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* "Theology is in fault not religion. Theology is a science that may justly be compared to the Box of Pandora. Many good things lie uppermost in it; but many evil lie under them, and scatter plagues and desolation throughout the world."
Thomas Paine, a Deistic American political theorist and pamphleteer, wrote in his three-part work The Age of Reason (1794, 1795, 1807):
The study of theology, as it stands in Christian churches, is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authorities; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion. Not anything can be studied as a science, without our being in possession of the principles upon which it is founded; and as this is the case with Christian theology, it is therefore the study of nothing.
Theology is not faith.... To "have faith" is to be in a personal relationship with God, who is Truth itself.... Theology is “faith seeking understanding” (to use St. Anselm of Canterbury's centuries-old definition). It is the more or less systematic effort one makes to understand and express the fundamental experience of God.... “Christian” theology focuses that process of understanding on Jesus Christ...operating within, and in fidelity to, a particular community and tradition.... ….In John 1:1–4, John clearly identifies Jesus as the Word:"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
*( 'Articles in this particular thread are compiled from various governmental and other public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on )
"I hope the reader clearly understands the title of this thread. I understand each are at different levels
in the Christian life, and I respect this reality. It is not for me to infringe on one's belief and/or one's
Christian affiliation.
Yes, man is fallible, but God is able to use fallible men to pen inspired spiritual messages that are all truth.
Just why did God use fallible, sinful men, to write down His inspired revelation? Perhaps it’s the same reason
He uses fallible and sinful men to share His salvation message today – it’s our privilege to be beacons
of light and instruments of His glory." "Amen"
'I do believe by all indications, there being subjects that are of great concern to different individuals,
and caution is needed in relation to putting forth untruths, misleading words...(Dictionary Definition of 'misleading' Deceptive or giving a false impression, leading to an inaccurate understanding or perception of a particular situation, statement, or concept.)
'Keeping in mind the meaning of Yi-Fi..('Your information-For intellectuals' "No pun intended)"). (Intellectual being a person who engages in critical thinking, research, and reflection about the reality of society (Christian) and who proposes ideas for its normative problems. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an intellectual is a person whose life and/or work centers around the study and/or use of ideas, such as in teaching or writing.)
( 'This article has been compiled from various Christian Universities and other public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on )
Isaiah 53:5, which is then quoted in 1 Peter 2:24, is a key verse on healing, but it is often misunderstood and misapplied. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” The word translated “healed” can mean either spiritual or physical healing. However, the contexts of Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2 make it clear that it is speaking of spiritual healing. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). The verse is talking about sin and righteousness, not sickness and disease. Therefore, being “healed” in both these verses is speaking of being forgiven and saved, not physically healed.
The Bible does not specifically link physical healing with spiritual healing. Sometimes people are physically healed when they place their faith in Christ, but this is not always the case. Sometimes it is God’s will to heal, but sometimes it is not. The apostle John gives us the proper perspective: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15). God still performs miracles. God still heals people. Sickness, disease, pain, and death are still realities in this world. Unless the Lord returns, everyone who is alive today will die, and the vast majority of them (Christians included) will die as the result of a physical problem (disease, sickness, injury). It is not always God’s will to heal us physically.
Ultimately, our full physical healing awaits us in heaven. In heaven, there will be no more pain, sickness, disease, suffering, or death (Revelation 21). Whether or not God grants us physical healing in this world, we can trust His goodness and focus our hope on heaven where we will no longer have to deal with physical problems. Revelation 21:4 describes the true healing we all long for: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
"Thank God for a "miracle" that the assassination attempt on Donald Trump failed.
The Pope has often been protected by enclosed bullet proof enclosures when exposed to
the public. With the sinister movement across the land, one must question, with the disturbing
rhetoric surrounding Trump...WHY! have not extreme measures been implemented to protect a
person such as Trump. Probably the most loved and the most likely candidate to turn our country around,
and also one of the most feared and hated persons in this age."
