Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7) Not a servile fear, but a reverence for the infinite Creator., who gives us all that is good & knows what is best for us.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
#10. To: wudidiz, PSUSA2, wakeup, Artisan, christine, Jethro Tull (#5)
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7) Not a servile fear, but a reverence for the infinite Creator., who gives us all that is good & knows what is best for us.
But, isn't free will based on fear of "the eternal lake of fire" the moral equivalent of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina's "civic reviews" in lieu of secret ballot elections?
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Those who did not contribute, or join the party, did so at their own risk. Opponents of the regime were mysteriously killed. In 1934, Trujillo, who had promoted himself to generalissimo of the army, was up for re-election. Although he would have won in any case as there was virtually no organized opposition left in the country, Trujillo dispensed even with these formalities. Instead, he relied upon "civic reviews", with large crowds shouting their loyalty to the government.
Personality Cult
At the suggestion of Mario Fermín Cabral, Congress voted overwhelmingly in 1936 to rename the capital from Santo Domingo to Ciudad Trujillo. The province of San Cristobal was created as "Trujillo", and the nation's highest peak, Pico Duarte, was renamed Pico Trujillo in his honor. Statues of "El Jefe" were mass-produced and erected across the Republic, and bridges and public buildings were named in his honor.
The nation's newspapers now had praise for Trujillo as part of the front page, and license plates included the slogan: "Viva Trujillo!" An electric sign was erected in Ciudad Trujillo so that "Dios y Trujillo" could be seen at night as well as in the day. Eventually, even churches were required to post the slogan: "Dios en cielo, Trujillo en tierra" (God in Heaven, Trujillo on Earth).
As time went on, the order of the phrases was reversed (Trujillo on Earth, God in Heaven). Trujillo was recommended for the Nobel Peace Prize by his admirers, but the committee declined the suggestion. (presumably because the committee didn't have the wisdom that comes from having machine guns trained on them while deliberating-HD)
When he received (or summoned) a visitor, his four bodyguards would have submachine guns trained upon the "guest" during the meeting.[8]
[wiki]
To the good Christians of Santo Domingo the power of "God and Trujillo" was a distinction with very little difference.. Those who believed that both had the power of life and death over them did not openly question the morality of either "deity".
Now 4um's Christians may feel obligated to argue that God's (aka Jehovah Q. Schwartz and Jesus H. Christ's) power was legit but Trujillo's wasn't. But God never threw anyone into stinking cells with other naked and brutalized men or allowed them to succumb to TB or pneumonia for "failure to proclaim their deepest "love" for him.
And, in Santo Domingo God's "Four horsemen" were no match for four bodyguards wielding machine guns, and under those conditions it was clear which "deity" was more worthy of multiple statues.
Christians who don't fear God (i.e., ass raping priests) cannot love him because the Biblical definition of that love is simply a mandatory profession of affection to avoid consequences of unspeakable horror. Under those conditions "free will" is no choice at all. The only reason that some commit the ultimate crimes or "sins" is because they're confident that, "Faith is believing what you know ain't so." (Mark Twain)
So, any ballot or plebiscite which God controls (or Trujillo controlled) is (or was) no more valid than the elections that used paperless, electronic voting machines where the results contradicted the exit polls and entire Democratic precincts inexplicably voted overwhelmingly Republican.
"Fear of Trujillo is the beginning of wisdom".
Now that makes perfect sense to all but the most extreme, wild eyed, would-be martyrs and of course those who have sacrificed nothing but were willing to kill others to force affectionate compliance, i.e., Bush supporters who threatened Natalie Maines and The Dixie Chicks. So, what do devout neoChristians (like John Hagee or Michele Bachmann or Bill O"Reilly) and anonymous "Assassins For Bush" have in common? Well, having two deities is fine as long as one doesn't interfere with or question the validity of the signing statements and/or executive orders of the other.
To the true Christians here who are hurt by such statements, I don't see how any mere mortal can clean up your house. But, you may wish to abandon those who allow no criticism presumably because even a "bad Christian" is better than a "good skeptic, agnostic or atheist". Someone should expose those who ride through the night with the cross of St. George on their gowns (or Kevlar helmets or tailored made "Sunday go to meetin' suits, and for GAWD"S SAKE don't mention Jesus while our honored Israeli/AIPAC guests are here") If Christian patriots (And I don't mean treasury looting warlords like Erik Prince or high priests like Dick Cheney) don't finger the bastards then they should stand aside while others expose the blatant hypocrisy of the Night Riders & Election Riggers For Jesus.
Christians who don't fear God (i.e., ass raping priests)
are not Christians in fact but in name only--in other words they choose the designation without living up to what it actually means. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is telling the truth.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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)
Now 4um's Christians may feel obligated to argue that God's (aka Jehovah Q. Schwartz and Jesus H. Christ's) power was legit but Trujillo's wasn't. But God never threw anyone into stinking cells with other naked and brutalized men or allowed them to succumb to TB or pneumonia for "failure to proclaim their deepest "love" for him.
