| From Dave (Q1418. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
kerry packer one of australias richest men and a christian of christian upbringing was interviewed after recovering from a heart attack. |
He was mistaken.
There is a heaven and a hell.
Cordially,
John
| From AND_THEN_WHAT? (Q1416. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
Isn't that kinda pushy? |
Hell is a place where people experience the Just consequences of the harm they did to others.
God's rules are intended to minimize the harm that we do to each other... and when we violate the rules, we increase evil and harm and pain in human society.
Cordially,
John
| From theagitator (Q1414. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
|
because local marriage customs are specific to each culture...
Christianity is not intended to culturally replace all local cultural customs.
Cordially,
John
| From one_angry_wolverine (Q1413. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Eye-witness accounts...
Eye-witnesses indicate that Jesus was taken off the cross, and buried in a tomb which was then sealed.
Cordially,
John
| From Ken (Q1398. Archived Monday, 19-Feb-2007, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
|
nope...
God is neither pond scum nor a dinosaur :)
Cordially,
John
| From hermang (Q1393. Archived Monday, 19-Feb-2007, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm looking for philosophical view points, defend your answer with facts. |
nope
Cordially,
John
| From harsh truth (Q1384. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
YOU'RE WAY OFF BASE |
Some atheists did, and some did not :)
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From wagner7123 (Q1383. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Jesus loves you :)
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From bob (Q1378. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
Both on recieving the message, and in relaying the message to the masses, how can we be sure the intended message was and has been recieved? |
God guided the men as they wrote things down...
We can misinterpret the Bible -- however using the historic-grammatic-linguistic method can reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation.
Cordially,
John
| From Perry L (Q1377. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
Do any of you know what a theory is? How is it different than a hypothesis? How is it different than a Law (not the legal or religious kind)? |
:)
A hypothesis is an educated guess.
A theory is a framework used to integrate families of hypotheses ... sometimes people say that a theory is composed of well-tested and uncontradicted hypotheses etc.
A law is a relationship between two or more physical quantities (which can be empirically tested and demonstrated reproducibly and repeatably).
--
The Theory of Evolution is part scientific (Micro*evolution) and part Atheist Faith (Macro*Evolution).
It is relevant to note that there is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
--
In response to your other questions...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From bush kills for god (Q1376. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Interesting viewpoint :)
I am a Christian...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From murali siddharth (Q1371. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
Terrorism gives a instant death or heavy injury. Theism gives a slow poisoning of mind. Can any one agree? |
Interesting viewpoint :)
--
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From larry j (Q1368. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
i dont understand them. they call themselves jews but they believe jesus was the messiah. that is a definate conflict of beliefs. why dont they just realize that they are christian and quit making real jews look bad. |
I am afraid you are mistaken.
Messianic Jews are most truly authentic Jews.
My experience with Messianic Jews has shown them to be more Jewish (in cultural practices, knowledge of the Torah and Tanach, obedience to G_d) than cultural Jews, the majority of whom appear to be agnostics and some of whom are atheists.
No offense meant.
In general, Judaism is (a) a religion, and (b) a culture.
Some people ofJewish heritage mistake the culture for the religion. To do so is a mistake.
It is indeed possible for a Sincere Committed Jew to come to the rational conclusion that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Jewish Messiah.
Cordially,
John
| From Demonica (Q1360. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Good point :)
Cordially,
John
| From Bush Kills for God (Q1356. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I love you :)
And so does the Christian God.
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From Bush Kills for God (Q1354. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I'm afraid you are mistaken.
--
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
Cordially,
John
| From hellbent (Q1352. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I found my soul :)
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From moshydog (Q1350. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Enjoyed your question :)
See below for an example of an atheist who now believes that God exists...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From redjazz (Q1348. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Nothing.
There is rational evidence for the existence in history of Jesus Christ...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From AmiJames (Q1312. Archived Monday, 16-Oct-2006, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
Everyone's life is completely made up by this guy named God. You think you're tangible and independent, but you are merely a thought. That's why we get the feeling that everything happens for a reason, but we don't know what it is. It is God allowing us to live his dreams and end with a result that he wants. God hangs out in heaven alone, so to prevent himself from getting lonely and bored, he thinks up new ideas which take the form of lives. He thinks of billions of them every day. He's kind of a loser, but he's really smart. He was never born, because he has always existed. It doesn't make sense to us, because our thinking capacity is only as big as God's, and he doesn't know why he's existed forever. It's scary, but true. |
There is only one God, the Christian God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From casuffit_...About Me (Q1310. Archived Monday, 16-Oct-2006, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
Whatever his name is... |
Because if we are interested in Truth -- the truth is that there is a God.
