Is there a GOD? - ding! ding! ding ding geeeeet reaaaaaady toooooo rummmmble!!!!

[willowtreewren]

Interesting, Rob. We used to watch Babylon 5 in the old days. 

I, too, took many philosophy courses in my younger days, actually minored in it for a while.

And this actually speaks to something I tried to say, though probably clumsily. And that is that we can find wisdom in many places, not just the "great" texts. I think it is all a search for what resonates for us.

Punishment, wrathfulness, and vindictiveness just don't resonate for me. I'm more into beauty, kindness, and tolerance. Throw a strong bent for scientific evidence into that mix and it pretty much sums up my world view.

 

Aleta

[fc2821]

Interesting, Rob. We used to watch Babylon 5 in the old days. 

I, too, took many philosophy courses in my younger days, actually minored in it for a while.

And this actually speaks to something I tried to say, though probably clumsily. And that is that we can find wisdom in many places, not just the "great" texts. I think it is all a search for what resonates for us.

Punishment, wrathfulness, and vindictiveness just don't resonate for me. I'm more into beauty, kindness, and tolerance. Throw a strong bent for scientific evidence into that mix and it pretty much sums up my world view.

 

Aleta

I hate to turn this into the Aleta and Rob discussion, but had to reply as your world view is very much like mine. I just figure that we are in this existance to help each other more than harm each other.  I am not a big Babylon 5 fan, but was clued into it by my late first wife who really enjoyed it  and found it to be very interesting. 

[petey]

What is relitious?      Do you mean religious? 

 I also tell people who feel they have to quit this bord to not let the door hit them in the ass.

Rerun -- What is "bord"?   Did you mean "board"?  (Sorry - just couldn't help myself  )

To the others -- I normally stay out of religious posts.  But, I guess I'll chime in, too.  Like Rob and Aleta, I think my purpose on this earth is to help others.  As far as religious affiliation goes, I'm a Christian (yes, one of the "born again" ones).  I've been baptized twice (once as a child in the Baptist church and once as an adult in the Presbyterian church).  I've read and studied the Bible extensively  -- both in an academic setting and also for personal growth.  I believe in God, heaven, and hell.  I have a strong faith that I often have found comforting.  My religion and my relationship with my God have been loving, reassuring, and even sometimes confusing.  I'm not nearly a good enough person to tell someone else how he/she should live, and I'm not intelligent enough to tell someone else what he/she should believe.  I believe what I believe, and I respectfully extend the same courtesy to others -- even if what they believe is NOT what I believe.

Somewhere earlier in this thread, someone asked Aleta what she would do if she found out, in the end, that she was wrong.  Aleta, my dear, if that situation occurs and if I'm in heaven, I will most certainly intercede on your behalf.  I will tell my God that I know for a fact that you are a loving, kind, generous, "holy" (if you will) being, and I will plead to Him for His mercy on your soul and for permission for you to enter in the gates of heaven based solely on your good deeds.  If, on the other hand, Aleta is right, I hope that she will show the essence of my soul how to float in the gentle summer breeze, dance with the butterflies, and skip on the ocean foam.

[willowtreewren]

Petey,
You are such a dear, dear person.

Your post reminds of of when my dad, concerned about the eternal fate of my soul asked his pastor if I would have to go to hell because I did not believe in such a place (nor the opposite). He was much comforted by the answer and that is what matters I suppose. I would never, never try to take that comfort from anyone.

And Petey, we will not only dance on the summer breeze, but burn brilliantly in the core of a new star.
 

[Hemodoc]

hahahaha Catholics ARE Christians. A Christian is anyone that believes in Jesus Christ. Catholics are a type of Christian. Just like Protestants, and Orthodox Christians, and Evangelists...etc. Some of these "terms" can be broken down further too. Like Protestants can be broken down into Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Calvanists...etc

Epoman: Nobody is saying that we evolved from apes. That is a hugely common misconception. We did however evolve from a similar ancestor, that does not exist anymore. Evolution usually occurs through the splitting of species. So a common ancestor (probably way way way before humans and monkeys or gorillas or whatever) would have been divided somehow, whether it be geographically or through a disease or one of another million possibilities. This separation would have caused this common ancestor to diverge genetically. Now it doesn't work like "the trees were tall, so their babies were born taller"...its actually that due to random mutations, the babies that were born taller were able to survive and carry on their genes... so the same would have happened. Maybe in one part of the world, the smarter "ape-like creatures" survived, whereas in the other part, the more limber, and stronger ape-like creatures survived...and you have to remember this happened over millions of years. We've seen so much evolution over the past couple of hundred years, that this is not that much of a surprise. Look at how tall people are now. Look at skin colours. Look at the ability of humans to learn...

