Has God Used you lately?

[MorpheusPA]

First of all, I am so thankful I live in The Bible Belt. Second, I got a glimmer of what Jesus went through.

Oh, I missed that before. Nice persecution complex. Nice one indeed. Yeah, we've sentenced you to death and are currently running you through the streets of the city...oh, wait, no, you got an answer to a question you asked and now you feel all put-upon. By all means, never stick your nose out of your happy little conforming community again. You'll be less wise, but probably much happier.

 

[MorpheusPA]

OK - I gotta run - Thanks for the invite - It seems we have worn out our welcome -

I just wanna point out something that I noticed - All the "Christians" seem to have totally abandoned you -
I find that very sad - I suspect you thought they would have your back here - I thought so too -

I really feel for ya on that -

They left you high and dry - Not very "Christian" of them if you ask me -

Always makes me wonder - It the FAITH is so strong and TRUE - Why can't it stand a challenge?

Just something to think about -

Indeed. Once challenged, it's like shining a light on cockroaches. They scatter.

At this point, I'm so annoyed I'll rescind my own invitation. Never fear, these people won't see me again.

 

[NPTreeBanger]

You ask the question and I gave my answer for it.


Your welcome to give an answer to your own question.

Ok ~ your answer was ambiguous -- at best, but thanks. And yes, I do consider Cathoilcs Christians.

 

[dragginfly]

You'll find that most agnostics tend to extend this to a fair number of things, but as always, there are plenty of exceptions and "most" in this case is only a plurality, not even a bare majority.

I'm agnostic only on things I don't know, but pretty apathetic on just about everything lately.

Except boredom. I really, passionately, cannot stand boredom. Discussing religion is just one
step removed from boredom. It's intermission between movies right now. After the next movie
and the family goes to bed I've got to kill some dragons and, by the eight, stop the worship
of Talos in Tamriel.

 

[r77r7r]

OK - I gotta run - Thanks for the invite - It seems we have worn out our welcome -

I just wanna point out something that I noticed - All the "Christians" seem to have totally abandoned you -
I find that very sad - I suspect you thought they would have your back here - I thought so too -

I really feel for ya on that -

They left you high and dry - Not very "Christian" of them if you ask me -

Always makes me wonder - It the FAITH is so strong and TRUE - Why can't it stand a challenge?

Just something to think about -

MM was never was truly alone here. I believe he knows that and felt that. I think that was a big part of the message that he tried to convey.

It doesn't take a whole gang of us............

 

[B2L]

With the utmost respect Surf,

1) Your belief in god doesn't rob me of my free will.

No, it certainly doesn't.

2) How exactly did god tell you to open this thread? Did you hear it as a voice in your head, for example?

3) Why would an all powerful god, who is capable of creating and controlling a universe composed of billions of galaxies, stars and planets be concerned about one little animal on a remote rock on the outer edge of a run of the mill galaxy posting a thread on an obscure Internet forum that maybe a dozen other people will see?

That's the million dollar question. Maybe the fact that said universe is 99.99 (give or take a few decimal points) uninhabitable yet we are in the exact right spot with the exact right atmosphere and exactly right temperature range to not only survive, but to thrive, leads me to believe he does.

4) Stepping outside of your own perspective for a moment, just for the sake of argument, doesn't that strike you as a little self-centered and possibly somewhat egotistical?

You could see it that way, but in reality it is very humbling.

 

[Altaire Versailles]

The basic tenets of christianity are not harming anyone, and should be a part of everyone's lives. Treat people as you wish to be treated, Etc. It is the .......ization of different religions that tend to do the harm to humanity. Every religion has its own zealotry, and that zealotry is what tends to be the danger.

Im sorry guy, I've read the bible twice in its entirety, I was raised in the church, dont try to pretend with me, Im not an outsider who doesnt know what christianity professes. It is rife with tales of god's insatiable lust for mischief, coercion, murder and mayhem. The only time it starts having some semblance of moral rationality is in the few gospels that talk about Jeshua and even he has some basic sound morals, which werent new or unique in any way, and then talks about how he came to divide people and how you should beat slaves just make sure they dont die within a couple days of the beating, all this crap about torturing people in hellfire forever for not following him, and then loving people who abuse you, I dont see anything morally sound about the pronouncements of that book. Im glad most christians dont follow biblical law and try to find loopholes and spin the teachings to instead employ secular morality and pretend theyre following its teachings.