And our eternal destiny depends on whether we commit our lives to God or not.
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From fiestygirl (Q1304. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm a very respectful person, I don't judge people for their beliefs. If I have to say, I must be closer to a spiritualist than anything. Then again, spiritualists also believe in a higher energy. I just can't seem to grasp the fact that soemthing semi-controls us or decides our fate in the end, even with our own choices. |
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint.... Enjoyed reading your post.
--
Do I believe in a God?
Yes, the Christian God...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From avalancas (Q1303. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
I do not believe that bible is accurate. Jews have Torah that's the actual writing. When any translation from Hebrew is done in any other language a lot is lost or added. For those who know only English and not any other language, they don't know how the meaning of words are diffrent from a culture to culture and language to language. Even English translations differ so that we have 4-5 English translations of the bible. If you read the bible and it is like god is speaking to you... what about illiterates? And if you read to an illiterate, what intonation do you use? From your personality, from your dope, or from so called spiritual "Scotty beam me up"? |
Modern Bible translations by reputable publishers (e.g., NIV, NASB etc) are translated by Hebrew Scholars (for the Old Testament) and Greek Scholars (for the New Testament) who ensure that the English translation matches the meaning of the Hebrew text (for old Testament) and Greek text (for new Testament).
Cordially,
John
| From fiestygirl (Q1302. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
It's like an election.. |
Enjoyed your post...
After much searching I have come to be convinced that the Christian God is the Truth.
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From turd_of_misery (Q1300. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
Is there any doubt within any established scientiific community of the validity of evolution as a legitimate science, that is, those who do not have a specific religious agenda to offer a theory such as creationism in its place? Would this question receive a similar rate of Yes and No answers if I were to post it in the category of Science, Mathematics and Biology where there may be more respondants of scientific inclination? |
Is evolution a biased philosophy (ideology) or an unbiased science?
The evidence indicates that evolution is a biased philosophy/ideology.
--
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
Cordially,
John
| From Tie You Up (Q1291. Archived Friday, 1-Sep-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
Three, but they're really one. so funny... |
John
Level 6
That was funny... and also based on a misunderstanding of Christianity...
--
In case you might be interested...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From El Borando (Q1283. Archived Friday, 1-Sep-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
He left no writings of his own and most of what was written about him was written years after the "fact" by people who never even met him. Hmmm. |
In response to your question...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From Nerdbot 5000 (Q1273. Archived Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
The Torah was passed down through the centuries orally before it was written down, it is impossible to nail down the exact authors and dates of many books of The Bible, every handwritten copy of The Bible is different from the rest, and there are many different translations of The Bible. Considering these few issues why is the Christian Bible treated as a reference of the word of God? |
Because of the impact that its words have had in the lives of many people -- convincing them that it is indeed from God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Over a period of time, as I read the Bible, I grew increasingly convinced that what it said was true -- and that the picture of Christ that it presented was true.. and that Christ could be truly known (personally) by even me -- and I finally committed my life to Christ -- and have had numerous things happen in my life that have convinced me that the Bible is true, and that the Christian God does exist and that he is in daily relationship with me (as Father / child).
Cordially,
John
| From Chaosman (Q1272. Archived Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
I've read the bible, but remain unconvinced. I do not discount the possibility that God may exist, or that some being that seems Godlike in nature exists, however, I will not put my faith in something that may or may not exist. What evidences should I be looking at to persuade me to have more faith? |
Intellectual and Scientific evidence.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From carolina_atheist (Q1264. Archived Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
If heaven is the ultimate destination for Christians, and if after death Jesus wound up in heaven with his father, then what did God sacrifice? I could understand if Jesus died on the cross and went to hell for our sins. Now, that would be a sacrifice. But to wind up in a destination that everyone is trying to get to anyway, sorry I don't get it. Another thing I don't understand is a religion that promises everlasting life, and yet its most sacred symbol is a dead man hanging on a stick. I'm supposed to take such a religion seriously? |
What did God sacrifice ?
He voluntarily subjected himself to the experience of pain, suffering, scorn (on the cross).