That is what "hell" is for.
To the true Christians here who are hurt by such statements, I don't see how any mere mortal can clean up your house.
Yep. But no one can see the mess from the inside. It takes leaving that house to see how messy it all is. And when one is born in that "house", it is hard to leave because it's all we know.
But I also know that there are those "heretics" that blame what they call the "Great Apostasy" for this mess. That is a difficult argument to refute, since I believed that too for a long time, not comprehending that it was a circular argument (depending on the bible to prove the bible). The bible is one huge circular argument and breaking out of that circle is one hell of a fight. It can take years. Decades.
Christians who don't fear God (i.e., ass raping priests)
are not Christians in fact but in name only--in other words they choose the designation without living up to what it actually means. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is telling the truth.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Well, JD, you're one Christian whose sincerity is never in doubt and in fact I've modified my (previously much harsher) rhetoric because of you.
It's a thin line between exposing evil and violating the Biblical mandate against judging others. But, if "worst case Christians" in ancient Rome were anything like today's, then we may see "LIONS-9 CHRISTIANS-0" yet again.
The bible is one huge circular argument and breaking out of that circle is one hell of a fight. It can take years. Decades.
if israel or their neocon buddies start a nuke war, and nobody gets raptured, that oughta go a long way in helping some of the radical christians break out...
i mean, how many generations of unraptured radioactive two-headed mutants will it take before people start figuring things out?
but any dogma that requires you to cripple your mind is probably doomed in the long run... reality eventually catches up.
gee, seems like two different gods they're talking about, hmmmmmm.....
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
Well, JD, you're one Christian whose sincerity is never in doubt and in fact I've modified my (previously much harsher) rhetoric because of you.
You don't know how much I appreciate that. I have told others that if I am ever "accused" of being a Christian I hope there will be sufficient evidence to find me guilty.
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)
Now 4um's Christians may feel obligated to argue that God's (aka Jehovah Q. Schwartz and Jesus H. Christ's) power was legit but Trujillo's wasn't. But God never threw anyone into stinking cells with other naked and brutalized men or allowed them to succumb to TB or pneumonia for "failure to proclaim their deepest "love" for him.
That is what "hell" is for.
To the true Christians here who are hurt by such statements, I don't see how any mere mortal can clean up your house.
Yep. But no one can see the mess from the inside. It takes leaving that house to see how messy it all is. And when one is born in that "house", it is hard to leave because it's all we know.
But I also know that there are those "heretics" that blame what they call the "Great Apostasy" for this mess. That is a difficult argument to refute, since I believed that too for a long time, not comprehending that it was a circular argument (depending on the bible to prove the bible). The bible is one huge circular argument and breaking out of that circle is one hell of a fight. It can take years. Decades.
"....The bible is one huge circular argument...."
My problem became critical when The RT. Rev. DR.-Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell said,
"Faith is the evidence of that unseen." A logical interpretation (of its illogical meaning) is, "The absence of proof is the proof of its absent existence." (The corporate jet that Israel gave Falwell was largely unseen, but I had faith that the message and mandate from them through him was very real indeed)
Cuban school kids were taught to pray to God for milk and no milk was forthcoming, but after praying to Fidel la leche "miraculously appeared!"
Would anyone be surprised to learn that many of those children had more "faith" in Fidel than ewe gno hoo?
And of course Hell is not nearly as frightening a prospect as imminent starvation or soldiers with spotlights and loudspeakers barking orders to terrified families in the middle of the night.
Fidel knew that if he grabbed children by their empty stomachs their hearts and minds would follow. (Hopefully we'll be spared the other, vulgar variation of this axiom)
My wife asked unapproved questions of the priests and nuns in Catholic school and she quickly learned that "That ain't what Catechism is all about!" She had to learn to think of the Church as her team and that other teams were trying to gain yardage at the expense of the one true Church, headed by "Christ's Vicar on Earth", presumably because it bore the original seal of approval of Emperor Constantine and the copyright claim to St. Peter the Apostle.
if israel or their neocon buddies start a nuke war, and nobody gets raptured, that oughta go a long way in helping some of the radical christians break out...
I disagree, and here's why.
Facts mean nothing to religiously deluded. I'm not being mean by saying that, because I know that facts meant nothing to me.
Things get glossed over when reading about the nutty jew god. Things get noticed, but it still takes a long time for this nuttiness to sink in, in my experience. The programming remains in control. One has to fight their own way out of it.
Some of the very same things that I/we rip others for, I have said in the past, and I meant it when I said it. For example: support of israel. It was done out of ignorance, but it was still done.
I have told others that if I am ever "accused" of being a Christian I hope there will be sufficient evidence to find me guilty.
