It is not an easy task for humans, but this type of love is an acknowledgement of yourself in all others and all others in yourself. It is the path beyond blame that persists through out humanity with few positives and a lot of negatives. Leveling the playing field to this extent leaves no room for the ego to thrive, but humility and modesty and love fill that void.
This type of love increases one's sense of responsibility for the self and for others, so it is extremely meaningful, IMHO. Humans find this difficult because most value the mask of personality and ego above the soul. When people believe that the mask is WHO they are, it is frightening to imagine otherwise which leaves few to tread this path.
One-dimentional? I see it as the opposite, multi-dimentional to the extent of ten billion human souls, which makes it difficult to fathom. : )
I didn't mean to try and diminish the excellence of your post with my humor.
This is impressive. Profound and wise.
"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it. ~ Patrick Henry
"The Malleus Maleficarum asserts that three elements are necessary for witchcraft: the evil-intentioned witch, the help of the Devil, and the Permission of God."
It's evident from your question that two of the three elements are present! ;)
Now chris, it was questions like this that inspired The Church to heave up a blanket response to free thinking wimmen.
Malleus Maleficarum
Uh, sorry. No.
They weren't True Christians
True christians are an elusive breed, rarer than bigfoot. In order to even hope to see one, a christian must look in the mirror to find one, and then realize that every other christian is deluded and DOOMED TO HELL.
There is only one True Christian, and he/she is special.
So, therefore I have just proven that christians are not responsible for burning people alive (or burning them dead if they were feeling merciful that day), or for torturing those that were a little too anti-authoritarian.
ETA: This is Very Important: Satan is the bad guy. Don't forget that. /s
wud, you silver-tongued romantic devil you! I don't know how any woman could resist smooth talk like that!
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
Você me trata desse jeito só porque eu sou preto. Junior (my youngest son)
(contd) conceded even by early writings of protestant leaders). Luther may have had some legit beefs, but the when Jesus told Peter he is the rock upon which I will build my church, the 1st Papacy was established.EVERY priest can be traced directly to him
Jesus also told Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan."
Is Jesus schizoid, or was he referring to the rock which is the TRUTH that Jesus is the Son of God, and upon THAT rock He would build His church.
BTW, by 1953, at least 20 popes were Jewish...[all traced to Peter?] See also Babylon the Great, Catholic or Jewish? at watch.pair.com
=======================
"... "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." -Isaiah 42:8
.... "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:" -Exodus 20:4.....
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them..." -Exodus 20:5
..........
......
Satanism in the Catholic religion!
Notice the upside down cross!
"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Mark 7:7
"For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect." Mark 13:22
[excerpts from Bowing to Mary is a sin at jesus-is-savior.com ]
===============
see also Pope Affirms [Satanic] Noahide Law at realzionistnews.com
"...as long as there..remain active enemies of the Christian church, we may hope to become Master of the World...the future Jewish King will never reign in the world before Christianity is overthrown - B'nai B'rith speechhttp://www.biblebelievers.org.au/luther.htm / http://bible.cc/psalms/83-4.htm
"...as long as there..remain active enemies of the Christian church, we may hope to become Master of the World...the future Jewish King will never reign in the world before Christianity is overthrown - B'nai B'rith speechhttp://www.biblebelievers.org.au/luther.htm / http://bible.cc/psalms/83-4.htm
#149. To: Eric Stratton, Christine, Artisan, Wud (#148)
Very unoriginal.
Yeah, pine cones are more original, so let's peer into that......
The pressing question is what is the fascination with the Pine Cone? Largest Pine Cone sculpture in the world is in the Court of the Pine Cone at the Vatican....
And the Pope has a pine cone on his staff........
" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11
"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne
#152. To: Eric Stratton, christine, psusa, james deffenbach, abraxas, wudidiz (#146)
eegads. You were raised Catholic?? That's very interesting, and I never would have guessed that, (which you're probably happy about).
.. that cannot possibly be true since to be a Roman Catholic one must not even necessarily possess faith in Christ. All one has to do is go through the motions, accept the sacriments, pledge devotion to a man-made/created/corrupted institution to one extent or another, etc.
Of course that is ridiculous and untrue. Catholics, like protestants, even with our differences, all profess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and we both believe in the Trinity. Ive never even heard the most ardent fundie claim that Catholics are not Christian. Of course we are Christian.
