News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

I praise God fot a moderator like Russ not only for mentoring all of us but speaking the truth about God. YES!!!!!! God does exist! And just because we suffer doesn't mean God doesn't care. Perhaps God is molding us and strengthening our character for future things. The bible is Lifes Instruction Manual! I can't tell you where I was 9 years ago in my life not to mention the 35 yrs prior to that. It was awful. And yes I believed in God. But it wasn't until my good friend told me something hugely important that I was missing. Jesus is a gentleman. He will knock on your door, so to speak, but he will not come in UNLESS we invite Him in. I challenge anyone who is or is not a believer and hasn't done so already to do the following if their hearts are ready. To admit your sins to God, (we are all sinners so don't feel singled out), repent from your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart to be your Lord and Savior! He will do just that. When I actually did this my life changed drastically, although it wasn't over night. The power of the Holy Spirit enables you to do all things through Him! Try it! It also led me to the right Dr. who diagnosed my merc poison. Yes the journey is hard at times but I believe it will help me help others too not unlike what Russ has done with his experience! He made lemonade out of his lemons. Satan however is the one who lies and decieves us and his job is to destroy and kill. (Life, marriages, you name it) . My advice to anyone with negative thoughts, rebuke the devil and ask God to put a hedge of proraction around you as you heal. My apologies for rambling but I do think its extremely relavant as God is very closely linked and in control of our healing. God bless everyone who reads this and may Gods face shine upon them! Diane

You can click reply instead of a new thread
You praise god because a moderator is christian and talking about god like you? damn either your faith is shallow or the priest of the church you go to must suck
I'm not sure if you are either trying to suck up to the moderator (don't see a point to this) or trying to make a thread about a christian circle jerk, but there is NO TRUTH about god's existance, there is no conclusive science.
It seems arrogant of you to think your religion is the right one when it only accounts for the beliefs of 33% of the world's population

I'm not saying that she has the right belief...but everyone on the earth can't have the right belief. If Alah is god, the christians are wrong, if reincarnation exists the buddhists are right, if Yaweh exists the evolutionists are wrong.

Any belief system you have inherently dictates (all be it kindly) that other beliefs are incorrect, otherwise you would not have that belief to begin with <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> You seem to have one yourself that there is no god, Pot, meet Kettle.

I think if you actually believe in what you are saying you would log in so we all know who you are. Are you just trying to bring others down to your level. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

This browser is not saving the cookies, and it takes less time posting as anonymous than emailing me my password.

It doesn't matter, an argument's validity doesn't depend on whether I am an user or not. Challenge the argument not the person.

And yes sorry if my post is negative, but I have been having bad experiences with self-righteous christians who keep popping in my door at 7 am on saturdays to recruit for church the next day <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> (In a college town when people are probably starting to go to sleep at 6 am)

"It seems arrogant of you to think your religion is the right one when it only accounts for the beliefs of 33% of the world's population "

Christianity as a whole consists of around 33% of the world's population. Keep in mind that there are around 34,000 different Christian groups in the world.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ.htm

Who is a Christian? Many would say a Christian is anyone who calls himself or herself a Christian. Beliefs vary very videly between the various Christian groups.

If someone is religious and believes in G-D then they should wonder why the religions that are practiced today exist. If G-D didn't want them all to exist then they wouldn't exist. It is up to us to each choose which religion we should practice. Some would say that it is up to us to choose what religion is most appropriate for each of us. While the sum of those calling themselves Christian is around 1/3 of the world's population, it is divided among many groups with very different beliefs.

One should also keep in mind that Abraham was the only believer in monotheism in his time. Would you say that his belifs were wrong since they were different than that of the rest of the world?

Anon,

I didn't address anything but the content of your post, but there was no response...

I was the last anon in this thread, not the earlier anon.

Sorry guys but when I read the thread Does God Exist I was willing to read and keep an open mind. Now this has definately turned me in the opposite direction. Sorry but I find the first posters remarks vaguley sugar sweet, sickly and not very sincere. I know thats my own opinion, but I dont understand the need to start another thread about something thats been thrashed to death. I was still being open minded, but I have to say, and I quote again its only my opinion, but this has definately put me off any faith whatsoever. Tracy

Well most of us here know how bad things can get in life, especially when the badness seems to go on and on with no letup. If someone in that position chose to grab onto religion as their lifeline then I think I can understand that. It's a very human thing to do I feel. I wouldn't do it and you may not either, and I can't say I'm fond of people turning around and preaching this stuff to others, but I do know that there are a lot of people who would feel very lost and afraid without the comfort of religion. I try to respect that in people. But yes we've done this topic haven't we <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Linda.