Evolution is a proven fact, through examining genetic codes, and the genomes of animals. Take the influenza virus for example. It evolves every year...

Now I don't know if God exists or not. I think thats the point. We're not supposed to know for sure, we have to have faith. That's why the notion of God is still around, and always will be. If you believe, then hes there. If you don't believe and need proof, then you'll never get it, because you shouldn't need proof to know that he's there. It's the perfect way to make people believe.

I also think that the reason humans need a God, is because it is part of our genetics. That's why everywhere in the world, each society has some sort of God or religion. It's a survival tool. The holes we can't explain, God fills those in for us. It's part of our cognitive behaviour to need a God. It hurts to try and think that out of nothingness, something was created randomly. Or even there never was nothingness, and there has always been something there. Or things like infinite. To think that the universe goes on forever. Mind boggling. But that's because I'm using a human brain to try and grasp these ideas. My brain isn't "hard-wired" to do so. I like the idea of a God starting everything, because it's simple, and it explains everything.

And if I'm going to burn in Hell for thinking this way, well then so be it. I don't believe in a Hell, so I'm not really scared. I think that when I die, theres going to be nothingness. Just like when I go to sleep and can't remember my dreams from the night before. It's as if that time between when I was awake, went to sleep, and then woke up again, never really happened. Or if I drink too much and can't remember what happened the night before (  ) there's a void...a nothingness. Is that depressing? no because I have tomorrow to look forward to. I don't need an eternal afterlife. All I need is to make the most of the time I've got here on Earth.

And as for religion, I like the idea of a church, because it is somewhere I can go, the people are nice, the message is relatively uplifting, and the morals are good. Its a good setting to raise a family, and live an honest and fulfilling life. But that doesn't mean I buy it all. In the back of my head, I try to be a good person because of the whole "heaven and hell" thing, even though I don't really believe it. But what's the harm in that? Although, the main reason I dont break the law, is because I'm afraid of the judicial system, I still have a conscious...where does that come from? probably from my Christian up-bringing. So yeah, I'll take my kids to church...But I'll also teach them the wonders of science...

And as for Jimmy Hoffa, he's probably living it up right now with Tupac, Elvis, and JFK

With the intelligence humans have and the power that our brain is capable of and the complexities of the human body, I don't see how anyone could think that we evolved.

You said:

I think that when I die, theres going to be nothingness. Just like when I go to sleep and can't remember my dreams from the night before. It's as if that time between when I was awake, went to sleep, and then woke up again, never really happened. Or if I drink too much and can't remember what happened the night before (   ) there's a void...a nothingness. Is that depressing?

Yes, I find it very depressing, when you have your first child you will understand, until then you will not, believe me your views on everything change when you become a parent. I would hate to have your beliefs and know that once I or my son dies, we will never see each other again. I like the fact that in my belief I know that even after our deaths my son and I will re-unite. With your beliefs you will NEVER know the secrets of the universe, you will not be able to ask questions that have pondered man since the the beginning of time and get factual answers. In my belief I will be able to get answers to all my questions.

With your belief you have EVERYTHING to lose. If you are wrong you will go to hell, If you are right then you have lost nothing. But in my belief I have everything to gain, If I am correct I have a paradise to look forward to when I die, if I am wrong then I have lost NOTHING, I will simple cease to exist and be void. Think about it for a second. If there is a GOD (which obviously I believe there is) then by you not having faith, and believing in evolution then you are basically denouncing GOD and therefor forsaking him. Which will not allow you to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Going back to several comments about my comments.

First, Epoman was quite confrontational explicit about his beliefs.  In many ways, I have been far constrained from Epoman's comments who started this thread.

