Signs of the Times...

[Michael Larson]

Joseph,

I notice you didn't share any of your own thoughts just a poor attempt by someone to discredit Dr. Laura and the Bible in particular.

John has made a reasoned response to the "supposed" dilemma raised by the author of the letter to Dr. laura in Joe's post above. Thanks John

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Joe's post is an example of someone using a portion of the Bible to discredit a particular practice or to discredit the Bible in it's entirety. Though there are disagreements as to the amount of continuity or discontinuity between the testaments, there is far more that is agreed upon. My suggestion to anyone is that they read it for themselves.

The Bible is panoramic view of of God's provision for mankind from its the beginning to its end. It can only be properly understood as a whole and complete work. Context is always the key to a fuller understanding. There exists widening levels of context as one studies. There are few things that are more rewarding than the study of scripture as God's will is revealed to one personally.

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Joseph,

I notice you didn't share any of your own thoughts just a poor attempt by someone to discredit Dr. Laura and the Bible in particular.

My personal thoughts is that the world would be a much better place without religion (it is obvious this MB would), more people have died & been killed in the name of god then for any other reason. Furthermore religion & politics has no place in the bedroom, thanks for asking. Fortunately I still live in a country where I can freely believe or choose not believe myths & superstitions... Happy Halloween!

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Joseph,

I notice you didn't share any of your own thoughts just a poor attempt by someone to discredit Dr. Laura and the Bible in particular.

John has made a reasoned response to the "supposed" dilemma raised by the author of the letter to Dr. laura in Joe's post above. Thanks John

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe's post is an example of someone using a portion of the Bible to discredit a particular practice or to discredit the Bible in it's entirety. Though there are disagreements as to the amount of continuity or discontinuity between the testaments, there is far more that is agreed upon. My suggestion to anyone is that they read it for themselves.

The Bible is panoramic view of of God's provision for mankind from its the beginning to its end. It can only be properly understood as a whole and complete work. Context is always the key to a fuller understanding. There exists widening levels of context as one studies. There are few things that are more rewarding than the study of scripture as God's will is revealed to one personally.

Dr. Laura was asked about the Jewish religion not the Christian Religion and the Torah Michael, not the Bible. Two completely different supertisions.
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[Michael Larson]

Brian,

I'll give the benifit fo the doubt that you are not aware the the Tora is part of the bible I mentioned. Context still remains th ekey issue. My view would not change even if you did not include the "New Testament" as part of the discussion. BTW the "New Testament" is is foretold in many places in the "Old Testament".

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jburkeson1

.......Fortunately I still live in a country where I can freely believe or choose not believe myths & superstitions... Happy Halloween!

And you certainly are. But's it's doubtful this country would even exist were it not for those who left ther homelands because of their "religion".

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by mlarson

And you certainly are. But's it's doubtful this country would even exist were it not for those who left ther homelands because of their "religion".

I'll pop on down to the Casino and ask?

[Michael Larson]

Brian,

Apparently you are have trouble understanding that Joe was speaking of this country as it presently exists.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Brian,

Apparently you are have trouble understanding that Joe was speaking of this country as it presently exists.

It may be better for both of us if you let Joe speak for Joe, and you just comment on what you understand Michael. Probably cut down on your posts quite a bit.

[Michael Larson]

Ah yes, the pot calling the kettle black with a dose of sardonic humor. Mr. nearly 3,000 posts.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Ah yes, the pot calling the kettle black with a dose of sardonic humor. Mr. nearly 3,000 posts.

Ok that I understand.

[Michael Larson]

Brian,

I don't think everyone here understands or appreciates your humor by I do get it. The rest will just have to catch up.

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

It may be better for both of us if you let Joe speak for Joe, and you just comment on what you understand Michael. Probably cut down on your posts quite a bit.

Like I said, there is no good religious debate, no one benefits everyone looses and is forced to defend their beliefs against people who they would otherwise have no division with. I wish I would have said this as it sums up best how I feel... "The world is so exquisite, with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better, it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look Death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides" but alas it was not me who said this it was the late Carl Sagan.

[Michael Larson]

Well Joseph, it's safe to say that Carl Sagan now knows if his "belief" was correct. It will be the same for all use one day.

Note: Carl Sagan's standard for "evidence" is so high that I seriously doubt his own belife's could stand up to it.

[John McKenna]

If someone is offended or becomes emotional because of a
discussion about God then they are revealing a fear and their
own self doubt. Yes wars have been fought over women,
money, power, oil, and God. But God always gets more blame.

I say more wars have been stopped, more lives healed, more
people fed, more dreams fulfilled, more families blessed, more
mercy shown, more love displayed, because of God, God, God.
Is the cup half full or half empty? It's how you look at life
as to what you see.

An animal looks in a mirror and cannot comprehend that
the image is indeed their own "self", even so some are not
able to see "God". It is not in them to see and we
should all be patient with their lack of awareness.

If there is no God then there is no good or evil and we are
just random elements surviving until BLEEP, we are gone.
What is right or wrong? Who says? It's meaningless and
random survival. The strong survive and nothing matters.

God is seen in the order of the universe. We are not here
by accident. From the smallest sub-atomic particle to the
furthest galaxy there is systematic order and mathematical
perfection. From the concept of LOVE to the balance of
nature, there is God.

Tear apart your watch and throw it in the washing machine.
How many years will it take for the random action of the
pieces to come together and set the proper time? How
did the amazing order of all things around us come into
being from random acts that started from nothing but
chaos? It take blind faith to think that.

You see, when we say God does not exist, it's like that
cat looking in the mirror and not knowing his own image.
Something is missing in the cats brain. We as humans
can see the cats missing ability to "see"... even though
the cat would swear that it can "see" just as good as
anyone. Something is still missing and it is a pity.

Jesus said "men will not come to the light because they are
afraid that their deeds will be corrected". (John 3:16-20)
People are afraid of God and fear looking at themselves in
the mirror of truth. They only way to come into the light is
first to see your need to be truthful with the person in
the mirror. God does not condemn us, but is trying to
save us from our self.

15 minutes after death will seem like an eternity to the
man without God on the other side. I know God is real,
I talked to Him this morning.

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Originally Posted by jmckenna1

If someone is offended or becomes emotional because of a
discussion about God then they are revealing a fear and their
own self doubt.

Don't know about anyone else but my bull**** meter is pegged.