If you think that SacrAments are simply 'going through motions', it sounds like you were not instructed at all in the actual teachings Catholic faith as a youngster. Many people teach their kids nothing about the faith. , although actually, if a parent is Catholic, they have an obligation to actual bring up their kids teaching them the faith, or else the result is the kids being fallen- aways.
One example of the differences between beliefs of protestants vs Catholics, Catholics believe that the body of Christ is the actual body and blood of Christ, not a representation. Jesus said that those who do not eat my flesh and drink my blood will not have life in them. That's not a confusing verse. Protestants believe it is a mere representation. So be it. Early protestants and Catholics had this arguement. But even the earliest founding protestants never dared say something as absurd as 'Catholics are not Christian'. Just absurd, and bearing false witness, to boot.
Many Italian mob figures in history were devout Roman Catholics for example. Many people that have overtly perpetuated anti-christian and evil behavior both today and in former times were "devout" RCs, including popes. Otherwise, the teachings and practices of the RCC actually counter those taught by Christ.
As far as the corrupt popes, and 'sinners' who dare to be Catholics have fallen human nature. All humans do. This doesnt negate the legitimacy of the church.
Universal. meaning, it is not different in every city with 'Pastor Bob' who may have got his preecher degree out of a cracker jack box, By the way, did you know that PSUSA is an actual minister?? Yes. nuff said about 'ministers'. No offense to PSUSA, just making a point,. lol.
So as far as universal, I can go to Catholic Mass in Canada, Mexico, U.S., Italy, Frace, (all of which I have) and anywhere else and it is universal. meaning exactly the same. Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. in other words, the Mass.
I had a feeling that my protestant comments would raise the ire of some,. but that's OK. Hopefully I can set an example to others who will see that I try to be a good Christian and will respect my beliefs. Like james deffenbach, who is a protestant and very nice Christian, I do not like to bicker about religion here, it is not why I come here. just not interested in it. Can't stand it. I'm not gonna change anyones mind, nor they mine.(which begs the question, why am i posting in this thread? lol)..
At the very least, we can all agree on the patriot act, 9/11, and we are united against the jackboots. ;-) God will sort the rest out on judgement day. Only God can judge someones heart.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
#161. To: abraxas, Eric Stratton, Christine, Artisan (#149)
Yeah, pine cones are more original, so let's peer into that......
The pressing question is what is the fascination with the Pine Cone? Largest Pine Cone sculpture in the world is in the Court of the Pine Cone at the Vatican....
Pine cone = pineal gland = third eye
"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it. ~ Patrick Henry
Well, for starters, note that I never made any judgment of anyone that attends those places. I/we don't have that insight.
I noted it.
But IMO it doesn't take insight. THe gospel was supposed to be simplicity itself, right? "jesus" supposedly said that you are to become as little children to enter the kingdom. If that simplicity was the case, then there would only be one church.
ANd say what you will about the Catholics, but since you were raised in it you know that they have a scripture for every doctrine that they hold. NOw you may argue about whether that scripture applies to that doctrine, but if it was so simple then there would be no argument about anything.
True believers know who they are,
I disagree. Every believer believes they are a True Believer.
The problem is, and the biggest one that I faced while still "churched," was that most people would prefer to "read a book" that's in their church bookstore, whether it's RC or fundie notwithstanding, than read the Bible and study it.
Either that, or listen to a TV/radio sermon. I used to, and I've heard some real doozies.
IMO it is intentionally complex and contradictory. It keeps people fighting, fractured and divided. Meanwhile, back at the farm, the black hat kikes are preparing for a bank robbery.
We can't......no will power.....magnetism too strong.....reduced to swooning. : )
That wud is a ladies man all right. I guess that is why women throw themselves at him when he comes a bustin' with that line about how he wants to breed with them. I wish I was a smooth talker like that.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
Você me trata desse jeito só porque eu sou preto. Junior (my youngest son)
I had a feeling that my protestant comments would raise the ire of some,. but that's OK. Hopefully I can set an example to others who will see that I try to be a good Christian and will respect my beliefs. Like james deffenbach, who is a protestant and very nice Christian, I do not like to bicker about religion here, it is not why I come here. just not interested in it. Can't stand it. I'm not gonna change anyones mind, nor they mine.
