94% of people believe God

[TexasDevilDog]

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001659292

NEW YORK A new Gallup survey released today finds that four decades after the "God Is Dead" controversy was first noted, Americans retain a strong belief in a higher power. Some 94% think God exists.

Only 5% feel God "does not exist" -- and even most of them "are not sure" of that. Exactly 1% are certain there is no God.

But how strongly do the believers believe? Nearly 8 in 10, in fact, say they are "convinced" God exists, although Gallup does not ask them why that is.

[poopnut2]

Take that study for what it's worth. People can change their minds in a heartbeat. I wonder if the same results would turn up 5 or 10 years from now. It said four decades right with the whoel "God is Dead" thing? So mid 60's? The draft, a few years into the Vietnam war, well into the Cold War...of course peoples belief in God was lingering.

[93cobrasvt]

We need to remember that there is only one true God, that is Christ Jesus. The One who rose from the dead, and has taken the sting out of death. It is not of works and deeds, but a free gift from God the Father. "No one goes to the Father except through Me" John 14:6
People may claim to believe in a god, but not all that 94 percent believe in the the Living God that is Jesus.

[BAD RELIGION]

lol

[DarkWolf]

We need to remember that there is only one true God, that is Christ Jesus.

Says who?

[lowthreeohz]

Sounds like someone got some skewed information.

[justinsn95]

We need to remember that...

we need to remember to shut the hell up.

[TexasDevilDog]

We need to remember that there is only one true God, that is Christ Jesus. The One who rose from the dead, and has taken the sting out of death. It is not of works and deeds, but a free gift from God the Father. "No one goes to the Father except through Me" John 14:6
People may claim to believe in a god, but not all that 94 percent believe in the the Living God that is Jesus.

This was not a thread on Christianity per se, but as a whole theological idea. Please be mindful that other people might not agree with your position, such as all the heathens in here that come to jest and poke fun. ;)

[93cobrasvt]

Thanks Tex, been a while,,hows it going? And as far as what people think, i really dont pay any attention, they are not the one i will answer to in the end. I am here telling the truth, nothing more. Most people think they have it figured out, until they accept Christ and realize we dont have to figure it out, He already has taken care of it. LOL

[93cobrasvt]

Says who?
The Bible tells us that Christ is. As far as that there are over 300 prophsies that Christ has already fulfilled that were given 700 years before He came, died and rose again. One of which told exactly where He would be born. Speaking statistically, that many things happening randomly as the world thinks things happen is impossible. Read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Hosea and see all the things that were told, and compare to what has happened. The Truth is there, all you have to do is look, or just ask God to reveal it. He will.

[DarkWolf]

The Bible tells us that Christ is. As far as that there are over 300 prophsies that Christ has already fulfilled that were given 700 years before He came, died and rose again. One of which told exactly where He would be born. Speaking statistically, that many things happening randomly as the world thinks things happen is impossible. Read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Hosea and see all the things that were told, and compare to what has happened. The Truth is there, all you have to do is look, or just ask God to reveal it. He will.

Ahh the Bible says so? Conveniently written by man (not to mention numerous translations... oh, and let's not forget that all the originals were destroyed once copied so basically we've really got nothing to corroborate the current texts).

Also quite convenient that all these "prophesies" are written and fulfilled in the Bible. Prophesied at one point, fulfilled at another. Can you give any examples of prophesies that were fulfilled outside of the Biblical scope? Ie: Prophesies made in the Bible, that have come to pass after the final texts of the Bible were completed? Good luck on that one.

[93cobrasvt]

First off, 2 sam 22 31 declares the God is perfect in all ways and His Word is flawless. Then if you skip to the new testament, 2 tim 3 16 declares the all scripture is God breathed and or inspired by God. Now as far as the translation, you will find minute variances only do to the language barriers, epecially since the Greek language is so discriptive that our english, or modern day doesnt compare. Now as far as the original scriptures, we have those. I know that in the mid 1900 s they found the "dead sea scrolls" which basically confirmed everything we already had. These were compared and studied and found to date back to the "biblical days". As far as prophesies that are yet to be completed is a good topic. That would be the whole point of me doing this. One day, very soon( i hope) Christ is coming back for the ones(that being me) who have given their life to Him. Then there is going to be a 7 year period of absolute hell on earth, the tribulation. After which He is coming back down, with those that were raptured, to establish His Kingdom here on earth where we should live with Him. NOw for those who havent given their lives, they will be judged by a just and Holy God, that being Christ. Then they will be in hell for eternity. NOw Christ has given a way out of this Judgement, by dying on the Cross and rising again 3 days later. All you have to do is believe, nothing else. Ask God to show you the Truth, because the Truth will set you free.

