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Open Forum => Off-Topic => Topic started by: thestrongangel on March 17, 2009, 07:10:46 PM

Title: Beliefs
Post by: thestrongangel on March 17, 2009, 07:10:46 PM
WARNING: This is not a debate! Just a poll about what you believe.

Denomination?
Main Day of Worship?
Can Satan Repent?
What is the Trinity?
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
Is Jesus the same as God?
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
What happens when you die?
Who is the chosen people?

To name a few.... ;)

PS. Mods, please don't delete this. This is just a poll  :)

Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: BubbleBoy on March 17, 2009, 08:48:11 PM
I like to say simply that my denomination is "Christian."

I am a Sunday churchgoer.

Satan can repent, but the Bible says he will not.

I think the trinity is something that very few people fully understand.

Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
...What?

Again with the trinity...yes, I do believe that Jesus and God are the same being.

I think Jesus is "Yahweh."

When you die, you are judged by god for your faith and for your repentance; if you have believed in God and have repented for your sins, you will go to heaven, and if not, you will i love you.

Who is the chosen people?
I don't think I fully understand what you are asking.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: thestrongangel on March 17, 2009, 09:33:23 PM
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
...What?
Who is the chosen people?
I don't think I fully understand what you are asking.
1. Is it wrong to make a statue? (commandment 2)

2. Is Israel the chosen people? Or the church?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Sean on March 17, 2009, 09:37:53 PM
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Is Israel the chosen people? Or the church?
Yes.

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Denomination?
I am a member at a Presbyterian church.

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Main Day of Worship?
Sunday is the Lord's Day

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Can Satan Repent?
God does not offer the gift of grace to angels.

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What is the Trinity?
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

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Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
If you break the covenant, you sin.

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Is Jesus the same as God?
See John chapter 1.

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Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
YHWH refers to God.  See John chapter 1.

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What happens when you die?
One of two things, you are put into a wooden box and buried in the ground or you are put into a big fire and your ashes are put into a metal container which is then put into a bigger container which is often times made of concrete or metal.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: uthminister [BR] on March 17, 2009, 10:27:16 PM
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Denomination?
Church of Christ (non-instrumental)

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Main Day of Worship?
Every day of the week but Sunday is probably what you are looking for...

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Can Satan Repent?
Sure he could, but scripture says he won't

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What is the Trinity?
The three fold manifestation of God

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Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
Sure because all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial...

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Is Jesus the same as God?
Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit make up who God is, so yes

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Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
In as much as Jesus is God, and YHWH is how God revealed himself, yes

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What happens when you die?
Your body goes into the ground and your soul awaits its "spiritual body" or "pneumatica soma" as Paul refers to it to live in heaven forever.

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Who is the chosen people?
God's chosen people are the sons of Abraham (a.k.a. Israel) into which gentiles have been granted entrance into through Jesus


Have any more questions you want to add then just post them...this should be interesting...
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: TheMarti on March 17, 2009, 10:35:53 PM
Denomination?  United Brethren in Christ
Main Day of Worship? Everyday.
Can Satan Repent? He won't.
What is the Trinity? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)? I physically can't. But is it allowed? Yes.
Is Jesus the same as God? John 1
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? Jesus = God
What happens when you die? Long story to tell you what exactly I think.
Who is the chosen people? The Children of God, which was initially the Israelites, but Jesus gave Gentiles the ability to become Children of God as well.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: metalpsalm on March 17, 2009, 11:05:35 PM
WARNING: This is not a debate! Just a poll about what you believe.

Denomination?
First Bapticostal freestyle church of "insert your name here" ministries natural unity and Amway Worship Centre
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Main Day of Worship?
I worship God two times; Day and Night
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Can Satan Repent?
He won't. He may, he can (I think), but he won't
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What is the Trinity?
A wonderful, eternal mystery. Also, a cute little girl in my church
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Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
Yes. I eat an entire white chocolate statue of Rob Anderson every year. But, my faith is in vain. No Natz in Elkhart, again... just the President and Huckabee... :[
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Is Jesus the same as God?
The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are all God. Add the two remaining archangels and you have a competitive bowling team!
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Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
Yes, and No. It's complex
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What happens when you die?
You suddenly realize that metalpsalm was right and that you should have listened to him.... Oh, that's only if you are Colin...
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Who are the chosen people?
The Jews, but then also the non-jews that are grafted into the covenant of Abraham by faith in Christ


[/quote]
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: sk on March 18, 2009, 02:48:07 AM
Denomination? Foursquare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Church_of_the_Foursquare_Gospel) (sorta ironic if you follow the ideas I debate :p )
Main Day of Worship? Sunday.
Can Satan Repent? No.  It's already been written that he won't.
What is the Trinity? God in three persons: Father, Son, Spirit.
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)? As long as it's [ not intended to be / will not become ] an idol.
Is Jesus the same as God? John 1 -- this passage makes it clear that Jesus is God.
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?  Yes -- John 8:28.
What happens when you die? Eternal life in Heaven with God if you repent & trust; Eternal torment in Hell if you have not.
Who is the chosen people? Israel + Repentant Gentiles.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: BubbleBoy on March 18, 2009, 07:53:55 AM
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
...What?
Is it wrong to make a statue? (commandment 2)
As long as you don't worship it (and it doesn't cause you to sin in any other way), then go ahead.

Who is the chosen people?
I don't think I fully understand what you are asking.
Is Israel the chosen people? Or the church?
I agree with everyone else that both the Jews and those that have repented are considered God's people.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: 12055 on March 18, 2009, 08:27:56 AM
Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Main Day of Worship: Sunday
Can Satan Repent: Repentance is only effective as a model of Christ's submission to God. Because God never assumed angelic "flesh" there is nothing for the repenter to turn to in the act of turning that repentance signifies.
What is the Trinity? The source, savior and sustainer of all things.
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)? Of course, as long as you're not going to worship it.
Is Jesus the same as God? If you mean God the Father, that's modalism, but Jesus is divine and human without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union, but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved and coming together to form one person and subsistence, not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and Only-begotten God the Word.
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? The two are related, but YHWH is more often associated with God the Father. A more correct way to phrase this would be to say that the Logos was with YHWH, however, a Jewish pesant did not assist in the creation, or the Exodus, the pre-incarnate 2nd person of the Trinity did.
What happens when you die? It's difficult to parse out, traditionally, Presbyterians believe that your soul goes to heaven, and your body rests until the resurrection. However, many theologians have pointed out that in the Jewish mind, there is no distinction between body and soul, so its possible that you might remain "fallen asleep" until the end of time, when you will wake in the day of the Lord.
Who is the chosen people? Here's a challenge: Read Romans 9-11 and see if you can figure it out. Based on Paul's writings, its not at all clear.

