“The earthquake in Haiti is a tragedy of such gargantuan proportion that it's natural to wonder how -- or why -- any God, if there is a God, could allow it.”
I read the above headline from an ABC news story on what may surely be the worst earthquake to have hit the impoverished nation of Haiti. And over the years, I have been asked many times a similar question with some variation: If God is good, why does He allow bad things to happen?
We must first remember that while God the Creator made natural and moral evil possible by granting us freedom of choice, it was humanity that actualized evil. We can't put this on the Master's table. We have to realize that the fingers point back at us. In our Genesis reading, recall that Eve, while tempted by Satan, chose to partake of the fruit that God specifically forbid. “She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it” (Genesis 3:6). As a result, humans fell into lives of perpetual sin terminated by death.While it may be popular to refer to the earthquake as "unthinkable," the history of humanity graphically demonstrates that there is virtually no limit to the possibilities of disease, natural disasters, and, ultimately, death.
This disaster painfully reminds us that the world is groaning in travail, but the gospel points us to the fact that creation will yet be liberated. As the apostle Paul put it "one day creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay." This liberation begins with the conquest of the cross and will be completed at Christ's second coming. As Christ's conquest ensures our bodily resurrection so too his conquest ensures the resurrection of this cosmos.
Here is what I want you to think about: the worst thing that can happen to any person is not to tragically die in a devastating earthquake. The worst thing that can happen is to live a long, robust life and then to forever be separated from the love and grace of the one that knit you together in your mother's womb. Ultimately, when we see things like an earthquake, we cannot cope with them unless we have an eternal perspective.
It is my hope and prayer that the images of devastation emanating from Haiti will arouse us from our lethargy and engage us to give water and food to those in need and to use the testimony of our love and our lives as an ultimate witness which will lead us to give them the bread and the water of life so that they may truly never hunger and thirst again.
As I write these words, my thoughts run to the old hymn written in 1834 by Edward Mote:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
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50 comments:
Right Hank, all the problems in the world are because a woman ate from a magic tree after having a conversation with a friendly talking snake. And the cow jumped over the moon.
Rhetoric was fun when I was a child but, now i find it so boring, painfully so.
haha infinity times infity. And the such.
PS Boris sounds like an awesome name to have. Is that real?
I love that hymn. I think we just sang it a couple weeks ago.
Boris, don't you have something better to do? It is unfathomable the amount of bitterness in your heart. When is enough enough? Leave it alone already.
Should I take C.W. Dalton's view?
"The life of an atheist seems especially tragic... The atheist cannot even look forward to being vindicated. Even if he is right (he is), religionists will die never finding out that they had worshiped a God that didn't exist, had prayed to the wind, had tithed to support priestly parasites... No, atheists know they will never get even this satisfaction. [No false advertising from atheism.] Perhaps it is time for atheists to give up on eradicating religion and accept it as they accept other incurable diseases and as they accept bad weather, taxes and in-laws as inevitable."
Hank, Frank Turek and other Christian apologists have pointed out that 3 out of 4 Christian college students reject their Christian faith before they graduate. About 3 out of 4 of those that don't reject their faith in college do so before they are 30 meaning 94% of Christian young people reject Christianity by the time they reach 30 years of age. I'm not giving up a fight I've been in all my life and that we free thinkers are finally winning. And believe me buddy, we atheists are winning this war and we WILL win it in the end. Christianity is already dead and all we are doing now is burying this rotting stinking corpse.
Boris (or anyone who knows),
I was talking with a Jew the other day and he said since his mother was a Jew, that made him a Jew. I didn't ask him if his father was a Jew, would that make him a half Jew?
(I'm still in high school, so don't have time to research it on top of my other research.) Thanks!
HI HANK, I just came home from our church's Bible Study. My daughter was surprised at how "mild" it was.and that she did not learn much., and I told her it was because she already knows so much, and that she is hungry for a more hard core word. There are all levels of Christian strengths. so I am turning her on to you. I have listened to you off and on for years. and I believe in you, and your fight. As i was googling your name, i see things that I had no idea exist. All I can see is that you must be doing something terribly RIGHT., so keep on keepin' on. You know all of the supporting versus, as there are many. So Many thanks to your Godly support.
Don,
The reason the Jews have a tradition that if your mother is Jew you're a Jew regardless of who your father is, is because back when that rule began to be accepted no one knew who was sleeping in whose tent. Don I would suggest taking a science class or two next year. Science is our best defense against believing what we want to and more importantly what other people tell you to believe.
That's funny. I just talked to a guy who said he wanted to go back to school for science(biology&physics) just so he could have proof for his ideas. Talk about just believing what you want to.
Of course, all you can learn in a science class is, like most fields of study today, the liberal interpretations of the popular majority. If you are taught about the rate of radioactive decay then, you will learn what the common preconception of the age of the earth is. If you think the earth is very old then you will assume it took a very long time for the earth to cool and with that you will come up with a very long rate of decay. I think when any study is based on ones preconceptions, it should be shunned.
