(June 7, 2013 at 10:58 am)ronedee Wrote: Well.... For one, what do we actually [think] about God (in our minds eye of what a God should be)? He would be: Just, Loving, Fatherly, Forgiving, and Give us everything He has!"We" probably don't think that, you may, and your thoughts are obviously your own business.
Quote:Punishment is NOT on the chart. Unless, that is what we want.-The ranks of heaven swell with undesireables who made it passed the gates by virtue of having wanted to be there-
Jesus said: "I will NOT judge you. You will judge yourself!" He also says after we die, "Those who come to the light, will come to me."
That's pretty simple. It says to me, if we want heaven we will go there. If we don't, we won't. The "choice" is always there. Because we "want it".
Yet another reason I'd rather not go.
Quote:You know that a lot of countries hate us for our freedoms here in America.I think that's probably not why "a lot" of countries hate us...but I recognize that it;s the sort of thing people tell themselves about why "a lot" of countries hate us.
Quote: Not because they wouldn't want to be free, but because it doesn't limit us in anything! Including religious freedom! But, we wouldn't have it any other way! We are free to think and be anything we want! Well....? This is part of God's plan! To let us do "whatever we want"! We have dominion over the earth, and all that is in it! It is in our power (individually & collectively) to do a lot of good....or evil.Indeed, free to consign ourselves to the flame. Freedom at the point of a gun, no less. Not quite the american model - so I don't know why you think the analogy holds.
Quote:I was at my dad's house who is an atheist, for a party. When the subject of God came up...which he never missed a chance to bash.... He said the classic "if there was a God babies wouldn't be dying in 3rd world countries." My dad is very well off, and all his friends are too!An appeal to hypocrisy? What is going on recently with this shit? No dice bud, no response is required from your father because you failed to construct a coherent thought.
I prayed quietly that the Holy Spirit would give me words. Not so much for my dad, but for all the people there nodding their heads in agreement w/ him. I asked my dad a question: [hey dad, hows business? Are you doing well for yourself?] He said, "well, yeah very good!." [And your business partners too?] "Yes, they are doing very well, why?" I said, then why don't you and your friends get on a jet and go help those dying 3rd world babies?
Quote:He had a blank look on his face, and didn't say a word. And everyone in the room looked quite uncomfortable, and sober.I'd be uncomfortable in the presence of a person who tried manufacture an excuse for their god via TQ as well...in fact, I am uncomfortable - right now.
Quote:Is it practical for him to go save babies? Probably not. Can he save all the babies? Probably not. But, we do have it in our power to irradicate a lot of shit happening in the world. We are free to do it, or not.And?
Quote:It's what we wanted from the beginning. Free-will. So, we will always have that chioce. Even to the end. And I don't know what the options other than God are...maybe you'll have a change of heart when you see it someday! It might be everything you would expect...or more!You keep painting a picture of god that is even worse than the picture I had going in.........change of heart? At this point, Ron, I'd require a complete change of person. I would have to cease to exist and be replaced in every particular by a person whom I would loathe......
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