-Ross
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Clarinetguy097 on March 18, 2009, 03:20:11 PM
Exactly where is it written that Satan won't repent?? Not saying that he will, but I've never read that.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: metalpsalm on March 18, 2009, 03:31:36 PM
Exactly where is it written that Satan won't repent?? Not saying that he will, but I've never read that.
I think we have to take that a read since from Genesis to Revelation he's the bad guy, and we're told he ends up captured and thrown into the lake of fire forever. Also, there's somethings mentioned in the book of Hebrews "it's not angels He helps, but Abraham's descendants" where is that?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: lightningninja on March 18, 2009, 07:01:48 PM
Denomination?
Christian  :D
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Main Day of Worship?
Sunday
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Can Satan Repent?
I'd say no... I don't think it's in his nature.
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What is the Trinity?
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
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Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
Not if you worship it...
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Is Jesus the same as God?
Please rephrase your question. The trinity is one BEING in three distinct PERSONS. So he's the same being... but a different person within that being.
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Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
I would say so.
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What happens when you die?
Your body goes into the ground or is burned. Oh... you mean AFTER you die...  ;) You are judged and God decides if you are going to heaven or hell.
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Who is the chosen people?
Who ARE the choses people? Isrealites.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: thestrongangel on March 19, 2009, 09:11:00 AM
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? whats a "Yahweh"?
"Yahweh" is the holy name for the father.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: thestrongangel on March 19, 2009, 01:21:52 PM
Denomination? Son of Y'srael
Main Day of Worship? Saturday
Can Satan Repent? No
What is the Trinity? The Father, The Son, And the Spirit of YHWH
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)? Yes, but not to worship it.
Is Jesus the same as God? No
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? Yes, its complex, but yes
What happens when you die? You rest and await judgment from God.
Who is the chosen people? Israel
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 24, 2009, 07:24:06 PM
Word of Faith
Sunday
He Won't
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
If you do not worship it or show any sign of love of it (i.e., bowing down to it when you pray)
Jesus is part of the Trinity, and therefore is part of God.  Jesus is not the same as God the Father.
I do not understand the question
If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you go to Heaven.  If not, you i love you.
The Israelites.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Arch Angel on May 24, 2009, 07:58:03 PM
Denomination? Bible-Believer
Main Day of Worship? The Sabbath ("Friday" evening to "Saturday" evening)
Can Satan Repent? I suppose it might be possible, but the accuser has a different role to play.
What is the Trinity? A concept made by man to try and explain an endless god.
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)? A statue? Yes. An idol? No.
Is Jesus the same as God? Yes. He is either one and the same, or a liar and a charlatan.
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? Yes. He's one and the same as Yahweh, or a liar. I'm going with the former.
What happens when you die? You go to "sleep" until the time of judgment, when all who believe and follow Yahweh's commands will rise to meet him.
Who is the chosen people? Israel. Those who believe and follow Yahweh's commands are considered as natural born Israelites and are heirs accordingly.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 25, 2009, 01:59:22 AM
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Denomination?
I'm not really in a particular denomination; although I go to a Presbyterian Church I'm not exactly on-board with everything in the Westminister Catechism. Leaning towards Roman Catholicism, but I haven't studied into the Catechism enough to be ready for that kind of decision.

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Main Day of Worship?
Every Sunday or so. I'm also into Zen/Hebraic meditation.

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Can Satan Repent?
Don't really care; if Satan exists, his existence has no meaningful effect on my life. Probably not.

Edit:

Can Satan Repent: Repentance is only effective as a model of Christ's submission to God. Because God never assumed angelic "flesh" there is nothing for the repenter to turn to in the act of turning that repentance signifies.
I thought of this post hoc and meant to go back and write it.

There's a pretty cool conspiracy theory about the embodiment of the Nephalim as a means for Satan to receive the redemption of Christ.
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What is the Trinity?
The triune relationship of the individual to the collective consciousness and the sublimation of Geist.
[translation: the triune relationship of man to eternity through the spirit].
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Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
With the proper tools and some time, probably.
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Is Jesus the same as God?
No, though they share similarities.
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Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
I'd also have to say no.
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What happens when you die?
One's life is complete and one becomes part of the eternal collective-consciousness. There isn't any "consciousness" or "existence"; one simply "is". As for salvation, It's probably universal. As for resurrection/reincarnation, I suppose I'll find out, yeah?
As for the other place, I rather love this description of hell in Jean-Paul Sartre's "No Exit", although I believe it to be more metaphorical.

http://www.csun.edu/~vcoao087/342/NoExit.htm (http://www.csun.edu/~vcoao087/342/NoExit.htm)

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Who is the chosen people?
The Russians, though my love for German and French girls almost had me reconsider. (More seriously, those who choose to live authentically).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: BubbleBoy on May 25, 2009, 07:18:59 AM
Quote
What happens when you die?
One's life is complete and one becomes part of the eternal collective-consciousness. There isn't any "consciousness" or "existence"; one simply "is". As for salvation, It's probably universal. As for resurrection/reincarnation, I suppose I'll find out, yeah?
I can't tell you how scared this makes me for you, but I don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 25, 2009, 07:23:49 AM
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What happens when you die?
One's life is complete and one becomes part of the eternal collective-consciousness. There isn't any "consciousness" or "existence"; one simply "is". As for salvation, It's probably universal. As for resurrection/reincarnation, I suppose I'll find out, yeah?
I can't tell you how scared this makes me for you, but I don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible.
I'm pretty stoked, actually (and to ease everyone else's fears, that's just Christianity in 19th Century continental terms). What makes me scared is that you don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible. Also, the use of the word "scared" makes me wonder if you'd know what to say if there was no hell.

I wonder if adherence to a conventionalist Biblical perspective and a belief in universal salvation would have saved the world from millions of wars. After all, Jesus told the people to "preach the good news of salvation" not to "force people to believe or they'll i love you".
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: BubbleBoy on May 25, 2009, 07:32:29 AM
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What happens when you die?
One's life is complete and one becomes part of the eternal collective-consciousness. There isn't any "consciousness" or "existence"; one simply "is". As for salvation, It's probably universal. As for resurrection/reincarnation, I suppose I'll find out, yeah?
I can't tell you how scared this makes me for you, but I don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible.
What makes me scared is that you don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible.
I know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible and knows he isn't a Christian, but you are a case I have never read about or been informed of.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 25, 2009, 07:35:08 AM
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What happens when you die?
One's life is complete and one becomes part of the eternal collective-consciousness. There isn't any "consciousness" or "existence"; one simply "is". As for salvation, It's probably universal. As for resurrection/reincarnation, I suppose I'll find out, yeah?
I can't tell you how scared this makes me for you, but I don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible.
What makes me scared is that you don't know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible.
I know what to say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible and knows he isn't a Christian, but you are a case I have never read about or been informed of.
Well, let me tell you how I'd argue against me if I were in your position.
In the book of Hebrews, the writer argues for Christianity by comparing it to Judaism and arguing that it is a "better" perspective pragmatically (of course both Christianity and Judaism were the same religion at this time, thus adding to the similarity of our situation). You could try something similar.