[White trash wagon]

There is a higher power, that power created the universe 15 billion years ago by initiating the big bang.

The concept of religion was manufactured by early man.

Man is the only creature of this earth that is sentient...aware of his own existense. Man is the only inhabitant of the earth with the intelligence to be aware of his mortality,to question what makes things happen in the world, the only animal with the ability to reason . Animals don't know what death is, thier not even aware they exist. Sure animals have inborn reflexs & instincts to protect them from harm, but it's automatic, no dog ever thought "that car is gonna kill me". So when early man saw his friends or relatives die, he knew they were GONE, he was aware off death, but he did not understand why. Early man also saw lightening, big storms, eclipses, and wondered why? These early men thought death and other unusual events must be caused by something....a magical power that is all powerful........a god.

But how could they get on this magical power's good side? Offer food? sacrifice animals? Sacrifice one of your own? If they did that maybe bad things would not happen? But the early men realized death was inevitable.....but if you appeased the gods........maybe you live again after death?

So early religious concepts gave an explaination of unfortunant events, "it was god's will" or "this happened because we dishonored god". It also alleviated the fear of death.....since you "might" live on after death. This answered questions and made life a little easier.


So you see, man's intelligence virtually guaranteed the concept of religion. It was a way to satisfy early man's questions about why things happen. Man is also intelligent enough to override his inborn instincts, you never hear of homosexual animals or animals commiting suicide. So this led to the concept of "sin". Only man kills for sport, animals do it for survival.

As centuries and millenias passed, man's intelligence grew, as did his accumulated knowledge, and concepts of religion were refined, and became specialized. But when a group of people disagreed with another group about religious concepts, they split into different groups. One side became convinced they were right, "god is on our side!" and thought the other side were "sinners". This caused further splintering of groups, conflict and strife.

So one group thought ,"if we kill all the "sinners", god will be happy and smile upon US. A pattern that continues to this day. Since man reigned supreme on earth, surely he had to be nearly a god? or at least made in god's image?

There are 400 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, many of which have planets, likely hundreds of millions of planets. Only the earth has intelligent life? And there are at least 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe(current estimates put the observable universe at at least 30 billion light years across).

So you have hundreds of trillions of stars, and hundreds of billions of planets in the universe, and yet god picked the earth for the ONLY intelligent life, made in GOD'S own image? How convenient for us...........

If contact is ever made with other intelligent life, and their more accomplished, more advanced than we are...what does that say about the bible? Since WE were made in God's image, wouldn't that mean we should reign supreme in the UNIVERSE? Religious zealots likely declare any contact with intelligent life as "the work of the devil".

So modern religion is actually just self serving dogma to glorify man, and make the pain of life a bit more bearable.

Scott

[lowthreeohz]

why did my posts get deleted? that's unchristian!

[TexasDevilDog]

why did my posts get deleted? that's unchristian!


Thou got smited by moderator! :D What did you post about? No cursing.

[lowthreeohz]

i swore. :o but it was only once or twice.

either way, you guys want to have a theological discussion but you delete posts that don't agree with the general beleifs in here? that's just childish.

edit my posts and put @#^@^ instead maybe? I have the feeling if i had cursed but said something differently, then it wouldn't have been deleted.

Oh well.

[DarkWolf]

First off, 2 sam 22 31 declares the God is perfect in all ways and His Word is flawless. Then if you skip to the new testament, 2 tim 3 16 declares the all scripture is God breathed and or inspired by God.

Circular reasoning. The book says it's so... convenient.