Yes, lets keep the relgious sentiments to ourselves please. Makes me feel creepy talking about our saviour Jesus Christ and satan ..... there are other forums for that.

What is it about the U.S. and bible bashing? Land of the evangelists.

To base faith or non faith on a remark by someone you find irritating on a forum is emotionally immature and has no basis in fact or fiction on God at all. It's the inability to take responsibility for oneself preferring instead to shift it onto an individual. The above poster would do well to ignore your rather manipulative attempts here which should be evident to anybody. I find them an insult to all the people who took the time and effort to answer your original thread amongst all the flame wars which you in fact started in the first place.

Speaking of insults. Linda Lou your efforts to explain away a God by referring to the belief as a comfort religion is an old one used often by atheists but again based on an opinion rather than God being real or unreal. And does not reflect the tough walk of any true christian at all. But heard it heaps! Maybe we could wake up to the fact none of us is all seeing and knowing or we risk the ultimate in arrogance.

Daniel J

I'm not getting into arguments with the god squad. If my plea for understanding goes unheeded then fine, but we had a good long discussion in the other thread and I honestly don't see much point to pursuing arguments in this one. I was simply sad to see people attacking this lady for what she said; if someone has been through a very difficult time and has turned to religion, then I think people need to try to respect where that person is coming from before they attack what that person is saying. To be honest I'm fed up with the rampant evangelism on this site but I would not have said anything in reply to this woman if others hadn't done so first.

It seems weird dont you find Linda that people can make comments about what they do or do not believe in. But it seems to be SOME and I said SOME of THE SO CALLED BELIEVERS, WHO DO THE MOST ATTACKING. like either we have to believe too or theres something very wrong with us. Interesting. Live and let live? Tracy

Best policy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

"To base faith or non faith on a remark by someone you find irritating on a forum is emotionally immature and has no basis in fact or fiction on God at all. It's the inability to take responsibility for oneself preferring instead to shift it onto an individual. The above poster would do well to ignore your rather manipulative attempts here which should be evident to anybody. I find them an insult to all the people who took the time and effort to answer your original thread amongst all the flame wars which you in fact started in the first place. "

This is a ridiculous statement. We are all capable of reading individuals comments and I think you have big problems in mis-judging or taking things to far. Tracy stated fairly that it was her personal opinion. We are all allowed that. What exactly is she shifting onto another person and who is she manipulating. We do have minds of our own. Your response is bizzarre and again almost like a personal vendetta. If you think Tracy's remarks are unfair, I suggest you take a good look at your own response. And Tracy said she started the other thread cos she was interested in others opinions. I see nothing wrong in that, so shes not convinced. BIG DEAL. Shes never said she bsed her beliefs on what others have said, cos at least shes brave enough to say she dosent have them. I think you should look at the word manipulative, and insulting and use them in the right context.

I think where all of this is coming from is that her post seemed to indicate that she was now turned off from any faith because of this original posters expression, that was kind of the vibe I got, which is her right and opinion.

Some people may see that as a bit sensitive. It would be kind of like saying you are turned off from chelating/mercury detox because Andy Cutler has a very gruff personality. It just may not be the best item on which to found your belief or disbelief of the reality of Mercury Toxicity. I have a feeling Tracy's expression involves more than that though, her responses on this board usually reflect thought and experience. Reading her post at face value will reveal no more than the oringal posters intentions and reasonings. For whatever reason she is turned off (even if it was the posters comments) but hey, everyone can do whatever they want to do!

Live and let live, everyone needs to lighten up.

A round of green tea for everyone on me....cheers.

I also would like to thank Russ for the great job that he did spreading the Gospel.


Aaron

I spread almond butter. Happy to preach to anyone about its nutritional and gustatory virtues.

This has to be the funniest thread ever! Thanks to all who took part - made me laugh out loud the whole time I was reading it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Countless wars have resulted from people insisting that their imaginary friend in the sky was the only true god. I have had some real imaginary friends unfortunately but no imaginary friends in the sky.
If god is all powerful, why do you believe satan exists Diane?