Of course (as someone will pop up and say soon, I'm sure), I've only picked this because I believe it to be an argument which I believe I can win.




Out of pure curiosity, what would you say to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible and isn't a Christian?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Minister Polarius on May 25, 2009, 12:12:07 PM
"Son, you'd better start believing the bible or you'll end up like this guy."
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Hedgehogman on May 25, 2009, 03:02:35 PM
Denomination? Bible-Believer
Main Day of Worship? The Sabbath ("Friday" evening to "Saturday" evening)
Can Satan Repent? I suppose it might be possible, but the accuser has a different role to play.
What is the Trinity? A concept made by man to try and explain an endless god.
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)? A statue? Yes. An idol? No.
Is Jesus the same as God? Yes. He is either one and the same, or a liar and a charlatan.
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? Yes. He's one and the same as Yahweh, or a liar. I'm going with the former.
What happens when you die? You go to "sleep" until the time of judgment, when all who believe and follow Yahweh's commands will rise to meet him.
Who is the chosen people? Israel. Those who believe and follow Yahweh's commands are considered as natural born Israelites and are heirs accordingly.

 This. ^
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: xCaLeBx on May 25, 2009, 08:37:41 PM
"Son, you'd better start believing the bible or you'll end up like this guy."

 :thumbup: (am I the only one that thinks Colin is trying to just confuse us all to prove hes superior?)
Denomination? non denominational
Main Day of Worship? Sunday
Can Satan Repent? Well repentance means to ask forgiveness of which Satan vowed he'll never do therefor it is impossible.
What is the Trinity? The Father, The Son, And the Spirit
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue) not unless you have mad carving skills :)
Is Jesus the same as God? Not technically but in the sense of the trinity is all the same being yes.
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? No unless as said before you believe the trinity is all the same being.
What happens when you die? You get a bunch of people in black probably on a sunny day so that they're all sweating and hot to sit and be bored while your probably having fun in heaven and laughing your butt off at them....most people will also have some old sad song sung at they're funeral I on the other hand shall have A Day To Remember - You should have killed me when you had the chance and Sky Eats Airplane- Numbers.
Who is the chosen people? Israelites The hard thing about that question is if the mix breeds of the israelites (i.e. some israelite marries a American) are also chosen people
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 25, 2009, 08:44:52 PM
Can Satan Repent? Satan's one goal is to cause all of humanity to i love you, not save his own neck. No, I don't think its impossible for Satan to repent, but its not going to happen. His death has been prophecied.
What happens when you die? Nobody knows.
Who is the chosen people? The two branches of Gods people. Judah and Ephraim.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: wk4c on May 25, 2009, 08:51:23 PM
Denomination? Baptist, but definitely not hardcore baptist.  As I've said before, our church is only labeled baptist because our chain of churches is founded by a baptist orginization.
Main Day of Worship? Sunday
Can Satan Repent? Honestly doesn't matter, because he won't repent.  No use wasting your time and speculating on stuff like that.
What is the Trinity? Father, Son, Spirit
Is Jesus the same as God? Yes and no.  
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament? How could he not be(God)?  Unless your asking whether or not the people back then knew about Jesus?  1a. Yes.  2a. I don't know, but I'd doubt it.
What happens when you die? I have no idea what happens when you die, but I absolutely know for sure that in the end your going to Heaven.
Who is the chosen people? Isrealites.  The other side of this question is too deep to delve into at the moment...
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Alex_Olijar on May 25, 2009, 09:49:09 PM
Denomination?
Main Day of Worship?
Can Satan Repent?
What is the Trinity?
Can you carve an image of someone (ie a statue)?
Is Jesus the same as God?
Is Jesus the "Yahweh" of the Old Testament?
What happens when you die?
Who is the chosen people?
Bible-believing Monotheist
Whatever day my Church is meeting
No, that's one of his defining characteristics
What is the trinity is like asking what is God? How should I know?
I don't care go for it
No
No
I haven't died yet so I don't know
Whoever God wants them to be.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 02:08:35 PM
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I don't know what happens when I die

I have an answer for you.  In Romans 10:9-13, it is explained that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.  Saved from what, you ask?  Saved from hell.  All you have to do is ask him, and you will be saved and go to heaven when you die.

I hope I didn't give off the wrong impression that I'm attempting to appear "superior" to anyone in any way.  Just wanted you guys to know that.

Love you guys,
Not of this World  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 02:14:09 PM
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I don't know what happens when I die

I have an answer for you.  In Romans 10:9-13, it is explained that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.  Saved from what, you ask?  Saved from hell.  All you have to do is ask him, and you will be saved and go to heaven when you die.

I hope I didn't give off the wrong impression that I'm attempting to appear "superior" to anyone in any way.  Just wanted you guys to know that.

Love you guys,
Not of this World  :thumbup:
Right, we know that. But we don't have actual proof. ;)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Alex_Olijar on May 27, 2009, 02:36:32 PM
Exactly. I don't know that the Bible is true, I jsut believe it be so. It may be, in which case what I think will be true but until I die ti can not be.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 02:39:19 PM
Wouldn't the Bible be considered actual proof?  Everything in it is true, and that is found in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17, which says (paraphrased, but the gist) that everything in the Word is acceptable for reproof, doctrine, and it list several others.  Don't forget, the Bible was written by God.  Even if it was through men, God led other men to write the Bible.  And it was His choice what to put in and what not to put in.  Also don't forget, God is omnipotent and omniscient.  Would he ever lie, even when speaking through men?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Alex_Olijar on May 27, 2009, 02:40:06 PM
You can't quote the source to prove the source.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 02:41:29 PM
You can't quote the source to prove the source.
+ 1
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 02:42:36 PM
I do not wish to get in an argument over anything.  I just wanted to let you know that the Bible isn't supposed to make physical sense, but to make faith.  As already stated, I don't want to get into any sort of conflict fueled by anger.  I just don't want you guys to not be sure of yourselves and be standing on shaky ground.  Faith is required to believe the Bible.  If you have no faith, you have no Christianity.  It takes faith to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, and that is the key source by which we attain salvation.  Therefore without faith, no one is saved.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 02:44:08 PM
We aren't. We're simply saying that the bible is unprovable. It can only be accepted by faith.  That's all.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Alex_Olijar on May 27, 2009, 02:46:27 PM
I never said I didn't believe it. I just said I don't know if it is right. And I don't. I believe it is, but that is sufficient to answer teh question given.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 03:12:05 PM
Exactly.  I suppose if, by "actual proof", you meant natural sources, then you are correct.  Yet I posted solely for the purpose of allowing those who don't know what happens when you die have faith.  The resurrection is supernatural.  People have lied and said it is false.  But having faith means knowing with all your heart that it is true.  And I do know.  And it is not a requirement to have natural proof to know something is true.  I have experienced it.  You still can experience God's presence today, and you can still have the Holy Spirit, which testifies saying to you (not by an honorable voice, but in your conscience, so to speak) that the Bible is true.  Some have written other versions of the Bible and have changed it, but the true Bible will never change.  It always was, always is, and will always be.