Now as far as the translation, you will find minute variances only do to the language barriers, epecially since the Greek language is so discriptive that our english, or modern day doesnt compare. Now as far as the original scriptures, we have those. I know that in the mid 1900 s they found the "dead sea scrolls" which basically confirmed everything we already had. These were compared and studied and found to date back to the "biblical days".

Unfortunately, the Dead Sea Scrolls have no mention of Jesus. They're a Jewish text, much like the Old Testament is. So... we're still where we were, no original corroborating scriptures. You forget, the Bible is comprised of Old and New Testaments. Old = Jewish Torah. Christianity is concerned with the New Testament.

As far as prophesies that are yet to be completed is a good topic. That would be the whole point of me doing this. One day, very soon( i hope) Christ is coming back for the ones(that being me) who have given their life to Him. Then there is going to be a 7 year period of absolute hell on earth, the tribulation. After which He is coming back down, with those that were raptured, to establish His Kingdom here on earth where we should live with Him. NOw for those who havent given their lives, they will be judged by a just and Holy God, that being Christ. Then they will be in hell for eternity. NOw Christ has given a way out of this Judgement, by dying on the Cross and rising again 3 days later. All you have to do is believe, nothing else. Ask God to show you the Truth, because the Truth will set you free.

And... drumroll please... Revelations has NOT been fulfilled.

Try again.

[DarkWolf]

Man is also intelligent enough to override his inborn instincts, you never hear of homosexual animals or animals commiting suicide. So this led to the concept of "sin".

Actually we do. On both counts. But good summary on religion otherwise :)

[93cobrasvt]

i am not going to continue to argue or try to explain Gods plan, or what He has done. The Bible has made all of that clear. The ultimate issue here is Salvation, which only comes from Christ. Hence my signature. My only prayer is that you guys will see the Truth, and realize that God has a plan for you. It is your choice to accept Him, that being Christ. I would love to debate all of these issues, they are great, but we should not get hung up on non salvaton issues(1 cor 13-15). There is only one mediator between man and God and that is Christ. I can only ask that you read the Bible and take it for the literal Truth, and get plugged into a good bible based church. Go for a while and see what it is all about. I know that if you are will ing to listen, God will reveal Himself to you. Fellowship Church is a good one, Gateway church in southlake, irving bible church. YOu make the call, i think you will be supprised to see how obvious the Truth is and that it has always been there in front of you. Thanks

[White trash wagon]

87Stang.....do you ever think? I mean really think in purely logical manner about how the world works? I don't mean to insult you, but the way you broadcast standard Christian dogma, just seems to indicate that somehow, you were.....programmed.

I mean, make an argument without quoting scripture.

I guess you think the earth is REALLY 6000 years old, and dinosaurs never existed?

Scott

[Casper]

And... drumroll please... Revelations has NOT been fulfilled.

Try again.

Have you ever studied the preterist viewpoint? They would insist that the prophecy was fulfilled in 70CE (some opt for 135CE). And I find their reasoning much more compelling than modern apocalyptics like the VanImpes and such.

Just offering another plane for study...

[Casper]

i am not going to continue to argue or try to explain Gods plan, or what He has done. The Bible has made all of that clear. The ultimate issue here is Salvation, which only comes from Christ. Hence my signature. My only prayer is that you guys will see the Truth, and realize that God has a plan for you. It is your choice to accept Him, that being Christ. I would love to debate all of these issues, they are great, but we should not get hung up on non salvaton issues(1 cor 13-15). There is only one mediator between man and God and that is Christ. I can only ask that you read the Bible and take it for the literal Truth, and get plugged into a good bible based church. Go for a while and see what it is all about. I know that if you are will ing to listen, God will reveal Himself to you. Fellowship Church is a good one, Gateway church in southlake, irving bible church. YOu make the call, i think you will be supprised to see how obvious the Truth is and that it has always been there in front of you. Thanks

I would venture to say that I have read more biblical text, more apocryphal text, more biblical commentary and criticism, more ante-nicene scholarship and more apologetics in the last 5 years than you have read or (possibly) will ever read in your entire life. Which makes your statement laughable and sad at the same time.