That was very kind of you to say--thank you. I fail and miserably at times but I try.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
Você me trata desse jeito só porque eu sou preto. Junior (my youngest son)
We can't......no will power.....magnetism too strong.....reduced to swooning. : )
That wud is a ladies man all right. I guess that is why women throw themselves at him when he comes a bustin' with that line about how he wants to breed with them. I wish I was a smooth talker like that.
"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it. ~ Patrick Henry
I am hurt, hurt let me tell you! I was not being sarcastic at all. I now demand ten million dollars in reparations for hurting my feelings like that.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
Você me trata desse jeito só porque eu sou preto. Junior (my youngest son)
#168. To: Artisan, wudidiz, PSUSA2, christine (#48)
free will is not based on fear, it is inherent in us as humans. In other words, no one is forcing us to do anything. True faith is not based on fear of hell, but in love. As an aside, surely the concept of punishment of evil makes sense to you. It must.
There was a time when federal courts openly admitted that our tax system is "based upon voluntary assessment and payment, not upon distraint." When people started catching on the IRS then sent shills onto TV shows to redefine it as "voluntary compliance" (which is not what the courts said) and we were told that, "If you stop at a red traffic signal you do so voluntarily." So, according to that logic all laws with criminal penalties are based on "voluntary compliance", presumably because there's no cop present at all times preventing your lawlessness. (It would be interesting to hear how the IRS's definition differs from "mandatory compliance.")
And, for that matter, if free will is based on "love of G_D" (or else) then how would that differ if it was based on mandatory compliance? For instance, suppose someone started a new religion that had as its basic tenet, "G_D, I don't love you but I fear eternal punishment so I'll follow your nerd rules to the letter!" Shouldn't such a person be respected as a true Christian and an honest person, too? Or does one not only have to proclaim a love for G_D but assert that the fear (synonymous with love) would be there even if there were no horrible consequences for "failure to volunteer"?
Is it your position that we're free to accept or reject G_D because the punishment isn't immediate, such your head exploding the instant you have a heretical thought? The punishment for murder or running a red light isn't immediate...yet.* And if the promise of eternal "durn-nation" in fire and brimstone is to be believed then any assertion that "free will voluntary compliance" with the tenets of the various corporate faiths as defined in sec. 501(c)(3)IRS Code is based on love, then those who raved about "The Emperor's New Clothes" must have convinced themselves that his extravagant new glad rags were dope!
Remember in that fable the swindlers/tailors had convinced all of the town folk that if they couldn't see the boss's new threads it meant they were unqualified for their respective positions. And any Christian who says "Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom" but then fails to define "fear" as "love" is unqualified for the title of soldier in the army of G_D. (and by that definition we can assume that John Wayne Bobbitt must really love the thought of awakening to the sight of Lorena with a carving knife, right?)
During the dark days of Soviet tyranny everyone proclaimed their loyalty to the state, which for most meant "as loyal as I need to be to avoid the gulags." And, the only way to prove that one was a "true Bolshevist" was to snitch and/or kill those regarded as threats and therefore enemies of the state.
During the Crusades there was only one way that the knights in arms could prove they were "true Christians", too. Their modern counterparts are not only willing to kill innocents, many of who are "hoarding G_d's oil", (they can be ID'ed by the bumper stickers that read LET'S KICK THEIR ASSES AND TAKE THEIR OIL") but they seem to believe that the ravings of lunatic Zionist Ashkenazim are the latest chapters of The New Testament. And, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that other "knights of The Modern Crusade" were plotting ways to murder Natalie Maines, too.
If the majority of Christians welcomed truth for its own sake they'd admit that fear means fear, and they may even agree with Wayne Madsen:
"The Israeli Lobby owns the Congress, media, Hollywood, Wall Street, both political parties, and the White House. This kind of talk will get people fired by this lobby, as we have seen recently with White House correspondent Helen Thomas and CNN anchor Rick Sanchez. However, many Americans are growing tired of the arrogance of the Israel Lobby and their bigoted attitudes toward anyone who challenges their influence-peddling and their ridiculous insistence that Israel must be supported because of some ancient fairy tales involving some tribes who wandered the deserts of the Middle East and saw and heard non-existent things because of sun stroke, drinking bad water, and smoking local hallucinogenic plants."
