tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post7307408746006433422..comments2024-03-01T21:01:15.174-06:00Comments on Biblical Christianity: "Acts of God"DJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-18186784464108952212010-08-19T20:49:14.868-05:002010-08-19T20:49:14.868-05:00Not quite what my argument is DJP. What I try to s...Not <i>quite</i> what my argument is DJP. What I try to say is that every other religion takes theirs as seriously as you do yours. And that theirs is the 'one true way'. I do so in response to all those who say I am condemned because I do not recognize their particular deity.<br /><br />Any argument I propose against the existence of any deities is a different matter.<br /><br />An while I agree that a headache causes us all to seek a remedy, I fail to see the correlation between that and the need for God. I don't 'suffer' anything which makes me seek that 'remedy'.<br /><br />We've drifted away a bit from Robert's original point. I'm happy to talk but don't let me distract you from prepping H&T!Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-73539014527149122592010-08-19T20:00:08.062-05:002010-08-19T20:00:08.062-05:00Well, I'd never say "No" to the effe...Well, I'd never say "No" to the effects of a well-administered back rub.<br /><br />But here's the difference. You don't deny the reality of headaches, nor the desirability for a cure.<br /><br />But you have tried to argue that the fact that there are various religious remedies proposed for sin and distance from God indicates that we needn't bother with any of them.<br /><br />See? There's a difference. As if the presence of counterfeit monies indicates that there is no such thing as genuine currency.<br /><br />The truth is the precise opposite.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-17976521699579280732010-08-19T19:10:32.248-05:002010-08-19T19:10:32.248-05:00Aw DJP! Now you've got me in a corner. Not fai...Aw DJP! Now you've got me in a corner. Not fair!<br /><br />I have to agree with what you said apart from one minor and one (maybe) major point.<br /><br />I wouldn't only cite chicken bones etc., I would predominantly cite other brands of painkiller. Even a neck and shoulder massage would come out ahead of the other remedies.<br /><br />For <i>you</i> the difference may be that the Christian Gospel is rooted in history, reality, and fundamentally in Jesus Christ. And at the risk of echoing your words, not for me, not for many others.<br /><br />And when I see you attempting to walk on water Robert, I hold my breath for your safety.<br /><br />Gentlemen, I care and hold best wishes for both of you.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-58694522015420606842010-08-19T08:08:43.399-05:002010-08-19T08:08:43.399-05:00NP Robert; I'm glad for what you said, and als...NP Robert; I'm glad for what you said, and also care and pray for Rupert.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-28231579397430730842010-08-19T07:58:31.164-05:002010-08-19T07:58:31.164-05:00DJP,
Thanks for your wisdom and insight. You and...DJP,<br /><br />Thanks for your wisdom and insight. You and Rupert have obviuosly engaged in much more dialogue. Plus, I'm certainly no expert at putting the right words forth (not for lack of words, though!). <br /><br />As I said before, I will be in prayer for you, Rupert. I hope that you see this as me reaching out to you in love. It is like if I see you about to step out on the road and a bus is coming full speed...you don't see the bus, but I do...so I am going to do all that I can from keeping you from getting hit by the bus. (Yes, I stole this analogy, but I think it is a great one)Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-12789617485599421912010-08-19T07:50:11.527-05:002010-08-19T07:50:11.527-05:00Robert, let me offer an "assist." I know...Robert, let me offer an "assist." I know exactly how Rupert will try to deflect what you're saying, because he has tried the same thing other times Christ is preached.<br /><br />Rupert will point out — correctly — that other religions offer what they call cures for these same things.<br /><br />It's a lazy dodge, I must say, and one we'd snort at in any other connection. I mean, I say I have a headache, you say "I've got Advil, it's just the thing" — and then Rupert leans in between us with the droll comment, "Oh yes, many cultures claim to cure headaches. Some shake chicken bones, some dance little dances. Very common. Don't bother."<br /><br />Of course many (all?) cultures have headache cures because all cultures experience headaches. And many religions have something to say about sin and distance from God because it is a universal reality.<br /><br />The difference is that the Christian Gospel is rooted in history, reality, and fundamentally in Jesus Christ.<br /><br />That it addresses our most fundamental human need is hardly a disqualifier.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-83264388644053570982010-08-19T07:18:49.132-05:002010-08-19T07:18:49.132-05:00Rupert,