Second,  I have related my own personal testimony of the reasons that I believe in the God of the Bible, just as Epoman started with an anti-evolution comment on why he believes in the God of the Bible.  In such, I am following in the manner of Epoman relating my own testimony of why I believe.

Third, I have reviewed my posts and I have been quite restrained in not answering in the same manner as those that disagree with me in the innuendo and outright insults of my position.  In such I have been gentle as others have stated I was not.  However, I have spoken truthfully of what the Bible states. 

Lastly, I continue to challenge all to consider the simple facts that the God of the Bible states He will write down from the ancient of times the things that shall come to pass at the end of times.  To demonstrate this, I have limited my discussion to the crucifixion and the ancient writings of this hundreds of years before it was fulfilled. 

My challenge is: How do you explain how the crucifixion was written about in great detail hundreds of years before it occurred?  It remains a very valid and simple question.  Reading over all of my posts the last several days, you will find that that is all that I asked and put forth.  Nothing more, nothing less.  The question remains simple and unanswered in any manner, instead, I have been castigated and reviled for posing a simple question with the evidence for the question attached.  Well, so be it, but the question remains.

May God bless,

Hemodoc

[Rerun]

Peter, you have been most sensitive and eloquent with your responses.  Those who do not want to listen, as they have said, will be in the dark with a spot on the wall of light that they may believe to be their inner self.

You and I have tried in this thread to post the truth and plant some seeds.  It is not up to us to water them. 

Del, do you understand that I was telling the truth to the Father so the daughter would not suffer?  To say nothing would only HURT someone.  To keep your mouth shut when you know harm will be done is not very nice. More harm is done by not saying anything.  I would not tell a normal 16 year old who is pregnant to kill her baby, but offer her adoption as an option.  And I'd like you to print off your post and go show your pastor.  See if he thinks you can intercede once you are on the other side.

Hemodoc I know what your are saying and I know it to be the truth.  I use to say "I hope everyone gets what they believe" but, my faith is stronger than to believe such nonsense.

 

[Jean]

Oh well, HemoDoc, why didnt you just say so?? So, therefore coming from the Billy Graham workbook for crisis counselors, Jesus birth and death and resurrection were prophesied, in many bible verses. All prophecies have been fulfilled, except the last one, Jesus return. Reading Revelation will help you on that one. And it is as simple as this, either you believe in God and his wonders or you dont. I believe, firmly in my God. But I do have a view, probably out of line, that my God is one who just might listen to Petey.
Rerun, yes, I would warn some one who is running towards the edge of a cliff, but we both know, if they are intent on jumping off, they will. All you can do is try to reach people, but if they dont want to, then they dont want to.

[Rerun]

The prophecy that Israel will fall has yet to be completed but if you watch the news it is near.  Not that I want this to happen, but it is prophecy.  I hope I don't live to see it.  But, then if I did live to see it than maybe Jesus would come and take me with him. 

[Hanify]

And, since the topic was raised, Rerun I think the timing of the comment was worse than the comment.  We didn't know Steve, and he was new to the board, and maybe a comment like that could have waited until you were a closer friend maybe? 
Hemodoc, I realise you think I'm not listening to what you are saying but I am - I just don't agree with you about the importance of whether the bible says what you say it says.  I just don't care - so I'm unlikely to spend hours reading bits of it to have that discussion with you.  Sorry.  I think we're actually all managing to have a really interesting discussion on a topic lots of people shy away from.  Let's start a politics one next...

[del]

Rerun, no one has asked you to post the "truth " and plant some seeds. That truth is the truth as you see it.   All I am asking is that people respect each others beliefs. I respect the beliefs of each and every person here!!  You did "hurt" the dad of that girl by saying what you said.  Each life in this world is precious and it is not up to us to make suggestions of what should happen.   I have worked with developmentally delayed students who seem to know nothing.  I have a severely developmentally delayed boy in my class this year and his life is very precious.  We didn't think he was able to respond to anything but just before Christmas he started laughing. He also could not move much on his own and he has started rolling over.  No matter how severely delayed a person is they may still be able to understand what we are saying or doing but have no way to communicate. 
I thought the purpose of this thread was not to convince people whether or not there is a God but to see other people's views. I actually like to see other people's views not just my own.  If believing in God and being a born again Christian is a person's religious belief than I totally respect them for it - if it is some other sort of belief I respect them for that as well!!  I would never try to convince another person that what I  believe is right and everything else is wrong. 