Well, I'll stand up for you if it will keep you from being fed to the lions. Hopefully that venue will be reserved for CINOs in the arena and Monday Night Football fans (and Texas Republicans) in the seats.
if israel or their neocon buddies start a nuke war, and nobody gets raptured, that oughta go a long way in helping some of the radical christians break out...
I disagree...
well, big religions have died out, that's what i'm going on....
...which doesnt mean that a jillion doofus little religions wont spring up to replace them...
no preacher ever ever ever quotes John 14-26...All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
why?
I mean, didn't he really mean, "ignore that, cuz what i really meant was i'll send you a bunch of men to tell you what to think, you will know they are legitimate because, well, i guess cuz they say so....just do whatever they say...if there's one thing we've learned, following self appointed god representatives always has led to super fantastic outcomes...yep....ask the pharisees"
thats the true meaning....who needs that holy spirit stuff when you've got cadres of power lusting men who can do the job?
yep...no church is gonna survive if they teach that.
and that is why they are still in business.
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
well, peace as in forgiveness rather than vengeance (eye for eye) jehovah vomit horseshit
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
if israel or their neocon buddies start a nuke war, and nobody gets raptured, that oughta go a long way in helping some of the radical christians break out...
I disagree, and here's why.
Facts mean nothing to religiously deluded. I'm not being mean by saying that, because I know that facts meant nothing to me.
Things get glossed over when reading about the nutty jew god. Things get noticed, but it still takes a long time for this nuttiness to sink in, in my experience. The programming remains in control. One has to fight their own way out of it.
Some of the very same things that I/we rip others for, I have said in the past, and I meant it when I said it. For example: support of israel. It was done out of ignorance, but it was still done.
Your explanation is way too long for this mental midget.
May I suggest that you either use brief, familiar quotes that are so often repeated that "the stoopids" believe them to be true, or, ignore the nasty drunken idiot before he savages you for daring to use irrefutable logic to disagree with him.
Okay, in the ENTIRE New Testament, Hell is mentioned only nine times.
You obviously feel that, for some reason, the NINE times mentioned in the NT are somehow "special" and "different" from other faiths. So, you tell me what is so special about the nine times Hell is mentioned in Christianity........
" 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
Well, I'll stand up for you if it will keep you from being fed to the lions.
Well, thank you for that too. I hope and pray that God will give me sufficient courage to never deny Christ no matter what someone may do to me. This life is temporary and whatever pain and suffering accompanies it is also temporary for Christians.
Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ~ James 4:14
Space by itself, and time by itself, are doomed to fade away in mere shadows. ~ Hermann Minkowski
I want to know Gods thoughts the rest are details. ~ Albert Einstein
Infinity (definition): limitless or endless space, extent or size; impossible to measure or calculate: the infinite mercy of God. [synonyms: vast, forever] ~ The Oxford American Dictionary
Modern mathematics has given us the concept of infinity. The sum of any number multiplied by infinity is zero. Therefore, our lifetimes, whether 17, 70 or 700 years, when multiplied by infinity, are nothing compared to the infinite lifetime of God. ~ John Bevere
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)
How could you miss it? I think that you expected others to find what only you can find for yourself. Now you are disappointed that "they" led you astray, as if you are some "victim" of religion.
Personally, you could toss out all of the NT save the Sermon on the Mount and, if you followed it, you would be the LIGHT of the world......few opt to go that route though. Most are looking for somebody else to tell them how to get to the kingdom.
You should simply accept that Christianity was made political long ago, but that doesn't alter the initial intent of Jesus Christ and His teachings.....go read the Sermon on the Mount again and you will "see" it more clearly.
" 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
christianity uses the "hell" concept to terrorize people into becoming christians.
my bible school teachers
HUMANS do that lead and lag.......don't confuse what others "use" as any indication of a "correct" interpretation.
My Sunday School teacher did the same, but I don't feel jaded....as a kid I was pious for cookies. : )
You are an adult now......fully capable of finding that kingdom within and forging a deeper sense of understanding than you had as a child. What good does packing around your sense of "victimhood" over Sunday school as a child do you?
" 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
well, peace as in forgiveness rather than vengeance
Forgiveness for what? Being human? Not being perfect?
"god" might as well have said "Because you cannot jump over the moon, you are a sinner and deserve to spend eternity in HELL, but I will help you if I feel like it!"
It is the old problem/reaction/solution that we see all the time. The kikes invent a "perfect" god and make men less-than-perfect sinners, this provokes a fear reaction (after all, who wants to be roasted on a spit for all eternity), so a solution (jesus) is provided (if you obey)
The insane "god's" standards need to be called into question. (That is, if anyone believes this 'god' exists in the first place).
Fuck that. But I have to say, it's damned effective when it comes to controlling peoples minds. That is what the OP video shows
I didn't set out to leave christianity. I just tried for years to understand it. It only makes sense if one listens to a preacher that they agree with. If they dont agree with that preacher, they will find someone that they can agree with. But to use the bible to try and understand it? Good Fucking Luck with that.