As for other religions, I don't see h...Rupert,<br /><br />As for other religions, I don't see how any of them bridge the gap between our sinfulness and the righteousness of God. Man is not be perfect in thought and deed. Christianity is the only religion that shows that the perfect God came to earth in flesh and blood, lived a perfect life, paid the penalty for our sins, and thus claims a people of His own to be with Him in heaven. <br /><br />Have you ever felt guilt over having done something wrong? That guilt is caused by the conscience that God built into every person. And the only way that you can truly be forgiven for doing wrong is to accept that Jesus Christ died for your sins and to follow Him as your Lord. If you reject that, then you will face the wrath of God in hell. There people experience eternal pain and suffering and total separation from God. <br /><br />You may not realize this, but God sustains your very life. He shows all people common grace. If you are separated from God, all of the blessings that you receive here on earth are gone. And there is a resurrection for unbelievers to a body that will endure eternal punishment for sin...where the worm doesn't turn and there is wailing and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />I pray that God will turn your heart to Him and that you will repent of your sins and turn to Him. I certainly do not wish for any person to be subjected to that eternal punishment.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-32926496805180357662010-08-18T17:31:41.531-05:002010-08-18T17:31:41.531-05:00Hi Robert, I won't be reading the book. I have...Hi Robert, I won't be reading the book. I have done some research on it though and it sounds very much as you have described it.<br /><br />The only problem I see is that this all applies only to the abrahamic faiths. Such a book would not be applicable to any other religions except as a reference text.<br /><br />Of course that also means that the concept of Christianity being the one true religion is rather limited.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-49195832421171940812010-08-18T12:03:21.417-05:002010-08-18T12:03:21.417-05:00Rupert,
I think that if you'll read the book,...Rupert,<br /><br />I think that if you'll read the book, you will see why I recommend it to you. If not, then that is fine as well, but I didn't want to leave you with a false thought that Islam stands alone...it actually points to Christianity being the one true religion if you look at their beliefs regarding the Bible.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-43731910627118935382010-08-17T17:28:35.381-05:002010-08-17T17:28:35.381-05:00Struth Robert, I just happened to scroll down the ...Struth Robert, I just happened to scroll down the front page a bit further and when I saw '26 comments', I thought 'hang on, that's grown'!<br /><br />While I find that interesting I don't think it has much impact.<br /><br />There are many Christians who have converted to Islam and other religions. Just like others have converted to Christianity. The major faiths do all seem to have discrepancies, inconsistencies and interpretations on a number of levels.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-88726145740106241502010-08-16T06:30:18.563-05:002010-08-16T06:30:18.563-05:00Rupert,
I'm not sure if you'll make it ba...Rupert,<br /><br />I'm not sure if you'll make it back to read this, but Thabiti Anyabwile wrote a book entitled "The Gospel for Muslims" that I think would address at least one false system of beliefs for you. Thabiti is a converted Muslim and wrotes how he converted to Christianity because the teachings of Islam were inconsistent and actually showed him that Christianity is the truth. I think it would be best to read the book because I'd do a major disservice trying to explain it all to you on here compared to his writing.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-37421525240403740172010-08-12T19:59:31.262-05:002010-08-12T19:59:31.262-05:00Your response DJP, is clear, concise and encompass...Your response DJP, is clear, concise and encompasses a lot of understanding for me. Thank you.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-46291929742418647522010-08-12T19:50:24.679-05:002010-08-12T19:50:24.679-05:00Well, I'll launch a couple of scratches, and y...Well, I'll launch a couple of scratches, and you see if they fit what your itch was.<br /><br />I don't give final and exact interpretations of God's providence; that's a fool's errand, and Biblically unwarranted, as Job's friends discovered. I know that Muslims are under the wrath of God. Sincerity has nothing to do with it. Having Christ, or not having Christ, has everything to do with it (John 3:36; 1 John 5:12).<br /><br />Yep, for any authority to compel belief, that source would have to be transcendent, in possession of all facts, able to see and understand every fact from every angle and in every possible relationship to every other fact.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-18410505181260068132010-08-12T19:43:00.764-05:002010-08-12T19:43:00.764-05:00I just find it incongruous to be surrounded (well,...I just find it incongruous to be surrounded (well, sort of) by various groups all claiming the same thing.<br /><br />I mean you really, really believe that you have it right. So does everyone else, including me.<br /><br />Don't worry about the question, I never did frame it clearly so it obviously doesn't carry much value.<br /><br />Do you like coffee? Drink much of it? I have three cups every morning, and a bottle of red every night. I had my blood group tested, it came back shiraz! tish, boom.<br /><br />I am seriously looking forward to this weeks H&T DJP, it's always entertaining.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-14326497001286382282010-08-12T19:14:28.043-05:002010-08-12T19:14:28.043-05:00Rupert, I largely haven't answered your earlie...Rupert, I largely haven't answered your earlier questions because I can't make any sense out of them. Sorry. If you want to re-word?DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-23877455650656776692010-08-12T19:13:18.131-05:002010-08-12T19:13:18.131-05:00Oh, mercy.