When you talk to outsiders you cherry pick the morals you want to to make it sound nice and pretty but the truth of it isnt so appealing. If it was morally superior to secular morality you wouldnt constantly find yourself trying to spin scripture, you could tell the whole truth about it and be confident in it, not pretend its something it isnt. Or use manipulative arguments to protect it. It was a slippery slope for me to admit anything in it was wrong too, I used to run around telling that stuff to people EVERYDAY. I seriously considered becoming a preacher, i "felt god calling me to ministry". It was when I sat down and actually read the bible to defend it against people that were challenging me that I realized what was in it and how colored it was by human evils and that theres nothing divine about it that I realized it was just commonplace and retooled fantasy stories by some horribly flawed bronze age educationally limited individuals. The parts that had been preached about were picked out and used out of context and twisted and manipulated by the people telling them under the guise of being "interpreted by the spirit". Its just spin. Read it. Really sit down and read that boring wad of toilet paper. You might find yourself admitting you were wrong too.

 

[Surf Monkey]

That's you making the assumption that I'm drawing a conclusion about the man, I'm not. Just answer one question only one did he say "'I want to know God's thoughts" that's no different then me quoting you - Surf Monkey said "You're still not getting it"

It is what it is, obviously you don't want to hear it.

I'm not making a single assumption. You made a conclusion about Einstein based on incomplete and incorrect information. That's a flat out fact and it's right on the page for anyone who wants to scroll back and see it.

 

[Surf Monkey]

I didn't say it was active which surprised me because I think there's a large Atheist population on the board, I read through a few thread and watch a video and seen a bunch of foolish people challenging your belief, it was how they did this that was wrong telling Atheist there need God and God created this and that, it not the place to proclaim our belief on another social part of the forum that states in their title what their are.

I wouldn't mind stopping bye there, if it was more active but if I couldn't say something nice I'll have to duck tape my mouth shut and just read.

Atheists aren't generally insecure enough to need a social group to reinforce their ideologies.

 

[Surf Monkey]

So, mightymen: I don't think you should be allowed to skate on this. You VERY pointedly ignored it because it's such a baltant contradiction and represents such a huge, gaping hole in your philosophy.

You claim that your god gave you free will and that he can not go back on that deal in any way. He, therefore can not intervene in ANY event, otherwise he robs you of free will and turns this into a determinist system by definition.

Yet, this thread was opened on the premise that god "uses" people to accomplish his agenda. That is the CLASSIC definition of a determinist system, not a free will system. In fact, determinism is the exact opposite of free will.

So, how do you square this? You can't have your cake and eat it too. You don't get free will AND a god that uses you for things.

 

[mightymen]

Atheists aren't generally insecure enough to need a social group to reinforce their ideologies.

If you haven't gone to thread and read it, I think it's time you ALL do.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/christian-vapers/122679-group-reminder-please-read.html

 

[KenD]

CATHOLICS were the first people to believe in Christ, the very definition of a "Christian."

Well, there were several different sects that were pretty much wiped out. As for Catholicism, the question is when that particular approach actually came into existence. One could claim that that would be at the first council in Nicea in 325 ce at the earliest (when the divinity of Christ was established as canon, and Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch were given. Primacy, among other things). The Copts of Egypt are the oldest sect still in existence. One thing is certain, Protestantism is nowhere near the first sect/approach

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[mightymen]

So, mightymen: I don't think you should be allowed to skate on this. You VERY pointedly ignored it because it's such a baltant contradiction and represents such a huge, gaping hole in your philosophy.

You claim that your god gave you free will and that he can not go back on that deal in any way. He, therefore can not intervene in ANY event, otherwise he robs you of free will and turns this into a determinist system by definition.

Yet, this thread was opened on the premise that god "uses" people to accomplish his agenda. That is the CLASSIC definition of a determinist system, not a free will system. In fact, determinism is the exact opposite of free will.

