SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE BELIEVER!

by Big Jim 9 Replies latest jw friends

Big Jim

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE BELIEVER!
1) How would you define God, and why are you so convinced that there is one?
2) If everything needs a creator, then who or what created God?
3) How can something that cannot be described be said to exist?
4) Since there are countless religions in the world today claiming to be the one true religion, why do you think yours is truer than theirs?
5) Can more than one of these religions be right?
6) If you feel in your heart that your religion is the right one, how do you answer those of other faiths who claim the same thing?
7) How do you settle the debate and find out which of these religions, if any, is the right one?
8) Why does God allow all these false religions to exist?
9) Is the bloody history of Christianity consistent with what is supposed to be a religion of love, or does it simply illustrate the consequences of abandoning reason for faith?
10) If everything is the product of a grand design by an omniscient, benevolent designer, why is the history of life a record of horrible suffering, blundering waste, and miserable failures? Why does this God go through billions of years of such carnage without yet arriving at His goal?
11) Why did God intervene so many times in human affairs during antiquity (according to the Bible) and yet not do anything during the Holocaust of the Second World War?
12) Why should one¹s inner convictions about the existence of God indicate that He/She/They/It exists outside of that person¹s mind?
13) Can a God who would abandon His children when they needed him the most still be considered all good?
14) If something is not rational, should it be believed anyway?
15) If the God of the Bible is all good, why does He himself say that He created evil? (Isaiah 45:7)
16) Is there a better way than reason to acquire knowledge and truth?
17) If you would answer #16 with faith, then why are there so many contradictory faiths in the world?
18) Is comfort more important to you than intellectual integrity?
19) What would it take to convince you that you are wrong?
20) If nothing can convince you that you are wrong, then why should your faith be considered anything other than a cult?
21) If an atheist lives a decent, moral life, why should a loving, compassionate God care whether or not we believe in Him/Her/It?
22) Why do so many religious people thank God when they survive a disaster, yet fail to be angry with him for causing the disaster in the first place?
23) If you demand that the atheist disprove the Judeo-Christian God, are you prepared to disprove the existence of Zeus, Odin, Ra and all the other ancient gods and goddesses?
24) Why is the number of atheists in prisons disproportionally much smaller than their numbers in the general population?
25) Is the brutal, vengeful and bloodthirsty God as depicted in the Old Testament still a loving God?
26) Should any religion that demands we elevate faith over reason be trusted?
27) How can the same God that, according to the Old Testament, killed everybody on Earth except for eight people be considered as anything other than evil?
28) Is the acceptance of religious mysticism, magic and miracles consistent with our understanding of good mental health?
29) Must we hate our families and ourselves in order to be good Christians? (Luke 14:26)
30) Since the ancient world abounded with tales of resurrected Savior-Gods that were supposed to have returned from the dead to save humanity, why is the Jesus myth any truer than all the others?
31) If the Bible is the standard for morality, why does it not forbid slavery and war?
32) If the Bible is the inerrant word of God, why does it contain so many factual errors, such as the two contradictory accounts of Creation in Genesis?
33) Why isn¹t the Bible written in a straightforward way that leaves no doubt about what it means?
34) The last time Christianity attained total power, it resulted in the Dark Ages, so why should we expect anything different from Christian fundamentalists today?
35) Has anyone ever been killed in the name of atheism?
36) Why does history show that every time a fundamentalist religion has gained power, tyranny and persecutions have soon followed?
Fredhall

Big Jim,
I wish the Bible was written straight forward. However, the more we spent time on the Bible then we are spending time with God.
Mulan

Jim,
Thank you SO MUCH for these questions. I had an email today from a friend of ours, who is a dub. He has lots of questions, but doesn't really want to address them. He says he doesn't have the time, or the energy to do so, at this time. He is quite an intellectual person, and said he would like me to answer a question he had. It was about whether or not Muslims had the truth, or maybe it's Hindus. If it's Muslims, then what about the Hindus? Your questions are just perfect for me to send back to him.