All religions teach that to some extent or another. The beauty of it is that IF you can't control your mind you are a slave to it and hence you create your own hell.
"Fear NOT, ye of little faith." You have now traded your fear of hell for fear of "Christian terrorists" so I'd say you are no better off for it.
" 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
you've admitted you've willingly crippled your mind, but you havent explained why rational people should pay attention to you.
Oh, do tell, how have I "crippled" my mind?
You haven't provided any indication of rationality yet. A "rational" person would accept that nobody has asked you to pay attention and a "rational" person would ask themselves why they continue to do so. Why do you need any explanations from me in regards to where you place your attention?
" 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
hurry, get under the bed "Christian terrorists" are lurking.
LOL! Dey beze bad!!!
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)
you agree that all religions require you to cripple your mind.
you seem to be a christian.
what are we supposed to think of your pretenses at rationality?
My point of agreement comes from a greater depth of reading and attempting to understand MULTIPLE faiths and with no judgment as you place on it. What you deem to "cripple" any person's mind is actually your own inability to understand and your feeling of having been "led astray" in your quest for understanding. Simply because you feel crippled by your limited understanding, doesn't mean that the rest of us feel this way.
You think this because your understanding is limited to that which is Christian. Hence, you can only grasp a concept from this limited perspective, but you are in error in attempting to limit mine.
What are you/we to think? I am not here to tell you what to think......that is your job. A rational person thinks for themselves.
" 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
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.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
are you a freemason? You sound like jefferson who on his deathbed fretted over "breaking the chains of monkish superstition". To him, the moral law of God was impeding his idea of 'liberty'.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
why are you swallowing dogma that cripples your mind?
What dogma would this be? You seem to be "crippled" from your experiences because you went to others to think for you and now you feel that you are a "victim" from what they "taught" you about religion. I don't suffer this affliction.
" 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
why are you swallowing dogma that cripples your mind?
A mind can only be crippled if it thinks it can be crippled. Not only do you see or think yourself as having been crippled, but now you see crippled minds EVERYWHERE...even where they do not exist. You suffer weak thinking, but I don't have this affliction. : )
Change your thoughts lead.and.lag......and change your world. Your world is crippled. Mine is strong, vibrant and healthy. Are you going to answer my question about reality? How about dogma? Your diversion is duly noted.
" 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
women are supposed to be illogical, flighty, inconsistent thinkers... why are you confirming the stereotype?
why are the male believers conforming to the female stereotype?
You are comical......a victim of religion who sees the world in shades of blame offering his weak and fragile commentary on genders.
Do you ever answer any questions for yourself or do you just keep spewing them ad nauseum in an attempt to divert from your own intellectual inadequacies?
" 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
This is actuallly a funny thread. The references to being 'mistreated' in Sunday school reminds me of those books by Bradshaw all about 'the inner child' & the hell on earth many shackle themselves with from memories years past. Eegads.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
I agree with you that fear, particularly fear of demons & hell, is no way to introduce children to Christianity. That is a very wrong tact & is not what Jesus did. I am sorry if that is what you experienced.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
Christianity certainly shouldnt terrorize anyone.One can believe that hell exists without exploiting it to scare kids to death. If i can ask, what religion were you raised in? That may help me to understand your position better.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
christianity is based more on terrrorism than love, and you just cant get around that fact.
No they did not. As I stated before, you find the word hell NINE times in the NT. Love is mentioned twice as much. lol
You can find hell many more times in the Koran.....the Vedas.......the Devaduta Sutta is page after page of hell, hell, hell. Jainism describes seven levels of hell. How can you continue to do comparative religious discourse without having any knowledge of hell beyond what you found in Christianity?
There is no more exploitation in Christianity than in any other religion. You will have to go Taoism to avoid the concept completely.
" 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
The reason I asked what religion you were was to determine who exactly taught you that way.If it were a protestant, where did he get his 'credentials', etc. Probably minimal, which is why there are not really 1000's of Christian sects.Only one true church
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
If one believes Jesus is the Son of God & came to establish His church, it would not make sense to have 1000s of sects disagreeing on everything.Thats not logical. Jesus established one Universal Catholic church. Luther went astray.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
true, God (our Creator) gave us a conscience. We have free will to choose good or evil. Faith in the Messiah Jesus Christ is a gift which many do not understand. Pride & ego deludes them into believing that there is no Sovereign God of the universe.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
(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
by asking 'is that biblical' presumes "Sola Scripture" (google it) which means that the Bible alone is the source of truth. (a protestant view). Since the Catholic church was established before the Bible & the Church gave us the Bible, (a point conceded e
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
we dont need religion because we all have a conscience.
What you are not grasping is that most people do not go to church to grow or to find a conscience.......they go for companionship, support, to fulfill social "needs" and for cookies.
