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We don't believe that x is true and further cannot allow it to become true among the masses for it would have far reaching implications regarding our values and culture.

I saw first betty boop's reply to this, joesbucks, but I also wanted to comment - more in brief and with less logic than she has demonstrated seemingly effortlessly! (Mine might be called "insight".)

The statement above which you recall from a long-ago reading is the exact philosophy or reasoning used by the Pharisees to crucify Christ Jesus. It was the human justification for the killings of all martyrs to the Word and His Cross. The enemies of Righteousness are from Cain onward in history; the Righteous in Christ existed both before and after His appearing. Their very existence, much less their spoken or written testimony, brings judgement to the unregenerate - think of Noah building the ark, Hebrews chapter 11, and how the so-called fragrance of our lives is "life" to some and simultaneously "death" to others.

As long as the world has existed since the Fall and as long as it will exist in its present form there will be enemies of the Truth (His Name is Jesus). While this appalls us, it need not surprise us. Nor ought we to fear any but Our God. Amen.

Acts 26:9 gives us comfort, for it is the Apostle Paul's testimony:
"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth."

It was Paul's own mentor, "one in the council [who] stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people" who offered this sage wisdom in Acts 5:35-39

“Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Not all men have this wisdom (:

[ Not all men have this wisdom (: ]

Interesting insight from Gamaliel.. but nevertheless, poor guy , was ROBBED of Jesus by his religion.. His religion slabbed and toe tagged him DOA, and put him into the very camp that crucifed his very salvation.. Probably the same with Nicodemus.. Could be ALL religion is of the "devil".. To most, I think, religion is a straight jacket and a 2nd reality.. to most..

What would a real God need with a religion, any religion.?.. It is true, that psuedo-Gods need religion.. to ligitimize their respective clergys.. I know of (not a few) people that found God by prayer, simply reaching out to him/it.. I have a sense that the real God knows whether you are reaching out to him/it.. or playing a religious game.. A purely anecdotal diagnosis true, but it seems to clear to me..

Then again we have Saul(Paul of Tarsus), known for attacking the Jesus believers(whom were not a religion or even a cult), they were Jews.. Yet, when he reached out he was knocked for a loop, either metaphorically or actually.. it took a bit of time for him to recover from his religious bent, his Judaism.. I presently know many recovering Jews, its not easy for them, but most become very serious Jesus followers and believers.. Most have had religion "up to here(makeing hand gesture)".. and have no inclination to make the mistakes of the/their past..

Could be that religion(all religion) separates the sheep from the goats, and is a good thing.. because a simple honest prayer to the real God for clarity can make the difference.. from a religious 2nd reality, to a reality that transcends religion..

I saw first betty boop's reply to this, joesbucks, but I also wanted to comment - more in brief and with less logic than she has demonstrated seemingly effortlessly!

Yeah, doesn't she make you sick? :)

I've scanned her well written response but haven't had a chance to really sit down and discern all she had to write.

I agree with what you say, however I seem to remember this coming from a well respected person of faith. But the context of the comment was more in line of if something of significance , such as the fossil record, is scientifically proven that doesn't support biblical teachings, then the implications in the world of faith would be diasterous.

For the most part I don't think so. Many Jews and some Christians believed that our space program would result in another Tower of Babel situation as we reached into the heavens. I heard talk show host Barry Farber relating this story when his show was carried nationwide. Barry is a Jew (I don't know how observant or if he's Orthodox or Reformed) about several Rabbi's he knew were very distraught when we orbited the globe. They finally adapted. And so will most people of faith.