By the way how do you know that someone who does not want to "listen" (I am willing to listen to anybody but I may or may not agree with them) will be in the dark!!  Isn't that being a bit judgmental.  If I am not mistaken doesn't it say somewhere in the bible or in teaching "judge not lest ye be judged"

[dwcrawford]

asdf

[Rerun]

Dan, please continue talking to yourself.......     You are making sense.   

Del, yes that is the truth as I see it, and every SUNDAY they ask me to post the Truth and plant seeds.  HOW will people know unless we go tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is Lord?  No, YOU did not ask me to post the truth or plant any seeds.  Maybe you should start your own website so you could make the rules.  As for this site I can post what I want to. (no name calling)

This boy in your class who just learned to laugh.... would you tell his parents to put him on dialysis if his kidneys failed?  That is the point of my debate.  We are not talking about a flu shot here, we are talking dialysis, life support, tax payer funded.  I'm not on IHD to make any friends.  I have real ones, but they don't understand dialysis like you guys.  But, you are not my friends you are my sounding board.  That's it.  We have nothing in common (obviously) other than dialysis.  That is what brought us together on here.  I come on here to address business, not tell a lie about the last poster. 

[petey]

I have "friends" on IHD -- and they're REAL friends, too, Rerun.  And, those here who are my friends have a lot in common with me.  Aleta comes to mind; she is my friend, and we have many traits, experiences, and interests in common.  Religion and belief in God are not two of our similarities, but that's okay -- it doesn't lessen my affection for her nor make me think any less of her as a friend.

I will always, always remember the words of a Jewish rabbi my Acteens group (mission group for teen-aged girls in the Baptist church) talked with one time.  I was about 12 or 13, and my family attended a very traditional Southern Baptist church in Mobile, Alabama.  Our Acteens leader wanted to help us understand different religions, and as a part of that objective, she took us to different churches to discuss religion and doctrine with the leaders/pastors of the other churches.  When we went to the Jewish Synagogue, the rabbi explained (in terms that we could understand) what he believed.  The inquisitive one in the group, I asked him if he believed that Jesus was the son of God, and he said, "No."   He said he thought Jesus was a good man and a wise teacher -- but NOT the son of God.  He said he didn't think that the son of God had come to earth yet.  When I said, "But what if you're wrong?" he said, "I have lived a good life.  I have loved my neighbor.  I have honored my mother and father.  I have tried to follow the Ten Commandments.  I have helped the poor and attended to the sick and dying.  I have done everything I knew to be right, and good, and decent.  The God I serve is a loving God.  He will see my labors and the goodness of my soul, and He will reward me accordingly."  I have never forgotten that lesson.

 

And Petey, we will not only dance on the summer breeze, but burn brilliantly in the core of a new star.
 

...this sounds exquisite, Aleta.  Count me in!!

[willowtreewren]

  to you, my FRIEND.

I, too, have REAL friends here at IHD. And when my life makes it possible for me to visit them, wherever they live, I will be traveling, traveling, traveling so I can share physical hugs with them and not just cyber hugs.

 

[Rerun]

You will burn brilliantly on the core of a new star all right!   (sorry, couldn't resist)

See, that is what I can't let go by.  Petey, that Jewish Rabi can not get to heaven by good works.  Period.

You have to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he came to earth to die for our sins.  This isn't crazy thinking because the Jews believe that it will happen just like that.  It just hasn't happened yet. 

I won't say any more.  There is a point where you dust off your sandals and walk on. 

Thank you all for the PM's and support.  Even if you are not willing to stand up and be heard.

[Hemodoc]

Catholics are Christians, they are the original Christian church.  Everything else (every other Christian denomination anyway) has been a spin-off from Catholicism.  Catholics don't think non-Catholics are going to hell.  Actually, they teach that we can't and shouldn't judge who we think is going to hell. 

Okay, I'm a Christian, so therefore I'm a Catholic?  Mormons think they are Christians too, so I guess I'm a Mormon now too. 

Do Catholics read the bible?