TO DON-- Not sure what todays Judaism teaches. They have changed many of their rules and laws since they do not have a physical temple any longer. But, as far as the OT Jews were concerned, i think they had to be able to trace their lineage back to a tribe of Israel, whether it was through their mother's father or their father's mother or whatever the case. It was not right, however, for Jews to marry non-Jews but one could convert to Judaism. Jesus only had a physical mother and He was fully Jewish. Of course, also, He was adopted by Joseph into the family.
read the book of Ruth(it's short). Ruth was from Moab and worshiped the god Chemosh but she married a man from Bethlehem and said 'your God will be my God'. She is mentioned in Jesus' genealogy from King David to Abraham.
Remember though today the Jew's do not and cannot follow the same religion as the original Jews. There are no more sacrifices and no longer a temple. Jesus is the final sacrifice and the new temple. In Rev. Jesus is described as 'one like a slaughtered lamb'. And in 1Pet 'the blood of Christ, like that of a spotless unblemished lamb'. Of course, Jesus actually referred to Himself when He said, in Jon2 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.'So the contiuation of original Judaism is anyone who beleives in the messiah, Jesus Christ(christ means messiah), as the final payment of our sins. And just like Abraham we are declared righteous by faith, that is, trust.
remember the opposite of faith is not reason, it's doubt. The opposite of reason is irrationality.
If study is based on preconceptions it should be shunned? Then we should definitely shun creation "science" and Intelligent Design magic because these things are based on the absurd and indefensible preconceived notion that the Bible is the infallible word of God. Any science that disagrees with the Bible is automatically dismissed by creationists based on this preconception alone:
"It is precisely because biblical revelation is absolutely authoritative and precpicous that scientific facts, rightly interpreted, will give the same testimony as that of scripture. There is not the slightest possibility that the facts of science can contradict the Bible, and therefore, there is no need to fear that a truly scientific comparison of any aspect of the two models of origins can ever yield a verdict in favor of evolution." - Henry Morris. Thanks for refuting creation "science" and telling us all why it should be shunned Mr. Archibald. Put your foot in your mouth much do you? ROFL!
The age of the earth and universe is not based on the rate of radioactive decay alone. We can check the accuracy of radiometric dating by comparing it to other methods of dating such as carbon dating for example. We can check the accuracy of carbon dating by calibrating it with tree ring data.
There is plenty of compelling and complimentary evidence that the earth is not just a few thousand years old. The Green River lakes located in the Western United States have been observed to deposit one layer of bottom sediment every year. There are currently several million layers of sediment plainly indicating that the lakes are several million years old. There is evidence of the earth's antiquity in the mile thick permafrost layers of the arctic. We know that it takes decades to produce a sheet even one foot thick. Therefore the frozen mass would have required hundreds of thousands of years to form at its present rate. We can use DNA as a timepiece. In addition to revealing humans had a common ancestor tens of thousands of years ago, our DNA indicates that we had a much more distant common ancestor billions of years in the past. The tides of the earth's oceans are causing the earth's rotation to slow by one second per day per 50,000 years. Consequently, the relatively accelerated spinning of the earth millions of years ago would have shortened the length of the day and increased the number of rotations our planet was able to make per revolution around the sun. In a complimentary discovery, scientists have already observed coral fossil rings exhibiting the notion that they thrived during a time when the year contained nearly 400 days. The continued spreading of the continents has also provided evidence for our planet's age. We are receiving light from stars that are 13 billion light years away. What is the creationist answer for this insurmountable problem with their religious dogma? Why the creationists simply claim that the light doesn't actually travel at the speed of light. It can go faster if Jesus wants it too! Now there's some real science for you. ROFL!
Your anti-science attitude is nothing new. Bible believers have fought against and denied every scientific discovery and theory ever made ever since the Bible was voted on by gay men and pedophiles to be the Bible. If Christianity really had the truth Christian Bible believers would have been on the forefront making new scientific discoveries. Instead Christians have persecuted scientists and tried to block scientific progress ever since this evil religion has existed.
Asolutey, No other foundation but on Christ Jesus and His Word.
Evolutionist...Do you trust yourself?
Not a good idea...WHY?...see blog.
Thank you for your book Christianity In Crisis 21st Century
You have challanged my historical "c"hristianity and assisted me in my understanding that the Bible "Word of God" and altering It for ANY REASON is dangerous.
Deuteronomy 18:
21 You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD ?"
22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
Boris,
I'm also in high school and I LOVE science! I studied how inaccurate radioactive dating is and how evolutionists DON'T have proof to back up their theory.(see very funny and true link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgC_yAn-tQE) ROFL!
My very good science book is: Exploring Creation with Physical Science By Jay L. Wile. (I wouldn't trade it for any other secular science book!)
Oh, did I mention that in science books like these they explain and show how science is PROOF for Creation! And how evolutionists try to use science to back up their theory when actually it shows how evolution is unscientific.
If you disagree I'd suggest that you buy some of his very good science books!
God Bless!
James,
I suggest you take your creationist books down to any PRIVATE CHRISTIAN college or university and ask them why they teach evolution, common descent, Big Bang cosmology and the rest of the science you don't believe instead of the nonsense in your books. Unless you can sell your creationist dogma to your own CHRISTIAN academic community you have no hope of selling that trash to atheists. So why do all the Christian colleges teach evolution and why has every one of them rejected creationism James? I'm not going to by any "science" books written by people who believe demons cause diseases or that vegetation was on the earth BEFORE the sun even existed. That's not science dude. It's bullshit.
