The Truth Within

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Maher said:
That does not explain how men lived to 900+ years and how it is possible for someone to live in a large fish for three days, and how a man can be made from dust, and how a woman can be made from a man’s rib
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Look at it this way, and I’ve posted this on another thread -

Suppose two algae cells could communicate with each other somehow. They have this conversation:

“I’ve been told that humans exist, but I just dont’ see the evidence. I’ve heard they wreak havoc with the environment, kill some of us, cause others to grow and prosper, etc… But I can’t understand any of this because I just can’t comprehend a higher being than ourselves. I guess what I’m saying is that I need proof.”

Now remember algae have no eyes, brain, ears, or limbs. But humor me about the part of them talking to each other.

We sail on the ocean maybe through a patch of algae and cause distruction to their environment through extreme turbulence. We put chemicals in lakes to kill algae. In aquariums, sometimes algae is beneficial so we place artificial lighting on our fish tanks to engcourage growth. These explain the concerns in the above scenario. They certainly seem valid to us. Yet, algae can’t comprehend this at all. They just consider us part of their natural environment and adapt to each situation as it arises. Comprehending us would be absolutely impossible, even if we had a blob of algae in our hands.

Now, look at God. We are like algae in that we don’t have the capabilties to comprehend God. God exist in ways we can’t even fathom. But because we are taught and believe that we are made in God’s image and likeness, we do have advantages over algae to comprehend a very tiny bit about God. Faith I mentioned earlier, and reason. Intelligence is good, but it can’t describe or comprehend God by itself. For that we need the help of faith and reason.

Now, concerning your scenarios above. I don’t have the answer. It’s part of the mystery of faith. Only God knows those answers. But consider this, taking the above literally might get you into trouble becuase your missing the faith part. You certainly have reason, it just needs faith added to the equation.

I really hope God gives you the faith to see this. Even if the suggestion I gave you earlier doesn’t work, you have the rest of your life to keep trying - even if it’s only sporadically at best. There’s also the explanation that maybe God doesn’t want you to see these things right now, but will reveal them at some later point in your life.

In any case, I wish you luck in your endeavors.

Snert
 
Ok, you would have us throw away the Bible and believe in a movie (post #20) instead?? How is that not ludicrous?? and as you state in post #15, these are not even your own thoughts. Now that is ludicrous.

Thanks for all the laughs:clapping:
 
Hello, Maher~

My best friend’s father was homosexual. He lived a double life. He had a wife and 2 children and lived a homosexual life on the side. His family eventually found out and deserted him. He went on to openly live his life as a homosexual. A few years later he had a stroke while driving and was left paralyzed on one side of his body. He lived his next few remaining years in terrible anger and bitterness at God and his family. He didn’t want anything to do with anyone. As far as we know, he died that way. He had another massive stroke which killed him.

I used to be bi-sexual, but leaning more toward homosexual. His daughter and I were friends and became more than friends in our adulthood. When I was 24 I had a conversion. A miracle. I just started reading the Bible and suddenly I KNEW Jesus had died for me wanted to help me overcome my sin - all of it. One thing that had always astounded me was how some people (saints) seemed to have such a hard lot in life and yet never were discouraged or disappointed at their situation. People living in extreme poverty who would thank God for the small bit of food they were able to aquire that day. People who had severe disabilities or terminal illnesses who could sense God’s presence more than those of us who live comfortable and healthy lives. These, to me, were evidences of God’s power in this world.

The more I learned about God, through the Bible, and through a relationship with Him (prayer), the more I realized His holiness and purity. The more I saw it, the more I loved it and wanted it for my life too.

Anyway, a few years before my friend’s dad died, I was awoken early in the morning with a burning urgency to explain my conversion with him. I felt a sense of urgency that God wanted me to witness to him about God’s desire to transform us and make us like Him, and what a joy it is to allow Him to do so. That God is far more desirable than anyone or anything this world has to offer. That our disfunctions, weaknesses, ailments, disabilities and other bad experiences in life are really gifts, because it is through these experiences that God can show His powerful love to us, and through us to others.