It is great that you think you have received gnosis, don't get me wrong, but what you think you know is pretty subjective and narrow.

[DarkWolf]

i am not going to continue to argue or try to explain Gods plan, or what He has done. The Bible has made all of that clear. The ultimate issue here is Salvation, which only comes from Christ. Hence my signature. My only prayer is that you guys will see the Truth, and realize that God has a plan for you. It is your choice to accept Him, that being Christ. I would love to debate all of these issues, they are great, but we should not get hung up on non salvaton issues(1 cor 13-15). There is only one mediator between man and God and that is Christ. I can only ask that you read the Bible and take it for the literal Truth, and get plugged into a good bible based church. Go for a while and see what it is all about. I know that if you are will ing to listen, God will reveal Himself to you. Fellowship Church is a good one, Gateway church in southlake, irving bible church. YOu make the call, i think you will be supprised to see how obvious the Truth is and that it has always been there in front of you. Thanks

Read back through the history of threads in this forum. I've debated this and other topics at length numerous times with people well beyond your current capacity. You know nothing of me, or my relationship with God, and assuming you do amuses me. If you'd like to get a better understanding, I again invite you to go back and read.

[93cobrasvt]

You know what i think is funny is how, speaking of dinosaurs, the bible talks of great beasts that have walked the earth. I have never discredited the dinosaur, so please dont put words in my mouth. Now as far as your relationship of God, i would gather to think that if you did believe in the one and only true ( and living) God, that you would not be getting defensive. Just my opinion, but you are doing everything to say that you dont believe in Christ as the Messiah, by your actions.Please dont get upset, it is just an observation. Now as far as my intelligence, or the amount of knowlegde that i possess. It is limited. But I am definetly not programmed as someone stated. Now, a good book in the bible to read, is the end of 1 kings, through the first of 2 kings and you will read of a prophet named Elijah, and he was upset that people around him were worshiping other gods( which are all man made, which will probably make you mad by me saying that). Now he had a standoff, or contest if you will and showed how powerful Christ is and how the god the others were worshiping was nothing. I think you might enjoy that part of the bible. Maybe. Now through all the critisism, go and study the bible yourself, i only know what i know, and have never claimed to know it all. God is the one who is Omnipotent, not i. He will have your answers. All you have to do is ask Him, and He will show you. Just remember Christ is the only way, and HE is a jealous God. There will be no other Gods before HIm. THat would be in Exodus, in the section about the Ten Commandments.

[DarkWolf]

Now as far as my intelligence, or the amount of knowlegde that i possess. It is limited. But I am definetly not programmed as someone stated. Now, a good book in the bible to read, is the end of 1 kings, through the first of 2 kings [snip]

And that's why you'll never make a compelling argument. You haven't done any research, you can only keep regurgitating bible verses. Yes... you have been programmed, be it by your church, pastor, parents, or even just reading the bible and never questioning. You are a prime example of what turns people off about Christianity... the mindless zealotry, blindly following like sheep, never questioning but always quick to judge others who aren't like you.

God gave us free will, because he didn't want sheep. The church wants sheep.

[White trash wagon]

And that's why you'll never make a compelling argument. You haven't done any research, you can only keep regurgitating bible verses. Yes... you have been programmed, be it by your church, pastor, parents, or even just reading the bible and never questioning. You are a prime example of what turns people off about Christianity... the mindless zealotry, blindly following like sheep, never questioning but always quick to judge others who aren't like you.

God gave us free will, because he didn't want sheep. The church wants sheep.

Wow,great post!! And yes, people blindly following whatever thier church does/says annoys the hell out of me, and can actually be scary. I question EVERYTHING, it's a complicated world, and few things, if anything can be taken at face value. Truth is almost always multilayered.

I do not totally discount the bible, it is a legend. And a legend is a glorious story loosely based on fact. Since the bible was written by MEN, and the earliest biblical texts date to about 40 years AFTER Jesus died, and it's been translated & rehashed countless times, not to mention that the bible was such a mess that King James had it re-written hundreds of years ago(and left out at least 10 other books of the bible) how accurate can it be?