Cordially,
John
| From man from utopia (Q1262. Archived Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006, 12:37 pm. Skeptic) |
|
If that will result in your salvation -- I apologize :)
The odds are that it wont (result in your salvation). So I take back my apology..
Any people who died in the Noahic flood were sinners who were in a state of constant rebellion against God -- they were not innocent.
The first-born Egyptian children below the age of innocence were taken by God to heaven (based on the doctrine of "age of innocence") where life is vastly superior to anything those children would have experienced in Egypt.
Cordially,
John
| From jc1129_us (Q1261. Archived Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006, 12:37 pm. Skeptic) |
|
ok :)
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From fiestygirl (Q1246. Archived Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006, 12:37 pm. Skeptic) |
And then say ppl who challenge God will go to hell. If God is so forgiving, why would he condemn his children to hell regardless of what they did? |
I think this happens with people of any worldview.
I come across a fair number of agnostics and atheists who get mad at Christians...
In response to your question...
God doesnt send people to hell regardless of what they did.
Hell provides the Just negative consequences (in eternity) for the evil/ harm the person committed during their life on earth.
Cordially,
John
| From T C (Q1241. Archived Monday, 21-Aug-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Nope.
Cordially,
John
| From azmurath (Q1236. Archived Monday, 21-Aug-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
"I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." (Isaiah 45:7) |
God permits Evil (in order to maintain free-will of his creatures).
The Hebrew idiom for this is to attribute ultimate responsibility to God (which is correct). The Christian God is not afraid to take responsibility for his creation.
We as humans often are.
Cordially,
John
| From T C (Q1233. Archived Monday, 21-Aug-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
Is man such a disgrace unto God that only Lucifer The Just can save him? |
Man is a disgrace, but only Jesus can save him (not lucifer).
Cordially,
John
| From never.the.same (Q1224. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
Christians think that their religion is the only right one and that they need to help everyone by converting them. Many of them try to say that we're going to hell if we don't accept Jesus as their savior. Don't they know that it's just plain annoying? Does anyone agree that christians need to mind their own business and just leave everyone else alone? |
ok :)
But what if Christianity is indeed true.. Would you rather be left in the dark?
No offense meant.
Cordially,
John
| From avalancas (Q1218. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
I even choose their answer as the best i.d.i.o.t.ic. answer,ok |
Thank you :)
Cordially,
John
| From Moses_Santos_ii (Q1216. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
You Christians are pathetic.....? But when I ask them a simple questions they just insult me. The christian thing to do would be to show me "christian love and point me towards god" Christianity is about biggotry and hipocrisy right?
Supposedly they believe in love thy neighbour. |
Thank you...
Cordially,
John
| From thedrommer (Q1215. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
|
True Christians don't.
Cordially,
John
| From eljonez (Q1214. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
This was part of a response to a prior question I asked about Christians being perfected once they arrive in their heaven - |
There is no sin in heaven.
We will not all be the same -- there will indeed be unity in diversity :)
There will be emotions (but not negative ones).
Jealousy?
No offense meant to anyone -- but consider a blonde and a brunette... if the blonde thinks the brunette is beautiful and she is not, the blonde could feel jealous of the brunette...
However in heaven if both blonde and brunette are incredibly beautiful (and neither feels less beautiful than the other) then there is no need for jealousy.
Another reason for jealousy is sexual attention... If there isnt sexual tensions in heaven, then that would eradicate the occasion for one cause for jealousy...
--
You wont be sad in heaven. But you could access the memory of having been sad on earth.
--
We will have emotions, therefore we will have personalities.
We will have the positive aspects of our personalities, without hte negative aspects.
--
Everyone will not be finally equal in heaven... there are different levels of rewards and recognition and responsibilities in heaven (depending on the lives the Christian lived on earth).
So heaven is not a communist state.
Cordially,
John
| From avalancas (Q1211. Archived Monday, 14-Aug-2006, 12:47 pm. Skeptic) |
Which hell is fighting to get me? |
Enjoyed your question/sense of humor :)
There is only one heaven and one hell...
If you prefer hell over heaven, that is your choice... and I respect your choice.
--
In case you might be interested some day in looking into going to the Christian heaven, see links below...
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.htm...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From eljonez (Q1195. Archived Thursday, 10-Aug-2006, 12:30 pm. Skeptic) |
When it would mean I would be forced to spend eternity with a bunch of stupid a**holes? To be stuck in the same place with ignorant Christians for all time sounds more like hell to me... |
You don't have to go to heaven if you dont want to.
