Christianity

[attofishpi]

Yep wackjob mumbojumbo.

Unlike this:- Simulation or Divine Reality: viewtopic.php?t=33214

Am going somewhere along the lines of this for the argument:-

Divine Etymology Argument

P1: There exists a collection of key words within the English language and place names tied to specific locations that exhibit linguistic patterns and connections, which are statistically improbable and must have been intentionally designed.

P2: Naturalistic explanations, such as random chance or linguistic evolution, struggle to account for the intricacies and complexities observed in the linguistic anomalies identified in P1.

C: Therefore, the Divine Etymology argument posits that the observed linguistic anomalies are more reasonably explained by the influence of a deliberate, transcendent intelligence—what we may refer to as a divine force or creator.

In the exploration of the intricate tapestry of the English language, one cannot help but stumble upon a myriad of linguistic anomalies that appear to transcend the realm of mere chance and natural evolution. This journey into the depths of words and place names reveals a fascinating landscape where subtle nuances and hidden connections seem to weave a narrative that beckons us to consider a purposeful design.
The place names presented are geographically mapped to specific locations on landmasses, which have been accurately depicted to scale. Notably, the shapes of these landmasses themselves constitute anomalies, challenging the notion that their formations are entirely natural.

[Philosphicalous]

Christianity
Britain used to refer to itself as a Christian country.
There seems to be little agreement as to what we are today.
In modern terms:
Christianity is not about simple freedom of the individual will.
Christianity is not about simple obedience to moral codes.
Christianity is about informed conformity to altruist values.
Human and other rights and duties are legal constructs based on values.

Christianity is ALL about Jesus Christ

[bahman]

Christianity
Britain used to refer to itself as a Christian country.
There seems to be little agreement as to what we are today.
In modern terms:
Christianity is not about simple freedom of the individual will.
Christianity is not about simple obedience to moral codes.
Christianity is about informed conformity to altruist values.
Human and other rights and duties are legal constructs based on values.

Christianity is ALL about Jesus Christ

No, I think that Christianity is about His message!

[iambiguous]

Oh Lord, Won’t You Buy Me A Mercedes-Benz?
Martin Tyrrell on lotteries, religion and Pascal’s Wager.

In the end, the argument of Pascal’s Wager cannot convince. For one thing, the choice is not a simple one between belief and non-belief for there are many varieties of both and of belief in particular.

Exactly? On the other hand, with so much at stake "beyond the grave", anything you are able to cling to by way of obviating oblivion is likely to be...gambled on?

Pascal’s Wager thus rests on assumptions which we know to be false: either that the true religion is so obvious that it stands out among all of the pretenders or that all religions are somehow fundamentally true.

Of course, how many of these folks...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_r ... traditions

...will insist that their own One True Path really does stand out amidst all the other pretenders?

As for all religions being fundamentally true? Tell that to the fanatics in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Or, here, tell that to the True Christians?

To witless...

Pascal’s own life suggests that he himself ruled out the latter, improbable possibility. A Catholic, he submitted to the disciplines of one of his Church’s more rigid and puritanical sects when easier, more mainstream options were available. To Pascal, Jansenism was the true path. Anything else was, at best, dubious, at worst, downright deceitful.

Indeed, some here seem intent on suggesting that Catholics themselves are not True Christians.

In other words, out in the world that we actually live in...

In their pristine state, most religious systems are like that. Few grant much validity to the ‘competition’ even, or perhaps, particularly, where they and the competition are highly similar. And where they have little in common, religions are obviously irreconcilable. Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism are all blasphemy by the standards of Christianity for all deny a key Christian tenet – that there is only one God. And Christianity, with its doctrine of the Trinity, is blasphemy by the standards of Islam which is even more serious in its monotheism.

And yet because so much is at stake on both sides of the grave, each denomination is able to explain all of that away. They have to if they wish to sustain their own comforting and consoling peace of mind.

Some are absolutely convinced that a God, the God, their God does in fact exist. Others take a more or less blind leap of faith or make a more or less calculated wager.

And then those like me. They want to "somehow" believe in objective morality, immortality and salvation, but it's not like they can just flick a switch in their brain to "On" and accomplish it.

[Toppsy Kretts]

i once was told that god is all powerful, and therefore he is not safe. Does not mean he is not good. But with all this power, he is most certainty not safe. is this accurate?