This is what he said : "The cure is to find out in the beginning, when it is ok to ask questions, if they are really right and exclusive. Unfortunately that is too difficult in the beginning, (one doesn't have the perspective or big picture to know what to look for or right questions to ask) and uncomfortable on many fronts after one has been in for a long time. Having said that, I'm not sure that logic (from me the logician!) has all that much to do with it. It may be a case that we all find a way to do what we really want to do. And I just mourn for all those people who are so sure they are on the right track but, logically they cannot (all) be on the right track because if A equals B and A does not equal C, then A can not equal C. (In other words, if the Muslim religion is the truth and the Hindu religion isn't anything like the Muslim religion, the how can the Hindu religion be the truth?) If you disagree with any part of this and you want to bother, I invite you to tell me how I am wrong. I will answer your rebuttal once if you invite me to but don't want to carry this too far."
I did reply that I didn't believe there was any ONE TRUTH, so people all CAN be on the right track. Jesus died for ALL men, after all. Anyway, I am going to send him your questions. Not all of them. It would be like "throwing up all over him". Poor guy.
Thanks again.
Marilyn
Big Jim

Marilyn
It is good that he is open minded enough to begin to ask some questions.
And you are smart for not throwing to much at him at one time.
Good Luck (oh i mean fortune)
Big Jim
ros

I'll go one time on this round. (I don't usually do this. I must be in a good mood today.)
SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE BELIEVER!
1) How would you define God, and why are you so convinced that there is one?
The Creator. Because I see creation.
2) If everything needs a creator, then who or what created God?
How would we know? This is one of those skeptic questions that calls for a reply that we could not possibly know the answer to if there is one. I only know that what I see I don't believe could happen by itself. How it was made I don't know, and how the Creator was made I don't know, and don't think humans can know. I have trouble knowing how plutonium is made, but I know somebody made it.
3) How can something that cannot be described be said to exist?
Its difficult to describe lots of things. Try describing green to a color-blind person. Black holes.
4) Since there are countless religions in the world today claiming to be the one true religion, why do you think yours is truer than theirs?
Same as you do. Okay, same as you think your non-religion is truer than their religion. Everybody thinks they are right--not just about religion.
5) Can more than one of these religions be right?
Yes.
6) If you feel in your heart that your religion is the right one, how do you answer those of other faiths who claim the same thing?
Not applicable.
7) How do you settle the debate and find out which of these religions, if any, is the right one?
I don't. Let them do their own homework.
8) Why does God allow all these false religions to exist?
Probably because doctrine is not the issue. But that's just a guess.
Why does the Government let crime exist?
9) Is the bloody history of Christianity consistent with what is supposed to be a religion of love, or does it simply illustrate the consequences of abandoning reason for faith?
It demonstrates the reality of hypocracy.
10) If everything is the product of a grand design by an omniscient, benevolent designer, why is the history of life a record of horrible suffering, blundering waste, and miserable failures? Why does this God go through billions of years of such carnage without yet arriving at His goal?
Again, you ask us to know the reasons of the Creator, which cannot be known. But I will speculate that in order to understand good, one must understand evil. How could you ever know how beautiful a sunset is if that is all you ever saw, or how delicious a peach is if that is all you ever had to eat? I tend to believe this life is for that purpose. The promise is that this existence will end. Your concept of love may not be that of the Creator's. That evil exists does not give evidence that there was not a Creator. It only challenges the skeptic's insistence on what a loving Creator must be.
11) Why did God intervene so many times in human affairs during antiquity (according to the Bible) and yet not do anything during the Holocaust of the Second World War?
Such as what?
12) Why should one¹s inner convictions about the existence of God indicate that He/She/They/It exists outside of that person¹s mind?
Because everything else we see in the universe seems to exist there.
13) Can a God who would abandon His children when they needed him the most still be considered all good?
Yes. It may seem harsh, but if a child will not listen to a parent's instruction, it may be the most loving thing to let them suffer by finding out for themselves. In the "tough love" treatment of addicts and alcoholics, this is the therapy that works. If people don't learn from experience, they sometimes don't learn. Few learn just by being told (faith).
14) If something is not rational, should it be believed anyway?
Of course. Is the wind rational? Rationale has to do with reasoning, not necessarily reality. Is insanity rational? Is it real?
15) If the God of the Bible is all good, why does He himself say that He created evil? (Isaiah 45:7)
Another speculation question asking us to know the mind of God (as Steven Hawking called it). A 'good' cook can bake a 'bad' cake if there is a 'good' reason to do so.
Why does it prove something to you to ask questions that cannot be answered by humans, even if God has a reason?
16) Is there a better way than reason to acquire knowledge and truth?
Observation and practical experience.
17) If you would answer #16 with faith, then why are there so many contradictory faiths in the world?