" 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
I realize that my protestant pals here will disagree,but if one thinks about it, How could the 'preechers on the corner' all have such variant views (the rapture for example)&be of the true Christian church? That seems to be disorder of the highest order.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
Jesus told Peter he is the rock upon which I will build my church,
Then why did the church omit the Apocalypses of Peter in lieu of John's Revelations? It was a close match and early Christians really liked the Apocalypses of Peter. No gospels from the rock doesn't make a lot of sense, especially when Peter is deemed as more important than John in Apostle position for the Catholic Church.
" 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
No it isn't. Animals survive without what humans consider a "conscience" and put far more emphasis on FEAR as a survival mechanism. Serial killers and sociopaths are deemed to have no conscience.....yet they survive while their prey does not.
Completely BASE people with very little conscience survive all the time all around you. They would tell you that a conscience is a mechanism that subverts survival. Knowing the difference between right and wrong isn't a "survival mechanism" at all. A poor kid who steals to eat may know that it is "morally" wrong but that will take a back seat to his understanding that FOOD will keep him alive.
You are confusing apples and oranges.
" 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
PS.....every time you send an SOS for others to read your posts and rally your cause, it is right after you type words that aren't worthy of the attention you wish to bring to them. : )
" 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
does your conscience lead you to believe that being so nasty on an internet discussion board is right or wrong? calling strangers lame, idiot, crippled etc. is the good way to behave? Come on now. We dont have to degrade others just because we disagree.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
Pride & ego deludes them into believing that there is no Sovereign God of the universe.
On the other hand, pride and ego (and might I add arrogance) convince men that the Sovereign God of the Universe would look like a man, and that he would grant them a book written by other men as His Own and True Word.
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
Part of knowing right from wrong is being spiritual. By "spiritual" I mean that a person IS somehow in touch with something greater than him or herself, and that greater knowledge is what forms the basis of the human conscience.
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
The fact that these writings were not accepted into the Bible by the Church sort of proves my point that the Catholics, agree or disagree with them, were the determinates of what stayed or went, This determination was made long before the reformation.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
people know right from wrong... it's built into them.
The only thing "built" into people is instinct. Even animals function beyond pure instinct, and that is why it is obvious to me at least that they have a soul.
Humans who poison their souls with evil lose whatever conscience they had, where they become capable of extremely horrific and cruel acts. History bares that out.
they dont need a bunch of religious bullshit.
You don't need to be religious to be spiritual. Spirituality comes with an affinity to Nature, or the Universe in general.
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
sort of proves my point that the Catholics, agree or disagree with them, were the determinates of what stayed or went,
Surely doesn't prove they were right. Proves that they selected texts that placed them in the precarious position of middle men between God and the serfs, which turned out to be a great way to gain power, authority and massive amounts of wealth.
" 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
Surely doesn't prove they were right. Proves that they selected texts that placed them in the precarious position of middle men between God and the serfs, which turned out to be a great way to gain power, authority and massive amounts of wealth.
Where did God ever claim to have written the books of the bible?
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
nature is completely unaware of common sense, physics, chemistry, or human natue.
Nature is all of the above, plus more.
Energy can not be created or destroyed. If you look at a human soul as a intelligent animated being of energy, then that soul lasts forever. The collection of souls is what forms the collective knowledge of all that ever lived, or will ever live. And THAT could be called God..
OR, that which created the souls in the first place would be the Supreme God of All, not just this Universe, but that of the infinite number of universes which more than likely exist.
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
It's not that God is seen as like a man, in a masculine image. It's the opposite. God created man in His image. Thus men are creative, & give life in the human process.Women, created through man, are by nature more submissive (this isnt derogatory)& mates
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
i guess what you have to come to terms with is this: christianity and judaism are obsolete....
they dont work anymore except on the most animalistic might makes right basis.
so you can have wars until you cant afford them anymore, you can have nuke wars that kill billions outright, you can fade away.
the fact remains: if you have to have religion, the only religion that makes sense will be a religion that worships the earth's capacity to sustain life.
Have you actually read the original Hebrew? That's not what it says.
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
And BTW, God didn't write the book of Genesis anyways, whether it's Hebrew, Greek, Latin, or English.
But if you must refer to it, at least use the original. The original states, "God (plural form) created Mankind (Adam is the Hebrew word for Mankind) in THEIR own likeness, male and female they were created."
And THAT isn't necessarily PHYSICAL appearance, but SPIRITUAL likeness in terms of how human souls (and ALL living beings) are either male or female. Some creatures share both traits.
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
I think that you expected others to find what only you can find for yourself. Now you are disappointed that "they" led you astray, as if you are some "victim" of religion.
Nope.
Personally, you could toss out all of the NT save the Sermon on the Mount and, if you followed it, you would be the LIGHT of the world......few opt to go that route though. Most are looking for somebody else to tell them how to get to the kingdom.