PS: I apologize if I'm being a little confusing.  I'm still in Intermediate School, so I don't have as much ability to say it clearly as an adult would have.

PS(continued): Would God ever lie?  If you know God wrote the Bible, you must know that it is all true.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Korunks on May 27, 2009, 03:43:56 PM
Just a quick thought, the bible is a collection of works.  Why can't the bible confirm itself to be true?  Is it wrong for any other collection of works to support evidence because they happen to be bound in the same physical book?  They are called "books" of the bible after all, not chapters. 
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 03:45:36 PM
Just a quick thought, the bible is a collection of works.  Why can't the bible confirm itself to be true?  Is it wrong for any other collection of works to support evidence because they happen to be bound in the same physical book?  They are called "books" of the bible after all, not chapters. 

 :amen:  Amen, brother!
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Prof Underwood on May 27, 2009, 04:53:56 PM
We're simply saying that the bible is unprovable. It can only be accepted by faith.
Just because you can't prove the Bible is true 100% does not mean that it has to be accepted wholly on faith.  I can pretty much prove that it is more logical to believe the Bible is true, than it is to believe that the Bible is false.  That's not 100%, but it means that it is the most rational choice available.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 05:04:58 PM
Quote
ignorence makes life easier
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 05:40:06 PM
We're simply saying that the bible is unprovable. It can only be accepted by faith.
Just because you can't prove the Bible is true 100% does not mean that it has to be accepted wholly on faith.  I can pretty much prove that it is more logical to believe the Bible is true, than it is to believe that the Bible is false.  That's not 100%, but it means that it is the most rational choice available.
It's more logical to believe that the Bible is 100% than false?

What about the different genealogies of Christ, was Joseph born twice?
Did Jesus get anointed with expensive perfume three different times by different women, all with similar circumstances?
When Paul writes to the churches, why doesn't he say something like "thus sayeth the Lord?"
Heck, if you examine the history some of the churches Paul went to completely disliked him and asked him to leave.
Why does James openly refute Paul's "saved by grace doctrine?"
Why isn't there ever a mention of the Bible in the Bible (and the verse in Timothy is about the Hebrew law, written before the separation of Judaism and Christianity.)
Also, how do we know Peter's opinion on prophesy is correct? Did Peter mean just the prophesy in the current Old Testament or was he speaking more broadly?
What about the book of Revelation, of which the early church doubted its authenticity?


The most logical explanation is that the Bible was written by humans, and thus it isn't perfectly accurate.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 06:25:35 PM
Logic isn't what you should rely on for your doctrine.  The Bible was written by God through men, and God doesn't lie.  The Bible is logical, however, in that (1) They have found Noah's Ark, (2) They have found the ruins of Jericho, and (3) people have been healed, raised from the dead, and people have seen visions by use of the Word.  If that is not proof that the Bible is real, I don't know what is.  And anyway, we are to accept the Bible by faith and know that it is true.  Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for and the EVIDENCE of things not seen.  If part of the Word is not accurate, how do you know that any of it is accurate?  Therefore it is all or nothing.  If you believe part of the Word, you are standing on shaky ground.  If you believe all of it, however, you are standing on the Solid Rock of Christ.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 06:34:54 PM
Quote
Logic isn't what you should rely on for your doctrine.
Logic is the law of non-contradiction. An illogical doctrine is one which contradicts itself, making it false.
Quote
The Bible was written by God through men, and God doesn't lie.
That's what you believe, however, wouldn't the writers have said something about that?
I'm not going to worship a book.
Quote
(1) They have found Noah's Ark,
Unless this was recent, no they haven't. Secondly, this doesn't prove anything, just that the story passed down and put into the book of Genesis during the Babylonian exile was based off fact. Don't forget that the Babylonians also have a flood myth (as well as practically every other culture).
Quote
(2) They have found the ruins of Jericho,
Yeah, and they've also found Jerusalem and the ruins of the temple that was destroyed. And Babylon, that was a real place too. Don't forget Rome. That doesn't prove anything.
Quote
(3) people have been healed, raised from the dead,
You may believe that, but that's not an objective fact.
Quote
and people have seen visions by use of the Word.
And the use of LSD as well. Is LSD "God inspired"?
Quote
 If that is not proof that the Bible is real, I don't know what is.
Perhaps because it isn't what you claim?
Quote
And anyway, we are to accept the Bible by faith and know that it is true.
Why?
Quote
If part of the Word is not accurate, how do you know that any of it is accurate?
By studying and researching it.
Quote
Therefore it is all or nothing.
Why?
Quote
If you believe part of the Word, you are standing on shaky ground.
Why?
Quote
If you believe all of it, however, you are standing on the Solid Rock of Christ.
So the Bible is equated with Christ now? That be heresy.

Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 06:40:02 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop criticizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's forum. Not here. Its not welcome here.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 06:41:39 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?

Also, I might add that I didn't start this particular part of the discussion, and I don't think it's fair to not allow someone to disagree in a "discussion".
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 06:47:05 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 06:48:40 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 06:51:55 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 06:57:11 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 06:58:43 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Who has disagreed with you on that?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 06:59:55 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Who has disagreed with you on that?
I'm pretty sure that you just did.

All that I'm saying is that Jesus didn't say the Bible was the word of God, and the disciples and Paul didn't say their writings were the word of God. Also, the Bible never says it's without error. Add to this the fact that it was compiled more that three hundred years after the last of the books where written. Add to this that it wasn't until the reformation that the 72 books were reduced to 66. Also, remember that the Bible was written by the fathers of a Church that was believed to be inerrant and divinely inspired in everything it ever did or said (which makes it not surprising that this view of the Bible evolved over time).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 07:11:24 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Who has disagreed with you on that?
I'm pretty sure that you just did.