"Destroyed from within" has a sinister implication of conceivably, being that the sinister movement
surely being a "home grown" assembly, and within the very arena of a governmental agency that
has the tools and power to protect and/or not to protect whom and/or whatever they so choose."
'John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. This was a time I lived in, and it came
down to basically the discord of a nation of people, pertaining to the government system that was in place.
The time was of great unrest, speculations, theory's and a nation on the brink of a culture disaster.'
'Religion and Government are certainly very different Things, instituted for different Ends; the design of one
being to promote our temporal Happiness; the design of the other to procure the Favor of God, and thereby
the Salvation of our Souls. While these are kept distinct and apart, the Peace and welfare of Society is preserved,
and the Ends of both are answered. By mixing them together, feuds, animosities and persecutions have been raised,
which have deluged the World in Blood, and disgraced human Nature.'
"The end was known from the beginning, carries a chilly reminder...do not be afraid, now is the time for
spiritual preparation."
"Thank God for a "miracle" that the assassination attempt on Donald Trump failed.
The Pope has often been protected by enclosed bullet proof enclosures when exposed to
the public. With the sinister movement across the land, one must question, with the disturbing
rhetoric surrounding Trump...WHY! have not extreme measures been implemented to protect a
person such as Trump. Probably the most loved and the most likely candidate to turn our country around,
and also one of the most feared and hated persons in this age."
"Destroyed from within" has a sinister implication of conceivably, being that the sinister movement
surely being a "home grown" assembly, and within the very arena of a governmental agency that
has the tools and power to protect and/or not to protect whom and/or whatever they so choose."
'John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. This was a time I lived in, and it came
down to basically the discord of a nation of people, pertaining to the government system that was in place.
The time was of great unrest, speculations, theory's and a nation on the brink of a culture disaster.'
'Religion and Government are certainly very different Things, instituted for different Ends; the design of one
being to promote our temporal Happiness; the design of the other to procure the Favor of God, and thereby
the Salvation of our Souls. While these are kept distinct and apart, the Peace and welfare of Society is preserved,
and the Ends of both are answered. By mixing them together, feuds, animosities and persecutions have been raised,
which have deluged the World in Blood, and disgraced human Nature.'
"The end was known from the beginning, carries a chilling reminder...do not be afraid, now is the time for
spiritual preparation."
"It being a sad time when the new millennial age is exposed to the surreal event of an
assassination attempt. And, unimaginable if it had been successful!
Such an atrocity, even in the Kennedy event, and now with the Trump situation...the psychological effect on the nation and individuals can be devastating. I was twenty-two years old when the nation was hit with the reality of John F. Kennedy being assassinated, killed, murdered in front of the public to witness. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis held his shattered head in her hands on way to hospital. This was forever etched in the minds of myself along with millions of viewers. Tears and heartfelt emotions were upon us. A grievous time of great psychological fallout, can last a lifetime. And many had not the fortitude or ability to get over such an event. I will leave it there."
'I can only hope to God, as back then, people and our nation became more united in a way that brought some unity in our purpose, and surely God was a serious focus on many lives.'
"Focus on God may well be needed, now more than ever, in these unpredictable and restless times of...here in the now."
"Repeating negative narratives made through the destructiveness of News Media, only tends to
keep the ugliness alive. But then, perhaps on the wrong path, many have not yet to fully realize
the error of their way, and likely never will."
"A known powerful tool used by an adversary... the effects have, can, will and
presently bring cause of great division and separation, within the family structure.
**(Brainwashing is a systematic process aimed at altering an individual's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors through psychological and manipulative means. Techniques used in brainwashing include manipulation of information, isolation, fear tactics, repetition, and indoctrination. Brainwashing reduces the subject's ability to think critically or independently and introduces new, unwanted thoughts and ideas. It often involves isolation, indoctrination, threats, rewards, and the use of propaganda to remove free will.
Mind control defined as "the process by which individual or collective freedom of choice and action is compromised by agents or agencies that modify or distort perception, motivation, affect, cognition or behavioral outcomes, and being conceivably suggested that any human being is susceptible to such manipulation.)