Do Catholics read the Bible? - Uh, YEAH!  The Catholic Bible actually has more books than the Protestant Bible b/c when the Reformation and stuff was going on, if a book was not particularly favored by the public, or the leaders didn't want to follow or adhere to that part anymore, they left it out.  At mass, we read part of the Bible every time.  It's a 3 yr cycle, so at the end of 3 yrs, we will have read the whole Bible except for a few small parts.

Christian = Catholic? - Well Catholics are Christian.  Protestants don't believe everything the CC teaches so no, they are not Catholics.  And I don't THINK I am a Christian - I KNOW I am. 

Wait, so your saying your a Christian Catholic? I was raised in Christian school and I have never heard of Christian Catholics. But I guess hyperlite in his last post summed it up best. I by the way am Protestant and I only read the King James Version. I personally hate all these new wave bibles that make it easier for the reader to understand, The Psalms just don't sound as beautiful in those new bibles.

- Epoman

I spent quite a bit of time reading through all of the posts on this thread.  I believe Epoman deserves to have his opinion heard once again.

God bless,

Hemodoc

[Hemodoc]

Read all of this one, it is interesting!! Read down to the very bottom highlighted in green. You don't want to miss this!!



VERY INTERESTING-

1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq.

2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization!

3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.

4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq

5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!

6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq!

7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.

8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.

9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.

10. Amos cried out in Iraq!

11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.

12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!

13. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.

14. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.

15. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.

16. The wise men were from Iraq

17. Peter preached in Iraq.

18. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq!


And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots.

Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible.

No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq.

And also, This is something to think about! Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages...

The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible)

Koran (9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.

(Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm?!

Yeah thanks, but lets keep this ON-TOPIC ok?   If you want a "911" thread or a "thread talking about Iraqs place in biblical history" then start a NEW thread. This is about "Is there a GOD" Do you enjoy taking my threads off-topic?  

Wow, how far off topic has this thread gone?  Well said Epoman, it is a shame you are not here today to keep this very interesting and important thread on topic.  Anyone out there want to go back to the original intent of this thread?  Is there a GOD?

[Hemodoc]

That brings up an interesting thought. My friend Adrian just came by today and was talking to me about religion. He isn't Catholic like me (I am not sure what he is) but lately he has been telling me that he is doubting the authenticity of the Bible. Also there was a guy once on IMVU who was trying to tell me that the Toran is more accurate than the Bible since the Bible has been changed over the years and throughout generations and translations.

Anyone have any input on this? I have been doing a lot of thinking about this.

OFF-TOPIC, PLEASE stay ON-TOPIC  Please START A NEW THREAD.

It looks like Epoman wanted to keep the discussion on this thread to the simple question:  Is there a GOD?  Once again, I propose that not only is there a God, but He spoke to us from the ancient of days through His Holy Word in the Bible and that is one way that we can know that there is a God.  If people don't want to keep on this topic in this thread, then it should be locked out and with a special note for those comments and intents that Epoman had when he opened this thread in the first place.

Thank you Epoman for standing up as a King James Bible believer willing to share your faith through this thread.  May you rest in peace in the presence of our Lord Jesus.  I look forward to meeting you in heaven one day.

God bless,

Hemodoc

[del]

I have real friends on here too (or I hope I do).    We may have been brought together because of a common interest but that doesn't mean we can't talk about other things. Some interesting topics have been discussed in the chat room that have absolutely nothing to do with dialysis or kidney failure. 

People can post whatever they want on here  as long as there is no name calling or derogatory remarks.  We are a diverse community of people from all walks of life and we have to learn to be accepting of others. There may be a heaven that some people will make it to or we may burn brilliantly in the core of a new star-that is each person's individual belief.  I for one think that you will be rewarded in some way for being a good person throughout your life.  There are many ways to be a good person and if you can go to bed at night knowing that you have not intentionally done or said anything to hurt another person that is good. If you have helped all the people you were capable of helping each day that is even better.

Rerun, I would not even comment to the parents what I think about that little boy having to start dialysis if needed -that would be their decision.  When it is your child and you love them it makes a difference to your decision to have life sustaining treatment for them no matter what the cost.  Who are we to say their life is not as valuable as another person's.

