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C
Science does not have a political or social agenda.
Because scientist depend, to a great extent, on government funding, they are greatly influenced by politics. They must justify their continued studies, by discovering things the politicians will support. Otherwise, there is no job security in studying these matters.
I'm glad there's no reincarnation. Mortal life is tough. Of course being only 18, you wouldn't have any knowledge of that.
Having a fractured vertebrae in my neck and two in my lower back, two crippled knees, high blood pressure, heart trouble, MRSA, the loss of my first wife, not living at home with my family, for fear that I may infect my wife and son, living on workers comp, I'd hate to think there's going to be a second time around.
But, because I have faith, I have hope.
It was after 911, that I began studying geopolitical events, and Islamic writings. I then reflected on my childhood teaching in the church, and started reading the Bible, for the first time. It is remarkable how all things today were foretold in the scriptures. Having a logical mine; (I graduated number one in my class at OSU Tech 30 years ago, and had the top score in algebra and physics, and tutored both), I came to the conclusion that it is mathematically impossible, for any book of prophecy written 2,000 years ago, to be so accurate without divine inspiration. Therefore, I was compelled to believe. The vision I had, shortly after my salvation, along with the changes in my life, all confirm my belief.
Praying for you
Because scientist depend, to a great extent, on government funding, they are greatly influenced by politics. They must justify their continued studies, by discovering things the politicians will support. Otherwise, there is no job security in studying these matters.
I'm glad there's no reincarnation. Mortal life is tough. Of course being only 18, you wouldn't have any knowledge of that.
Having a fractured vertebrae in my neck and two in my lower back, two crippled knees, high blood pressure, heart trouble, MRSA, the loss of my first wife, not living at home with my family, for fear that I may infect my wife and son, living on workers comp, I'd hate to think there's going to be a second time around.
But, because I have faith, I have hope.
It was after 911, that I began studying geopolitical events, and Islamic writings. I then reflected on my childhood teaching in the church, and started reading the Bible, for the first time. It is remarkable how all things today were foretold in the scriptures. Having a logical mine; (I graduated number one in my class at OSU Tech 30 years ago, and had the top score in algebra and physics, and tutored both), I came to the conclusion that it is mathematically impossible, for any book of prophecy written 2,000 years ago, to be so accurate without divine inspiration. Therefore, I was compelled to believe. The vision I had, shortly after my salvation, along with the changes in my life, all confirm my belief.
Praying for you
B
Well, yeah some do, others research through universities. However, like I said science uncovers evidence to form laws and develop theories. It's up to the individual to interpret.
"Of course being only 18, you wouldn't have any knowledge of that."
With all due respect, you don't know me AT ALL. You have NO idea what I've been through. My life has been short but it hasn't been easy. There will be more challenges to face, perhaps my greatest challenges have yet to come, but that doesn't mean I know nothing of the world. Please, don't discredit me for my age, but for what I have to offer. I have a lot of experiences, none of which you know. I don't judge you, don't judge me.
I still don't get what this hope is. Hope for what?
That's cool. I'm glad that you found some way to find meaning in your life! I think that's very important.
"Of course being only 18, you wouldn't have any knowledge of that."
With all due respect, you don't know me AT ALL. You have NO idea what I've been through. My life has been short but it hasn't been easy. There will be more challenges to face, perhaps my greatest challenges have yet to come, but that doesn't mean I know nothing of the world. Please, don't discredit me for my age, but for what I have to offer. I have a lot of experiences, none of which you know. I don't judge you, don't judge me.
I still don't get what this hope is. Hope for what?
That's cool. I'm glad that you found some way to find meaning in your life! I think that's very important.
Batman, you have an excellent logical mind but you are using it without learning how God thinks. If God created the world, you, and how the world operates, then the most brilliant mind can't be trusted if it doesn't take that into consideration.
You don't decide what god to follow through voting on it, but by using that wonderful mind of yours, and by something you would find out about called the Holy Spirit. Look at the culture and people of followers of different gods. Christians made a lot of mistakes, look to see if it was following God that caused them, or following what some man thought. America's beginning is an example of doing the best they could to follow God. Most of the nations who have people in great need follow other Gods.