Hello all and thanks for your furious passion about this subject. Also, thank you to Diane for your kind remarks and support. They are very much appreciated and never forgotten!


Well, I could post about all the research I've done.

I could tell you all how I was a skeptic about the Bible and was even insulted by Christ the first time I read it. He made some bold statements you know—portraying Himself as the prophesied Son of God. How arrogant.

I could even point out that those who make statements and arguments against the Bible so clearly show us-who-know-it that they clearly don't know the first thing about it.

Instead, I will tell you about one of my personal experiences with God.


Beginning in my teen years—about the time my amalgam fillings were installed—I spent most of my life depressed and introspective. I actually cried myself to sleep about 2 to 4 nights a week during my high school years. Nobody knew this. Growing up in a very strict family, I knew how to cover my emotions well.

I moved from home about 3 months after my 18th birthday and eventually moved into the Executive Apartments on Gulf Dr. in New Port Richey, Florida. While living there, working and going to college, I fell into yet another deep depression.

One night, depressed and overwhelmed, laying in bed, I said something to this effect:

If there is a God, then You can hear me, and if You are God, then You should care so please help me by answering my questions.

I then went on to ask a few questions about life and then fell asleep.

I lived in a 1-story apartment building that had 3 units in a row. In the first unit closest to the parking lot, a couple older ladies had just moved in. In the middle unit, a couple guys lived that kept to themselves. I lived in the third unit.

I just found the building that I lived in on Google Earth. I lived in this unit at these coordinates:

28d 14" 22.42' N
82d 42" 59.24 W

Yes, there is more to the building under the trees.
(I love Google Earth)

The next day, I went to work and came home as usual. While walking down the covered walk, one of the two ladies that had just moved in said hello and started a conversation with me. She was obviously "religious" (as I called it at the time) and spoke many things about God. Being polite, I listened and then went on my way.

That night, still feeling deeply depressed and desperate, I "prayed" again asking more questions of "God" and simply hoping for an answer.

The next day as I was walking to my unit, the same lady stopped me and again started talking about God. I politely listened and then went on my way.

That night, still depressed, I again asked "God" questions and fell asleep.

The next day, sure enough, walking to my unit, the lady started talking to me about God. This conversation was different though because something sounded familiar.

While this lady was speaking, I realized that she was answering the same questions that I had asked the night before, and as I remembered it, she was answering them in the same order. I let her speak on (I was pretty shy and passive externally) and soon realized that for the past two days, she had also answered the very questions that I had asked the nights before. I was very excited and curious about this and decided to tell her about it. I thought she would also be excited and amazed as well.

After explaining my "prayers" to her and how she had been answering them perfectly today and the previous two days as well, she just said, "Well yea. That's how God works. He works through people."

She was not excited at all and was very casual about the whole thing. I was very disappointed internally because I wanted it to be some kind of "big deal". Nevertheless, she kept on talking, answering my questions from the night before and then I was on my way.

Well, this really gave me something to think about. Being the analyzer that I was (my 6th grade teacher, Ms Schwab, called me "Spock") I had to assume that only two conditions could be true. Either

(1) This lady was monitoring the audio in my room, listening in on my "prayers", or

(2) Something much larger was happening.

I realized that the mathematical probability of this woman answering my questions so perfectly and in order three days in a row was not an option to consider. So I decided to continue "praying" for the next 3 days to see what would happen.

Sure enough, this woman continued for the next 3 days to answer my questions directly that I had asked whispering in my bed the night before. I never again brought up to her the fact that she was answering my questions because I was sure it would only result in the same unexcited dialog about how God works.

This event brought hope into my life and made me consider the idea that perhaps God really did exist. At least, this event was significant enough to prompt me to ask one more question that sixth night. I asked where I should go to Church. I figured that would be a good place to learn more.

The next day, the same lady began yet another dialog with me which was much shorter than any previous one. She simply invited me to go to her Church next Sunday. I accepted and there it began.

I started taking Bible study lessons and committed myself to actually reading the Bible all the way through to find out what all the fuss about this book was about with these "Church" people.

Well, now I know.

I need to mention that I don't agree with each and every Biblical point that was taught by the particular denomination that I attended as a result of this event, but looking back, I can see that it was a particularly good starting point for a beginner such as myself to receive solid foundational information and the encouragement to continue studying, and so I did.


Now, I realize that when someone explores a new large and encompassing concept such as the existence of God, it initially raises many more questions than it answers.