All that I'm saying is that Jesus didn't say the Bible was the word of God, and the disciples and Paul didn't say their writings were the word of God. Also, the Bible never says it's without error. Add to this the fact that it was compiled more that three hundred years after the last of the books where written. Add to this that it wasn't until the reformation that the 72 books were reduced to 66. Also, remember that the Bible was written by the fathers of a Church that was believed to be inerrant and divinely inspired in everything it ever did or said (which makes it not surprising that this view of the Bible evolved over time).
Try Revelation 1:3

Psalm 33:4?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 07:19:17 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Who has disagreed with you on that?
I'm pretty sure that you just did.

All that I'm saying is that Jesus didn't say the Bible was the word of God, and the disciples and Paul didn't say their writings were the word of God. Also, the Bible never says it's without error. Add to this the fact that it was compiled more that three hundred years after the last of the books where written. Add to this that it wasn't until the reformation that the 72 books were reduced to 66. Also, remember that the Bible was written by the fathers of a Church that was believed to be inerrant and divinely inspired in everything it ever did or said (which makes it not surprising that this view of the Bible evolved over time).
Try Revelation 1:3

Psalm 33:4?
Those were written pre-Bible, first of all. Second of all, the verse in Revelation doesn't imply divine authorship. The verse in Psalms is made elucidatory when you take into account the Hebrew mindset of one's "spoken word".
Quote
33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
       their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
 33:9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
       he commanded, and it stood firm.
Clearly not speaking of "the Bible" as the word.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 07:23:07 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Who has disagreed with you on that?
I'm pretty sure that you just did.

All that I'm saying is that Jesus didn't say the Bible was the word of God, and the disciples and Paul didn't say their writings were the word of God. Also, the Bible never says it's without error. Add to this the fact that it was compiled more that three hundred years after the last of the books where written. Add to this that it wasn't until the reformation that the 72 books were reduced to 66. Also, remember that the Bible was written by the fathers of a Church that was believed to be inerrant and divinely inspired in everything it ever did or said (which makes it not surprising that this view of the Bible evolved over time).
Try Revelation 1:3

Psalm 33:4?
Those were written pre-Bible, first of all. Second of all, the verse in Revelation doesn't imply divine authorship. The verse in Psalms is made elucidatory when you take into account the Hebrew mindset of one's "spoken word".
Quote
33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
       their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
 33:9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
       he commanded, and it stood firm.
Clearly not speaking of "the Bible" as the word.
Oh so you're implying that God is a mortal? Or that he can't tell the future? Or that two guys in a cubicle found a bunch of ancient writings and called it the holy book?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 07:24:29 PM
That isn't heresy, Colin. It's faith. Stop critisizing Christians for having faith on this message board. Go spread your doctrine on the athiest's mb. Not here. Its not welcome here.
For a Christian who seems so concerned with "truth" (and so convinced that you've found it), why should there be any problem in criticising something that is true?
Because this is a christian forum. Not a doubter's forum. Believe what you will, but stop taking people down with you. I'm not going to go flame some athiests on an athiest's forum about not believing in YHWH. I wouldn't get anywhere. You obviously aren't either.
Maybe you should re-read the creeds. I'm still in line with Orthodox Christianity by not believing the Bible to be written by God, in fact, many prominent theologians and ministers are also in agreement with me.
I agree that the bible has some minor flaws that are the result of poor translations, etc. But you arent doubting the flaws of the bible, you are doubting its authority over us. And why not doubt God why you're at it? There's nothing productive that comes out of it. Nothing.
I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.
Who has disagreed with you on that?
I'm pretty sure that you just did.

All that I'm saying is that Jesus didn't say the Bible was the word of God, and the disciples and Paul didn't say their writings were the word of God. Also, the Bible never says it's without error. Add to this the fact that it was compiled more that three hundred years after the last of the books where written. Add to this that it wasn't until the reformation that the 72 books were reduced to 66. Also, remember that the Bible was written by the fathers of a Church that was believed to be inerrant and divinely inspired in everything it ever did or said (which makes it not surprising that this view of the Bible evolved over time).
Try Revelation 1:3

Psalm 33:4?
Those were written pre-Bible, first of all. Second of all, the verse in Revelation doesn't imply divine authorship. The verse in Psalms is made elucidatory when you take into account the Hebrew mindset of one's "spoken word".
Quote
33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
       their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
 33:9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
       he commanded, and it stood firm.
Clearly not speaking of "the Bible" as the word.
Oh so you're implying that God is a mortal? Or that he can't tell the future? Or that two guys in a cubicle found a bunch of ancient writings and called it the holy book?
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 07:27:06 PM
Quote from: Colin Michael
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.

I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.

I sense a condradiction, Colin Michael.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 07:28:48 PM
Quote from: Colin Michael
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.

I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.

I sense a condradiction, Colin Michael.
In the first statement I say that the Bible was written by the Church fathers.
In the second statement I say that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it (i.e. the Church fathers).

There's no contradiction.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 07:30:56 PM
Quote from: Colin Michael
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.

I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.

I sense a condradiction, Colin Michael.
In the first statement I say that the Bible was written by the church fathers.
In the second statement I say that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it (i.e. the Church fathers).

There's no contradiction.
So now David and Moses are the church fathers?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 07:32:07 PM
Quote from: Colin Michael
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.

I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.

I sense a condradiction, Colin Michael.
In the first statement I say that the Bible was written by the church fathers.
In the second statement I say that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it (i.e. the Church fathers).

There's no contradiction.
So now David and Moses are the church fathers?
I'm strictly speaking of the New Testament now (however David and Moses did not write any part of the Bible, although various songs included are attributed to the king, David, as was the custom. Others were probably written by him and passed down).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Rrulez on May 27, 2009, 07:36:06 PM
Quote from: Colin Michael
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.

I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.

I sense a condradiction, Colin Michael.
In the first statement I say that the Bible was written by the church fathers.
In the second statement I say that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it (i.e. the Church fathers).

There's no contradiction.
So now David and Moses are the church fathers?
I'm strictly speaking of the New Testament now (however David and Moses did not write any part of the Bible, although various songs included are attributed to the king, David, as was the custom. Others were probably written by him and passed down).
The Torah was written by Moses. And Psalms were sung by King David.


You're going out on a limb. I'm not going to follow.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 27, 2009, 07:37:32 PM
Quote from: Colin Michael
I don't see how any of that makes sense from the premises. Clearly the Bible was written by the fathers of the Church.

I'm doubting that the Bible was written by God and rather am saying that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it.

I sense a condradiction, Colin Michael.
In the first statement I say that the Bible was written by the church fathers.
In the second statement I say that the Bible was written by the people it says wrote it (i.e. the Church fathers).

There's no contradiction.
So now David and Moses are the church fathers?
I'm strictly speaking of the New Testament now (however David and Moses did not write any part of the Bible, although various songs included are attributed to the king, David, as was the custom. Others were probably written by him and passed down).
The Torah was written by Moses. And Psalms were sung by King David.