You don't decide what god to follow through voting on it, but by using that wonderful mind of yours, and by something you would find out about called the Holy Spirit. Look at the culture and people of followers of different gods. Christians made a lot of mistakes, look to see if it was following God that caused them, or following what some man thought. America's beginning is an example of doing the best they could to follow God. Most of the nations who have people in great need follow other Gods.
C
I don't know if this life is all there is. I don't have any idea. I'm guessing that when we die that's it, we're just dead, just like it was before we lived.
That's what hope is all about. Hope is that you are wrong. Hope is that there is more to life. Hope is that when Jesus returns, I will be counted worthy as one of His elect, to inherit eternal life. Without faith, there is no hope. And, we are as you said; "just dead", or worse.
Sense the Bible prophecies, both OT and NT have all been accurate to this point in time, it would be foolish to think, those prophecies, yet to be fulfilled, will not likewise be accurate. And sense it is written that there is a heaven and a hell, that the only path to escape eternal death is through Christ Jesus, it is foolish not to believe. If this is wrong thinking, what danger does it pose if we believe. If you were to be correct and we are "just dead", no harm is done. But because you are not correct, I have hope.
I do pity and pray for all who, like you, have no hope. This is the message I have been trying to impress, each time I end my communications with you. Praying for you
That's what hope is all about. Hope is that you are wrong. Hope is that there is more to life. Hope is that when Jesus returns, I will be counted worthy as one of His elect, to inherit eternal life. Without faith, there is no hope. And, we are as you said; "just dead", or worse.
Sense the Bible prophecies, both OT and NT have all been accurate to this point in time, it would be foolish to think, those prophecies, yet to be fulfilled, will not likewise be accurate. And sense it is written that there is a heaven and a hell, that the only path to escape eternal death is through Christ Jesus, it is foolish not to believe. If this is wrong thinking, what danger does it pose if we believe. If you were to be correct and we are "just dead", no harm is done. But because you are not correct, I have hope.
I do pity and pray for all who, like you, have no hope. This is the message I have been trying to impress, each time I end my communications with you. Praying for you
B
Aw, thanks 
I do take it into consideration! It is something I have considered many times and is something I will likely consider throughout my life. I have considered that maybe there is a god. I have even considered that perhaps that god is Christian. However, I just don't think that's the case.
I think it's a big misunderstanding that many Christians hold (not necessarily you, because you haven't said this and I don't want to put words into your mouth, or "post" lol) that those who aren't Christians don't consider god. Because if we did then surely we would believe as you do! Like I said I have and I continue to entertain the notion that maybe there is a god. However, for several reasons I'll only touch on if you ask me to, I don't believe in one. I just don't.
In fact, I just started a religion class yesterday! We're going to a beautiful Cathedral later in the semester, along with a Hindu temple and a few others I believe, although I don't remember exactly.
I know of the Holy Spirit, you're telling me nothing new.
Actually historians believe many of the founding fathers were self-proclaimed deists. It's even believed that Thomas Jefferson was an atheist, although the term didn't exist back then. I'm pretty sure Benjamin Franklin was. Religion was way less prevalent and quieter back then, more of a private matter. This country was founded because religious persons were being persecuted, and the country was founded to prevent that, thus they formed the separation of church and state. I highly doubt the founding fathers would proclaim this to be a christian nation after leaving a christian nation that prosecuted them for their beliefs.
You can look at examples of cultures all over the world throughout history that flourished under religion, and declined under the same religion. Egypt was one of the greatest nations this world has ever known, and that was long before Christianity.
I do take it into consideration! It is something I have considered many times and is something I will likely consider throughout my life. I have considered that maybe there is a god. I have even considered that perhaps that god is Christian. However, I just don't think that's the case.
I think it's a big misunderstanding that many Christians hold (not necessarily you, because you haven't said this and I don't want to put words into your mouth, or "post" lol) that those who aren't Christians don't consider god. Because if we did then surely we would believe as you do! Like I said I have and I continue to entertain the notion that maybe there is a god. However, for several reasons I'll only touch on if you ask me to, I don't believe in one. I just don't.
