20 Questions for Theists

[Slumberjack]

1) Why are you a theist?
Because my journey through life has led me this way. It's not really a question I can answer properly in a sentence or two.

2) Were you born in a religious home?
Not really. Parents were 50% atheist, 50% Christian. I wasn't taken to church. The household occasionally hosted some interesting debates though.

3) If you answered "yes" to #2, do you currently subscribe to the religion you were raised in?
Well as I say I wasn't raised as a Christian, but I eventually adopted the religion of my father.

4) Have you ever considered other religions/philosophies at some stage?
Not in depth.

5) If you answered "yes" to #4, what were they?

6) What reaffirms your beliefs as being correct over other religions/philosophies?
My experience of God.

7) Do you ever doubt from time to time the truths of your religion?
Yes.

8) Do you read your religious/philosophical text(s) daily?
No.

9) Explain why you answered yes/no to #8
It's just my personal choice.

10) Do you believe your answers to the past 9 questions sincerely?
Yes.

(now the fun section)

11) Who would win a fight between a theist and an atheist? Street rules, of course.
Well it would depend on the theist and the atheist. I would have thought Sylvester Stallone could take Dawkins, but a punchup between Stephen Fry and Dolly Parton would go to Fry.

12) How do you like your eggs?
Fried, with yolks that have developed a firm skin but remain deliciously oozy and runny, with a white that has crisped up to fine lace at the edges.

13) What did you think of Inception?
I thoroughly enjoyed it.

14) Favourite mythical creature?
Pegasus

15) Favourite book?
My top picks would include Watership Down, Flowers For Algernon, Catch-22 and many many more.

16) Favourite band?
The Beatles, Coldplay, Simon and Garfunkel to name a few.

17) Indoors or outdoors?
On a very rainy day, watching the torrent through a window from the warmth of my living room with a mug of hot tea. Otherwise, outdoors.

18) Summer or winter?
I love all four seasons but especially love the autumn. In fact, I would order them preferentially: Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter. No disrespect to winter.

19) If you could travel in time, what year/era would you go visit and where would you go?
I'd love to see the dinosaurs.

20) So far, have you enjoyed your stay at AF.org?
Yes, so far.

[fr0d0]

11) Who would win a fight between a theist and an atheist? Street rules, of course.
Well it would depend on the theist and the atheist. I would have thought Sylvester Stallone could take Dawkins, but a punchup between Stephen Fry and Dolly Parton would go to Fry.

12) How do you like your eggs?
Fried, with yolks that have developed a firm skin but remain deliciously oozy and runny, with a white that has crisped up to fine lace at the edges.

My guess is Stephen Fry wouldn't last a minute!

Nice egg!

[Godscreated]

I agree with fr0d0, Dolly would take him without sweating, and the eggs oh my sounds good, you should write a cook book, with descriptions like that people would get hungry enough to eat the book.

Slumberjack, glad you're here.

[Slumberjack]

Thank you both

[goodnews]

1) Why are you a theist?
why is truth stranger than fiction ?
2) Were you born in a religious home?
no
3) If you answered "yes" to #2, do you currently subscribe to the religion you were raised in?
N/A
4) Have you ever considered other religions/philosophies at some stage?
I have examined them, but not "considered" them
5) If you answered "yes" to #4, what were they?
N/A
6) What reaffirms your beliefs as being correct over other religions/philosophies?
all others have their roots traced back to the lie in Genesis 3:5
7) Do you ever doubt from time to time the truths of your religion?
N/A a belief is not a religion
8) Do you read your religious/philosophical text(s) daily?
no, I only try to obey the scripures
9) Explain why you answered yes/no to #8
N/A
10) Do you believe your answers to the past 9 questions sincerely?
N/A, I did not answer all questions
(now the fun section)
oops was that not suposed to be fun
11) Who would win a fight between a theist and an atheist? Street rules, of course.
how long is a piece of string ?
12) How do you like your eggs?
from a chicken
13) What did you think of Inception?
of what ?
14) Favourite mythical creature?
the green guy Hulk
15) Favourite book?
Hebrews as it contains a fulfillment of Daniels prophecy.
16) Favourite band?
dont have one
17) Indoors or outdoors?
what is ?
18) Summer or winter?
at the moment its spring
19) If you could travel in time, what year/era would you go visit and where would you go
pass , I have had my fill of traveling
20) So far, have you enjoyed your stay at AF.org?
Yes, it is helping immensely with my understandind of how God operates !

[Gnosis]

Just joined ! New to forums and I do not know if i am posting this in the right place ! Apologies if i am not. Any tips on how to be Forum savvy ? =D

[fr0d0]

There's an introductions area... go post there. Read around, you'll soon get the hang of it.

[Drich]

1) Why are you a theist?

Because I have a relationship with God. Why did I become a Christian? Because the God of the bible was the only one to full fill what He promised in His Holy Book.

2) Were you born in a religious home?

yes

3) If you answered "yes" to #2, do you currently subscribe to the religion you were raised in?