[Harbal]

i once was told that god is all powerful, and therefore he is not safe. Does not mean he is not good. But with all this power, he is most certainty not safe. is this accurate?

He's a bloody maniac, Toppsy, stay away from him.

[Lacewing]

Well of course anyone can speak to God, its when it replies that things are more interesting. Yes, America is full of religious wackjobs so you are probably correct, I wonder what they would consider as evidence.

Yes. Truly, what difference does it make whether one concludes that they're receiving information and insight from a god or a rock or a cat or a faerie? Isn't the important thing: how has the information evolved that individual?

I think people focus on the 'god-like authority' of which they speak (which anyone can claim, and so what?), rather than expressing what difference it actually makes in their own life and being every moment and every day.

This is avoided by theists who claim 'all will be revealed after we die'. And look at all the people who buy into that! (Sure, I'll buy an awesome sports car that I can't drive until after I'm dead. ) Why shouldn't every moment of this life be bursting with amazing potential? What kind of lame creation would this human experience be if that kind of potential doesn't exist?

Maybe human beings miss the greater potential because they tend to focus on idols.

[attofishpi]

Well of course anyone can speak to God, its when it replies that things are more interesting. Yes, America is full of religious wackjobs so you are probably correct, I wonder what they would consider as evidence.

Yes. Truly, what difference does it make whether one concludes that they're receiving information and insight from a god or a rock or a cat or a faerie? Isn't the important thing: how has the information evolved that individual?

I think people focus on the 'god-like authority' of which they speak (which anyone can claim, and so what?), rather than expressing what difference it actually makes in their own life and being every moment and every day.

This is avoided by theists who claim 'all will be revealed after we die'. And look at all the people who buy into that! (Sure, I'll buy an awesome sports car that I can't drive until after I'm dead. ) Why shouldn't every moment of this life be bursting with amazing potential? What kind of lame creation would this human experience be if that kind of potential doesn't exist?

Maybe human beings miss the greater potential because they tend to focus on idols.

Sure, but I don't feel I am missing any 'greater potential' through my faith in Christ. In fact, to the contrary since I have come to know at least the power this God entity has over my entire reality I can comprehend heaven on Earth. It's a mode, and I have little doubt that the sage that told me he lives in California is in that safe mode. Nothing can touch you, no theif can steal your stuff and likely, his entire being has the health coverage from the God system!
The IC version of Christianity doesn't believe in reincarnation which is contrary to what the sage confirmed the night he introduced himself from the aether.
To think, as IC does, that we are all born into the world with equal judgement at the end of life is ludicrous to me.
That someone is born into a faithless family of thieving druggies where no values are instilled and hardships from the outset form this child in development, to likely commit some 'evil' acts and will be judged on that equal to someone born into a good family of strong moral values, no I don't think so. As the sage advised me that night, we are born into the family that we deserve, that seems far more reasonable and I think the ultimate goal (as our souls traverse through time) is to be considered a sage among them and to be in 'heaven' mode for so long as the Solar System can provide resources.

[Lacewing]

Sure, but I don't feel I am missing any 'greater potential' through my faith in Christ. In fact, to the contrary since I have come to know at least the power this God entity has over my entire reality I can comprehend heaven on Earth. It's a mode, and I have little doubt that the sage that told me he lives in California is in that safe mode. Nothing can touch you, no theif can steal your stuff and likely, his entire being has the health coverage from the God system!

Great! Lots of things can work for different people. Do you think that there will always be more potential for you to discover... or do you think you have attained full understanding for yourself and your life?

To think, as IC does, that we are all born into the world with equal judgement at the end of life is ludicrous to me. That someone is born into a faithless family of thieving druggies where no values are instilled and hardships from the outset form this child in development, to likely commit some 'evil' acts and will be judged on that equal to someone born into a good family of strong moral values, no I don't think so.

A very good point!

As the sage advised me that night, we are born into the family that we deserve...

I've considered that we might be born into the family that offers the greatest opportunity to propel us (whether from support or challenges) into/through one experience or another -- depending on what each individual needs or desires or agrees to do on this planet. I don't know... and I'm not sure it matters. There could be so many levels and things at work.

I think the ultimate goal (as our souls traverse through time) is to be considered a sage among them and to be in 'heaven' mode for so long as the Solar System can provide resources.