In fact, I just started a religion class yesterday! We're going to a beautiful Cathedral later in the semester, along with a Hindu temple and a few others I believe, although I don't remember exactly.
I know of the Holy Spirit, you're telling me nothing new.
Actually historians believe many of the founding fathers were self-proclaimed deists. It's even believed that Thomas Jefferson was an atheist, although the term didn't exist back then. I'm pretty sure Benjamin Franklin was. Religion was way less prevalent and quieter back then, more of a private matter. This country was founded because religious persons were being persecuted, and the country was founded to prevent that, thus they formed the separation of church and state. I highly doubt the founding fathers would proclaim this to be a christian nation after leaving a christian nation that prosecuted them for their beliefs.
You can look at examples of cultures all over the world throughout history that flourished under religion, and declined under the same religion. Egypt was one of the greatest nations this world has ever known, and that was long before Christianity.
B
I'm sorry you think I broke your heart
I know a lot of atheists who, like you, hope I am wrong. Again I understand how the idea of no afterlife is frightening. I, personally, think it's rather peaceful. It's not like you'll mind once you're dead, because you have no emotions or thoughts. You simply cease to exist. I just think that makes life all the more beautiful.
Well I haven't looked into the prophecies of the bible so I can't say anything there.
Hey, I might very well be wrong. I won't know until I die, and if I'm right I guess I'll never know because by then I won't be able to form any thoughts.
You can pray for me. A lot of atheists get offended by that but I know that you do it out of kindness (at least I hope so), so I don't. I don't think it will do anything, but if it makes you feel better by all means!
I know a lot of atheists who, like you, hope I am wrong. Again I understand how the idea of no afterlife is frightening. I, personally, think it's rather peaceful. It's not like you'll mind once you're dead, because you have no emotions or thoughts. You simply cease to exist. I just think that makes life all the more beautiful.
Well I haven't looked into the prophecies of the bible so I can't say anything there.
Hey, I might very well be wrong. I won't know until I die, and if I'm right I guess I'll never know because by then I won't be able to form any thoughts.
You can pray for me. A lot of atheists get offended by that but I know that you do it out of kindness (at least I hope so), so I don't. I don't think it will do anything, but if it makes you feel better by all means!
C
I'm sorry you think I broke your heart
I know a lot of atheists who, like you, hope I am wrong. Again I understand how the idea of no afterlife is frightening. I, personally, think it's rather peaceful. It's not like you'll mind once you're dead, because you have no emotions or thoughts. You simply cease to exist. I just think that makes life all the more beautiful.
Well I haven't looked into the prophecies of the bible so I can't say anything there.
Hey, I might very well be wrong. I won't know until I die, and if I'm right I guess I'll never know because by then I won't be able to form any thoughts.
You can pray for me. A lot of atheists get offended by that but I know that you do it out of kindness (at least I hope so), so I don't. I don't think it will do anything, but if it makes you feel better by all means!
I know a lot of atheists who, like you, hope I am wrong. Again I understand how the idea of no afterlife is frightening. I, personally, think it's rather peaceful. It's not like you'll mind once you're dead, because you have no emotions or thoughts. You simply cease to exist. I just think that makes life all the more beautiful.
Well I haven't looked into the prophecies of the bible so I can't say anything there.
Hey, I might very well be wrong. I won't know until I die, and if I'm right I guess I'll never know because by then I won't be able to form any thoughts.
You can pray for me. A lot of atheists get offended by that but I know that you do it out of kindness (at least I hope so), so I don't. I don't think it will do anything, but if it makes you feel better by all means!
Hey, I might very well be wrong. I won't know until I die The lake of fire awaits the unsaved.
Well I haven't looked into the prophecies of the bible so I can't say anything there. Check them out. Compare historic and current events to the forecast written so many thousand years ago. They are more accurate than the weather channel.
B
Well, according to your religion I'm going to hell. According to an uncountable number of others, you and I are both going to hell. According to many OTHERS, we're both going to heaven. Or we'll be reincarnated. Or we'll be ghosts. Or we'll be in purgatory.
Besides, fear of hell isn't very well a good reason to join a religion, is it?