How can anyone live thier whole life based on that? I study the bible, I find it interesting, but I view it like archealogical digs, lots of little bits of evidence that need a LOT of enterpretation.

And the whole "Man is made in god's own image" and the accompanying assumption that we are the ONLY superior life for in the universe.....is just beyond ridiculious. If god is a diety, a timeless spiritual entity, how can we look like him? Such a diety would have no physical form. Not to mention that for all intents & purposes, we look very similar to most mammals on the planet.

87stang, stop looking in your bible for every answer in the world. Most answers are not there.

Scott

[TexasDevilDog]

Why must you all gravitate to petty bashing? This constantly happens by people with small intelligence that have to tear down someone else to make theirself feel more important. Someone posts their beliefs and it is attached by the intolerent. Religion has a measure of faith to it, if you have none, don't be hating.

If you can't post your ideas without blashing or flaming and not writing anything suporting your own ideas, you are small minded indeed. If you can't accept other people will have a differing opinions, you are ignorant.

That is all I am going to say on this. You know.

[White trash wagon]

Why must you all gravitate to petty bashing? This constantly happens by people with small intelligence that have to tear down someone else to make theirself feel more important. Someone posts their beliefs and it is attached by the intolerent. Religion has a measure of faith to it, if you have none, don't be hating.
If you can't post your ideas without blashing or flaming and not writing anything suporting your own ideas, you are small minded indeed. If you can't accept other people will have a differing opinions, you are ignorant.
That is all I am going to say on this. You know.


I did not insult 87Stang (I even mentioned that a few posts back up). I questioned his seemingly blind faith. I've asked him to open his mind and see the whole world, not just a narrow sliver of it. I've stated my opinions, which is the purpose of this board. Just because I question Christian Dogma does not mean I offended anyone. Have I called 87Stang any names? Have I categorically stated Christianity is a load of crap? NO and NO

But you TDD, have a documented history of Muslim bashing and Jew bashing. I guess your faith has little tolerance for anyone of a different religion, or anyone who questions your precious bible.

Scott

[93cobrasvt]

I would like to chime in on something. I have never judged any one of you. I have possibly made a few observations, nothing more. As far as my narrow view of the world, and not searching out things, that may be correct. Although I havent been a Christian my entire life though. And i also havent had my parents teach me about my Faith.NOr do i take and accept everything my pastor says like it is gold. We are all human, including the teachers of the word. We should however teach what the bible says for what the bible says. Now as far as the bible being far off in translation from the original texts, i dont believe that to be exactly true. As one of my previous posts, we may indeed have lost some of the intensity, and or depth of some of it. Now the only thing i can say for that is we havent dug in deep enough. Now to cover this hopefully for the last time, the bible is the only , i say again , the only answer for anything and everything. Now as far as being made in Gods image, maybe it doesnt mean the necessary physical thing completely. I dont know.It could be a combo of things. I am not God and nor do i try to be one. But if you read the beginning of John, it says in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was made flesh. THat being Christ. Christ is the word. Now due to the missing books from the bible, their was a decision made by the early church on what to put in or take out of the Bible. I believe that the Bible is what it is supposed to be. If God can create the world in 6 days, then i am pretty sure He can have the bible put together. Now i would like to comment on an earlier post, we were given dominion over the earth and everything in it. THat is why we are the "superioir" beings and that is why the animals are why they are. We are in charge. But having said that, we are called to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind , soul and strength. If not, God tells us if we wont worship HIm, then He will have the rocks cry out to Him. God has given us a great privilage, but dont think that HE wouldnt destroy us otherwise. Finally, i have not come to judge, or point fingers. I have posted to shed some light on this subject. What you care to do, whether it be discredit, and or throw away, or worship some other god, that is your choice. Just know that judgement will come ,and without Christ you will suffer. Thats it. He said that either you are with Him or against Him. YOu choose. Other than that, lets not get into a pissing contest. Please.

[White trash wagon]

Point taken, everyone is entitled to thier opinion. 87Stang if your happy with your life and your view of the world, more power to you. I don't think I've seen you bash anyone, and you seem to have at least some tolerance for other's ideas.