Curious....what concrete evidence do you have for said "Bible voters" being homosexual and/or pedophiles? Also...more on the impending warning labels on Bibles, please. Where might one read about this plan that is, as you say, on the verge of taking place?
Anonymous,
Two years ago authorities in Hong Kong considered putting warning labels on Bibles and banning the sale of Bibles to anyone under the age of 18.
Do you really think homosexuality and pedophilia are some new recent fads among the Catholic priesthood or something? Homosexuality was the most popular form of sexual expression in Rome during the Christianity's first few centuries. Most of the inscriptions we find on pottery from ancient Greece are love poems from older Greek men to their younger Greek male lovers. Adelphopoiesis was a Christan rite for uniting two persons of the same sex as spiritual brothers and sisters but was really an approved outlet for romantic and sexual love between couples of the same sex, even though the rites stated that the union was not a carnal one. Christianity is such a gay religion.
Christian Bible scholars such as Robin Griffith Jones, A.N. Wilson, John Spong and many others have made the case that the Apostle Paul was gay. Do you have any evidence that he wasn't? Do you have any reason to think that the catholic priesthood has ever not been dominated by gay men and pedophiles? If so let's see what you've got?
Thanks for the info guys!
Boris,
I agree with what you said, "Science is our best defense against believing what we want to and more importantly what other people tell you to believe." I go to Christian school and the books we use explain both the evolution and creation side. My teachers encourage me to use my knowledge to determine what I believe. Science only reinforces my beliefs as a Christian. I have to confess, I would have to lose all my common sense to believe all creation happened by chance.
I love to share the Gospel (and no, I wasn't the one who shared with you on here) while my peers are out partying. You encourage me all the more, Boris, to share my faith.
Amen brother; I pray that God will use this awful tragedy to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ.
News like this makes me long all the more for that day when there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain, when Christ will wipe every tear from our eyes and make all things new.
Boris, did you know that 82% of statistics are made up on the spot? :) All joking aside, I have a hard time believing that 94% of students attending Christian universities reject their faith. I attended one and I can guarantee you that this wasn't the case there. Also, I can also guarantee you that alot more than 6% of Americans believe in God.
I do agree that there is a battle going on, and the enemy is making a final last ditch stand; however, I know that I am on the victorious side no matter what happens in this life; and believe me, it is a hope that makes life complete and purposeful. It is a hope that is not rooted in myself, but in an infinitely loving and just God, whom I will serve till the day I day because of the love He has for me and I for Him.
Boris said:
"...at its present rate."
Confucius say:
Assuming constant rate; not very good science.
Also, ID has nothing to do with the Bible in and of itself.
Have i told you lately how boring rhetoric is. zzZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZzzzzz....
Boris,
you seem to be fighting very hard for a "battle you have already won."
Don,
High school students are not qualified to make any decisions on the validity of scientific explanations. There is no such thing as academic freedom in elementary or secondary public education. Teachers cannot teach whatever they want to, they must stick with the curriculum. Now private colleges and universities and teach whatever they want and they do. Every private CHRISTIAN college and university that has any kind of science department teaches evolution, common descent, Big Bang cosmology, old earth geology, anthropology, oceanography and all the rest of the science you creationists disagree with. Still think science reinforces your beliefs? You're just lying to yourself and me both.
If you had any common sense you would find out what real scientists say about the universe and life on this planet, not what creationist propagandists say. But you know an acceptance of science will kill your escapist fantasies about an afterlife in a glorious magic happy land for ever and ever and ever. So go ahead wallow in your willful ignorance and life-avoidance fantasies. No one cares.
Matt,
Hank posted those figures about Christian college students leaving the faith on this blog. Check the archives, you'll find the article he wrote.
A lot of people believe in God. In this country probably around 4 out of 5 people or 80% believe in God. But which God and what do they believe about their God. Less than 75% are professing Christians and about 35% Protestant. Of those 35% only about 8%-10% of them have a biblical worldview. That's less than 10 million Americans, much smaller than the number of atheists in this country by at least 5 to 1. I like those odds. It means we're winning.
You don't know anything about what side you are. You have been convinced by other people that you have to believe certain things. If you could know these things you wouldn't have to believe them Truth doesn't demand belief. Your religion does which is one way we know it isn't true.
Boris said: "Two years ago authorities in Hong Kong considered putting warning labels on Bibles and banning the sale of Bibles to anyone under the age of 18."
That's seriously all you've got? YAWN.
Still also waiting for the concrete evidence regarding the homosexuality and pedophilia. After I waded through all of your blah blah blah, I realized you never did answer my question.
The burden of proof is on the person making the outrageous claim. That would be anyone who says Catholic priests are not and have not always been gay men and pedophiles. The fact is that latent homosexuality and pedophilia are just as rampant among Protestant fundamentalist Bible believing males too. I'd be willing to bet you are addicted to gay porn. Many studies have shown that the stricter a family holds to fundamentalist beliefs the more likely there is child and spousal abuse in the family. Christianity is such a gay and dysfunctional religion. have fun with it sicko.
Just curious boris, can you (w/yes or no) tell us what's wrong with homosexuality?(again, a yes or no question) That is, without using rhetoric? Why that makes one a sicko?
AGAIN, just wondering if u can or not.
Thanks.
and again please no rhetoric.
There's nothing wrong with homosexuality. It's part of nature. There is something wrong with all you Protestant latent homosexuals bashing other gay people for being no more gay than you are.