If we follow the Biblical tenet to "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's" then adherence to man's law is mandatory. And if that means that only govt approved religions are legit, then show me a bona fide {501(c)(3)} church that accepts your political beliefs as consistent with Christian beliefs. And, preferably a denomination that uses grape juice during communion because the (legit, bona fide and govt approved) church in which I was baptized believed that "them other sinners who use wine are going to Hayull."
George Carlin's mockery in the video below may be offensive to you, but what of any part of it can you honesty and effectively dispute?
_______________________________
* (although we do see more and more examples of summary execution as cops use no knock warrants to make "dynamic entries" into the wrong addresses to kill homeowners who attempt to defend against the invasions, and then the cops skate scot free)
I had a feeling that my protestant comments would raise the ire of some,. but that's OK. Hopefully I can set an example to others who will see that I try to be a good Christian and will respect my beliefs. Like james deffenbach, who is a protestant and very nice Christian, I do not like to bicker about religion here, it is not why I come here. just not interested in it. Can't stand it. I'm not gonna change anyones mind, nor they mine.
I read this post and thought I should qualify my previous post by saying that no reply is expected.
To Those It May Concern: Please regard my questions as rhetorical unless you wish to reply to all or part of them.
Carlin kind of lost me for a second when he said that 'god' had to be a man because women would not fuck it up like a man would.
But other than that, he hits the nail on the head.
If we follow the Biblical tenet to "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's" then adherence to man's law is mandatory. And if that means that only govt approved religions are legit, then show me a bona fide {501(c)(3)} church that accepts your political beliefs as consistent with Christian beliefs. And, preferably a denomination that uses grape juice during communion because the (legit, bona fide and govt approved) church in which I was baptized believed that "them other sinners who use wine are going to Hayull."
This is precisely why I think that some, or even most here that call themselves christians have much more in common with theistic Satanism than Christianity. They're rebels against tyranny and authoritarianism in general, yet the they cling desperately to the tyrant kike "god".
George Carlin's mockery in the video below may be offensive to you, but what of any part of it can you honesty and effectively dispute?
Hear the crickets chirping??? Is that a pin I heard drop?
(contd from below) the consequences of ones acts, however, Christians believe, will determine where we spend eternity. Does fear of hell mean that we dont have free will? No. We are all sinners. Its human nature. But when we fail, we ask forgiveness.
I'm using a phone so my replies will be brief. Free will is not contingent on anything. Whether someone's a new ager, Christian, or UFO follower, has no bearing. They can be afraid or defiant. As a human they have free will. Choice. The consequences...
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
(contd) Doesnt it make sense to you that humans are judged when they die? If not, why not? If somneone spends their life murdering, stealing & hurting others, they have no consequences? do you believe we even have souls or not?
2. Your point seems to be that fear of eternal punishment limits peoples true ability to make choices, thus limiting their free will. Fear of hell does indeed sway some into not doing evil, when the desire to do the right thing loses out to impulse.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
The Great Schism between the Eastern and the Western Church (1054) was the culmination of a gradual process of estrangement between the east and west that began in the first centuries of the Christian Era and continued through the Middle Ages. Linguistic and cultural differences, as well as political events, contributed to the estrangement. From the 4th to the 11th century, Constantinople, the center of Eastern Christianity, was also the capital of the Eastern Roman, or Byzantine, Empire, while Rome, after the barbarian invasions, fell under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire of the West, a political rival. In the West theology remained under the influence of St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) and gradually lost its immediate contact with the rich theological tradition of the Christian East. In the same time the Roman See was almost completely overtaken by Franks.
Theological differences could have probably been settled if there were not two different concepts of church authority. The growth of Roman primacy, based on the concept of the apostolic origin of the Church of Rome which claimed not only titular but also jurisdictional authority above other churches, was incompatible with the traditional Orthodox ecclesiology. The Eastern Christians considered all churches as sister churches and understood the primacy of the Roman bishop only as primus inter pares among his brother bishops. For the East, the highest authority in settling doctrinal disputes could by no means be the authority of a single Church or a single bishop but an Ecumenical Council of all sister churches. In the course of time the Church of Rome adopted various wrong teachings which were not based in the Tradition and finally proclaimed the teaching of the Pope's infallibility when teaching ex cathedra. This widened the gap even more between the Christian East and West. The Protestant communities which split from Rome in the course of centuries diverged even more from the teaching of the Holy Fathers and the Holy Ecumenical Councils.