**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various governmental and other public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on )
"It being conceivable, the world witnessed a day, in a blink... the 'Adversary' and 'Divine' intervention
were on display. And, has surely changed the atmosphere of a nation."
"Surely being skeptical, are many that appear to rely on intellectual worldly narratives to seemingly
promote self. Ultimately, whether spiritual realities are real can depend on personal experiences,
cultural background, and individual beliefs."
RULES ARE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Good News: It was a normal day in Sharon Springs , Kansas , when a Union Pacific crew boarded a loaded coal train for the long trek to Salina ..
The Bad News: Just a few miles into the trip a wheel bearing became overheated and melted, letting a metal support drop down and grind on the rail, creating white hot molten metal droppings spewing down to the rail.
The Good News: A very alert crew noticed smoke about halfway back in the train and immediately stopped the train in compliance with the Rules.
The Bad News: The train stopped with the hot wheel over a wooden bridge with creosote ties and trusses.
The crew tried to explain to higher-ups, but were instructed not to move the train!
They were instructed that the Rules prohibit moving the train when a part is defective!
REMEMBER, RULES ARE RULES! Don't ever let common sense get in the way of a good disaster!
"Yes, man is fallible, but God is able to use fallible men to pen inspired spiritual messages that are all truth. Just why did God use fallible, sinful men, to write down His inspired revelation? Perhaps it’s the same reason He uses fallible and sinful men to share His salvation message today – it’s our privilege to be beacons of light and instruments of His glory."
'Know this and know it well...
Light in the Bible is a powerful symbol of God's word, wisdom, and guidance.
It is a beacon of hope, symbolizing the promise of salvation and deliverance from darkness.
Light is a powerful allegory, revealing hidden truths and dispelling shadows.
Its brilliance can transform our lives, leading us to a life of righteousness.
The symbolism and meaning of light in the Bible is a journey of discovery, inviting us to explore the depths of divine truth.
"Precisely that of which is being witnessed, and obviously, as disturbing as it is, this conduct
continues unabated, and continues to bring cause of great separation and further deteriorates
the spiritual sacredness' of the inspired "readings".
'New comers are surely besieged with worldly ego's that fail to understand the abomination
of leading lost souls down the path of falseness. For they too, understand not, the Kingdom of God,
here in the now. Unknown here, how shall it be known for eternity.'
99% of people born between 1930 and 1946 (GLOBALLY) are now dead.
If you were born in this time span, your ages range between 77 and 93 years old (a 16-year age span) and you are one of the rare surviving one-percenters.
You are the smallest group of children born since the early 1900's.
You are the last generation, climbing out of the depression, who can remember the winds of war and the impact of a world at war that rattled the structure of our daily lives for years.
You are the last to remember ration books for everything from tea to sugar to shoes. You saved tin foil and poured fried meat fat into cans.
You can remember milk being delivered to your house early in the morning and placed in the "milk box" at the front door. Discipline was enforced by parents and teachers. You are the last generation who spent childhood without television and instead, you “imagined” what you heard on the radio.
With no TV, you spent your childhood "playing outside". There was no city playground for kids. The lack of television in your early years meant that you had little real understanding of what the world was like.
We got “black-and-white” TV in the late 50s that had 3 stations and no remote.
Telephones (if you had one) were one to a house and hung on the wall in the kitchen (who cares about privacy). Computers were called calculators; they were hand-cranked Typewriters were driven by pounding fingers, throwing the carriage, and changing the ribbon. INTERNET and GOOGLE were words that did not exist.
Newspapers and magazines were written for adults and your dad would give you the comic pages after he read the news. The news was broadcast on your radio in the evening. The radio network gradually expanded from 3 stations to thousands.
New highways would bring jobs and mobility. Most highways were 2 lanes and there were no Motorways. You went downtown to shop. You walked to school.