I somewhat suspected that you could not answer, either the first question, with a yes or no, and also, the second question without slander and rhetoric.
You seem like a difficult person to get along with
What's wrong with homosexuality is not a yes or no question. Duh.
Boris, thank you & blessings to all who have shared their views. We can all still be friends and not get mad at each other. By the way, your name IS uber cool! Seriously! *fist bumps you*
Boris, I think you missed the point. My opinion only. Perhaps the question (with all due dignity) was are you homosexual? The answer we need from you is either "yes" or "no" respectively.
What may seem like sarcasm is really my heartfelt concern. Actually, there is no condemnation of you at all in this forum. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are praying for you to come to a true evaluation of the Gospel in light of your personal eternal destiny. Boris, please don't be so quick to judge us in that we are devout CHRISTians. You seem educated in your brand of "science" and I have no problem with it in the long run. Though I just thought I would point out another perspective for you to wisely investigate for your own peace of mind and whatnot. Are you aware of your flawed logic? Creation science ultimately points to the LORDship of JESUS CHRIST. Do you know my loving Savior yet? HE is far too wonderful and precious to miss, my friend. Believe Me! *warm, friendly smile* What a tragedy it would be for a "good" person like you to die and go to hell! Chill out, Sparky! We are only trying to help you...JESUS loves you and so do we!!!
In all reality, there are opinions and then there are disrespectful comments. Ignorance is the worst of enemies! Just take the time and insight to see into scripture. Have you even read the Holy BIBLE for yourself? Sir, criticizing others and trying to provoke strife just shows your own insecurities as well as your own issues. Please reflect. I await your polite response.
Sincerely,
~Mrs. Stoughton~
Mrs. Stoughton~
You aren't the first and won't be the last to reach out to Boris on this site. But, it angers him and fuels his hate.
Mrs. Stroughton,
No I am not a homosexual. I do support gay rights including gay marriage because it is a civil rights issue. The problem is that the early church fathers spoke out vehemently against homosexuality because they didn't want their flock to know that the fathers themselves were homosexuals. In other words closeted homosexuals are responsible for much of the prejudice against homosexuals.
As for my brand of science I have news for you. I learned that "brand" of science at a private Christian college where like every other private Christian college that has a science department they teach evolution,common descent, Big Bang cosmology and all the rest of the science you creationists deny and fight against. That's because there is only ONE brand of science: science done by scientific method. If it isn't done according to scientific method then it isn't science. This is why creation "science" isn't science. Scientists don't have to have faith that scientific method works, they have evidence that it does. Scientific method has proven itself time and time again. Scientific method states that no finding is the final word and all of its findings are subject to further review, revision and outright rebuttal if necessary. Creation "science" does claim that all of its findings are the final word. Only religion claims to have the final word. Creation "science" is religion NOT science.
However I don't have a degree in science. In college, a private Christian college, I studied the history and literature of the ancient Near East which of course includes the Bible. My language for my degree program was Ancient Greek. I'm not just some guy who picked up a Bible and looked up all the problems in it on the Internet so I could make fun of people naive enough to believe the Bible. I'll match my knowledge of the text of the Christian Bible with anyone living on this planet right now. I have proved how carefully I've read the text of the Bible by presenting problems in the text on this blog no one has any answers for. Go back and look through my posts. Would you like to try me? Where was Rachel buried? What was Solomon's mother's name and what was her father's name? Was Jesus crucified before or after the Passover meal was eaten? Go ahead answer those questions. I dare you. If the Bible is the infallible word of God then it should have no problem standing up to a few tests of this claim right? So let's you and I see if it really does. Okay? I mean all you people want me to believe the Bible, so let's prove it's really what you say it is first. Please reflect. I await your polite response.
Dear Brutis:
GOD's Peace! Thank you for your reply and your thoughts. I'm not here to debate or argue. I would love to answer your questions in depth when I have more time. I travel extensively with my husband and am currently on the road and quite busy. Please forgive my haste in responding. It is not a reflection on you or your comments. May I now virtually wash your feet in godly love via: thee Holy Spirit? Seriously! That would be my honor and privilege in all Kingdom hospitality and graciousness. Ok? *gentle smile*
Brutis, I'm glad you are not homosexual. I am not judging. Just study Romans 1 to further understand what I am saying. My husband, John, suggests with dignity that you pray and ask GOD to prove HIMself to you personally. JESUS will reveal HIMself to you in a real and meaningful way if you humbly ask with your full heart in sincerity. To acknowlege that JESUS is LORD would be to acknowledge that your life is not your own. JESUS paid a very high price on the cross of calvary for your *precious* soul. Your soul is thee most important thing in your life. Your eternal destiny is thee most vital issue you will ever face. You seem very bright and intelligent. However, as you know...Salvation is all about faith in GOD not worshipping of our own smarts and I.Q, etc... I wish you well and I hope that you choose to return to this blog in the future with a broken and contrite spirit. People who are here are very diligent in their BIBLICAL studies. If you are looking for evidence, please check into Lee Strobel's work. There is all kinds of [earth Creation scientific] evidence in regards to the case for CHRIST. Hank knows all about it and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to help you. You are in very capable *spiritual* hands...of this I'm sure. I have full confidence in everyones' ability here to help you through your 'dark night of the soul.' JESUS wants you for a Sunbeam! *grin* Go with GOD!