But thier are some zealots on this board who are LESS tolerant.

Scott

[DarkWolf]

Just know that judgement will come ,and without Christ you will suffer.

This, my friend, is passing judgement. This is not the only time you've done it.

As far as bashing / pissing contest, I don't think that's happened. From my perspective, I'd like to have a healthy debate, but in order to do so, those involved should have some broader understanding of the subject. Simply quoting the bible at every turn takes no effort, it takes no thought, and it smacks of pre-programmed auto-responses.

[93cobrasvt]

Well for the last time, i have judged no one. I can only speak the truth, which is indeed Gods Holy word. Whether you see it that way or not, that again is your choice. But in the end, we will all find out one way or another. I may not have a broad spectrum of ideas, but i have evaluated enough and have found what i know to be the Truth. As far as quoting the Bible, i think, as long as you believe what it says is the best thing. I cant come up with the right answer, seeing how God already has. His Son. I dont want what some other man thinks, i want what God says. It is just that simple for me. This does remind me of a scripture in corinthians. It says that to the unbeliever , this(Gods word and God Himself) will seem like foolishness.I was at one point there in my life. It is not like i can not relate in some form or fashion to where you are coming from. Read the Word and ask God to open your eyes and you will see the Truth. Thanks.

[DarkWolf]

It says that to the unbeliever , this(Gods word and God Himself) will seem like foolishness.I was at one point there in my life. It is not like i can not relate in some form or fashion to where you are coming from. Read the Word and ask God to open your eyes and you will see the Truth. Thanks.

How about you stop assuming where I'm coming from. I gave you the invitation to go back and read the past threads. It's up to you now, to do so, or you can continue with your assumptions and remain ignorant.

As for judgement, it's not your place to say who will and won't be punished in the end (yes, even when referencing the bible). You don't see it as judgement, because it's second nature to you. You pass judgement without even realising it... because it's what you do.

[Casper]

Now, a good book in the bible to read, is the end of 1 kings, through the first of 2 kings and you will read of a prophet named Elijah, and he was upset that people around him were worshiping other gods( which are all man made, which will probably make you mad by me saying that). Now he had a standoff, or contest if you will and showed how powerful Christ is and how the god the others were worshiping was nothing. I think you might enjoy that part of the bible. Maybe. Now through all the critisism, go and study the bible yourself, i only know what i know, and have never claimed to know it all. God is the one who is Omnipotent, not i. He will have your answers. All you have to do is ask Him, and He will show you. Just remember Christ is the only way, and HE is a jealous God. There will be no other Gods before HIm. THat would be in Exodus, in the section about the Ten Commandments.

You really need to follow your own advice. There are a few chapters between Elijah and Christ, transfiguration aside.

[93cobrasvt]

i didnt realize i was throwing you under the bus. Or maybe it is God talking to you. Who shall know, except in the end. That much we can be certain.

[notchnate]

There is a higher power, that power created the universe 15 billion years ago by initiating the big bang.

The concept of religion was manufactured by early man.

Man is the only creature of this earth that is sentient...aware of his own existense. Man is the only inhabitant of the earth with the intelligence to be aware of his mortality,to question what makes things happen in the world, the only animal with the ability to reason . Animals don't know what death is, thier not even aware they exist. Sure animals have inborn reflexs & instincts to protect them from harm, but it's automatic, no dog ever thought "that car is gonna kill me". So when early man saw his friends or relatives die, he knew they were GONE, he was aware off death, but he did not understand why. Early man also saw lightening, big storms, eclipses, and wondered why? These early men thought death and other unusual events must be caused by something....a magical power that is all powerful........a god.

But how could they get on this magical power's good side? Offer food? sacrifice animals? Sacrifice one of your own? If they did that maybe bad things would not happen? But the early men realized death was inevitable.....but if you appeased the gods........maybe you live again after death?

So early religious concepts gave an explaination of unfortunant events, "it was god's will" or "this happened because we dishonored god". It also alleviated the fear of death.....since you "might" live on after death. This answered questions and made life a little easier.