So, how do you square this? You can't have your cake and eat it too. You don't get free will AND a god that uses you for things.

It's not that hard to understand, God Loves us ALL and He created us ALL with free will. God will is to have all man kind freely come to Him.

God is perfect in all his ways, The Scriptures say's His OMNIPOTENT.

Revelation Chapter 19

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Omnipotent - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines OMNIPOTENT as having complete or unlimited power, having virtually unlimited authority or influence.

He is not held by any standard that man can think up. He has virtually unlimited authority or influence. They is no higher in authority than God.

God reveals His will to those who ask from their heart and Trust/believe in Him. I myself want to have my free will aligned with God's will, I Freely do this, I'm in no way forced to do God's will I want to. What you call cake and eat it, I call love, God Loves me that comes from Him and He Trust me enough that His willing to use me. I love God that comes from me, I trust Him in everything and I'm willing to do His will.

Being God is OMNIPOTENT we are ALL obligated to do His will, from Adam and Eve and forever. By not obeying God we all fail to meet our obligation to Him and we Sin against God.

When I do His will He provides more proof to me that He is God, that is OMNIPOTENT and is please that I've obeyed Him, Knowing He is pleased with me is my reward. I can't be good enough that He HAS to accept me, it's not possible. He accepts me for who I am and supplied the sacrifice of Blood, by His only begotten Son Jesus the Christ so I could come to know Him.

 

[KenD]

Judas is an interesting paradox (and on topic, I'd like to claim). The Christian consensus is (I believe) that Judas acted of his free will when he betrayed Jesus, but in order for Jesus to sacrifice himself Judas' betrayal was of critical importance. So, was he used by God or did he act of his free will? What was the backup plan if Judas wouldn't have betrayed Jesus? I always found The Last Temptation of Christ interesting in exploring that issue (where Judas is the actual hero who makes the ultimate sacrifice), and Laibach's "Abuse and Confession" is a cool exploration of the consequences for Judas (the unfairness of his eternal punishment).

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[mightymen]

Judas is an interesting paradox (and on topic, I'd like to claim). The Christian consensus is (I believe) that Judas acted of his free will when he betrayed Jesus, but in order for Jesus to sacrifice himself Judas' betrayal was of critical importance. So, was he used by God or did he act of his free will? What was the backup plan if Judas wouldn't have betrayed Jesus? I always found The Last Temptation of Christ interesting in exploring that issue (where Judas is the actual hero who makes the ultimate sacrifice), and Laibach's "Abuse and Confession" is a cool exploration of the consequences for Judas (the unfairness of his eternal punishment).

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IMO: Judas made a choice and allowed sin to enter into him of his own free will. What Judas did was told in Scripture, there was no backup plan needed because God who is not bound by time knew what Judas would do and told the Prophets what to say on it.

Zechariah Chapter 11

12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

13 And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

God is RIGHTEOUS He can't use sin to have His Will done through us, though he can take sin and turn it into a good thing.
Perfect example of this man sinned against God by not obeying Him, Judas sinned, we all sinned against. God. God supplied the sacrifice to cover all mans sins through giving His Son to pay the price of our sins. The price has been paid now everyone of their own free will can take what God provided us and goto Him and ask forgiveness, it's that easy.

 

[bassnut]

Lisa resigned as moderator of this forum by her own choice. No one asked her to leave. I am the 2nd mod since Lisa, so you're going to have to deal with me. Simple as that.

I see the misunderstanding here due to the brevity of my comment concerning LisaLisa but I'd like you to be honest and notice how easy one's reaction and thought processes may become corrupt in the absence of challenge. I think this thread has become the breath of fresh air that this particular forum sorely needed. We "Outsiders" will go away soon enough (if not mostly already) and hopefully leave behind a note of "otherness" that needs to be soberly considered, reconciled with and respected if mature spiritual growth is the aim.
Otherwise ya'll can just keep repeating the same things to yourselves over and over again and say your "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" to each other in a vacuum. However comforting, there's no real growth there.

Consider the idea of an athlete or school of athletes who train so as to be the best in a competitive sport but believe their style and approach to be so superior that they need not compete to prove it and are sustained in their belief.
The rest of world will just continue to compete in real terms for ideas and move on without them.