I've heard of cafeteria christians before, but that takes the cake.
And no one needs a fictional 'sermon on the mount' from a fictional 'jesus' to be able to live peacefully with others. One could just as easily obey the 42 Laws of Maat. Or any other set of moral/ethical principles. Or one could just be more self-centered and realize it is just better to be at peace than at war.
Consensus amongst theologians is that Genesis is a compilation from four distinct authors with different areas of emphasis, and Moses is not the author as was traditionally taught.
" 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
I've heard of cafeteria christians before, but that takes the cake.
lol....every religion has an "in a nut shell" point of emphasis. This is, IMHO, what the Sermon on the Mount is to Christianity. Buddhism has the Dammapada to sum it all up. Hinduism has the Bagavad Gita.....they call it the Cream of the Upanishads for a reason.
Is that cake German Chocolate? Mmmmmmmmmm.......
" 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
What you are not grasping is that most people do not go to church to grow or to find a conscience.......they go for companionship, support, to fulfill social "needs" and for cookies.
Compassion? The Sermon on the Mount is about compassion and, personally, I do think that this world could use more of it. Frankly, I don't know of any Christians who follow the Sermon on the Mount. One Christian told me that it was meant for angels, others tell me they can't be "perfect" like that because they are sinners......but I do know Buddhists who practice the teaching and they sure do shine, which reveals the truth in the teaching about being the light.
" 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
OR, that which created the souls in the first place would be the Supreme God of All, not just this Universe, but that of the infinite number of universes which more than likely exist.
That is pretty much how I see it. At least as a plausible possibility.
Just because a person doesn't hold the jew god in high esteem doesn't mean that there is no Creator God. Or maybe there isn't. But too many think that just because one does not believe in the jew 'god' then that person must be an atheist.
In the King James Version Bible, the word 'fear' did not mean, as it does today, 'to be scared of'. Rather, it meant 'have deep respect for'.
Therefore one should fear God - in other words, respect God for who he is - show him respect and honour and love. In the same Bible, we are also asked to fear our parents - not to be scared of them (!!!) but to show them the respect they should receive from us.
The word for fear here means "reverential fear." It means that one must be serious about their relationship to God. People who "fear" the Lord are not anxious about their relationship to him, or afraid of Him, they take very seriously their responsibility to Him.
Hebrews 11:7
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
"ALL" legal fictions without exception are FRAUD. This FRAUD creates an illusion that is destroying America. Please, quit helping the enemy any way you can. Resistance is victory.
no, forgiveness for those who are here and have wronged us...
rather than the eye for eye judaic law that demanded vengeance
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
rather than the eye for eye judaic law that demanded vengeance
Even though I am not a Laveyan satanist, that does not mean that the following words of his do not have merit, over and above what the jew bible says.
It is based on common sense.
The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth
1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked. [A definite forum killer -PSUSA]
2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.
3. When in another's lair, show him respect or else do not go there.
4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.
5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.
6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.
7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.
8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
9. Do not harm little children.
10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.
you may find the tao te ching of interest. very non 'god'...in fact, there are records of taoist immortals living to the age of 250 years, the most recent being in the last century, documented by a chinese general.....one does not fabricate in imperial or communist china, the penalties were death, unlike our country...you did not lie more than once to the emperor....
that which you call the tao is not the tao, etc...
also, for an oracle that will frazzle your synapses with its spooky accuracy consult the i ching.