All my love & prayers in JESUS' grace & mercy always,
~Mrs. Stoughton~ ::holy HUGS::
Mrs Stroughton,
I just pointed out the fact that I have studied the text of the Bible very carefully and in its original languages and found many discrepancies and problems in the text of the Bible which have proved the claims you are making about the Bible are simply not true. Yet you completely ignore this and go right on telling me to read the Bible and about all the beliefs you have gotten from the Bible. Why in the world should I read the Bible when you won't? I asked you to answer some questions for me which would require you to do a little Bible study yourself. You want me to believe the Bible on faith like other people got you to do. I can't do that. I need the problems I've discovered in the text to be explained first otherwise how do you expect me to look at obvious mistakes and still think the Bible is infallible? It's very interesting that you are not the least bit interested in helping me test the claims people make about the Bible to see if they are true or not. You don't want to know do you? If the Bible isn't true, if there is no God, if Jesus Christ never existed - well you just couldn't face that could you? That's because you're believing what you want to instead of what is really true. Like I said, enjoy your delusions.
I wish I had a dollar for every time some Christian has told me all I need to do is read something Lee Strobel wrote. All they need to do is read Jefferey Lowder's point by point critique of Strobel's "The Case For Christ" to see exactly how weak Strobel's arguments really are. I bet you won't do that either will you Mrs. Stroughton? You'll tell me to read a book I've already read but when told about a chance to read the other side of the story you'll disregard that won't you? There's a reason the rest of us say Christians are hypocrites. It's because you are. You're not going to research the Bible to see if it's really true or not. You're not going to read critiques of Lee Stroble's books either. Yet you expect me to reread the Bible and try to twist my brain into a 2000 year old pretzel to believe it and buy into the anti-scientific yammering of a pathological liar like Lee Strobel. Obviously you're not interested in a two way conversation but only in spewing your religious dogma and nonsense. You people are all alike in that respect. And that's something I don't respect.
I told you Mrs. Stroughton...the words that you write will not change Boris. It makes him hate Christianity more. Why would he pray for God to "show himself in a meaningful way" when he doesn't believe? He even made a great point about others telling him to read this and study that when they themselves don't do the same. Sometimes we get so caught up in saving everyone, that we can't see that we are "turning people away from God". Good intentions are not going to "save" everyone. Sometimes we must stop, think, pray and decide if we are the right person for the specific job. And if not, we pray for the one who is.
Anonymous,
I don't know how many Anonymous's I am talking to here. The argument that the scientists you mentioned still worked within a theistic framework is a far cry from your original claim which was that all of these scientists were creationists. You claimed these men were Christians but as I already pointed out under any other circumstances you would staunchly deny that these scientists you mentioned were Christians. Does a person have to believe Jesus was God to be a Christian? Does a person have to believe in Satan to be a Christian? None of the men you mentioned held to either of those beliefs. Anyone on this blog espousing those beliefs would be called a heretic and "not a Christian" by you. This just further demonstrates your hypocrisy and intellectual dishonesty.
Bible believers often claim there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world to make it seem like they have some kind of strength in numbers. But 1.4 billion of these Christians are Catholics, people fundamentalist Bible believers insist are going to hell because they aren't true Christians. About another 300 million belong to sects like the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and other denominations considered non-Christian by Bible believers also. When we get down to people who actually believe the Bible is literally true we are left with about 30 million Americans who mostly populate the trailer parks in the southern and mid-western United States. You people are a distinct American minority. Even the rest of the Christians want nothing to do with you. ROFL!
Dearest Boris:
ROFL? I guess I missed the joke. Hrm.
Well, since you didn't rebuke me, I'll continue on my same track. If you don't mind that is.
::washing your *precious* feet in a virtual sense through the power of the Holy Spirit alone in all godly love & platonic respect:: What a true honor and privilege for me personally! Sincerely and Seriously!
By the way, are you a CHRISTian yet? Do you know what the term "born again" means? GOD Bless you, Mr. Sir Boris. Be Well!
In gracious hospitality for Kingdom Victory,
[Love, LOVE, LoVe...xoxo in JESUS]
~Mrs. Stoughton~
Mrs. Stroughton,
I will never become a Christian. I have spent my entire life fighting against this human tragedy called Christianity. I am not all of a sudden forget everything I've learned about this evil and false religion and join the enemy. And Christianity is the enemy of humanity, the enemy of truth and the enemy of the faculty by which man arrives at truth: reason. Jesus Christ never even existed and of that I am more sure than I am of ANYTHING else. Intelligent people have always doubted the existence of Jesus Christ because we have always known that the stories about him are myths, NOT historical narratives. What historical narrative contains dialog with people speaking in complete sentences? When we read dialog in a narrative we are reading fiction. There are no exceptions to this rule. When we hold the Bible up to literary criticism it fails every test for historicity and passes every test for fiction with flying colors.
"As for myself, I do not believe that such a person as Jesus Christ ever existed; but as the people are inclined to superstition, it is proper not to oppose them." - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
"The Christian religion is a parody on the worship of the sun, in which they put a man called Christ in the place of the sun, and pay him the adoration originally paid the sun. - Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
See what I mean? The best and brightest have always known Jesus Christ never existed. Wise up.