I think we're all of the same divine stuff and that probably includes darkness and evil too. Divine (in this sense) doesn't mean 'only good'... it means 'all'. Separation and exclusion make no divine sense -- separation from what, and exclusion from what -- such are the ideas of man. In one moment we might see the expanded brilliance in another... and in another moment we might see their twisted density. It's all there, it seems... playing out for whatever reasons in individuals and across humankind... seemingly exploring potential and the experience that creates.

[attofishpi]

Sure, but I don't feel I am missing any 'greater potential' through my faith in Christ. In fact, to the contrary since I have come to know at least the power this God entity has over my entire reality I can comprehend heaven on Earth. It's a mode, and I have little doubt that the sage that told me he lives in California is in that safe mode. Nothing can touch you, no theif can steal your stuff and likely, his entire being has the health coverage from the God system!

Great! Lots of things can work for different people. Do you think that there will always be more potential for you to discover... or do you think you have attained full understanding for yourself and your life?

Absolutely I have potential to discover more. Shed loads more.

To think, as IC does, that we are all born into the world with equal judgement at the end of life is ludicrous to me. That someone is born into a faithless family of thieving druggies where no values are instilled and hardships from the outset form this child in development, to likely commit some 'evil' acts and will be judged on that equal to someone born into a good family of strong moral values, no I don't think so.

A very good point!

Well, it seems reasonable that we get lifetimes to consider what is the right thing to do. Simply believing in Christ isn't quite the holistic answer, certainly acting within the realms of what he taught as a guiding light to become worth_Y of heaven on Earth...makes sense (to me).

As the sage advised me that night, we are born into the family that we deserve...

I've considered that we might be born into the family that offers the greatest opportunity to propel us (whether from support or challenges) into/through one experience or another -- depending on what each individual needs or desires or agrees to do on this planet. I don't know... and I'm not sure it matters. There could be so many levels and things at work.

I think it does matter a lot and the only reasonable answer as to why it matters remains as karma, how we have acted throughout each life. If there is any judgement by the intelligent backbone to reality then it must be reasonable through time, such that we are born into what we have spent each life upholding, our values.

I think the ultimate goal (as our souls traverse through time) is to be considered a sage among them and to be in 'heaven' mode for so long as the Solar System can provide resources.

I think we're all of the same divine stuff and that probably includes darkness and evil too. Divine (in this sense) doesn't mean 'only good'... it means 'all'. Separation and exclusion make no divine sense -- separation from what, and exclusion from what -- such are the ideas of man. In one moment we might see the expanded brilliance in another... and in another moment we might see their twisted density. It's all there, it seems... playing out for whatever reasons in individuals and across humankind... seemingly exploring potential and the experience that creates.

Yes, I don't see divinity as 'pure goodness', karma can be a kunt. I took human life and as far as I am concerned when God states to me 'you took', I reply, 'you crucified me ergo, fuck off' to which it replies 'good'. I respect Christ, and under_stand to a certain extent Y HE did what HE did.

So as far as I am concerned me and God have our equal measure....via Christ. I was born without comprehension of many things, I'm still not certain I made wrong choices in this life, but I certainly wouldn't want to live (this one) again.

[Lacewing]

I've considered that we might be born into the family that offers the greatest opportunity to propel us (whether from support or challenges) into/through one experience or another -- depending on what each individual needs or desires or agrees to do on this planet. I don't know... and I'm not sure it matters. There could be so many levels and things at work.

I think it does matter a lot and the only reasonable answer as to why it matters remains as karma, how we have acted throughout each life.

Why would it matter why we've been born into a certain family and life? It is where we land, and we deal with it the best we can in the here and now.

If there is any judgement by the intelligent backbone to reality then it must be reasonable through time, such that we are born into what we have spent each life upholding, our values.

Why would we be judged by anything or anyone beyond this life? Seriously... let's talk about that.

And just because time seems linear to human beings, why would that model or limitation exist beyond or between experiences of physical existence?

Whatever we do 'here' in these physical lives is what we experience, and that may be the only moment it actually matters. And if lived/experienced consciously, it is enough, isn't it? If we reincarnate again and again, then we would have those experiences too, in the moment. If we're parts of the 'divine', why would we need to grow 'individually'?

I think this idea of being separate, and learning and growing through karma, is for the purpose of giving meaning to/for our egos. Must we be eternally significant individually? Maybe if we stop propping ourselves up with ideas of future/other 'chances', or of gods and rewards to come, we'll live more fully in this moment we have now.

[Lacewing]

Absolutely I have potential to discover more. Shed loads more.