Well, I didn't bite that one.
18) Is comfort more important to you than intellectual integrity?
No.
19) What would it take to convince you that you are wrong?
To wake up from a dream and find that nothing really exists.
20) If nothing can convince you that you are wrong, then why should your faith be considered anything other than a cult?
I'm not big enough to be a cult.
21) If an atheist lives a decent, moral life, why should a loving, compassionate God care whether or not we believe in Him/Her/It?
I don't think He/She/It does. That's why it says they will be judged according to their deeds, not by what they believed. (Rev.20:13; 22:12; Matt.16:27) That may be the difference between the symbolic 144,000 (believers) and the 'rest of the dead', in Biblical analogy.
A personal opinion: One of the reasons God may not reveal Himself in the sense that skeptics require is for the very reason that we will show our true nature in the absence of such intimidating revelation. Just speculation of course.
22) Why do so many religious people thank God when they survive a disaster, yet fail to be angry with him for causing the disaster in the first place?
That's the same thing the Israelites would do--imo. That's why the OT does not properly reflect the real nature of God. That is why Jesus said He had made God's Name known to men. In my opinion, these religious people you refer to have a well-intentioned mis-perception of God, just like skeptics do.
23) If you demand that the atheist disprove the Judeo-Christian God, are you prepared to disprove the existence of Zeus, Odin, Ra and all the other ancient gods and goddesses?
Not applicable in my case. I don't make any such demand on atheists.
However, you no doubt realize that believers of Zeus, Odin, Ra, et.al., also don't believe in the Christian God.
24) Why is the number of atheists in prisons disproportionally much smaller than their numbers in the general population?
I wasn't aware that it was, but could the same be said for any number of groups. For example, are there fewer Mormons than atheists?
25) Is the brutal, vengeful and bloodthirsty God as depicted in the Old Testament still a loving God?
My inclination is that God's image in the OT is reflected through the mind of the writer. When times were harsh, God is represented as harsh. It is not unlike Christians who will attribute everything that happens in their life to the will of God. Yet, notice how loving God seemed in the writings of David and Solomon, when Israel was rich.
Again, that is why Jesus said that He had made God's Name known to men; indicating that His Name had not been made known in the OT.
("Again, you have heard it written, ... but I say to you ...")
26) Should any religion that demands we elevate faith over reason be trusted?
No.
27) How can the same God that, according to the Old Testament, killed everybody on Earth except for eight people be considered as anything other than evil?
If warnings come that Mount St.Helens is going to erupt, and the people refuse to leave, so when it does erupt they get killed. Does that make God evil?
This response, of course, is taking the position of your question being a Bible literalist.
28) Is the acceptance of religious mysticism, magic and miracles consistent with our understanding of good mental health?
Generally speaking, no. (Maybe that's another reason why God doesn't do it.)
29) Must we hate our families and ourselves in order to be good Christians? (Luke 14:26)
Only if you don't let your right hand know what your left hand is thinking, and pluck out your eye if it offends you. And if someone pops you on the butt, turn to them the other cheek.
30) Since the ancient world abounded with tales of resurrected Savior-Gods that were supposed to have returned from the dead to save humanity, why is the Jesus myth any truer than all the others?
From my personal perspective, based on my own study of the subject, I believe because of a number of incredible things that happened during his brief ministry, especially the events of the last week of his life in Jerusalem, and thereafter in the lives of his followers, that corresponded with the symbolism of ancient Israel, which appears to me to go way beyond the possibility of coincidence. But that is too involved to discuss in a mere post on this forum.
31) If the Bible is the standard for morality, why does it not forbid slavery and war?
So? Now they call it "employment"! Big deal!
Would it do any good to forbid war? Any more than to forbid adultery?
32) If the Bible is the inerrant word of God, why does it contain so many factual errors, such as the two contradictory accounts of Creation in Genesis?
You'll have to ask the fundamentalist literalists that one.
33) Why isn¹t the Bible written in a straightforward way that leaves no doubt about what it means?
Like it says, so the blind will not see and the deaf will not hear.
In other words, to make it easy for those who do not want to believe to not believe.
34) The last time Christianity attained total power, it resulted in the Dark Ages, so why should we expect anything different from Christian fundamentalists today?
Egads! Now that would be a 'great tribulation such as the world has never seen'.
35) Has anyone ever been killed in the name of atheism?
I don't know.