You're going out on a limb. I'm not going to follow.
You're right that the Torah, excluding Genesis and possibly Exodus, were traditionally believed to be authored by Moses.

This has nothing to do with the argument, thus I wasn't giving it much effort.

Oh so you're implying that God is a mortal?
I just remembered this and it gave me a chuckle.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 27, 2009, 11:02:45 PM
I will not partake in an argument.  However, I will answer Colin's questions.

1 Logic is reason.  Christianity is truth, and requires faith to believe, not human reason.
2 I never said to worship the book.  The writers do say that the Bible is the Word of God.
3 (people being healed etc) I'm not talking about the Bible.  I've experienced it.  Ask me when, and I'll tell you.
4 Kenneth Hagin had many visions of Jesus, and he wrote a book about it.  I wouldn't write a book about lies.
5 (accept Bible by faith) Because without faith, which is KNOWING that something is true, you are not saved.
6 (shaky ground) You aren't sure of yourself.
7 (Rock) Jesus is the Rock.  The Jesus is the Word made flesh.  You stand on his words, which never change.

I now take my leave of this argument. ;) (leaves)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Prof Underwood on May 28, 2009, 03:03:08 AM
It's more logical to believe that the Bible is 100% than false?

What about the different genealogies of Christ, was Joseph born twice?
Did Jesus get anointed with expensive perfume three different times by different women, all with similar circumstances?
When Paul writes to the churches, why doesn't he say something like "thus sayeth the Lord?"
Heck, if you examine the history some of the churches Paul went to completely disliked him and asked him to leave.
Why does James openly refute Paul's "saved by grace doctrine?"
Why isn't there ever a mention of the Bible in the Bible (and the verse in Timothy is about the Hebrew law, written before the separation of Judaism and Christianity.)
Also, how do we know Peter's opinion on prophesy is correct? Did Peter mean just the prophesy in the current Old Testament or was he speaking more broadly?
What about the book of Revelation, of which the early church doubted its authenticity?


The most logical explanation is that the Bible was written by humans, and thus it isn't perfectly accurate.
These are old arguments about "apparent" contradictions/shortcomings in the Bible.  They have long been explained.  Do some research.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 03:56:31 AM
It's more logical to believe that the Bible is 100% than false?

What about the different genealogies of Christ, was Joseph born twice?
Did Jesus get anointed with expensive perfume three different times by different women, all with similar circumstances?
When Paul writes to the churches, why doesn't he say something like "thus sayeth the Lord?"
Heck, if you examine the history some of the churches Paul went to completely disliked him and asked him to leave.
Why does James openly refute Paul's "saved by grace doctrine?"
Why isn't there ever a mention of the Bible in the Bible (and the verse in Timothy is about the Hebrew law, written before the separation of Judaism and Christianity.)
Also, how do we know Peter's opinion on prophesy is correct? Did Peter mean just the prophesy in the current Old Testament or was he speaking more broadly?
What about the book of Revelation, of which the early church doubted its authenticity?


The most logical explanation is that the Bible was written by humans, and thus it isn't perfectly accurate.
These are old arguments about "apparent" contradictions/shortcomings in the Bible.  They have long been explained.  Do some research.
Long been poorly explained.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: sk on May 28, 2009, 04:35:22 AM
What about the different genealogies of Christ, was Joseph born twice?
One is of the spiritual ancestry of Christ (thru Mary, "the seed", as mentioned in Genesis 3), and the other is the physical ancestry (thru Joseph).

Did Jesus get anointed with expensive perfume three different times by different women, all with similar circumstances?
No.

When Paul writes to the churches, why doesn't he say something like "thus sayeth the Lord?"
When you write your posts, why don't you say something like "thus sayeth Colin?"  Because it's already known to be you saying it.

Heck, if you examine the history some of the churches Paul went to completely disliked him and asked him to leave.
I'll go further: he was stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned for being disliked.  So?

Why does James openly refute Paul's "saved by grace doctrine?"
I've heard a bunch of different explanations for this.  It basically has to do with audience.

Why isn't there ever a mention of the Bible in the Bible (and the verse in Timothy is about the Hebrew law, written before the separation of Judaism and Christianity.)
Because it has no need to be self-reflexive?  You know, like most texts?

The most logical explanation is that the Bible was written by humans, and thus it isn't perfectly accurate.
I'n not saying that the Bible is, but just because something was written only by humans doesn't make it inaccurate.

Quote
These are old arguments about "apparent" contradictions/shortcomings in the Bible.  They have long been explained.  Do some research.
+1
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 06:33:47 AM
Long been poorly explained.

The explanations are not poor.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: crustpope on May 28, 2009, 09:49:29 AM
As many of you know or have probably guessed, I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.  THis one is no exception.  When I claim belief in the infallibility of the bible, I claim that it is theologically infallible.  I do NOT claim that it is historically, medically, Psychologically, Mathematically, ..etc..etc..etc. infallible.

My sister likes to believe that the bible has all the answers to everything in it and when the bible disagrees with other books, then the other books are wrong and the bible is right.  I hold the bible in High esteem but I find this belief to be foolishness and unbecoming her great mind. 

There are many reasons why I beleive this but one of the most obvious is that the Bible was written with the purpose of showing us how God interacts with his people.  It tells us who God is and what he is about, but it was not meant to be a medical journal or a history text book.  There are many instances where the historicity of the bible is innacurate or touched up.  This is why nearly every King of Judah seems ot be just one step shy of Divine and every king of Israel seems to wallow in Evil.  This happens because the text is often infused with human pride and human failings. 

But in spite of this, the Theological message of God and his salvation remains true and unblemished by human failings.

For those who still have problems with the bible being perfect in EVERY way, know this.  Jesus could not have been born sometime before 4BC (In the reign of Herod the Great) and born under Quirinius as Governor of Syria. (Quirinius reigned from 6AD on)  There is at least a 10 year gap between Matthew and Luke regarding the Birth of Jesus.  One of them HAS to give with regards to Historicity because these two accounts CANNOT be reconciled (although I am sure someone will try)

FWIW, I believe the Luke account to be the Historically Accurate on because Luke always cares about accurate detail.  Matthew was writing with other purposes in mind.