I probably will look at them one day. Forgive me if that day isn't today, though, because I could go on an Islamic site and they will tell me the exact same thing about the Koran. Any religion can say "if you just look at this you'll see it as truth", I see Christianity as no different from any other religion.
Well, that's not entirely true. Christianity is more prevalent in my life than any other religion because I'm surrounded by Christians. From a theological point of view they're all the same.
Besides, fear of hell isn't very well a good reason to join a religion, is it?
I probably will look at them one day. Forgive me if that day isn't today, though, because I could go on an Islamic site and they will tell me the exact same thing about the Koran. Any religion can say "if you just look at this you'll see it as truth", I see Christianity as no different from any other religion.
Well, that's not entirely true. Christianity is more prevalent in my life than any other religion because I'm surrounded by Christians. From a theological point of view they're all the same.
C
Obviously, the Christians surrounding you have made an impression. Otherwise you would not be seeking answers on this forum.
Besides, fear of hell isn't very well a good reason to join a religion, is it? The second verse of "Amazing Grace" speaks to this; "T'is grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved." And it is written in Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." When I was in your lost condition, it was the fear of Gods righteous judgment that caused me to wise up.
I know how difficult it is to admit you are wrong, and to humble yourself, and realize all you know is foolishness to God. Proverbs also speaks to this; Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Perhaps fear is not a good motivator for an 18 year old. I wish I were 18 again. I knew everything then. I wasn't afraid of death or anything else. The world was my oyster. I know love is not a good motivator. When you're 18 love equals sex. So if I speak of real love, the kind of love that would cause a man to die, in order to save a bunch of people he doesn't even know; or the kind of love His Father has for someone like me, to allow this to take place, it would be senseless to an 18 year old. You will have to forgive me. Many years have past sense I was 18. I forget how much more I knew then, and how foolish older people like me truly are.
But there is hell, and because I love you, I do not wish it for you.
There is faith, hope and love. This is why I'm Praying for you
Besides, fear of hell isn't very well a good reason to join a religion, is it? The second verse of "Amazing Grace" speaks to this; "T'is grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved." And it is written in Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." When I was in your lost condition, it was the fear of Gods righteous judgment that caused me to wise up.
I know how difficult it is to admit you are wrong, and to humble yourself, and realize all you know is foolishness to God. Proverbs also speaks to this; Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Perhaps fear is not a good motivator for an 18 year old. I wish I were 18 again. I knew everything then. I wasn't afraid of death or anything else. The world was my oyster. I know love is not a good motivator. When you're 18 love equals sex. So if I speak of real love, the kind of love that would cause a man to die, in order to save a bunch of people he doesn't even know; or the kind of love His Father has for someone like me, to allow this to take place, it would be senseless to an 18 year old. You will have to forgive me. Many years have past sense I was 18. I forget how much more I knew then, and how foolish older people like me truly are.
But there is hell, and because I love you, I do not wish it for you.
There is faith, hope and love. This is why I'm Praying for you
B
Ok, I'm sorry in advance but I have to say this: you're being really rude.
You're being extremely judgmental. When did I ever say that I was right, that I know everything? I JUST said, two posts ago, "I might very well be wrong.". Do you even read or care what I have to say? Why are you talking to me if you're going to put words in my mouth and ignore what I write? You keep ignoring anything I tell you (after, might I add, you ASK me to tell you) and say "well you're only 18. When I was 18 I thought I knew everything, too". Why are you talking to someone so inferior?
I don't think you're foolish at all, either. Again, you're putting words in my mouth.
I seriously doubt there is a hell. You believe it's real, but I don't. I think it's a fictional, made up place. Therefore I am not at all scared of it. At all. You can keep using it to try and convert me, but it's futile because I just don't think such a place exists.
You're being extremely judgmental. When did I ever say that I was right, that I know everything? I JUST said, two posts ago, "I might very well be wrong.". Do you even read or care what I have to say? Why are you talking to me if you're going to put words in my mouth and ignore what I write? You keep ignoring anything I tell you (after, might I add, you ASK me to tell you) and say "well you're only 18. When I was 18 I thought I knew everything, too". Why are you talking to someone so inferior?