36) Why does history show that every time a fundamentalist religion has gained power, tyranny and persecutions have soon followed?
Because that is what happened.
kes152

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE BELIEVER!
ok, I believe in the Anointed Jesus.
1) How would you define God, and why are you so convinced that there is one?
God, is my Father, and I am convinced there is one, because I have heard his voice before. He made me his son, and he discipline(s) me as such.
2) If everything needs a creator, then who or what created God?
Everything DOESN'T need a creator. Everything "created" NEEDS a creator. There are entities that have not been created.
3) How can something that cannot be described be said to exist?
He can be described. 1 John 4:8. If you are refering to those who cannot explain God (like trinity or something) its because "they worship what they DO NOT KNOW but we worship what we know." John 4:22
4) Since there are countless religions in the world today claiming to be the one true religion, why do you think yours is truer than theirs?
Because their religion consists of a 'building, etc. Mine consisted of Jesus the only "truth," our Father, and his holy spirit(s). no "leaders" no "building," etc.
5) Can more than one of these religions be right?
They can be right in certain issues, but as far as being "in union with" Christ.. they ALL are touching the 'unclean thing.'
6) If you feel in your heart that your religion is the right one, how do you answer those of other faiths who claim the same thing?
I answer them according to what the holy spirit says for me to tell them. Lots of them don't like it, and hate me, as they hated both my Lord and his Father.
7) How do you settle the debate and find out which of these religions, if any, is the right one?
John 14:6 Jesus said he is both the Way, and the Truth. He didn't say any "religion" was the 'way' OR the 'truth.'
8) Why does God allow all these false religions to exist?
The same reason he allows the 'sons' of our Adversary to exist. To give them time to repent and come to the Father of life. Acts 17:26; Revelation 2:21
9) Is the bloody history of Christianity consistent with what is supposed to be a religion of love, or does it simply illustrate the consequences of abandoning reason for faith?
Actually, it is consistent with her who is drunk from the blood of the 'anointed' AND also all those slain in the earth. Revelation 18:24
10) If everything is the product of a grand design by an omniscient, benevolent designer, why is the history of life a record of horrible suffering, blundering waste, and miserable failures? Why does this God go through billions of years of such carnage without yet arriving at His goal?
Because the history you know of, is the history of those who belong to "another." Those knowing their God.. have conquered the world and have not been harmed by the REAL death.
11) Why did God intervene so many times in human affairs during antiquity (according to the Bible) and yet not do anything during the Holocaust of the Second World War?
Because God's spirit left and abandoned the temple in Jerusalem and remained IN those who the Christ begot by holy spirit.
12) Why should one¹s inner convictions about the existence of God indicate that He/She/They/It exists outside of that person¹s mind?
Because "those people" have not come to know God. For he and his Son resides inside us and speaks IN us. This is available to "all who want it."
13) Can a God who would abandon His children when they needed him the most still be considered all good?
God abandoned those who left him. God has not left us. In fact, many of those who are heirs of God, God calls and is still BEGGING them to return.
14) If something is not rational, should it be believed anyway?
"You must come as a child." How many children believe ONLY rational things. Then again, who defined what was "rational?" A group of 'limited' men?
15) If the God of the Bible is all good, why does He himself say that He created evil? (Isaiah 45:7)
Let's read that shall we? "Forming light and creating darkness, making peace and creating calamity, I, JahVeh, am doing all these things." Hmmm.. no "evil" mentioned there.
16) Is there a better way than reason to acquire knowledge and truth?
Yes. Go to him who is Truth, and ask him. John 14:6
17) If you would answer #16 with faith, then why are there so many contradictory faiths in the world?
Nope, didn't answer "faith." In addition.. the reason there are so many contradictiory faiths is because folks don't read the dictionary. "Faith" is something or someone you believe in. It is NOT a 'system of beliefs' which "men" are misled to believe. Now if everyone really had 'faith' in Jesus... they would not do or WORRY about the things they do.
18) Is comfort more important to you than intellectual integrity?
No, neither are important to me. I'm almost not important to me.
19) What would it take to convince you that you are wrong?
I would have to hear it from him to tell me DIRECTLY, he isn't real.
20) If nothing can convince you that you are wrong, then why should your faith be considered anything other than a cult?
Because I believe in him, and I obey him. I don't force others to do it. And not everyone believes in him like I do. Nor do i believe in him like others do. I am endeavoring to get my faith to 'grow' in him and let go more of the physical stuff.