Dear, dear Boris:
Dude, I wish my husband & I could meet you in person & talk over coffee. That would be SOooo Cool! Thanks for all thee great discussion. This is totally AWESOME!
Wise Up?! HA! WISER UP!!! See what I mean, buddy? Thee Best & Brightest among us have always known JESUS CHRIST exists. FACTUAL!
I love quotes & I'm glad you are into them, too. *whimsical grin*
Here are some stupendous ones for thee record:
"There is a GOD-shaped vacuum in every heart." ~Blaise Pascal
"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading today." ~Abraham Lincoln
"Do not by rebellious pride curdle the sweet milk of wisdom & sour your sweet blessing into an awful curse." ~Spurgeon
As you well know, it is not wise to fight GOD Almighty. A reverential fear of GOD is thee beginning of any & all true wisdom.
Boris, if you have been hurt by one of our religious number, I'm sorry & extend all my apologies with all of my heart. Sincerely. My invitation to you for your priceless soul to be brought into thee Kingdom of GOD through JESUS CHRIST still stands. You were, indeed, created by GOD & therefore you have infinite worth & value as an individual. The good LORD considers you a Crowning Jewel in all of HIS Creation. Please review Psalm 139 in depth for validation of my truthful point, 'Beloved Friend.'
Actually, I will continue to pray for you & my wish is that our Creator soften your heart & prepare it for thee GOOD NEWS Gospel message. Do you understand thee message of thee Cross of CHRIST? Like I said, you do appear to be smart, brilliant & well-educated. I hope you let this work for your advantage in terms of your eternal destiny. There is a real Heaven to Seek & a real hell to shun! Make no mistake about it!
I say all of this because I profoundly care about your infinite soul security. Your soul is worth more than all of thee world! JESUS paid a very high price for it with HIS blood on thee Cross of Calvary. Please accept JESUS CHRIST into your heart before it is too late. *begs & pleads with you* [GOD forbid]...if you died today...where would your *precious* soul go? Heaven or Hell? Repent from your sins (total U-turn in life) & follow the guidance of thee Holy Spirit day in & day out, Brother! Honestly, we (thee church) Need YOU very much, especially with your vast reasoning skills. Wow! You could really up thee WOW Factor in thee 'Body of CHRIST' with your brains. You know? I used to be in the medical profession & I find your scientific knowledge to be very interesting. *kudos & props to you* There is a sense of urgency that you get saved/born again. Now is thee day of Salvation...as scripture states so well. Please don't put it off. Your very eternity is at stake!!! P.S. - How come you went to seminary/BIBLE University if you were never officially converted to CHRISTianity? Just wondering is all. *royal wave* Holy luv, LOVE!
~Mrs. S.~
To my buddy, Boris
Love in CHRIST,~Mrs. S.~
Did you know that ppl who work @ banks & such are trained to study only the authentic, genuine cash money? They are specifically instructed NOT to study the counterfeit as far as money goes. Why do you suppose that is? I think the answer is obvious. Don't you? The true money is what warrants the time & energy of the Examiner in order to get the job done efficiently. All this is an analogy to you studying Lee Strobel's work and not someone else in opposition to his excellent research & valid writings.
Please don't gamble with commitment to your personal Salvation & one-on-one friendship with the REAL JESUS CHRIST. Be wise & avoid eternal risks not just for the "fire insurance, hell-wise" but for your love & loyalty to the Messiah. No one knows for sure exactly what tomorrow holds. GOD is our only guarantee for infinite redemption.
Please work to be diverse & inclusive with CHRISTians even before extending respect to other groups where differences are evident. Let CHRISTians be the recipients of grace & respect first & foremost in our world. Why discriminate & stereotype CHRISTians just because the only thing we hate is sin. We never hate individuals if we are, indeed, true Believers.
When I got Saved, I felt like people finally saw me without a "hump" on my back so to speak! You know what I'm gettin' at, spiritually-speaking?
With all due honor, did your polluted mind get into your soul & kill your spirit?
(Macro) evolution science is a cruel hoax & is NOT better than or more superior to orthodox CHRISTianity. You can't afford to be wrong on this matter. Think it through with your thinking cap on tight, 'dear heart.' Eternal life is a terrible thing to waste! You have everything to gain by becoming born-again & absolutely nothing to lose! You can't beat that with a stick! :-)
DEVOTIONAL:
THE GIFT OF DOUBT
"Unless I see the nail marks...and put my finger where the nails were...I will not believe." -John 20:25
When I pick up my morning cup of coffee, I often chat for a moment with thee cashier, who is skeptical about religion. He believes that science has refuted everything religion offers---& all that's left are fairy tales. But one day he quieted his voice & told me his daughter wants to believe in GOD. However, he doesn't know how to talk to her about faith. He steadfastly held to his doubts---until his daughter's questions left him wondering.
Thomas was concerned to have "just the facts." The truth had to be right in front of him before he would believe. But let's not be too hard on Thomas. In thee face of tough times that were hard to understand, many of us might have acted the same way.
Thomas hadn't been with the other disciples when they first saw the risen JESUS. Without rattling the doors or floating through the windows, JESUS came into the room, stood among them all, and said, "Peace be with you!"
