesOmnipotent – YesIs he able – yes  not…[Read more]

Stewart, I think you again confuse the idea of a diety allowing evil and tragedy, with the causation of same.  I don't think or ever claimed that God goes about sending storms or madmen to do mayhem, what I am saying is that he may allow such for the reasons I have already stated.  You wrongly assume I am justifying or supporting life's m…[Read more]

While I have doubts over the abilities of Mr. Bush, I doubt he is an agent of Satan.  If he was he is certainly a poor one, I think Satan could have done much better.  I think the Bush flaw and doubly so for his former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, was hubris.  I am sure they, with great arrogance, thought they could improve upon what Bush senior di…[Read more]

Come now Stewart, when you claim the only ethical resolution is non-belief, it is just as preposterous as saying the reverse.  I never claimed that God or any other agency condones or encourages tragedy, but that it may allow such, for that is the price of free will and living under the law of cause and effect.  It is unfortunate but nonetheless a…[Read more]

Quote (david @ Mar. 08 2008,10:00) While God has allowed human governments (superior authorities) to rule for our benefit (so there is not chaos) the BIBLE indicates that they are all under the influence of “the ruler of the world,” Satan.  Does it seem to you that it is a Christians place (who is to be “no part of the world”) to defend that w…[Read more]

I doubt it is ever God's will that we suffer, yet it may be he “allows” suffering because to do otherwise may interfere with free will, or perhaps it is needed for us to grow and learn, or to allow others the opportunity to step up and do good.  We never can see the bigger picture for we are here and human.  My point is that all suffering is not n…[Read more]

I sincerely pray that your friends are spared suffering.  In the end, it is as it always should be, God's will be done; but in the exection of that will, may the effected see God's purpose and loving hand even in the midst of tragedy or what may only appear to be such now.  Many times what appears to us a curse in the immediacy of its happening t…[Read more]

As a former officer in my nation's military I personally never saw conflict between God and my service therein.  I think in war our actions are judged by the almighty in relation to the circumstances thereof and not against an absolute standard.  Also perhaps there may be something to an eastern concept of group karma, where in such matters (…[Read more]

Question if after WWII the founders of the state of Isreal decided to call their new country by any other name then Isreal, would we even be having this discussion?  The Isreali founding fathers were no fools, they knew the name “Isreal” had associations with both the Diaspora and Christianity that could not but help their cause.  Many C…[Read more]

I believe that Jesus was meant to be our role model, the pinnacle of what humanity can, one day aspire to.  He never claimed godhood or asked for worship as far as I know.  That he may be my lord, teacher, etc., I have no doubt, but he is not our God and doesn't want to be.  As far as the Jewish Messiah role, I don't know, yet the answer do…[Read more]

Quote (t8 @ Mar. 04 2008,19:14)Your argument is flawed.If you are an intelligent ape and creation didn't have a creator, then non-intelligence is smarter and better than you. Either way you look at it, your belief leaves me know option but to think that your argument is foolish.I have to agree with scripture don't I?While I agree with you on your…[Read more]

When I was younger I think I would have wanted immortality in the way Vel mentioned, to live forever especially if one could retain a semblence of youth, vitality and health.  However upon further reflection I feel such an existence may ultimately lead to stagnation not just for ourselves but civilization and mankind itself.  In a spiritual s…[Read more]

Mandy,I still think the root of the problem is you still expect scripture to be clear and flawless.  While many like Nick, will claim it flawless there are few that can, with a straight face, ever say it is consistently clear.  Just look at all the debates going on this site of Christians, even in the believers section.  Just look at Re…[Read more]

There is always a fine line between faith and superstition, between belief in that what can't be proven and belief in that which proof counterindicates.  Yes Stuart I agree that much evil is done in the name of such “faith” and I can like, John Lennon imagine, “no religion too”.  It is unfortunate that many forget the major tenents of their r…[Read more]

Quote (Stu @ Feb. 28 2008,18:07)Hi CatoQuote Here unfortunately is one of the rare instances where rationality, reason and current science fall short. Of the two points of view, science is completely in accordance with mine and contradicts yours, but it is not as if there is any shortfalling of science here.  Stephen Jay Gould was equivocal…[Read more]

Quote (Nick Hassan @ Mar. 01 2008,05:33)Hi cato, You cannot give someone faith. It is given from above.Of course not, you can encourage and nurture such, but in the end it is ultimately internal.  I think however you confuse faith with grace.  The direction and inspiration may come from above, but it is an internal process that accepts or r…[Read more]

One has only to look at American history to see that division is nothing new, just look at the US Civil war in the 1860s, the civil rights and anti-war movement in the 1960s, to see my point.  I remember those who thought sex, drugs and rock and roll were the end the nation in the 1970s. Compared to global annihilation posed by the cold war,…[Read more]

I have been on their thread in the believers section and they do have similarities that you would expect to find in cults such as led in the past by the likes of David Koresh and Jim Jones but without the overt pervertions.  They are most fervid believers in what Weinland predicts.  Fear, and elitism, seem to be powerful incentives in their b…[Read more]