21) If an atheist lives a decent, moral life, why should a loving, compassionate God care whether or not we believe in Him/Her/It?
Because he cares for all. now if the atheist doesn't want to believe, he doesn't have to. He can still get life for being a decent moral even to Christ's brothers.
22) Why do so many religious people thank God when they survive a disaster, yet fail to be angry with him for causing the disaster in the first place?
They were told ahead of time not to be there. It was their OWN disobedience that got them there. So, because he is FULL of COMPASSION, he spared their lives and HOPEFULLY next time they will LISTEN.
23) If you demand that the atheist disprove the Judeo-Christian God, are you prepared to disprove the existence of Zeus, Odin, Ra and all the other ancient gods and goddesses?
I don't demand that from ANY atheist. I just hope he lives a good moral loving life.
24) Why is the number of atheists in prisons disproportionally much smaller than their numbers in the general population?
Because lots of "christians" have proved to be more wicked. Thus publicly showing who they really are.
25) Is the brutal, vengeful and bloodthirsty God as depicted in the Old Testament still a loving God?
You got the wrong God. It was the wicked people that drove him to that point. He looked for reasons to save them, but inside them there existed none.
26) Should any religion that demands we elevate faith over reason be trusted?
No religion should be trusted. "Cursed is ANYONE putting his trust in men" Jeremiah 17:5 Only the Christ should be trusted.
27) How can the same God that, according to the Old Testament, killed everybody on Earth except for eight people be considered as anything other than evil?
Read the account.. say Genesis 6:5,6 and then the 2nd chance that was given them in 1 Peter 3:19, 20
28) Is the acceptance of religious mysticism, magic and miracles consistent with our understanding of good mental health?
Who qualified your "understanding?" The One who understanding orginates from before YOUR understanding is much more trustworthy.
29) Must we hate our families and ourselves in order to be good Christians? (Luke 14:26)
Nope. That was for those who wanted MORE. They needed to have "greater affection" for Christ than for religion, family, even their own soul.
30) Since the ancient world abounded with tales of resurrected Savior-Gods that were supposed to have returned from the dead to save humanity, why is the Jesus myth any truer than all the others?
Because "some of us" can hear his voice, today.
31) If the Bible is the standard for morality, why does it not forbid slavery and war?
The Bible is not the standard, Jesus is. And he forbade it. He said "vengence is mine." Slavery, however, exists in many forms. Which 'form' are you refering to? For you are a 'slave to yourself.'
32) If the Bible is the inerrant word of God, why does it contain so many factual errors, such as the two contradictory accounts of Creation in Genesis?
The Bible is not the word of God. And the 2 accounts in Genesis are not talking about the same place. One place is the 'physical' earth, and the other is the 'spirit earth' in heaven.
33) Why isn¹t the Bible written in a straightforward way that leaves no doubt about what it means?
It is straightforward. He plainly said "Many will come saying 'I am the Christ'.." and you have SEEN these individuals post here.
34) The last time Christianity attained total power, it resulted in the Dark Ages, so why should we expect anything different from Christian fundamentalists today?
You should expect the same. For both 'fundies' and those in the Dark Ages are all 'false christs,' 'false anointed.'
35) Has anyone ever been killed in the name of atheism?
I doubt it. But there are atheists who have killed a "few" only because a certain "few" really believed in God. And they did them no harm so as to deserve death.
36) Why does history show that every time a fundamentalist religion has gained power, tyranny and persecutions have soon followed?
Because "by their fruits you will recognize those who belonged to me, and those who do not belong to me. I know the ones whom I have chosen and they know me." His words, not mine.
Peace to you!
Aaron
AGuest

May you have peace!
1) How would you define God
Inside, outside... or both? I mean, what He LOOKS like, or what He IS like... or both?
and why are you so convinced that there is one?
I have seen Him. Not His face, but a good portion of His 'body'. I now know Him, by means of my Lord... and I am known... by Him... by the same means.
2) If everything needs a creator, then who or what created God?
May I ask why you assume that 'everything... needs'... a creator?
3) How can something that cannot be described be said to exist?
How is it that God cannot be described? He most certainly CAN be... and I have done so here a couple times. Think 'fire breathing'...
4) Since there are countless religions in the world today claiming to be the one true religion, why do you think yours is truer than theirs?