 

[KenD]

IMO: Judas made a choice and allowed sin to enter into him of his own free will. What Judas did was told in Scripture, there was no backup plan needed because God who is not bound by time knew what Judas would do and told the Prophets what to say on it.



God is RIGHTEOUS He can't use sin to have His Will done through us, though he can take sin and turn it into a good thing.
Perfect example of this man sinned against God by not obeying Him, Judas sinned, we all sinned against. God. God supplied the sacrifice to cover all mans sins through giving His Son to pay the price of our sins. The price has been paid now everyone of their own free will can take what God provided us and goto Him and ask forgiveness, it's that easy.

It doesn't change the fact (in the context of the story) that Judas' betrayal was necessary if Jesus was to sacrifice himself on the cross and pay for the sins of humanity, and thus God did absolutely use sin (if Judas' betrayal was indeed sin) to get the outcome he needed. Taking sin and turning it into a positive is still using sin, isn't it, particularly in this case when the outcome was necessary. A matter of semantics only, it seems to me. If God knew what was going to happen he basically set Judas up to be his instrument, using sin however indirectly.

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[Anubuk]

Now I'm not going to say I was hated, but was not well received when I asked for respect for Almighty God. I can't help but wonder how folks would have posted had I been anything other than Christian.

I was one of the people who posted an answer to that question. But that is beside the point. My feeling are the same regardless of any religion as i would not treat anyone differently because of their faith regardless the situation. I cannot speak for others but even though I am an atheist who does not believe in the same things as those of religion I do not treat anyone differently for any reason. I actually think people would have gone easier on a non christian religion rather than christianity. There are too many hypocritical christians that shove too much at the rest of us. If we don't believe, we don't believe. Stop forcing it. Not every christian is like that but those are the ones that I encounter (not on this forum yet).

I spoke because a question was asked and I feel it was a good thing to bring up. I may have my beliefs but I will not treat others poorly because i don't agree with them. And i am saying that to everyone who posts about these topics.

And not to nit pit but you just asked a question about how non religious people deal with adversity in life. I do not feel you asked for respect for god. But I shall respect that you have your faith and if that helps you to be a better person, so be it. I think it is important that everyone gets out of there comfort zone and learns about the world outside of their own bubble. personal growth is a good thing. But I want my beliefs to be respected also. That is only fair.

 

[Katmar]

I was one of the people who posted an answer to that question. But that is beside the point. My feeling are the same regardless of any religion as i would not treat anyone differently because of their faith regardless the situation. I cannot speak for others but even though I am an atheist who does not believe in the same things as those of religion I do not treat anyone differently for any reason. I actually think people would have gone easier on a non christian religion rather than christianity. There are too many hypocritical christians that shove too much at the rest of us. If we don't believe, we don't believe. Stop forcing it. Not every christian is like that but those are the ones that I encounter (not on this forum yet).

I spoke because a question was asked and I feel it was a good thing to bring up. I may have my beliefs but I will not treat others poorly because i don't agree with them. And i am saying that to everyone who posts about these topics.

And not to nit pit but you just asked a question about how non religious people deal with adversity in life. I do not feel you asked for respect for god. But I shall respect that you have your faith and if that helps you to be a better person, so be it. I think it is important that everyone gets out of there comfort zone and learns about the world outside of their own bubble. personal growth is a good thing. But I want my beliefs to be respected also. That is only fair.

Was just reading through some of the threads in this forum. Many of the posters feel that the OUTSIDE forum is ugly and doesn't know TRUTH. I find that hypocritical and arrogant. So I wouldn't count on your beliefs to be respected very much in here, Anu.

 

[AJMoore]

Atheists aren't generally insecure enough to need a social group to reinforce their ideologies.

So true. We atheists generally are simply pleased to find a like minded person (in real life or here) give a nod then move on. Even in the Outside where religious debate can get so hot, you'll rarely find one atheists posting to another to re-enforce an idea or thought pattern, any post is in reply to the other camp, usually poor Vidi or Dave (both hold their own). It has always been an exercise, or as Bass says, training and practice, dueling with "the other team".

I've never found a need to express my non belief to others, only in self defense when challenged by believers.