Your parents were suddenly free from the confines of the depression and the war, and they threw themselves into working hard to make a living for their families
You weren't neglected, but you weren't today's all-consuming family focus. They were glad you played by yourselves. They were busy discovering the postwar world. You entered a world of overflowing plenty and opportunity; a world where you were welcomed, enjoyed yourselves. You felt secure in your future, although the depression and poverty were deeply remembered.
Polio was still a crippler. Everyone knew someone who had it.
You are the last generation to experience an interlude when there were no threats to our country. World War 2 was over and the cold war, terrorism, global warming, and perpetual economic insecurity had yet to haunt life. Only your generation can remember a time after WW2 when our world was secure and full of bright promise and plenty. You grew up at the best possible time, a time when the world was getting better.
More than 99% of you are retired now, and you should feel privileged to have "lived in the best of times!" If you have already reached the age of 77 years old, you have outlived 99% of all the other people on this planet. We are a 1% 'er!
"There are those that go to great lengths, apparently in the hope of impressing upon others that they
are fully knowledgeable when it comes to scripture interpretation. And, in the opinionated minds, surely
great folly unfolds with little forethought of attempting to present spiritual truth above all else.
'And great crowds gather to hear what they hope to hear to pacify any doubts or concerns that are
surely to be. Knowing of this, many take stage to do just that, give out falseness to calm the spiritually weary.
Great donations are made to hear what 'itching ears' want to hear. Surely many are those that smile all the way
to the bank. It should be remembered, altering the man mind occurs upon constant repetitious language in
different ways with same end results. Knowingly, often truth being harder to accept than untruths. Accepting
truth shall require responsibility. Many fail to accept responsibility, simply because it requires just that...responsibility.'
How Old is Grandpa??? Stay with this -- the answer is at the end.
It may blow you away.
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current events.
The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:
television
penicillin
polio shots
frozen foods
Xerox
contact lenses
Frisbees and
the pill
There were no:
credit cards
laser beams or
ball-point pens
Man had not invented :
pantyhose
air conditioners
dishwashers
clothes dryers
and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
space travel was only in Flash Gordon books.
Your Grandmother and I got married first,... and then lived together.
Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every woman older than me, "mam".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir".
We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Bible, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know
the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege... We thought fast food was eating half a biscuit while running to catch the school bus.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were those who closed front doors as the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios. And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan ' on it, it was junk.
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam....
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Ford Coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day:
"grass" was mowed,
"coke" was a cold drink,
"pot" was something your mother cooked in and
"rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
"Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
"chip" meant a piece of wood,
"hardware" was found in a hardware store and
"software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby.
How old do you think I am?
I bet you have this old man in mind...you are in for a shock!
Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time .
Are you ready ?????
This man would be 77 years old today.(2024)
GIVES YOU SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... PASS THIS ON TO THE OLD ONES, The younger generation would not understand...
"The Bible, being a wealth of spiritual guidance, repeat...a wealth of spiritual guidance.
Obviously, this profound truth being so neglected that it being virtually a non-existent reality.
Modern day pro-claimed Christians continue a systematic pulling apart of the belief system once many were raised in.
This typically happens when one has questions/doubts about their faith that go unanswered."
What Causes Deconstruction? Despite some Christian leaders who claim that people choose to deconstruct their faith out of a desire to sin or fit in with the surrounding culture, deconstruction is typically an uninvited, and often painful, process caused by forces outside the control of the individual.
'Deconstruction often starts when someone experiences an “anomaly” in their experience of faith. It could be a traumatic experience of harm in the church, a self-contradictory church teaching, or inconsistent praxis from churches and church leaders.
Some common causes of deconstruction are:
Spiritual abuse or religious trauma (personally experienced or simply witnessed)
Complicity with sin in the church (racism, patriarchy, misogyny, etc.)
Personal pain (grief, loss, etc.)
Theological contradictions
Platitudes and easy answers from church leaders
Strict dismissal or punishment of questions/doubts
Dissonance between church teachings and actions
Burnout (especially for pastors)
( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various governmental and other public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on )