I don't think you're foolish at all, either. Again, you're putting words in my mouth.
I seriously doubt there is a hell. You believe it's real, but I don't. I think it's a fictional, made up place. Therefore I am not at all scared of it. At all. You can keep using it to try and convert me, but it's futile because I just don't think such a place exists.
B
Gosh, I missed a lot these last few days.
Bat, don't stop searching. I was in your boat about hell a long time ago. Here's the scoop....everything anyone says to you right now is going to seem like foolishness. It actually says that in the bible.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
New International Version (NIV)
Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom
18*For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19*For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
****the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[a]
20*Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21*For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22*Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23*but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24*but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25*For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Your first step towards faith is belief in God...one God. Have you read any Lee Stoebel books? He was an atheist lawyer who set out to write a book disproving Christianity. You might pick one up.
I will add you to my prayers if it does not offend you.
Blooming_Violet
Bat, don't stop searching. I was in your boat about hell a long time ago. Here's the scoop....everything anyone says to you right now is going to seem like foolishness. It actually says that in the bible.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
New International Version (NIV)
Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom
18*For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19*For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
****the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[a]
20*Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21*For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22*Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23*but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24*but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25*For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Your first step towards faith is belief in God...one God. Have you read any Lee Stoebel books? He was an atheist lawyer who set out to write a book disproving Christianity. You might pick one up.
I will add you to my prayers if it does not offend you.
Blooming_Violet
I've seen you pull this card a few times now CDavid and I want to note that just because you had serious perspective issues at that age doesn't mean everyone does... It's a very poor card to pull, and I believe it's detrimental to your conversation with Batman.
Did you ever read the Preface to Dr. Dobsons Dare to Discipline 4th edition? I found it amusing. He said that when he was just out of school his ideas on parenting where very much the same as when he turned 50, but when he was just out of school those older than him mocked his inexperience and told him he would know better when he was older.
Don't dispise others youth, especially not on the grounds that you personally didn't have things together at the time.
Did you ever read the Preface to Dr. Dobsons Dare to Discipline 4th edition? I found it amusing. He said that when he was just out of school his ideas on parenting where very much the same as when he turned 50, but when he was just out of school those older than him mocked his inexperience and told him he would know better when he was older.
Don't dispise others youth, especially not on the grounds that you personally didn't have things together at the time.
C
You are confusing discernment with judgement. Because I have been exactly where you are now, I have the ability to discern things about young 18 year old lost people quite accurately. And the tune of your reply, to me seems to confirm, that my discernment is again quite accurate.
I seriously doubt there is a hell. You believe it's real, but I don't. I think it's a fictional, made up place. Therefore I am not at all scared of it. At all. You can keep using it to try and convert me, but it's futile because I just don't think such a place exists.
I promise I will not try to persuade you any more. This will be my last communication with you.
[h=3]Matthew 7:6[/h] Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
[h=3]Mark 6:11[/h] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Praying for you
I seriously doubt there is a hell. You believe it's real, but I don't. I think it's a fictional, made up place. Therefore I am not at all scared of it. At all. You can keep using it to try and convert me, but it's futile because I just don't think such a place exists.
I promise I will not try to persuade you any more. This will be my last communication with you.
[h=3]Matthew 7:6[/h] Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
[h=3]Mark 6:11[/h] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Praying for you
B
You haven't been exactly where I am now. You've been the same age, but what does that mean? You've the same age as some child soldier in Africa, but you haven't been exactly where they are. You've been the same age as someone who survived a concentration camp, but you couldn't possibly know exactly where they were.
You were my age once. So? I don't claim to know what it's like for every person younger than me just because I've been their age.
I know that there's a certain wisdom that comes with being older. You're more experienced. You've been on this earth longer. However, that doesn't mean you've done more soul-searching than someone who's younger. That doesn't mean that you've done more research than someone younger. All it means is you're older. Everybody's different.
You can't possibly say you've been exactly where I am. Where do I live? What's my family situation? Do I speak to both my parents? Are they both alive? Have I suffered any traumatic events? You can't answer any of these questions! How can you possibly know what it's like to be me? All you know about me is the very small sliver I've presented on this website.
Tone of my reply? I was answering a question you asked me.