Then JESUS invited Thomas to touch his scars so that he could see JESUS was real. "Stop doubting and believe" was thee wake-up call for Thomas to move along to truth. JESUS was indeed risen in thee flesh, and we who believe it with eyes of faith today are blessed beyond what we can imagine. The LORD is risen! Thomas's doubting helps us to believe in the LORD who is fully alive.
PRAYER:
JESUS, fill my doubting heart with faith that dares to believe in you. Help me to truly see you with eyes of faith, and to live the full life of faith for your sake. Amen.
See, Boris. You are NOT alone! Be uplifted & inspired!
Peace! Joy! Courage! Compassion!
Anonymous,
You talk about my soul, the Kingdom of God, salvation, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Heaven, Hell, my eternal destiny - things for which we both know you have not one shred of empirical evidence. They're all ancient religious superstitions, every one. Then you make the ridiculous claim that macro-evolution science is a cruel hoax and not better than orthodox Christianity. That is just insane. Evolution science isn't a religion. The evidence for macro-evolution is overwhelming and of the same nature as the evidence for the roundness of the earth or the evidence that water is actually made up of hydrogen and oxygen. Macro-evolution is taught as fact at every CHRISTIAN college and university in the world with a science department, even the most conservative orthodox private Christian colleges. I know, I graduated from one. What reason would scientists have to promote a cruel hoax? No avenue of human endeavor is more open to scrutiny and challenge than science. Your accusation is a slap in the face to every honest hard working scientist who labors in obscurity trying to make the world a better place. You live a better, healthier, safer, happier and potentially longer life because scientists discovered macro-evolution and you would probably be long dead from some disease they could not have eradicated or found a cure for without this knowledge. Why do you think we only test drugs and other chemicals on animals we are closely related to and how did we find out which animals they were? Only one way: by learning the facts of macro-evolution. Macro-evolution science works for everyone whether they "believe" in it or not. The same cannot be said about Christianity. You're not a scientist and are in no way qualified to make claims contrary to the major consensus of the scientific community. The fact that you think you are proves just bow deluded you are. Why should I take a delusional person seriously?
Bible believing Christians have fought against every scientific discovery and theory ever made ever since the Bible has existed, even the ones made by other Christians such as Newton, Galileo, Copernicus - the list is endless. How is arguing against macro-evolution any different than what other orthodox Christians have always done in the past? It isn't just macro-evolution you have a problem with either. Your cult leaders have blurred the distinction between different areas of science so you would not realize the scope of all the science you have to deny to remain a Bible believer. Creationists also deny the findings of modern cosmology, geology, anthropology, paleontology, cell theory, zoology, oceanography, quantum physics, astronomy and the rest of modern science as well. You have to because every fact that is discovered about the natural world argues against the supernatural. This results is desperate claims that facts such as macro-evolution simply don't exist or worse that they are hoaxes. Before you tell me evolution is "just a theory" it isn't. According to my orthodox Christian college biology professor and the rest of the scientific community, macro-evolution is a fact and the Theory of Evolution is an explanation of that and other facts.
Lee Strobel has never done any excellent research and his writings are not valid. I told you that you can find clear point by point criticisms and refutations of everything Strobel and any other Christian apologist has written right here on this very Internet. You haven't done this and you aren't likely to either. Why should I listen to someone who has only heard one side of the argument? I've read Strobel's nonsense and the crap he writes may sound convincing to people who already want very much to believe him. But if his work were valid where are all the converts?
Hey there, Boris! What's Up? I'm in Virginia now @ a Pilot Travel Center with my beloved hubby. I have a lot more to share with you in a spirit of godly fellowship. Please don't think I'm trying to badger you or argue in any way, shape or form. Ok? I'm sorry if my News Flash about (macro) evolution being a cruel hoax was alarming or disappointing to you since you probably have been taught that 'load of garbage' most of your life. I'm being very sincere & honest with you here. You have all of my compassion & empathy on that. I'll be in touch soon. Hang in there, dude! GOD Bless you & yours!!!>>>
All my holy love & blessings,
~Mrs. Stoughton~
for you, the general blog readers:
at this point it would be called foolishness to continue attempts to save boris' soul with arguments. i understand everyones desire for this of course but at some point we need to recognize that we have been warned about this kind of people.
Matthew 7:6
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
this does not mean that boris is a dog or a pig but only that he does not have any desire to accept Christ's sacrifice on his behalf. to continue to "word battle" with him or try to meet his argumentative challenges is simply unfruitful.
the scriptures also say that men will ultimately not be won over by knowledge and words but by the gospel, the Holy Spirit. scripturally, the only wise thing to do here is to pray for him. that is the most powerful way to affect change in him. the only way at this point. he has made it clear that everything else is futile.
is he not trappling your words and turning to tear you to pieces?
as much as our hearts reach out to him, and as much as we may be frustrated by his posts, the only appropriate thing to do is avoid a pointless use of space and simple pray for him. that is it. he has come here for a fight and all we're doing is giving it to him. the only one who can win this fight is going to be the Spirit of God. so lets step aside by partnering in prayer and let the Lord do the work.