And you felt this was crying out for R...Oh, mercy.<br /><br />And you felt this was crying out for Rupert to say because...?DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-21770945295098114342010-08-12T18:53:51.667-05:002010-08-12T18:53:51.667-05:00But is it meaningful as well DJP?
My point is tha...But is it meaningful as well DJP?<br /><br />My point is that there are many others who assert as much authority, claims of evidence, scriptural support and such in regard to their faith as you do in regard to yours.<br /><br />You believe that yours is the only one which truly applies and that all other faiths as well as atheists have got it wrong. Yet all other faiths as well as atheists have the same response in regard to yours.<br /><br />To you, yours is real, to them theirs is real, to me none of it is real.<br /><br />I'm still not saying anything that comes across as 'deep' though am I. Maybe that's because it all really is that simple. Ah, who knows....Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-89580547277214723002010-08-12T18:13:15.696-05:002010-08-12T18:13:15.696-05:00The believers of the Christian God are the ones wh...<i>The believers of the Christian God are the ones who believe in a Christian God. </i><br /><br />Deep.<br /><br />(c;DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-82456750330631718892010-08-12T17:40:38.746-05:002010-08-12T17:40:38.746-05:00I hear what you are saying Robert but I wouldn'...I hear what you are saying Robert but I wouldn't want to stand in the middle of Tehran and say it out loud.<br /><br />The believers of the Christian God are the ones who believe in a Christian God. No-one else does.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-42861436891530829002010-08-12T07:02:23.076-05:002010-08-12T07:02:23.076-05:00Rupert,
Not trying to speak for Dan, but God is G...Rupert,<br /><br />Not trying to speak for Dan, but God is God of all people. The Bible states that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11) Also, God displayed His mighty works before Pharaoh and the people of Egypt in dismantling all of their false gods before them and delivering His people in the Exodus. <br /><br />The Bible also states that God "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) God is sovereign over everything...so, yes we should praise God for every good work that happens everywhere.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-26466978052444844932010-08-11T20:17:05.789-05:002010-08-11T20:17:05.789-05:00The question I posed earlier was a serious one DJP...The question I posed earlier was a serious one DJP. There was no facetiousness to it.<br /><br />I really liked your line <i>I am owed nothing but fierce and merciless justice, how can I be so blessed?</i><br /><br />This is based on your faith, therefore it is God's acts which elicit a hurricane or save a plane from crashing.<br /><br />Some of the Islamic faith adhere to their beliefs and scriptural behavior at least as strongly as you do yours (well, not so sure about the scriptural part with them).<br /><br />So when there is a hurricane or saved plane in an Islamic nation, do you still fully apply your faith or is there some sort of 'tempering' in some sort of way, given the nature of their faith? <br /><br />And the verification word is 'wreak', how serendipitous.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-79257729621435456222010-08-11T18:10:33.521-05:002010-08-11T18:10:33.521-05:00Surely secular people have no right to blame God f...Surely secular people have no right to blame God for anything Dan?<br /><br />If you start invoking God's name in regard to anything then you are not atheist. We can't have it both ways!Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-74658549349072610392010-08-11T07:59:14.295-05:002010-08-11T07:59:14.295-05:00Yes, I admit I'm bouncing between here and Pyr...Yes, I admit I'm bouncing between here and Pyros daily. It helps me to laugh a bit and keeps my wordiness limited to words instead of speech. For that, I am sure many people are quite grateful!Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13987985549747283669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-11512029233396903672010-08-11T06:19:36.210-05:002010-08-11T06:19:36.210-05:00I think I've got my friend Robert addicted to ...<i>I think I've got my friend Robert addicted to this blog.</i><br /><br />But it's a healthy addiction.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-84013523281701809102010-08-10T23:54:35.404-05:002010-08-10T23:54:35.404-05:00Well, to be fair, the act of God that gives us bre...Well, to be fair, the act of God that gives us breath each day was conducted several millennia (I know I spelled that wrong) ago. Ok, I digress. Of course we should praise him for what we have by our very existence, but I would trade that from the secular people if they just wouldn't blame him all the time. Funny how they will do that, but claim in the next sentence that he doesn't exist.The Navy Christianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15116964729906856912noreply@blogger.com