Cordially,
John
| From bowhunk7627 (Q1187. Archived Thursday, 10-Aug-2006, 12:30 pm. Skeptic) |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/second_law_... |
Neither...
Entropy by itself is neither for nor against evolution.
Outside energy force = Sun (for example).
In a closed system, entropy increases over time (leading to decreasing order unlike what evolution is believed to do).
In an open system, where energy flow occurs from an outside source, local order can increase (effectively reducing entropy within the local system), however the overall entropy of the total system (which includes the outside energy source, e.g., the sun) is increasing.
The problem with evolution is not so much the increase in order, as rather the increase in information content.
There is no proof of mutation + natural selection creating information in quantities of greater than the rational probability limit (~10^-30 to ~10-^-50).
--
Having said that, it is worthwhile to note that...
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
Cordially,
John
| From alaskabeyond (Q1185. Archived Thursday, 10-Aug-2006, 12:30 pm. Skeptic) |
Why is it so impossible in people's minds that we evolved over billions of years from a primordial ooze, if God was the ultimate creator of the Evolutionary process? Where does it say (unless you take Genesis literally) that the process of life has to be simple, created by the spoken word or the snap of a finger. |
Because... it is a mistake to think that Darwinism (in its various forms) thinks that God is involved. Darwinism is foundationally atheistic in nature.
--
Having said that...
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From snuffylover4 (Q1182. Archived Wednesday, 9-Aug-2006, 5:26 pm. Skeptic) |
Just think.debauchery,whips,chains,... lot! |
If you prefer hell, that is your choice indeed.
You are likely to be surprised though (at the absence of debauchery, whips, chains etc)...
Cordially,
John
| From ~Whatshername~ (Q1180. Archived Wednesday, 9-Aug-2006, 5:26 pm. Skeptic) |
Well you can change it, but why dont people understand that it's their decision to make, not yours...It doesn't matter if YOU think i'ts right, it matters what they think is right. I love the quote "Do you really think your maniacle ramblings are going to change my beliefs?!" |
People influence each others beliefs all the time.
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists_Rule (Q1171. Archived Tuesday, 8-Aug-2006, 9:31 pm. Skeptic) |
Christians and Muslims, dont try to pretend you're Atheist just to make us look bad |
I currently believe in God.
However, I used to be an Atheist. But, over a period of time, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From llmk08 (Q1168. Archived Thursday, 3-Aug-2006, 1:37 pm. Skeptic) |
What if instead of Jesus, Osiris is going to be the one judging us on the last judgment? What if Charon is the one that carries us to Hades? Or we just reincarnate? |
Then I dont have to worry... since if I follow Jesus I will do good (and avoid evil) in obeying him.
All other religions are works-religions (that salvation is by how many good things you do, and how many sins you avoid). So obeying Jesus (doing good, avoiding evil) will stand me in good stead with Osiris and/or Charon.
Same response regarding reincarnation.
Having said that... I have spent hundreds of hours (possibly thousands) investigating the major world views and religions of the world... and have come to the conclusion that Jesus is the highest revelation of the God of the universe.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From Landon H (Q1165. Archived Thursday, 3-Aug-2006, 1:37 pm. Skeptic) |
If God is all-powerful (or any being is all-powerful), can he create a stone that is so large and so heavy that even he cannot lift it? Or to put it a different way, can he cook a pizza so hot that even he can't eat it? Can he brew a liquor so violent that even he can't take a sip of it? Can he create an animal so ugly that even he can't look at it? For more info on this type of paradox, see Omnipotence Paradox on Wikipedia. |
No.
This by the way is a logical limitation on the concept of Omnipotence, not a limitation on the Christian God.
The Christian God is Logically Omnipotent (not absolutely Omnipotent). In other words, the Christian God can do anything that is logically possible.
The conundrum you mention above demonstrates that the concept of Absolute Omnipotence is Rationally Incoherent.
Nowhere does the Christian God claim to be Absolutely Omnipotent (particularly given that Absolute Omnipotence is rationally incoherent).
The Christian God is however Logically Omnipotent (as mentioned above).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From bowhunk7627 (Q1157. Archived Monday, 31-Jul-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
I have had people tell me that God, through Jesus Christ, will forgive every sin except those that are willful. Isn't this just an excuse for a person's own self-righteousness? |
Good point for all of us to keep in mind.
