Posted on 04/03/2013 5:58:41 AM PDT by NYer
I’m not seeing the relevence of the scriptures within the context of what we are talking about.
I believe that someone who has been a devout Christian for many years exhibits a more “pure” lifestyle than someone who is a new believer, but I believe that, on a scale of 1 to perfection, the former is a 2 and the latter a 1. That is statistically no difference. They are equal in the eyes of God and I am not a respecter of persons.
However, I do believe in emulating the behavior of those who seem to be more in harmony with the word of God, but what I’m really saying is that I believe in being in harmony with the word of God.
Meanwhile, I go to a southern baptist church and they consider ANY alcohol consumption to be a sin, though plenty of them smoke, and I have a full bar at home. I am an imitator of Paul in that I am not a drunkard, though I drink alcohol. And my savior’s first miracle was to, at the request of his mother, get more wine for a wedding where they were drinking so much the ran out.
That is lost on the “long time Christians” in my church who refuse to even discuss such subject. They just hold up their big marked up King James bible and say, “I believe what the word of God says.”
And all these people are demonstrating to me is that, like me, they are flawed. As are we all. We are all equal, though some do live more pure lives than others. But I don’t need to emulate them nor would I want to emulate some of them for the simple reason that they have different personality types than me. We are not all identical.
And one of the most rewarding things a person can do is gie to others who have not earned it. It is especially fun when it is not even your money. That does not make you “holy” or giving. In fact, it is kinda selfish.
Wrong Mother Teresa. The article was about Mother Maria Theresia, who was born in 1830, not Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the one Hitchens bashed.
You were so eager to crap on this thread you didn’t even read the article.
It’s very simple and one of the wonders of His message and the Gift of God. I look to no man other than my risen Savior. Others can be good teachers, examples, etc. but they are all ultimately mere sinners like me. Even guys in fancy robes and funny hats.
You said Im no fan of Christopher Hitchins (to put it mildly) but hes exposed that woman pretty well.
Hitchens wrote a book specifically denouncing Mother Theresa of Calcutta: "The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice." If he wasn't referring to Mother Teresa, and you were not referring to Mother Teresa by stating that Hitchens "exposed that woman pretty well" then who are you and Hitchens referring to?
I meant “that woman” in the video.
The internet can be very useful for making sure you get your sentences in without being interrupted, but it also lends itself to all sorts of missinterpretations from less than clear statements. It’s conversational, but gives the appearence of clearcut statements.
IOW, the reader tends to put too much importance on sentences that were, frankly, not structured very well. Plus it doesn’t give you the other 80% of communication like body language, voice inflection and facial expression.
It’s why I’m careful to come down on anybody for a viewpoint they express until I have strong confidence that I understand where they are coming from.
What video?
The video I posted in post #3. Language warning, however.
Yeah, the vile Penn and Teller rant, that requires a language warning, you felt compelled to post on a thread about the miraculous healing of a sick child.
Yeah, the vile Penn and Teller rant, that requires a language warning, you felt compelled to post on a thread about the miraculous healing of a sick child.
“The last perfect man died and rose again 2000 years ago.”
Who was the first one?
Adam...but he screwed up.
So Adam wasn’t perfect, right?
Of course he was...at least in the beginning, before he screwed up....
So is a baby, immediately after his baptism. What’s your point?
I do not believe in infant Baptism...dedication yes...but sprinkling the head of a baby does not remove his sinful nature which all men are born with.....when he or she is of age they will make a decision one way or another for Christ.
Until then parents are the teachers and instructors....and always having to keep children..in line.
The foot of the cross is on level ground for all...indeed.
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