Due to these serious dogmatic differences the Orthodox Church is not in communion with the Roman Catholic and Protestant communities. Some Orthodox theologians do not recognize the ecclesial and salvific character of these Western churches at all, while others accept that the Holy Spirit acts to a certain degree within these communities although they do not possess the fullness of grace and spiritual gifts like the Orthodox Church. Many Orthodox theologians are of the opinion that between Orthodoxy and heterodox confessions, especially in the sphere of spiritual experience, the understanding of God and salvation, there exists an ontological difference which cannot be simply ascribed to cultural and intellectual estrangement of the East and West but is a direct consequence of a gradual abandonment of the sacred tradition by heterodox Christians.
The best and first guarantor of our neutrality and our independent existence is the defensive will of the people and the proverbial marksmanship of the Swiss shooter. Each soldier a good marksman! Each shot a hit! -Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
I dont think Christians are as closed minded as you may think. Not all Christians are statists.Look at Lewrockwell.com & newswithviews for example.Look up Bishop Richard Williamson speeches about the holohoax & 9/11! That is a principled Godly man.
I dont believe for one second that Romans 13 means that all govt's laws are valid. Quite the contrary, govt is often wicked, condoning "legal" murder, sterilizing millions, endless wars, framing innocents. Only if a law is Godly is it valid. (contd above)
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
I haven't read through all 174 posts to this. The Book of Job is difficult. Given how late it is for me here and I have to be up again shortly, this is going to be a short post. The Old Testament needs to be seen through the lens/filter of Christ. A lot of the smiting that goes on, needs to be understood as good overcoming evil; or better yet, Life conquering Death; spirituality. I think there are two principle things to take from Job. One is that it is figure or type for the sufferings of Christ who was to be humiliated, tortured, etc due to no sin he had committed. Two is more on a personal level. Part A is even as God loves us, God will not always prevent bad stuff from happening. Part B is we can demand an answer from God all we want, God is not obligated to answer. Part C is our reasoning for God's actions will fall short and lastly, God's ways are not our ways. Good night everyone.
"What began in Russia will end in America."- 1930, Elder Ignatius of Harbin, Manchuria.
But, Jesus didn't say, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's as long as you believe the law is valid". And if Caesar chose to debase the coin with the addition of ten percent lead (which meant that some were swindled at least until word of the devaluation spread) then the admonition to "Render unto Caesar" still applied, did it not?
In the absence of a mandate from Jesus to the contrary the only criterion was, "Did Caesar decree it? If so then it's valid."
And today if the Supreme Court (nine lawyers who know a president) decree a law to be valid (or refuse to hear a case where the law is challenged) then the law is valid. For instance, the rules do not permit adjusting our incomes for inflation even as inflation pushes us into higher tax brackets. Despite the obviously provable and decidedly un-Christian swindle perpetrated against us it is no defense to the charge of "willful failure to volunteer/confess" (sec 7203-Title 26 IRC)
Jesus did not instruct his followers to strain the law through a Christian filter and then adhere to whatever secular slime oozed out the other side. Nor did he claim that his own scourging and crucifixion were "invalid" or make a motion to dismiss or a directed verdict after Pontius Pilate declared him innocent. And, if "resistance to tyranny is obedience to God" now means, "I'll show them! Call Saul Goodman and get him down here with a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum!" then those Christians who were martyred instead of "gettin' down an' wallowin' in that legal mud" were chumps, right?
You may as a matter of patriotism or conscience choose to resist laws that are clearly unconstitutional, morally reprehensible or politically repugnant to you, but I'm unaware of any Biblical basis for such a decision. If so then we shouldn't expect an appeal to a higher civil authority (or Christian God) to save us from the Eateblus Everythingeblus Africanus.
If the numerous denominations cannot agree on interpretations of the word or just what will reserve a seat for them (or you or especially me) in Dante Alighieri's "Inferno", and if each person is free to ignore secular law based on thinly disguised whimsy by simply claiming a Christian's immunity, then it becomes more clear why the Coliseum's lions (TWO SHOWS AND A MATINEE EVERY WEEKEND WHILE CHRISTIANS ARE IN SEASON! BRING THE KIDS!) consumed enough to be partial to mouth watering morsels, plumped on wafers, wine and prayer.