I will dust off my sandals too and walk away from this topic too. 
Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you!!

[Stoday]

Paradoxes are appearing in the discussion...

  Petey, that Jewish Rabi can not get to heaven by good works.  Period.

The rabbi might take the contrary view that Rerun can not go to heaven because she's a Christian and thus can't be one of the 144,000 who must be jews.

Hemodoc sees the predictions of a messiah to unquestionably refer to JC as son of God, yet Judaism sees them as precluding JC.

Happily for me and 18 other forum members, there is no paradox. God does not exist for us, so neither does heaven.

[petey]

Though Christian in my beliefs and thinking that my reward for professing my belief in God will be eternal life with God my Savior and Jesus Christ, His son...this discussion makes me question whether I would rather walk the streets of gold in heaven with judgmental, condescending, narrow-minded, "holier-than-thou" Bible beaters ...  or ... sparkle brilliantly among the stars with gentle, loving, unpretentious, kindred souls for eons yet unnumbered.  Hmmmmmmm....save me a seat by you, Aleta!

To answer Hemodoc's questions, "Is there a God?"   I believe there is a God.  That doesn't mean that there is one -- just that I BELIEVE there is.  I accept that others may not believe that there is a God, and I would never try to cram my beliefs down others' throats.  I don't think that that is what MY God would want me to do.

[Jean]

Well said Petey. I also believe in my God. But, I dont think Heaven will be loaded with "Bible Thumpers" either.

[Hemodoc]

Though Christian in my beliefs and thinking that my reward for professing my belief in God will be eternal life with God my Savior and Jesus Christ, His son...this discussion makes me question whether I would rather walk the streets of gold in heaven with judgmental, condescending, narrow-minded, "holier-than-thou" Bible beaters ...  or ... sparkle brilliantly among the stars with gentle, loving, unpretentious, kindred souls for eons yet unnumbered.  Hmmmmmmm....save me a seat by you, Aleta!

To answer Hemodoc's questions, "Is there a God?"   I believe there is a God.  That doesn't mean that there is one -- just that I BELIEVE there is.  I accept that others may not believe that there is a God, and I would never try to cram my beliefs down others' throats.  I don't think that that is what MY God would want me to do.

Well said Petey. I also believe in my God. But, I dont think Heaven will be loaded with "Bible Thumpers" either.

Thank you for your replies, I will simply answer with a quote from Epoman earlier in this thread, first page:

"With your belief you have EVERYTHING to lose. If you are wrong you will go to hell, If you are right then you have lost nothing. But in my belief I have everything to gain, If I am correct I have a paradise to look forward to when I die, if I am wrong then I have lost NOTHING, I will simple cease to exist and be void. Think about it for a second. If there is a GOD (which obviously I believe there is) then by you not having faith, and believing in evolution then you are basically denouncing GOD and therefor forsaking him. Which will not allow you to enter the kingdom of heaven."

My only additional thought at this point is whether Epoman would even be welcome on thread that he started at this point?

Come on folks, you all need to chill out a bit.  I posed a question, with the evidence for that question from the Bible and testified that it was one of the reasons that I believe in the God of the Bible, and now I am being referred to as a "Bible Thumper" and "narrow minded" and in fact by your judgements, I am not likely to get into heaven myself.  Wow!!  And you refer to me as judgmental.  Wow!!

In any case, if there is any one out there that wishes to give reasons why they do or do not believe in God, then that would be a great discussion just as Epoman started.  If not, then it is time to put this thread to rest, but I would hope it goes to rest without any further insults against anyone.

Thank you,

Hemodoc
Hemodoc

[Hanify]

I think Hemodoc is right.  (Gosh).  Read back over his posts and he is not actually saying we have to believe everything he says - just that this is the reason he does.  Fair enough.  I still love that we can have this conversation - I wish more people with other views would put them down too - but I think they just can't be bothered with the repercussion.  I do cringe though Rerun when you tell people they are going to hell - I just can't understand how you think that's ok - it's not up to us to tell people that surely?  Can't you see how that is more likely to turn someone away from God?

[okarol]

I believe...
That's why it's called "faith."
I pray for guidance and strength to do God's will.
Too simple? Well, that's just me.