http://www.ichingonline.net/index.php
http://wayist.org/ttc%20compared/redpine.htm (tao te ching, red pine translation)
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
Li Ching-Yuen From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Li Ching-Yuen
Li Ching-Yuen, photographed in 1927 at the residence of General Yang Sen Born 1677 or 1736 (purportedly) Szechuan, China Died May 6, 1933 (aged 256 or 197?) Szechuan, China Height 7ft 0in (213 cm) Li Ching-Yuen or Li Ching-Yun (traditional Chinese: 46;65;42;; pinyin: LÐ Q+ngyún; died May 6, 1933) was a Chinese herbalist, martial artist and tactical advisor. He claimed to be born in 1736, while disputed records suggest 1677. Both alleged lifespans of 197 and 256 years far exceed the longest confirmed lifespan of 122 years and 164 days of the French woman Jeanne Calment. Contents [hide] 1 Biography 2 The secret of longevity 3 References about Master Li Ching Yuen 4 References 5 External links [edit]Biography
Some claim that Li Ching-Yuen was born in 1677 in Qi Jiang Xian, Szechuan province.[citation needed] By his own account, he was born in 1736.[citation needed] However, in 1930, Professor Wu Chung-chieh of the University of Chengdu discovered Imperial Chinese government records from 1827, congratulating one Li Ching-Yuen on his 150th birthday, and further documents later congratulating him on his 200th birthday in 1877. In 1928, a New York Times correspondent wrote that many of the old men in Li's neighborhood asserted that their grandfathers knew him when they were boys, and that he at that time was a grown man.[1] He began gathering herbs in the mountain ranges at the age of ten, and also began learning of longevity methods, surviving on a diet of herbs and rice wine. He lived this way for the first 100 years of his life. In 1749, when he was 71 years old, he moved to Kai Xian to join the Chinese army as a teacher of the martial arts and as a tactical advisor. One of his disciples, the Taiji Quan Master Da Liu told of Master Li's story: at 130 years old Master Li encountered an older hermit, over 500 years old, in the mountains who taught him Baguazhang and a set of Qigong with breathing instructions, movements training coordinated with specific sounds, and dietary recommendations. Da Liu reports that his master said that his longevity "is due to the fact that I performed the exercises every day - regularly, correctly, and with sincerity - for 120 years."[2] In 1927, Li Ching Yuen was invited by General Yang Sen to visit him in Wan Xian, Szechuan. The general was fascinated by his youthfulness, strength and prowess in spite of his advanced age. His famous portrait was photographed there. Returning home, he died a year later, some say of natural causes; others claim that he told friends that "I have done all I have to do in this world. I will now go home." After Li's death, General Yang Sen investigated the truth about his claimed background and age. He wrote a report that was later published. In 1933, people interviewed from his home province remembered seeing him when they were children, and that he hadn't aged much during their lifetime. Others reported that he had been friends with their grandfathers. Li's obituary was printed in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and other publications. The Time magazine article stated that in 1930 Professor Wu Chung- chieh, from Chengdu University, found records from the Chinese Imperial Government congratulating Li Ching Yuen in his 150th birthday in 1827.[3] He worked as an herbalist, promoting the use of wild reishi, goji berry, wild ginseng, he shou wu and gotu kola along with other Chinese herbs.[4] Li had also supposedly produced over 200 descendents during his life span, surviving 23 wives.[5][6] [edit]The secret of longevity
The article "Tortoise-Pigeon-Dog", from the May 15, 1933 issue of Time reports on his history, since it included Li Ching-Yuen's answer to his secret of a long life:[3] Tranquil mind Sit like a tortoise Walk sprightly like a pigeon Sleep like a dog [edit]References about Master Li Ching Yuen
Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, in his book "Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Qigong", says that Li Ching-Yuen was a Chinese herbalist skilled in Qigong who spent most of his life in the mountains. In 1927, the National Revolutionary Army General Yang Sen (ÿ62; 62;), invited him to his residence in Wann Hsien, Szechuan province, where the picture shown in this article was taken.[7] Chinese General Yang Sen wrote a report about him, "A Factual Account of the 250 Year-Old Good-Luck Man", where he described Li Ching Yuen's appearance: "He has good eyesight and a brisk stride; Li stands seven feet tall, has very long fingernails, and a ruddy complexion."[8] Stuart Alve Olson wrote in 2002 the book "Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal: The Eight Essential Exercises of Master Li Ching Yuen". In this book he teaches the practice of the "Eight Brocade Qigong" learned with the Taiji Quan Master T. T. Liang (Liang Tung Tsai), who learned it from the General Yang Sen.[9] According to legend, Li Ching Yuen was the creator of Jiulong Baguazhang (or Nine Dragons Baguazhang). The Taoist Master Liu Pai Lin (Ó29;/34;01;), who lived in São Paulo, Brazil from 1975 until 2000, had in his classroom another photograph of Master Li Ching Yuen unknown to the West. In this photo his face is clearly visible, as are his long and curled fingernails.[10] Master Liu had met him personally in China, and considered him as one of his Masters. He used to say that Master Li answered to him that the fundamental taoist practice is to learn to keep the "Emptiness" (Wuji). Master Liu's son, Master Liu Chih Ming, teaches the 12 Silks Qigong in CEMETRAC, as transmitted by Master Li. Many cultures around the world, particularly in India, Tibet and China, tell of remarkable longevity achieved by spiritual (yogic and taoist) adepts. Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi" with Immortal sage, Babaji and Peter Kelder's "The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth" being examples.[11][12] [edit]References
^ Ettington, Martin K. (2008). Immortality: A History and How to Guide: Or How to Live to 150 Years and Beyond. Martin Ettington. p. 43. ISBN 978-1440464935. ^ Liu, Da (1983). Taoist Health Exercise Book. Putnam Publishing Group. ^ a b "Tortoise-Pigeon-Dog". TIME. May 15, 1933. ^ Castleman, Michael; Saul Hendler, Sheldon (1991). The healing herbs: the ultimate guide to the curative power of nature's medicines. Rodale Press. p. 206. ISBN 978-0878579341. ^ Harris, Timothy (2009). Living to 100 and Beyond. ACTEX Publications. p. 70. ISBN 978-1566986991. ^ Miami Herald (October 12, 1929). "Living forever". The Evening Independent. ^ Jwing-Ming, Yang (1989). Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Chi Kung: The Secret of Youth. YMAA Publication Centre. ISBN 0-940871-06-8. ^ Sen, Yang. A Factual Account of the 250 Year-Old Good-Luck Man. Taipei, Taiwan: Chinese and Foreign Literature Storehouse. ^ Olson, Stuart Alve (2002). Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal: The Eight Essential Exercises of Master Li Ching-Yuen. Healing Arts Press. ISBN 0-89281- 945-6. ^ Lin, Liu Pai; Hayashi, Yoshitsugu; Shioda, Kenichi (1995). Taoist Chi Kung Secret Transmission. {83;|14;Ñ86;$56;. ISBN 4-88481-426-6. ^ Kelder, Peter (1998). The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group. ISBN 0-385-49162-X. ^ Reid, Daniel (1994). The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing. Shambhala. ISBN 1-57062-071-7. [edit]External links
Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction. The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it...Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction...Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.