On the other side I strongly dissagree with the presupposition of Colin that Neither David nor Moses (or any other biblical figure) had any authorship over their own books.  Moses could have easily written some initial accounts of the early Hebeww History and the accounts of the Exodus etc. and had those acounts further edited later on.  The idea of dismissing Moses from authorship in the bible is tantamount to saying the "Mythological" Troy does not exist..no..wait..it DOES exist and is in the process of excavation.  It seems that they liberal branch of christian scholarship was even ready to discount the existance of King David as Myth until his seal was found in an excavation with in the last 10 years.  So if we keep finding proof of their existance, is it such a big stretch to believe that they may have acutally written the books they are attributed to have written?  perhaps not in their current form but at least to have written some of it.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 09:54:04 AM
The David and Moses thing wasn't really stating a universal, just a possibility. I still hold to the belief that Moses didn't write Genesis and that it was written in Babylon (flood story, tower of Babel, Adam and Eve, etc.).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 10:05:05 AM
Why would it necessarily have to be written in Babylon?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 28, 2009, 10:57:19 AM
Quote
You're going out on a limb.  I'm not going to follow.
+1

 +1 with most of what Prof Underwood is saying.  The Bible is to be taken by faith, and not by ability to comprehend.  If you could only believe something you comprehended, you couldn't believe nearly any of the Bible's events.  I'm not convinced any more than I was before this conflict started that the Bible isn't completely accurate.  And I won't become any more convinced. 8) 8)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Prof Underwood on May 28, 2009, 11:17:49 AM
I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.
Pick a side of the road, Matt.  Driving down the middle is illegal :)

It [the Bible] tells us who God is and what he is about, but it was not meant to be a medical journal or a history text book.
But if the Bible is wrong about so many other things, then how do you know it's right about God?

This is why nearly every King of Judah seems ot be just one step shy of Divine and every king of Israel seems to wallow in Evil. 
I don't think you've read the books of Kings and Chronicles lately.  The majority of kings in both kingdoms were ungodly and are reflected poorly in the Bible.  If memory serves me there were perhaps 2 good kings in Israel, and maybe 4 good kings in Judah.  Then there are also the kings who started off "good" and went bad, and 1 example of a king who started off badly and ended well.  And even the consistently "good" kings often have flaws mentioned.  For example it will say that they followed the Lord, but failed to take down the pagan high places, or something like that.

There is at least a 10 year gap between Matthew and Luke regarding the Birth of Jesus.  One of them HAS to give with regards to Historicity because these two accounts CANNOT be reconciled (although I am sure someone will try)
It is possible that Quirinius was in charge of an earlier census in Syria during the time of Herod's reign as described here. (http://www.comereason.org/bibl_cntr/con100.asp)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 28, 2009, 11:56:16 AM
The Gospel accounts all talk about things that Jesus did.  You just have to put the pieces together, as some things leave various miracles out or leave various details out.  They were written by two different authors, so obviously they are going to contain some more and/or less things about the life of Jesus.  But both are true.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: soul seeker on May 28, 2009, 12:05:44 PM
I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.
Pick a side of the road, Matt.  Driving down the middle is illegal :)

Plus:   "You get squashed like a grape"


2 cookies for who can get that movie quote!
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 12:39:50 PM
I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.
Pick a side of the road, Matt.  Driving down the middle is illegal :)

Plus:   "You get squashed like a grape"


2 cookies for who can get that quote!
I actually think Matt's stance is the most logical stance for a believer to have (I was trained in the tradition he comes from); I just tend to deconstruct things to extremes because, to me, they are more interesting that way.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 01:13:08 PM
You need to decide whether truth or level of interest is of primary import to you; you seem to waver on this based on whether you're talking about your own beliefs or dismissing someone else's.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: sk on May 28, 2009, 01:47:54 PM
There is at least a 10 year gap between Matthew and Luke regarding the Birth of Jesus.  One of them HAS to give with regards to Historicity because these two accounts CANNOT be reconciled (although I am sure someone will try)
It is possible that Quirinius was in charge of an earlier census in Syria during the time of Herod's reign as described here. (http://www.comereason.org/bibl_cntr/con100.asp)

That's correct.  He was likely something of a co-governor, as Herod didn't like the dude that was running the place at the time.

Ernest Martin in Chronos, Kairos, Christos: Nativity and Chronological Studies Presented to Jack Finegan, Jerry Vardaman and Edwin Yamauchi, eds. Eisenbrauns:1989, pg 90:
"A Latin inscription found in 1764 about one-half mile south of the ancient villa of Quintilius Varus (at Tivoli, 20 miles east of Rome) states that the subject of the inscription had twice been governor of Syria. This can only refer to Quintilius Varus, who was Syrian governor at two different times. Numismatic evidence shows he ruled Syria from 6 to 4 B.C., and other historical evidence indicates that Varus was again governor from 2 B.C. to A.D. I. Between his two governorships was Sentius Saturninus, whose tenure lasted from 4 to 2 B.C. Significantly, Tertullian (third century) said the imperial records showed that censuses were conducted in Judea during the time of Sentius Saturninus. (Against Marcion 4:7). Tertullian also placed the birth of Jesus in 3 or 2 B.C. This is precisely when Saturninus would have been governor according to my new interpretation. That the Gospel of Luke says Quirinius was governor of Syria when the census was taken is resolved by Justin Martyr's statement (second century) that Quirinius was only a procurator (not governor) of the province (Apology 1:34). In other words, he was simply an assistant to Saturninus, who was the actual governor as Tertullian stated."
 
The second option is favored by William Ramsey (NBD, s.v. "Quirinius"):
"The possibility that Quirinius may have been governor of Syria on an earlier occasion (*Chronology of the NT) has found confirmation in the eyes of a number of scholars (especially W. M. Ramsay) from the testimony of the Lapis Tiburtinus (CIL, 14. 3613). This inscription, recording the career of a distinguished Roman officer, is unfortunately mutilated, so that the officer’s name is missing, but from the details that survive he could very well be Quirinius. It contains a statement that when he became imperial legate of Syria he entered upon that office ‘for the second time’ (Lat. iterum). The question is: did he become imperial legate of Syria for the second time, or did he simply receive an imperial legateship for the second time, having governed another province in that capacity on the earlier occasion?...The wording is ambiguous. Ramsay held that he was appointed an additional legate of Syria between 10 and 7 bc, for the purpose of conducting the Homanadensian war, while the civil administration of the province was in the hands of other governors, including Sentius Saturninus (8-6 bc), under whom, according to Tertullian (Adv. Marc. 4. 19), the census of Lk. 2:1ff. was held."