There is NO 'true' religion. 'Religion' is a means by which Satan sets up false 'lights' so as to attract... and 'kill'... the TRUE 'sons of light' (Matthew 5:14-16). Such ones are attacted because it is the Truth... the one TRUE Light (John 1:9; 8:12; 14:6)... for which they search. My Father is the God 'of celestial lights'. Since His children are spiritual (celestial) and not physical (terrestial), they are such 'celestial... lights'.
5) Can more than one of these religions be right?
Actually, none of them are 'right'. Not one. Sorry.
6) If you feel in your heart that your religion is the right one, how do you answer those of other faiths who claim the same thing?
While I have no 'religion' to speak of (a 'christian' is what I AM... not what I believe I am...), I answer others with truth, for that is what I receive FROM the Truth, my Lord. Proverbs 8:4-11; John 14:6
7) How do you settle the debate and find out which of these religions, if any, is the right one?
There never seems to be any 'debate'. They ask, and by means of holy spirit, my Lord permits me to answer. I ask... they... well, have to 'get back' to me.
8) Why does God allow all these false religions to exist?
Because it is what the people want, and Israel in particular ASKED for. Like any Father, He gives what WE ask for. He tries to talk us out of it at first, but, well... it IS our decision, isn't it?
9) Is the bloody history of Christianity consistent with what is supposed to be a religion of love, or does it simply illustrate the consequences of abandoning reason for faith?
The bloody history of FALSE christianity? No, it is not. It is 'apostate', wicked and evil. Many have committed crimes and done a plethora of heinous acts in the name of God, Christ and 'christianity', none of which my Father commanded... or approved. How do I know? I know my Father... and my Lord... and what they DO approve. My Lord came and actually SHOWED us what my Father wanted... MERCY... and not sacrifice.
10) If everything is the product of a grand design by an omniscient, benevolent designer, why is the history of life a record of horrible suffering, blundering waste, and miserable failures?
Again, that is the 'life'... that earthling man CHOSE... for himself.
Why does this God go through billions of years of such carnage without yet arriving at His goal?
Have you not heard and have you not read, "Go, SUBDUING... in the MIDST of your enemies?" God is not involved in the heinous stuff you see; that is the Adversary, running around 'smashing' clay pots, earthen vessels, trying to uncover the 'seed' of the woman. God is letting all that go on... while His Son is 'calling'... and 'gathering'... His sheep. God did not leave earthling man... earthling man rejectedd... and continues to reject... God.
11) Why did God intervene so many times in human affairs during antiquity (according to the Bible) and yet not do anything during the Holocaust of the Second World War?
When He intervened, Israel was His people, a chosen nation. When the Holocaust occurred, Israel was left to call on whatever god they had chosen for themselves, for they no longer called on Him. How so? Because He SENT a 'savior' for Israel... whom they rejected... and still reject.
12) Why should one¹s inner convictions about the existence of God indicate that He/She/They/It exists outside of that person¹s mind?
Because when one comes to KNOW God, literally... one also comes to know that while He indeed exists outside that one's mind, He can, by means of holy spirit, also dwell IN that individual... above the 'ark' of that one's covenant WITH Him... the heart.
13) Can a God who would abandon His children when they needed him the most still be considered all good?
My Father has NEVER abandoned His children. THEY... cried out for a 'king', when indeed they already HAD one; Him. They left Him time and time again... and He begged them to come back... and TOOK them back... over and over again. And then... in their HARD-HEARTEDNESS... they killed His Son. Are you a Father, BJ? Put it in perspective...
14) If something is not rational, should it be believed anyway?
Not if it's not rational. But what you BELIEVE to be rational... or irrational... I may KNOW to be irrational... or rational.
15) If the God of the Bible is all good, why does He himself say that He created evil? (Isaiah 45:7)
Because He did. He did not create Death/Darkness, but He Himself put 'enmity' between the Darkness... and the Light. Why did He do this? That is another thread entirely, which I will address, if you wish.
16) Is there a better way than reason to acquire knowledge and truth?
Yes... and no. The BEST way to acquire knowledge and truth... is directly from the SOURCE... of knowledge and truth. However, it takes a measure of REASON... which is an important part of FAITH... to do this.
17) If you would answer #16 with faith, then why are there so many contradictory faiths in the world?