Consensus amongst theologians is that Genesis is a compilation from four distinct authors with different areas of emphasis, and Moses is not the author as was traditionally taught.
Yes, I've read of that as well.
I've also read that much of it was written as an allegory (a fictional tale meant to teach a moral lesson).
"The real deal is this: the royalty controlling the court, the ones with the power, the ones with the ability to make a difference, with the ability to change our course, the ones who will live in infamy if we pass the tipping points, are the captains of industry, CEOs in fossil fuel companies such as EXXON/Mobil, automobile manufacturers, utilities, all of the leaders who have placed short-term profit above the fate of the planet and the well-being of our children." - James Hansen
What you are not grasping is that most people do not go to church to grow or to find a conscience.......they go for companionship, support, to fulfill social "needs" and for cookies.
People can get that at an orgy.
Along with STD's and spiritual degradation.
The meaning of life is not "sex", nor is it the materialist "buy a Mercedes and a Million dollar condo.
Life is ultimately a simplicity and the trappings of religious worship are not the essence of religion. They are largely fulfillment of social ritual creating a sense of belonging to a group. The priesthood likes them too because they provide a means of control.
However, wherever there is someone asking, and seeking to know, "Who am I?", "What am I?", or "Is there some meaning to life?" there is religion.
Rejecting some specific dogma or belief does not change that. Negation is not existence it is nothingness.
"Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide. ~ Gautama Siddhartha The Buddha
However, wherever there is someone asking, and seeking to know, "Who am I?", "What am I?", or "Is there some meaning to life?" there is religion individual contemplation.
Religion is a mass movement and does not truly answer these questions, because it takes blind faith to BELIEVE that the answers provided are correct.
But if through self-contemplation a satisfactory answer is reached, then it can be believed without faith. It can also be modified or even discarded when new information becomes available. It just doesn't pay to become too (emotionally) invested in beliefs.
If it's right for you, then it's right for you even if it is not right for me. Even the infamous "satanist" Crowley said as much. Not that i understand much of what he wrote, but I understand that.
I've also read that much of it was written as an allegory (a fictional tale meant to teach a moral lesson).
Yes, I have read this too, although not completely fictional as the allegory is said to be of the fall of the previous great civilization of humanity with all remnants covered by the sands of time. The creation stories, flood and fall are prevalent far beyond the Bible.
" 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
The problem is, it is spread so thin among those that do not deserve compassion that the term has become meaningless.
Compassion is beyond the age of blame. It is the love of ONE for ALL with no exceptions. So there is none who "do not deserve" compassion as this is a judgment on others from a limited perspective within a linear time stream. Compassion can only arise when love supersedes the need to judge and where forgiveness is a state of being and not an occasional act granted on a whim.
" 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
IMO this "love for all" also dilutes love to the point of meaninglessness. No one is this one-dimensional. Even the jew 'god' does not make such a claim in scriptures where it is quoted verbatim somehow. bible.cc/isaiah/45-7.htm
IMO this "love for all" also dilutes love to the point of meaninglessness.
No one is this one-dimensional.
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. : )
" 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
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.
omg I just want to breed with you.
Is that wrong?
;)
"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
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 ]
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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.
actually pastor Chuck Baldwin (a protestant) has penned several treatise on this topic of romans 13, which debunks the myth that this verse demands compliance with evil govt loons. Ive never bought that interpretation & was never taught that.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
Also, "govt ordained by God" doesnt mean God codones every action of govt. & since Our "ceasar" is a const. republic, anything outside that legality is void anyway, even if one were to take Romans 13 literally as you alluded to.
"Even to the death fight for truth, and the LORD your God will battle for you".Sirach 4:28
Also, "govt ordained by God" doesnt mean God codones every action of govt. & since Our "ceasar" is a const. republic, anything outside that legality is void anyway, even if one were to take Romans 13 literally as you alluded to.