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Posted on 03/10/2004 9:37:27 PM PST by malakhi
| Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue. - John Adams |
Interesting. I think all are born with a "God-shaped hole" that they have a desire to fill. This explains why there are no societies in existence, ever, that have not had some type of spirituality. There is definitely somethign lacking and man is pre-disposed to worship and believe something.
Atheism, in this context, is basically denial of this need. It's a psychological construct, a defense mechanism.
SD
Premise A: God is absolutely sovereign.
Premise B: Man has a truly free will.
Theology 1. Premise A is true. Premise B is false (Reform theology).
Theology 2. Premise A & B are true; how this can be is a mystery (SoothingDave's position).
Theology 3. God's sovereignty allows for man's free will (my position).
Theology 4. Premise A is false. Premise B is true. (Generally held by deists or others not part of this discussion)
If you’ll notice Theology 1 & 4 are absolutes. The issues surfaces between Theology 2 & 3. How do they differ from the premises stated?
I agree.
Atheism, in this context, is basically denial of this need. It's a psychological construct, a defense mechanism.
I read a case-study once, of several famous atheists. One thing they all had in common was some sort of severe conflict with their (human) father. I'm not saying this would necessarily be true of all atheists, but it does suggest a psychological element at play.
That is why God places us in families ... and faith communities ... so that we may do for one another.
I, too, as a fairly self-reliant person, needed (and continue to need) to learn to do this.
Very well said, Q. This was a tough lesson for me to learn too. Being self-reliant was my downfall. Fighting issues on my own always led to failure. Through the Christian community and through faith in Christ, I found the courage to let go and find strength in the community of believers.
I'm not sure what you're asking. 2 and 3 are not absolute, that's for sure. They acknowledge our human limitations on being able to understand and categorize. If you've studied any science you understand that we operate with models of reality, not with reality itself. Light is neither a wave nor a particle. At times it will behave like either one, but it is something greater than our ability to describe it.
And that's OK. As long as we know when our models are relevant and when they lead to erroneous conclusions. Newtonian mechanics tells us that the electrons in atoms will collapse into the nucleus. But they don't. Our model is in error in that case.
SD
But, more importantly, the question of the day is: Bill or Kwame?
SD
SD
Mine purports to explain more; Dave is content to leave it a mystery.
(One little message to you. Please pay attention.)
I too am stubborn and have refused help when, to accept it, would have been beneficial to me and the benefactor.
You may know I am partially paralyzed and have a severe balance problem. My insistence on "doing for myself" and not asking for help has resulted in many bumps, bruises, and broken bones.
In recent years I have "discovered" that I may need help in climbing and descending stairs, carrying bundles, opening doors, and the like. I have learned most people are wonderful and are very willing to give assistance. It lifts my spirits and also the spirit of the "giver".
I am still a stubborn old coot, live by myself, and take care of myself, but I am also prepared for the day when this is not possible.
The message? Please don't be too stubborn to accept and even ask for help when needed.
Please stay in touch with us.
Well, Mal's going to hell. But other than that, we pretty much agree on this point. ;-)
Seriously, I think he, if pressed, must admit some element of mystery or unfathomability.
SD
You aren't alone :')It happens to me too Reggie. Yesterday, due to inexperience I thought I had something right that I didn't and my saddle slipped and I took a bad fall off of one of Gods beautiful creations. Well pride got me right back on but pride had me eating dirt again when I got off. I knew I wasn't 100% and even asked someone to spot for me caz I knew it was going to be a slow dismount. This person offered to help me down and I refused and asked him to just hold the halter so the horse ,oops I mean this animal wouldn't move. When I go to akido I pray before I begin for my and the others safety. When finished I end with thanks. I started doing this with my, hhhh, I started doing this before riding too. I just realized that I haven't said thanks that my arrogance didn't result in serious injuries. Gonna take care of that right now :')
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