There is 'faith', that which many construe as a 'belief' in something they can't defend entirely... and there is FAITH... which is "the ASSURED expectation of the things hoped for, the EVIDENT DEMONSTRATION OF REALITIES, though not 'beheld'". To behold something means to experience it with your PHYSICAL flesh. Faith... does not require the senses of the physical flesh... but that of the SPIRITUAL body.
18) Is comfort more important to you than intellectual integrity?
Neither have much 'import' with me, for indeed my 'comfort' may not be YOUR 'comfort'. And 'intellectual' integrity (and yes, I can 'compete' intellectually, if called upon to do so and it were my desire, which it is not)... does not mean as much to me... as 'spiritual' integrity. I can know the answer to the greatest mathematical problem known to man... but if I don't know how to tell the truth, live without hatred and hyprocrisy, show mercy and compassion... and LOVE my neighbor as myself... of what TRUE benefit is such 'intellect'? People will 'laud' me? Perhaps. But I would much rather seek... and gain... the glory of God... than the glory... of men.
19) What would it take to convince you that you are wrong?
I don't know... what you got? So far, you haven't given me any more reason than anyone else. On the contrary, however, I have been given a VAST amount of 'evidence'... that I am not.
20) If nothing can convince you that you are wrong, then why should your faith be considered anything other than a cult?
Because my faith doesn't fall under the definition of a 'cult'. It is simply faith. That's it; that's all.
21) If an atheist lives a decent, moral life, why should a loving, compassionate God care whether or not we believe in Him/Her/It?
LOL! You've been misled by 'religion'... to think He does. He doesn't. Truly.
22) Why do so many religious people thank God when they survive a disaster, yet fail to be angry with him for causing the disaster in the first place?
Perhaps they have sense enough to know that He DIDN'T cause it. Have you not read and did you not hear that my Lord in fact HUSHED the wind and CALMED the sea? What, he or my Father first stirred them up and then rebuked them? C'mon...
23) If you demand that the atheist disprove the Judeo-Christian God, are you prepared to disprove the existence of Zeus, Odin, Ra and all the other ancient gods and goddesses?
See, that's the WONDERFUL thing about TRUE christianity... it demands NOTHING... of NO ONE. It only invites and shares... and leaves each one to his OWN heart.
24) Why is the number of atheists in prisons disproportionally much smaller than their numbers in the general population?
I don't know... why?
25) Is the brutal, vengeful and bloodthirsty God as depicted in the Old Testament still a loving God?
Actually, He was loving then, too. Like many, you 'search the scriptures' and find passages that SEEM to tell a story. But you fail to REASON on the event... because you don't want to. You might be like many who say, "If someone ever did anything to ONE of MY kids, I'd..." and then deride God for the same attitude, only with more than one child.
26) Should any religion that demands we elevate faith over reason be trusted?
Again, reason... is a component OF faith. Personally, I don't trust ANY religion... and would advise you not to, either. In addition, if anyone else asked you to elevate reason over faith, I would ask them how I could do that... for faith... TRUE faith... is not 'blind'. There must be 'evident demonstration' of the realities in which such one is being invited to PUT their faith. However, that 'evidence' may not be what you expect, and thus, you STILL may not 'get it'.
27) How can the same God that, according to the Old Testament, killed everybody on Earth except for eight people be considered as anything other than evil?
In a phrase... you had to be there. How can YOU, some several thousand years later, presume to know who it was that was truly evil? How do YOU know that had you been living at that time, you and YOUR loved ones, you yourself would not have been crying out to God to DO something about whatever was taking place? Wait! You're one of those people who cry, "DO something, God!" and "Why'd you do THAT?" all at the same time... aren't you?
28) Is the acceptance of religious mysticism, magic and miracles consistent with our understanding of good mental health?
I don't know about good 'mental' health, but it can a positive OR a negative affect on the spirit. Depends... on whether it serves to further BUILD one's faith... or destroy it. Depends.
29) Must we hate our families and ourselves in order to be good Christians? (Luke 14:26)
No. Aren't we told to love even our enemies? Try looking up the GREEK word, and STOP taking the WTBTS' word... for EVERYTHING.
30) Since the ancient world abounded with tales of resurrected Savior-Gods that were supposed to have returned from the dead to save humanity, why is the Jesus myth any truer than all the others?
'Cause he was the first one to actually do it. DUH!
31) If the Bible is the standard for morality, why does it not forbid slavery and war?
