Posted on 11/28/2001 10:12:40 AM PST by electron1
Edited on 09/03/2002 4:49:35 AM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
In his mind's eye, the image of what Jose Antonio Serra saw in a burned patch of jungle on the Amazon's edge is still chillingly fresh -- not because the murder happened just seven weeks ago, but because there are some things a father can never forget.
What he found, a short walk from his family's mud hut, were the remains of his 13-year-old son: a figure on its knees, head buried in the dirt, genitals and middle figure removed with cuts that looked almost surgical. In shock, Serra noticed an odd detail: The mutilated body looked diminished, even shrunken. Then he noticed the gash in the boy's jugular vein, and realized that his blood had been drained.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
An amused bystander who is secure in his beliefs that "witchcraft" doesn't pose a threat. Nor do I obsess over what other people believe in, that is their problem. I do take offense with folks who feel the need to insist that their religion is the only one that is "correct". Far too many people have died in wars based on who's invisible buddy is best.
Inasmuch as they impair normal body function and health. So the answer is, kinda. In a small way.
Cosmetic surgery?
Does it impair normal body function and health?
Braces and other orthodontics?
Does it impair normal body function and health? Or restore proper body function and health?
Is someone who surgically alters their body to prevent the future creation of children going to hell?
If someone understands the act to be intrinsically evil and goes through with the act with consent of the will, and if that person doesn't repent of the act before death, then yes, that person would go to hell.
Is a vasectimy (sp?) evil and the work of satan?
See above. Also bear in mind that any act that is done with the express purpose of preventing the conception of a being who is created in the image and likeness of God is extremely disordered and therefore satanic, as are all evil acts.
It's about 3/4 through book 4. One of the bad guys does it to complete a spell.
Seriously.
Reread what you just wrote. It is obvious that you are trying to control natural events/effects by invoking the supernatural through prayer if you are trying to change the outcome of the afterlife.
Good question. We can only "go around" God from our perspective. We are free to "go around" God by disobeying the First Commandment and engaging in occult practices.
But that does not mean that we are "throwing a monkey wrench" into God's providential plan. God "forsees" all of our acts, good or evil, from all eternity and "works everything for the good for those who believe."
Seriously.
Phantom Lord is funnier. He's not so over-the-top.
I am serious. 2sheep believes that is the reason for not getting any.
If they are, I know where you're coming from.
However, if they aren't, then why is it any different than the other Old Testament rules Christians don't follow anymore (I'm sure you know what I'm referring to)... why were we not freed in from those specific Jewish "terms of the convenant" when Jesus made the convenant with the whole world?
Or are you messianic?
Thanks, but could you provide more details, e.g., involving what, an arm? And the bad guy drinks blood!? (And this is a childrens' book?!)
No other form of birth control (abstinence aside) is 100% failsafe. In fact, in my case, I had testicular cancer in 1990, followed by radiation treatment. My radiation oncologist said we should not expect more children. After about five years we realized he was probably right. Our second son was born in 2000 and he looks nothing like the mailman.
That's all I'll say about the subject. I'm not about to debate the entire Catholic church on the proper forms of birth control.
If these books are so bad, how and why do you know so much about them?
It's a technicality, and at least your not quoting The Onion but when Wormtail (previously known as Scabbers the rat) cuts his arm off it is for a ritual that will return bodily form to Voldemort (the evil one for non HP readers). Wormtail is being controlled by his master Voldemort when he cuts off his own arm. So it's not really "self mutilation" or an attempt by the doer of the deed to "gain power."
I know it's picky, and I know it will do nothing to change your position (it may even enhance it). But there's enough disinformation going around about what is in the books, so I like to clear things up when I can.
I see you are all at the battle but have moved it. Sorry! Have been trying to scoop out from the blast of the week's beginning (snow), and stopped in a minute. Am too exhausted to respond. But, it appears that there are still some here who are valiantly battling, there are others who are still trying to win the battle by changing the issue, and there are others here who think the battle is won by mockery. I will try to catch up tomorrow!
It is too bad my father cannot be here. He loves a debate! But, he would put many of you to shame! Not just because of the subject matter, but because of your tactics. Night, ALL!
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