When one is little, they perhaps at times resent their parents for not letting them do whatever they wanted. One probably thought his parents didn’t love him at times b/c of that; failing to see in his youthful ignorance, that their rules and punishments were for his own good. But as an adult he can appreciate what they did b/c it was for his own growth and protection. And when he was sick as a child, his parents would nurse him back to health, and through that nursing he realized that indeed his parents do love him. He may even be thankful for the illness that made his parents’ love manifest to him.

Everything in life is a gift - or rather, should be. For those who rely on their own strength, the adversities of life are too much to bear. But with God all things are possible. He became like us (through Mary, born as a human child) so that we could become like Him: holy.

God doesn’t hate homosexuals. He doesn’t hate drug addicts or alcoholics. He doesn’t even hate murderers. The Jews hated Jesus b/c he ate and drank with sinners. They called Him “a friend of sinners”. Perfect people do not need a physician - sick people do. He came for us sinners. The more we realize this, the more irresistable is His calling to us. Please don’t miss the opportunity He is giving you to be His conduit of love, grace and power.

Peace~
 
Oh, I never did finish that story about my friend’s father.

I never did answer that call. I was afraid to talk to him. I thought he’d throw me out like he did to his daughter.

He died in such bitterness and hatred and I will always wonder if my witness to him would have made a difference.

I will always regret that.

That’s why I felt I had to tell you.

Peace~
 
Oh, I never did finish that story about my friend’s father.

I never did answer that call to talk to him. He died a bitter soul and I always wondered if it would have made a difference had I talked to him.

That was why I wanted to share this with you.

Peace~
 
Sorry I’ve been away Maher, I missed a lot of posts.
Anyway, where was I yesterday? Oh, now I remember, still waiting for an answer to post #5. And also you said you already answered that question, so please refer me to the post number where you did so.
Till then, I’m still waiting, eating my popcorn. 🍿
 
edjco said:
Sorry I’ve been away Maher, I missed a lot of posts.
Anyway, where was I yesterday? Oh, now I remember, still waiting for an answer to post #5. And also you said you already answered that question, so please refer me to the post number where you did so.
Till then, I’m still waiting, eating my popcorn. 🍿
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👋 Hi, I’m still narrow-minded!! How are you today?
 
edjco said:
Sorry I’ve been away Maher, I missed a lot of posts.
Anyway, where was I yesterday? Oh, now I remember, still waiting for an answer to post #5. And also you said you already answered that question, so please refer me to the post number where you did so.
Till then, I’m still waiting, eating my popcorn. 🍿
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Hey, I’ve missed you. Did you get caught up on the posturing today. I think that you are late for all the action. Seems that our new friend has left the building for a while.

To Recap today’s action: It does appear that Snert 👍 and JoyToBeCatholic :thankyou: have really given him some really good information to ponder and he has gone to ruminate.

In the meantime Maher :tsktsk: has continued to be obstinate about backing his claims and has even been called on the carpet for plagiarism. Given this he has been asked to cite his information sources, but currently refuses to do so until we answer some more of his charges against us.

Let us sit back and see how the rest of today’s events unfold.
🍿

:yawn:

:sleep:
 
Maher said:
Are you serious? These are not my thoughts by the way. Why should you believe the Bible? It’s about as credible as Jack and The Beanstalk.
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What is even LESS credible is everything being created out of nothing WITHOUT God being the cause of it…
yes, I know…it was some “energy” that always existed which everything developed from…or some such non-sense…🤷
 
JoyToBeCatholic said:
Hello, Maher~

My best friend’s father was homosexual. He lived a double life. He had a wife and 2 children and lived a homosexual life on the side. His family eventually found out and deserted him. He went on to openly live his life as a homosexual. A few years later he had a stroke while driving and was left paralyzed on one side of his body. He lived his next few remaining years in terrible anger and bitterness at God and his family. He didn’t want anything to do with anyone. As far as we know, he died that way. He had another massive stroke which killed him.