So you see, man's intelligence virtually guaranteed the concept of religion. It was a way to satisfy early man's questions about why things happen. Man is also intelligent enough to override his inborn instincts, you never hear of homosexual animals or animals commiting suicide. So this led to the concept of "sin". Only man kills for sport, animals do it for survival.

As centuries and millenias passed, man's intelligence grew, as did his accumulated knowledge, and concepts of religion were refined, and became specialized. But when a group of people disagreed with another group about religious concepts, they split into different groups. One side became convinced they were right, "god is on our side!" and thought the other side were "sinners". This caused further splintering of groups, conflict and strife.

So one group thought ,"if we kill all the "sinners", god will be happy and smile upon US. A pattern that continues to this day. Since man reigned supreme on earth, surely he had to be nearly a god? or at least made in god's image?

There are 400 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, many of which have planets, likely hundreds of millions of planets. Only the earth has intelligent life? And there are at least 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe(current estimates put the observable universe at at least 30 billion light years across).

So you have hundreds of trillions of stars, and hundreds of billions of planets in the universe, and yet god picked the earth for the ONLY intelligent life, made in GOD'S own image? How convenient for us...........

If contact is ever made with other intelligent life, and their more accomplished, more advanced than we are...what does that say about the bible? Since WE were made in God's image, wouldn't that mean we should reign supreme in the UNIVERSE? Religious zealots likely declare any contact with intelligent life as "the work of the devil".

So modern religion is actually just self serving dogma to glorify man, and make the pain of life a bit more bearable.

Scott
Wow! YOU should spread your ideas to everyone. TO open their eyes a little and to let them find The answers they are searching for. I think the bible is more of a book on morals and princible allowing man to wonder and ask questions and choose right from wrong, good and evil. And giving man a perpose and reason for existance. without it we would be alone in the dark hell on earth, we would still be stuck thinking why and how with no answers at all. I dont have much faith I wouldnt call myself a christian because I cant sit here and tell you about every little passage and verse in the bible but I do believe in a higher being that created life. mostly only because iam scared of whats 2 come even after death

[DarkWolf]

Have you ever studied the preterist viewpoint? They would insist that the prophecy was fulfilled in 70CE (some opt for 135CE). And I find their reasoning much more compelling than modern apocalyptics like the VanImpes and such.

Just offering another plane for study...

I must have missed this before. I have not heard anything about this prior. Definitely sounds interesting. Any recommendations of books or links?

[TexasDevilDog]

Wow! YOU should spread your ideas to everyone. TO open their eyes a little and to let them find The answers they are searching for. I think the bible is more of a book on morals and princible allowing man to wonder and ask questions and choose right from wrong, good and evil. And giving man a perpose and reason for existance. without it we would be alone in the dark hell on earth, we would still be stuck thinking why and how with no answers at all. I dont have much faith I wouldnt call myself a christian because I cant sit here and tell you about every little passage and verse in the bible but I do believe in a higher being that created life. mostly only because iam scared of whats 2 come even after death

You think his ideas are unique?

[White trash wagon]

You think his ideas are unique?

TDD, neither myself or you have unique ideas on this subject. It's just your ideas have more acceptance with the masses that don't like to think too much. And that's just my opinion!

Scott

[TexasDevilDog]

TDD, neither myself or you have unique ideas on this subject. It's just your ideas have more acceptance with the masses that don't like to think too much. And that's just my opinion!

Scott

I know. I was just commenting on his remark. I had expressed similar feelings that you posted about when I was in HS 20 years ago.

[90dfw]

We need to remember that there is only one true God, that is Christ Jesus. The One who rose from the dead, and has taken the sting out of death. It is not of works and deeds, but a free gift from God the Father. "No one goes to the Father except through Me" John 14:6
People may claim to believe in a god, but not all that 94 percent believe in the the Living God that is Jesus.
You know..Muslims say the same thing about Allah....Whos right??How do you know? Who's to say?? And dont tell me because the bible says so...almost every religion claims that "their god" is the only god and there are no others.

[The Pixie]

You know..Muslims say the same thing about Allah....Whos right??How do you know? Who's to say?? And dont tell me because the bible says so...almost every religion claims that "their god" is the only god and there are no others.