The reason for all of these initial questions is related to the fact that we have all become indoctrinated into a specific idea of how things work, such as the idea of evolution. The perpetrators of these lies are very good at what they do. They don't simply create an intricate lie, they create peripheral lies and they associate these to this original lie. They also associate the peripheral lies to other peripheral lies. They do all this work so if a person attempts to study more deeply and begins to untangle themselves from original lie, they will either get "stuck" in one of the peripheral lies or will eventually become exhausted and stop (re)searching.

This process leads the victim of the lies exactly where the perpetrator wants them to be:

(1) Moderation, or
(2) Apathy

This is, in fact, exactly where the evil men of the world want us to be. It is where we are most easily manipulated and controllable.

Because of this "web of lies", it's important to have the persistence to continue studying these questions one-by-one and to find logical and reasonable explanations for them. This process takes time and effort, but it can be done if someone cares enough to do it, and it is the vector leading to the most important thing we will do in our lives.

I encourage anyone who has the true desire to find out what this life is really about, to read the Bible and calmly, logically, and without fear or anxiety, check out each point piece-by-piece. For skeptics like me, I would also encourage particular focus on prophecy and Biblical numerology, that is, the study of the numbers associated with the letters in both Hebrew and Greek and how it relates to the context. This is truly amazing stuff and you will find that there is no other book like it.

I would also warn you to avoid traps like new bible translations. Stick with the King James translation and realize that even it is not a perfect translation to modern English, although it is a monumental effort and is very good overall. Get used to the "thees" and "thous" and check out the original meanings of words using Strongs Exhaustive Concordance and Dictionary plus get a good Interlinear Bible to locate specific words by number so they can easily be found in Stong's. I would also recommend the Bullinger Companion Bible which has very accurate commentary by one of the few truly excellent historical Bible scholars that will greatly assist the newcomer in grasping concepts more quickly.

Just take a little piece of your life, perhaps 20 minutes a day, and read. The cumulative effect of this type of study is amazing. Before you know it, you just may begin to see what all the fuss is about.


Finally, thanks for listening.

Please know that there have been other significant events like this one that have happened in my life that I may share in the future, but this is the first time that I have written this story down for people to see. Up to this time, I have only shared it with perhaps 3 or 4 close friends. I truly hope someone will benefit from it.

All the best.


The evidence is there for those who care.

Some people call it synchronicity. Or ESP. I wouldn't deny for a second that things like this happen, especially when a person is "connected" to the universe, listening carefully and looking around for answers. You can certainly attribute it to God if you like.

I've heard this statement several times here now Russ, that those who don't follow the Bible must not understand it. You've insured by saying that, that no one can argue with you LOL, because obviously we're just ignorant. When you say you have read other religious texts and absorbed the knowledge in them with the same zeal as well, and feel you have a wider perspective on people's beliefs about the nature of the universe, then I will listen more to what you have to say on the subject.

Linda.

The bible is a fairy tale. In order for a conspiracy to promote the acceptance of evolution to exixt , it would have to involve millions of people in vastly different fields.There would also have to be a motive and there is none . In any case , educated people don't simply believe in evolution because Darwin and others say it occurred. We use our analytical ability and our study of physics , astrophysics, genetics , biology math, physical anthropology, etc and draw our own conclusions based on the evidence.
Throughout history , people in power have wanted their citizens to be religous because religion was considered the opiate of the masses. Incidentally , most of us have read the bible. For example we read the parts talking about stars from heaven after earthquakes. It must have been awfully hot , over 1,000,000 degrees, not to mention the fact that stars are vastly lager than the earth.

The only reason I don't flame your supposedly "enlightened" self righteous view of christianity is that at least it seems you weren't just following religion because your parents were (like the majority do)

And I would think that being mercury poisoned, it would show you that biology overwhelms who you are, your "soul".
If a simple substance can completely change/destroy who you are, no matter how strong willed are you, then it would seem that we are all just a bunch of chemicals randomly interacting, not "God's loved children"

I expect a response as vague as "thats how the lord works" or "god is just testing your faith"

I guess when Bohr, Einstein, Meitner,Hahn ,Bonn (Olivia Newton John's nobel prize winning grandfather) were sitting around pondering the intracacies of the universe , they were part of a vast plot to discredit Christianity

You know what jill, you have been bought and sold on so many lies by now that you are a complete package of complacent status quo idiocy.