Exciting and intriguing, isn't it?

How much more might we realize that we don't currently see or fathom?

The official, worldwide revelation of involvement with extraterrestrials?

Greater understanding of the other dimensions, energies, spectrums, wavelengths that non-human life perceives and operates on?

Personal capability for instant cellular healing?

Conscious telepathic communication?

It's not just AI that will advance -- we can/will too, yes?

[attofishpi]

I've considered that we might be born into the family that offers the greatest opportunity to propel us (whether from support or challenges) into/through one experience or another -- depending on what each individual needs or desires or agrees to do on this planet. I don't know... and I'm not sure it matters. There could be so many levels and things at work.

I think it does matter a lot and the only reasonable answer as to why it matters remains as karma, how we have acted throughout each life.

Why would it matter why we've been born into a certain family and life? It is where we land, and we deal with it the best we can in the here and now.

Well, I suppose we are not privy as to the 'why', but as the sage confirmed where we end up next is based on how we have lived our lives. It's one thing to say we deal with it the best we can in here and now, but I certainly wouldn't want to be born into a 'lesser' upbringing than my current life.

If there is any judgement by the intelligent backbone to reality then it must be reasonable through time, such that we are born into what we have spent each life upholding, our values.

Why would we be judged by anything or anyone beyond this life? Seriously... let's talk about that.

As I mentioned above, the sage confirmed to me we are reincarnated into a family we deserve..so that, plus it seems reasonable as our 'souls' traverse time than just being reborn at random.

And just because time seems linear to human beings, why would that model or limitation exist beyond or between experiences of physical existence?

Whatever we do 'here' in these physical lives is what we experience, and that may be the only moment it actually matters. And if lived/experienced consciously, it is enough, isn't it? If we reincarnate again and again, then we would have those experiences too, in the moment. If we're parts of the 'divine', why would we need to grow 'individually'?

I think this idea of being separate, and learning and growing through karma, is for the purpose of giving meaning to/for our egos. Must we be eternally significant individually? Maybe if we stop propping ourselves up with ideas of future/other 'chances', or of gods and rewards to come, we'll live more fully in this moment we have now.

I honestly don't understand what you are saying/suggesting.

[attofishpi]

Absolutely I have potential to discover more. Shed loads more.

Exciting and intriguing, isn't it?

How much more might we realize that we don't currently see or fathom?

The official, worldwide revelation of involvement with extraterrestrials?

Greater understanding of the other dimensions, energies, spectrums, wavelengths that non-human life perceives and operates on?

Personal capability for instant cellular healing?

Conscious telepathic communication?

It's not just AI that will advance -- we can/will too, yes?

Re extraterrestrials. You may have read my account on the forum below of the two nights I saw 'UFO's..

In late 1997, during the period of time that God was screwing with my perception of reality for the first time, I consider it God introducing itself..

I was sat on the bonnet of my old XB Falcon late at night in Kuitpo Forest, eating a pizza and staring up at the Milky Way.

I saw a shooting star streak across part of the sky. Then, where the trail of that streak ended, another shooting star shot back in the opposite direction to the original 'star' to where that original one had started..THEN another shooting star, repeated from the exact same point of the original, in the exact same streak direction!

So, basically, I am supposed to consider that from three space rocks\debris - two went in precisely the same part of the sky in the precisely the same direction, but the other went precisely the opposite direction. I can't understand how rocks from space can go in an opposite direction - odds at the same time, same place - rather slim.

After that, three strobe lights on some 'craft' - "strobed" in the same area of the sky where these shooting stars had been - but travelling away from me into the distance..

I just laughed and blamed God for blowing smoke up my arse attempting to get me to believe there was a ship with little green men up there too!

The second time I can explain if you want, the bloody 'UFO' was chasing me along a bumpy country road!

Considering all the 'miracles' I have witnessed and what I understand about God, I am rather sceptical about extraterrestrial material out there since it would require me to consider that aliens are running the entire reality we are in, rather than this intelligence which seems to care about my indiscretions. I don't think little green men would give such concern about abortion.
But in say that, I still think this God entity is blowing smoke up the arse of people that want to believe such things, ya know, projecting whatever they hope to see, including ghosts.

[Lacewing]

I honestly don't understand what you are saying/suggesting.

Okay, nevermind.

P.S. It really makes no difference (nor adds credibility) where anyone says they get their information.