I used to be bi-sexual, but leaning more toward homosexual. His daughter and I were friends and became more than friends in our adulthood. When I was 24 I had a conversion. A miracle. I just started reading the Bible and suddenly I KNEW Jesus had died for me wanted to help me overcome my sin - all of it. One thing that had always astounded me was how some people (saints) seemed to have such a hard lot in life and yet never were discouraged or disappointed at their situation. People living in extreme poverty who would thank God for the small bit of food they were able to aquire that day. People who had severe disabilities or terminal illnesses who could sense God’s presence more than those of us who live comfortable and healthy lives. These, to me, were evidences of God’s power in this world.

The more I learned about God, through the Bible, and through a relationship with Him (prayer), the more I realized His holiness and purity. The more I saw it, the more I loved it and wanted it for my life too.

Anyway, a few years before my friend’s dad died, I was awoken early in the morning with a burning urgency to explain my conversion with him. I felt a sense of urgency that God wanted me to witness to him about God’s desire to transform us and make us like Him, and what a joy it is to allow Him to do so. That God is far more desirable than anyone or anything this world has to offer. That our disfunctions, weaknesses, ailments, disabilities and other bad experiences in life are really gifts, because it is through these experiences that God can show His powerful love to us, and through us to others.

When one is little, they perhaps at times resent their parents for not letting them do whatever they wanted. One probably thought his parents didn’t love him at times b/c of that; failing to see in his youthful ignorance, that their rules and punishments were for his own good. But as an adult he can appreciate what they did b/c it was for his own growth and protection. And when he was sick as a child, his parents would nurse him back to health, and through that nursing he realized that indeed his parents do love him. He may even be thankful for the illness that made his parents’ love manifest to him.

Everything in life is a gift - or rather, should be. For those who rely on their own strength, the adversities of life are too much to bear. But with God all things are possible. He became like us (through Mary, born as a human child) so that we could become like Him: holy.

God doesn’t hate homosexuals. He doesn’t hate drug addicts or alcoholics. He doesn’t even hate murderers. The Jews hated Jesus b/c he ate and drank with sinners. They called Him “a friend of sinners”. Perfect people do not need a physician - sick people do. He came for us sinners. The more we realize this, the more irresistable is His calling to us. Please don’t miss the opportunity He is giving you to be His conduit of love, grace and power.

Peace~
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JoyToBeCatholic said:
Oh, I never did finish that story about my friend’s father.

I never did answer that call to talk to him. He died a bitter soul and I always wondered if it would have made a difference had I talked to him.

That was why I wanted to share this with you.

Peace~
Click to expand...
I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.
 
CarolinNC said:
Ok, you would have us throw away the Bible and believe in a movie (post #20) instead?? How is that not ludicrous?? and as you state in post #15, these are not even your own thoughts. Now that is ludicrous.

Thanks for all the laughs:clapping:
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All thoughts are my own, inspired by other sources. The points that are not my own are the ones I have inserted into quotation boxes.
 
Maher said:
I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.
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Well, I’m glad we got you thinking! I will be praying for you and I think you need to do some soul searching and some praying of your own!!

oh, would you like some too?🍿
 
Maher said:
I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
I can guarantee one thing, if you join the homoesexual lifestyle you won’t be truely happy. No one who embraces a life sin ever is.

As for your comment:
To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.
Click to expand...
To be sure, God loves you enough to respect your choice in this matter. Just be sure you truely understand the consequences of the choice.
 
happymommy said:
Well, I’m glad we got you thinking! I will be praying for you and I think you need to do some soul searching and some praying of your own!!

oh, would you like some too?🍿
Click to expand...
You are very kind. I have been taken in by the very welcoming nature on this forum, despite my attacking your religion.

And, yes, I will have some. Thank you. 😃
 
Maher said:
I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
And who said Atheists could not be humble?

Maher, side issue, what are you studying at school? I am guessing one of the sciences.

God bless
 
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