Mrs. Stroughton,
I have a news flash for YOU: I don't get my science information from Bible believers like you or from creationist websites like you do. It takes a supreme combination of arrogance and ignorance for a scientific ignoramus such as you truly are Mrs. Stroughton, to pronounce a major scientific theory a "load of garbage." I learned about macro-evolution at the private CHRISTIAN college I graduated from. Do you know how many times some deranged Bible believer has told me that some major long standing, well established, thoroughly tested, wonderfully productive and predictive scientific explanation was a "load of garbage?" It's nothing more than Galileo, Copernicus, Newton and every other scientist from the past all over again. When have Bible believers ever NOT had a problem with science? When have scientists ever had to revise one of their theories in the face of claims from Christian fundamentalist Bible believers? Macro-evolution isn't going away. But because of Bible believers and their constant complaints and lies about science Christianity is going away and very rapidly too. The more imbeciles like you whine about science the more intelligent people lave the church forever. Keep it up.
Dear, dear, DeAR, DEAR & even more DEAR than all that...Mr. Sir Boris:
GOD's Peace! WOAH, DUDE! STOP! I sense your rage & anger. With all due dignity, you are way out-of-control & have crossed thee proverbial line...as it were. The name-calling is just 'foul play' & counterproductive for all involved. I have made every effort to befriend you in a spirit of godly, sacred outreach & you are showing your deep insecurities & issues by attacking my character & extreme intelligence. I'll have you know that I have more degrees than a thermometer! *sweet smile* GOD has been very good to me & my life-long education. Praise JESUS!
Boris, I do believe that Miss Xylina made some valid points above. In all reality, I don't know who the 'anonymous' typer is with the emo--boy link. Actually, I find that kind of taunting to be immature & condemning. So I have prayed things over extensively & I'm respectively inviting you to join my C.I.R. (CHRISTians in Recovery) group that I am a facilitator of. We can dialogue there if you promise to do so in a vibe of mutual respect. No name-calling or bullying allowed. That's a rule that goes for everyone. If you are interested, please leave your e-mail address here & I'll send you an official invitation to join so we can continue the discussion. If not, I wish you well on your way. The choice is yours. Your eternal future is at stake & it is crucial that you respond to your Creator with repentance (A full U-turn on the path of life) before it is too late! May GOD's holy blessings be with you ALWAYS!
In truest fellowship & CHRISTian love for Kingdom Victory,
Forever ~Mrs. Stoughton~
Mrs. Stroughton,
I'm not the one with insecurities that need to be soothed by an imaginary sky daddy. What is the fear of being punished for all eternity for not buying into the dogmas and doctrines of a particular religion if it isn't an insecurity? Or the thought that you're a hopeless sinner in need of redemption? What's that, a feeling of secure self-confidence that you don't need to rely on anyone else? Hardly. Yeah you're intelligence is "extreme" all right. I don't care how many degrees you have, none of them had anything to do with the world of science. You're out of your league in a conversation with a fifth grader when it comes to science.
Let me tie your comment about my name calling and Xylina's post. When Jesus refers to the "dogs" and the "swine" he's clearly referring to the Gentiles. That isn't the only Zionist prejudice statement put on the lips of Jesus by the New Testament writers either.
I have no desire to befriend anyone who shows such disdain and disrespect for science in general and all the hard working scientists who labor in obscurity trying to make the world a better place. We both benefit from the science you claim is a "load of garbage." How did we know we could test vaccines, medicines, chemicals and other things on animals and which animals we could test which things on? We knew because we found out which animals we were most closely related to through macro-evolution. Why did we choose to shoot chimpanzees into space and not some other animal? Because chimps are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. How did we know this? Let me tell you it wasn't through faith. It doesn't take faith to understand macro-evolution. The facts speak for themselves. You can choose to ignore them but they aren't going away. Meanwhile you look like a fool, which is fine with me. Like I said, people like you have caused people to run from Christianity like never before. Keep it up. I love it.
As I already pointed out you'd probably be dead right now from some disease that was incurable before scientists discovered evolution by natural selection and starting testing vaccines and other drugs on animals. Now with embryonic stem cells scientists have and will continue to make incredible breakthroughs in medical science because embryonic stem cells can be turned into any kind of cell. Adult stem cells cannot. Yet religious fanatics like you want to once again block this new science and try to stifle medical progress. Using embryonic stem cells doctors can cure 2 out of 3 birth defect in the womb which will cut down on the number of abortions and produce healthier babies. It's obvious that the no-choice, anti-science Bible thumping Christians care nothing about the unborn at all but only about imposing their religious beliefs on the rest of us. This is why your movement must be exposed as the evil, tyrannical and false religion that it truly is. Science is our ONLY hope and those who try to stand in its way need to be run over. Consider yourself crushed.
Yes, Xylina, *partnering in a ::prayer vigil:: with you & thee general bloggers for thee lost souls in the world* Let thee good LORD do HIS work, indeed. I thank you with all my heart, Sister! Thee *precious* Holy Spirit already crushed the enemy who is the devil! Adios! *gracious smile*
Peace...[out!]
~Mrs. S.~
Humanness ROCKS! :):):)
GOD's Speed!!!
We are indeed, ONE in our Humaness.
Boris says: The word is humanity Mrs. 'I have more degrees than a thermometer." Not in science or English you don't.
It is very sad when someone believes they have to get the "last word" in order to get the upperhand. This kind of "one-up-manship" just destroys mature, progressive, respectful conversation.
Love lifted up is healing! Healing wishes & agape' love to all! In our humanity & humanness...we are ONE! Jesus Christ loves Jews & Gentiles alike! Be Courteous & safe!+ + +
Eternity!
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