Although I realize you won't be impressed, I'm constantly amazed that legitimate solutions can be given for every historical objection.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 01:59:43 PM
You need to decide whether truth or level of interest is of primary import to you; you seem to waver on this based on whether you're talking about your own beliefs or dismissing someone else's.
I don't really bother with truth or beliefs for myself. Sure, there are some practices within traditions that I think work and some that I have objections to. Analysing information and deconstructing/reconstructing various beliefs and traditions is more interesting to me than taking a paradigm for myself and expanding it to fit the world around me.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 02:44:39 PM
Well, naturally, it's always easier to look for just the right nit to tear down someone else viewpoint over trivialities, than to take the effort to form a belief of your own and subject it to anything approaching the same level of critique.  All the satisfaction of being "right", none of the risk of being wrong.  A real win-win.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 28, 2009, 02:55:12 PM
I prefer to focus on doing what is told in the Bible and in Christianity rather than just studying it.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 05:30:11 PM
Well, naturally, it's always easier to look for just the right nit to tear down someone else viewpoint over trivialities, than to take the effort to form a belief of your own and subject it to anything approaching the same level of critique.  All the satisfaction of being "right", none of the risk of being wrong.  A real win-win.
Deconstructionalism is for purposes of elucidation, not for the satisfaction of being right. If you mean "belief" as in "worldview", post-modern or existentialist would be a possible description.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: lightningninja on May 28, 2009, 05:51:39 PM
Colin can use big words!  ::)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 08:00:02 PM
Deconstructionalism is for purposes of elucidation, not for the satisfaction of being right.

I might believe that if I thought you believed you were giving any clarification to anyone.  Your deconstructions are doing exactly and only that: tearing things down.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 08:50:46 PM
Deconstructionalism is for purposes of elucidation, not for the satisfaction of being right.

I might believe that if I thought you believed you were giving any clarification to anyone.  Your deconstructions are doing exactly and only that: tearing things down.
Tearing things down or taking them apart to see how/if they work?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 28, 2009, 10:13:25 PM
This topic has gone so far off course, I think it would do us all some good to get back to what thestrongangel asked us.  And I don't think he asked us to argue ;)

By the way Colin, sorry for being a little rude back there.  No hard feelings, right? :-[
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 10:19:07 PM
This topic has gone so far off course, I think it would do us all some good to get back to what thestrongangel asked us.  And I don't think he asked us to argue ;)

By the way Colin, sorry for being a little rude back there.  No hard feelings, right? :-[
Of course not. :)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 10:21:24 PM
Tearing things down or taking them apart to see how/if they work?

I also have yet to see you make any observations about if/how something works.  I have only ever seen you proclaim something (effectively) not worth the attention of an intelligent person.  Never mind that it is intelligent people who drew those conclusions to begin with.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 10:25:13 PM
Tearing things down or taking them apart to see how/if they work?

I also have yet to see you make any observations about if/how something works.  I have only ever seen you proclaim something (effectively) not worth the attention of an intelligent person.  Never mind that it is intelligent people who drew those conclusions to begin with.
I mean, yes, any one with a small bit of intelligence could argue their way around certain arguments, but to do that, one would have to make a lot of hypotheticals.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 10:26:59 PM
Even that - which is little more than a left-handed compliment - is more credit than I've ever seen you give a point with which you disagreed.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 10:43:08 PM
Even that - which is little more than a left-handed compliment - is more credit than I've ever seen you give a point with which you disagreed.
Well, it is a forum, you know.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 10:53:01 PM
My dictionary defines a forum as an assembly for discussing issues of interest, not for dismissing arguments without even bothering with the discussion.  I'm not sure what you thought "this is a forum" was supposed even to add to the discussion of this problem.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Colin Michael on May 28, 2009, 10:54:26 PM
My dictionary defines a forum as an assembly for discussing issues of interest, not for dismissing arguments without even bothering with the discussion.  I'm not sure what you thought "this is a forum" was supposed even to add to the discussion of this problem.
You know that people act far different on a forum that in real life.

Sorry if I have offended you though.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 28, 2009, 11:05:23 PM
It's not so much for my sake; I just think that people should be given a fair shake.  It's infuriating when people do it to me, and I don't much like it when I see it done to other people, either.

We don't always agree but we have different perspectives for a reason, and we're not all dumb blind sheep, and there might be something to be learned by listening.  As someone who has brought up bizarre topics for no better reason than to give yourself a mental exercise, I would think you of all people would appreciate that.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Minister Polarius on May 29, 2009, 12:38:54 AM
t2h Schaef is a grumpy old man and nobody should listen to anything he says.

To Schaef:
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi18.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb105%2Fpdkglyph%2FBUYTHIS.jpg&hash=a391da33b2a13c1fd6e2cf9728a331857b9f8628)
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 29, 2009, 06:06:25 AM
Ban.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Korunks on May 29, 2009, 08:03:14 AM
I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.
Pick a side of the road, Matt.  Driving down the middle is illegal :)

Plus:   "You get squashed like a grape"


2 cookies for who can get that movie quote!


The Karate Kid, MR. Miyagi talking to Daniel-san.  Can my cookies be Chocolate Chip they are my favorite?
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: soul seeker on May 29, 2009, 09:15:06 AM
I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.
Pick a side of the road, Matt.  Driving down the middle is illegal :)

Plus:   "You get squashed like a grape"


2 cookies for who can get that movie quote!


The Karate Kid, MR. Miyagi talking to Daniel-san.  Can my cookies be Chocolate Chip they are my favorite?

Well Done!!!  :o  I thought it was forgotten or skipped!!!  If I ever bump into you at a tournament, then I will offer my wife's famous chocolate Chip cookies (or store bought if she's not around).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Korunks on May 29, 2009, 09:47:28 AM
lol! Karate Kid is a classic every one should watch.  Just watching Mr. Miyagi own the gang of "kids" makes me smile every time I watch it.  Now I'll have to find my way to more tournaments just to have some world famous cookies  :).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: soul seeker on May 29, 2009, 09:49:29 AM
I don't know about world famous...but they are famous with my youth groups and leaders!
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: crustpope on May 29, 2009, 10:56:57 AM
I tend to reside somewhere in the middle with most arguments.
Pick a side of the road, Matt.  Driving down the middle is illegal :)

Plus:   "You get squashed like a grape"


2 cookies for who can get that movie quote!


The Karate Kid, MR. Miyagi talking to Daniel-san.  Can my cookies be Chocolate Chip they are my favorite?

I couold have gotten that, but I missed it   boo for me
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 30, 2009, 12:12:04 AM
t2h Schaef is a grumpy old man and nobody should listen to anything he says.

To Schaef:
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi18.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb105%2Fpdkglyph%2FBUYTHIS.jpg&hash=a391da33b2a13c1fd6e2cf9728a331857b9f8628)

 >:( That was uncalled for.  Schaef is simply making his point.  He shouldn't have to be criticized for trying to explain something.
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: Minister Polarius on May 30, 2009, 12:13:52 AM
Relax, my man. It's an inside joke that goes way way back (kind of).
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: The Schaef on May 30, 2009, 01:34:03 AM
I even picked up on the fact that he was being humorous this time round
Title: Re: Beliefs
Post by: NotOfThisWorld66 on May 30, 2009, 01:27:49 PM
Oh, okay. :doh:  Sorry about that. :-[
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