When we truly/sincerely repent of a sin and confess it to God, he will forgive it.
A lifestlye of habitual sin is however evidence that the repentence is not sincere (and the sins will not be forgiven).
Cordially,
John
| From Ward (Q1149. Archived Tuesday, 25-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
Why would God omit these from his message if these words are the foundations of faith? Everything should have been much clearer. |
The concepts of Trinity, Christianity and Bible are in the Bible.
Cordially,
John
| From Nuclear Wasp (Q1147. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
|
No one.
God does not need a creator and here is why.
Rationally, anything that begins (or comes into existence) needs a cause (or a creator).
Science has "proved" (to the extent that science can prove anything) that the entire physical universe came into being a finite period of time ago.
IOW, the universe is not eternal. It did not always exist. Therefore it needs a cause (or creator).
That cause or creator is God.
It is not IRrational to state that God always existed (and so does not himself need a creator). That is because there never was a time when God did not exist. However there was a "metaphysical" time when our physical universe did not exist (and that is why the universe needs a creator, but God does not).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm)
Cordially,
John
| From Brianna_the_angel777 (Q1146. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
why is it that everytime someone points out the bad things a christian does you make excuses? |
I am afraid you are mistaken.
The Christian God is a God who draws a balance between Love and Justice.
Without free-will there can not be freely given love.
Therefore (since the Christian God's purpose is to create creatures capable of loving each other and loving Him), there must be free-will for the creatures (us).
Given free-will some of us choose to do evil. This is called Sin.
Justice requires that the good I do is rewarded. And the evil I do (hurt to others etc) is punished. And the punishment must match the evil I did and/or the harm I inflicted. The punishment should neither be too light or too heavy (it should correctly match the harm I did). I.e., my negative actions should have negative consequences to me. And my positive actions should have positive consequences to me.
This is the reason for heaven (reward for good actions) and hell (consequence of bad actions).
Jesus dying on the cross has more than one reason. One reason is the substitionary atonement (which makes idiomatic/cultural sense to cultures where substitionary justice is accepted). Another reason, is God's apology to Humankind (for the pain he permits us to suffer, due to his permitting free-will). Another reason is God declaring Solidarity with us in our pain and suffering. Another reason is God experiencing the worst pain we will ever suffer so that we can not turn to him and say "who the heck are you to hold me accountable? You have never walked in my shoes..." He has (walked in our shoes).
For God to simply forgive sin, without any negative consequences to the sinner, would violate all forms of Justice. It would be consistent with Love, but inconsistent with Justice.
The Christian God is a God of Love AND a God of Justice. Hence the need to satisfy the requirements of both love and justice... E.g., like the judge whose son has committed a crime the just fine for which is $10,000. The Just Judge pronounces the fine, and then because his son can not pay, steps down, and pays his own hard earned money on behalf of his son so that his son can go free.
Also, contrary to Jason's statement above, there is good reason to infer that the Christian God exists. E.g., see below...
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Please contact me if you wish for more dialog or discussion.
Cordially,
John
| From Thom_i32 (Q1145. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
Are you talking to me, boy? I think it's funny you are going to burn in Hell!!!! Is that "CHRISTian" enough for you? I laugh at your Eternity in Agony! I only wish I could meet you on the street, I would love to show you just how fragile you really are!!!! Just like a human.........Ignorant |
The person is either not a Christian (pretending to be a Christian to give Christianity a bad name), or a nominal Christian (a person who thinks they are a Christian but is not living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ)...
They may not recognize that Jesus says that a person who claims to be a Christian but who does not obey his commands is not a true Christian (is not saved).
Cordially,
John
| From GhettoLiberty (Q1144. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
Does religious indignation manifest more bad than good? Would an ethically educated athiest or agnostic be likely wage war against members of an opposing viewpoint? Has religion become a substitute for ethics? Do people understand the difference between the two? |
A person who is truly folling Jesus Christ will not personally carry out a violent act (as an individual).
Atheism (as a metaphysial worldview) is indifferent to individuals carrying out violent acts.
Atheists when in power, have killed 70 million to 100 million people just in the 20th century.
Cordially,
John
| From Memento Mori (Q1142. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
(still looking for that loophole) |
Yes, if their repentance is truly sincere.
No, if they are looking for a loophole :)
Cordially,
John