No

4) Have you ever considered other religions/philosophies at some stage?

Yes

5) If you answered "yes" to #4, what were they?

I looked into what my mother believed, then I went with the hippy crap my father believed (general spiritualism) I've studied with Muslims and settled with Christianity.

6) What reaffirms your beliefs as being correct over other religions/philosophies?

the presents of God the Spirit in my life.

7) Do you ever doubt from time to time the truths of your religion?

I did before the Spirit all of the time. That is why I jumped to so many different faiths.

8) Do you read your religious/philosophical text(s) daily?

almost every day

9) Explain why you answered yes/no to #8

It is the seeking and knocking part of A/S/K for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

10) Do you believe your answers to the past 9 questions sincerely?

what do you think.

(now the fun section)

11) Who would win a fight between a theist and an atheist? Street rules, of course.

It completely depends on what either of the two are willing to do to win. Whoever wants it more in street rules fighting will always win.

12) How do you like your eggs?

over medium.

13) What did you think of Inception?

good ending

14) Favourite mythical creature?

an honest atheist, or a basically 'good person' take your pick.

15) Favourite book?

the giving tree,

16) Favourite band?

Guns and Roses.

17) Indoors or outdoors?

out

18) Summer or winter?

I like spring, but if I had to pick one of yours I'd pick winter.

19) If you could travel in time, what year/era would you go visit and where would you go?

I I hope to observe all of it some day ( in a highlight reel, like vh1's I love the 80's, but it encompass all of humanity, with commentary from key historical figures. If I could only pick one era, I would choose to Observe the time revelations depicts. (If I am not doing so already.) I like to know how it all ends. Then I think I would need someone explain how what revelations records actually plays out.

20) So far, have you enjoyed your stay at AF.org?

do I enjoy being crapped on by those who do not approve of thought that differs from what they want to believe? no. Do I enjoy answering legitimate questions, and this opportunity to serve God? yes.
Do I enjoy the freedom this web site and it's more gracious admins afford me to serve God by answering questions? Yes. Absolutly!

[Minimalist]

I prefer these questions....far more practical than the philosophical bullshit in the O.P.

Questions for Dr. Laura
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to
people who call in to her radio show. Recently she said that
homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22,
and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The
following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident, which
was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative.

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other
specific laws and how to follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord -- Lev. 1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus
21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for
her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her
period of menstrual uncleanliness -- Lev. 15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination -- Lev. 11:10-- it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a
defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my
vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? -- Lev.24:10-16.
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do
with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you
can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

[Drich]

I prefer these questions....far more practical than the philosophical bullshit in the O.P.
Questions for Dr. Laura
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to
people who call in to her radio show. Recently she said that
homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22,
and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The
following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident, which
was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative.

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

While this does end the debate for the OT Jew, it might leave questions (like the following questions you posted) for anyone not looking to worship as or convert to Old Testament Judaism. That is why in my arguements against Homosexuality I simply break it down to it core sin. That being Sex out side the santified pretext of a biblical marriage. As there is not a santified pretext in which homosexual people can marry biblically, any homosexual sex is considered sin, a sin like any other. Which means ALL Sin is an abomination to God not just the sin of Choice of the Homosexual man or woman. Thus forcing one to seek attonement, if that person can be honest with themselves.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other
specific laws and how to follow them.

I'm not Dr. Laura, but these questions look like fun and I will take a stab at them from an OT Jew POV living in modern times.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord -- Lev. 1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

(In a Yiddish accent) Vhat are they vegetarian? Who doesn't like the smell of a Korsher BBQ?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus
21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for
her?

It depends if she is pretty, and her age will be a factor. (Market value)

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her
period of menstrual uncleanliness -- Lev. 15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

The woman was to regulate her time away from the camp while (unclean) and return once she was considered 'clean.' Meaning if she was in camp she was clean.

4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

Scripturally speaking you can own canadians. Ask your friend why he thinks Canadians are off limits... On second thought maybe it is because Canada enforced it's anti slavery laws.. In mexico slavery is frown upon and only out right condemned in the public eye.

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

No that is a judgement to be made by the sanhedrian. Your job is only to report the crime.

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination -- Lev. 11:10-- it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

It is a lessor offence as it is not a sin punishable by death.

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a
defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my
vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

20/20.. Plus you have to be of the tribe of Levi, and you must be selected by your fellow preists as no ordanary levite could approach the altar willy nilly.

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

Another matter for the sandhedrian, your task is to let them decide.

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

Footballs are made of leather now-a-days so your good.

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? -- Lev.24:10-16.
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do
with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

Is your uncle also wanting to be or is an OT jew?

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you
can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your other option in worshiping the God of the Bible, is New Testament Christianity. In New Testament Christianity Christ takes the burden of all of this sin, and attones for it on the cross. Meaning that Righteousness before God is no longer obtained by up holding the Social or cermonial laws that the OT Jews were bound to.
Which only leaves the Moral law. Not as a way to obtain righteousness but as a testament to wanting to be in the expressed will of God.