That is something that you have to seek for yourself. God has given us the ability to either choose him or not.

[White trash wagon]

That is something that you have to seek for yourself. God has given us the ability to either choose him or not.

This type of mentality is exactly why religion is so destructive, and had caused so many wars. Allah IS god, just viewed from a different perspective. But the various denominations say "if you don't accept MY religion, you must not believe in god".

You simply cannot accept other religions, so you never "play well" together. Very narrow minded and arrogent.

How DO you know "your" religion is "correct"? what if the muslims ARE right? What if the Budhist ARE right? Will you go to hell, for being on the "wrong " side?

Scott

[TexasDevilDog]

what if the muslims ARE right?
Scott

I bet that a bunch of child molestors wish that muslims are right, because muhammad married a six year old girl.

[White trash wagon]

I bet that a bunch of child molestors wish that muslims are right, because muhammad married a six year old girl.

Just as the members in the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials hoped they were right as they tortured and murdered innocent people in the name of Christianity.

The pope hoped he was right when he burned Kopernicus at the stake for saying the earth was NOT the center of the universe.

The catholic church hoped they were right when they forced Galileo was to say the earth was flat by threatening to kill him.

The catholic church hoped they were right when they put Leonardo DiVinci under house arrest for the remainder of his life for daring to examine dead bodies to learn more about medicine.

History is full of crimes committed by all the popular churches. So who IS right?

Scott

[The Pixie]

This type of mentality is exactly why religion is so destructive, and had caused so many wars. Allah IS god, just viewed from a different perspective. But the various denominations say "if you don't accept MY religion, you must not believe in god".

You simply cannot accept other religions, so you never "play well" together. Very narrow minded and arrogent.

How DO you know "your" religion is "correct"? what if the muslims ARE right? What if the Budhist ARE right? Will you go to hell, for being on the "wrong " side?

Scott


I said you had to search it out for yourself. I didn't say you had to believe what I believe. I personally believe that the God the Bible speaks of is the true God. If I believed that everyone's God is THE God then I would be contradicting myself. IF the muslims are right, or if the Budhists are right, then I will find out when I die. We all have to make a decision. We all can't be right.

[White trash wagon]

I said you had to search it out for yourself. I didn't say you had to believe what I believe. I personally believe that the God the Bible speaks of is the true God. If I believed that everyone's God is THE God then I would be contradicting myself. IF the muslims are right, or if the Budhists are right, then I will find out when I die. We all have to make a decision. We all can't be right.


Well put....point taken

Scott

[TexasDevilDog]

Just as the members in the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem witch trials hoped they were right as they tortured and murdered innocent people in the name of Christianity.

The pope hoped he was right when he burned Kopernicus at the stake for saying the earth was NOT the center of the universe.

The catholic church hoped they were right when they forced Galileo was to say the earth was flat by threatening to kill him.

The catholic church hoped they were right when they put Leonardo DiVinci under house arrest for the remainder of his life for daring to examine dead bodies to learn more about medicine.

History is full of crimes committed by all the popular churches. So who IS right?

Scott

Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

[DarkWolf]

I said you had to search it out for yourself. I didn't say you had to believe what I believe. I personally believe that the God the Bible speaks of is the true God. If I believed that everyone's God is THE God then I would be contradicting myself. IF the muslims are right, or if the Budhists are right, then I will find out when I die. We all have to make a decision. We all can't be right.

Why not? If all religions speak of the same God, then no one is wrong per-se. It then boils down to cultural differences and interpretations of the core message. I just choose to opt-out of religion...

Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

...and that's certainly one of the reasons for my decision.

[TexasDevilDog]

The Church of Ambiguity

[The Pixie]

Why not? If all religions speak of the same God, then no one is wrong per-se. It then boils down to cultural differences and interpretations of the core message. I just choose to opt-out of religion...



...and that's certainly one of the reasons for my decision.


How can you come to the conclusion that all religions speak of the same God? Each religion contradicts the other one as to who God is. So, either one of us are right, or we're all wrong. If it's easier for you to "opt-out", then that is definitely your right. No one can force anyone to believe something they don't want to believe.