'Morality'... hmmmmm... and whose word is that? God's? I don't recall every hearing... or reading... Him use that word. Can you direct me to where my Father says that the BIBLE is the 'standard for morality'... or that 'morality' is even an ISSUE with Him?
32) If the Bible is the inerrant word of God, why does it contain so many factual errors, such as the two contradictory accounts of Creation in Genesis?
Again, you've been misled. Who said that the Bible is the 'word of God', inerrant or otherwise? What does THE BIBLE say is the Word of God? And what does that Word... say about the errancy of the 'scriptures'? I'll help you out:
John 1:1
John 1:14
Revelation 19:13
Jeremiah 8:8
33) Why isn¹t the Bible written in a straightforward way that leaves no doubt about what it means?
Why aren't physics books written in a straightforward way that leaves not doubt... oh, er... they ARE, aren't they, but one would have to be a student of PHYSICS, yes? I mean, can EVERYONE read a physics book and understand it. Nope. SOME people... need a 'guide', a 'teacher'... yes?
Well, the scriptures, letters, etc., weren't written TO everyone, either... only to those that 'hear'... what the SPIRIT says to the congregation. If you want to know what the meaning of its contents ARE... then why not DO... what IT SAYS to do?
John 5:39, 40
Matthew 17:3
34) The last time Christianity attained total power, it resulted in the Dark Ages, so why should we expect anything different from Christian fundamentalists today?
Lordy, dear one, if the world fell into further into the hands of ANY type of 'christianity', save TRUE christianity... I would be as terrified as you. Already am. Why? Because I am a christian... a TRUE christian... by means of an anointing with holy spirit. And it ain't Muslims that 'hate' me. It ain't Buddhists or Hindus. It ain't even Jews. It's 'christians'. Why? Because 'the world is fond of what is its OWN'. And since I am 'no part' of them... but have been chosen OUT of them... to listen to and SPEAK what my Lord grants me to speak... the TRUTH... I am hated. Trust me on this.
35) Has anyone ever been killed in the name of atheism?
Ummmm... I don't know... have they? I'm thinkin' China and Russia, but I may be wrong...
36) Why does history show that every time a fundamentalist religion has gained power, tyranny and persecutions have soon followed?
'Cause that's what 'religion' does. Christian and otherwise. It's their 'nature'.
WHEW! Talk about 'twenty questions'...
Peace to you, Big Jim!
YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,
SJ
Rex B13

Jim's question:
>5) Can more than one of these religions be right?
Ros said:
>Yes.
Did you mean this in the context of Christian denominations or 'other' religions? If it is the latter case then how do you deal with, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14.6 but there are many more that show Christ is the ONLY way to God) ?
Rex B13

What's up with the questions you didn't think of and are the usual mishmash of misconceptions held by atheists?
32) If the Bible is the inerrant word of God, why does it contain so many factual errors, such as the two contradictory accounts of Creation in Genesis?
I answer this one in my last post, which you failed to respond yo!
33) Why isn¹t the Bible written in a straightforward way that leaves no doubt about what it means?
Ros has this one right.
34) The last time Christianity attained total power, it resulted in the Dark Ages, so why should we expect anything different from Christian fundamentalists today?
"Christianity" is NOT any political or religious organization. It is the body of believers who exist at any particular point in time. You are whining about the Catholic Church and the Pope, who were well into total apostasy by then and had turned FROM God, for they were NOT following Biblical teachings.
35) Has anyone ever been killed in the name of atheism?
How many millions have died in the old Soviet Union, China, Cambodia< North Korea and a dozen other countries?
What, Communists are NOT atheists? Is it wrong to blame them as you do all Christians for the actions of false Christians?
36) Why does history show that every time a fundamentalist religion has gained power, tyranny and persecutions have soon followed?
I don't know that it shows that. I also do not consider any religion to be the sole representative of Christ. If they do not behave as Christians then they JUST AREN'T, JIMBO!
Rex
logical

1) How would you define God, and why are you so convinced that there is one?
I dont know, but I do know there is one.
2) If everything needs a creator, then who or what created God?
Who says God was created?
3) How can something that cannot be described be said to exist?
God can be described.
4) Since there are countless religions in the world today claiming to be the one true religion, why do you think yours is truer than theirs?
All RELIGION is there to mislead people.
5) Can more than one of these religions be right?
None are right.
6) If you feel in your heart that your religion is the right one, how do you answer those of other faiths who claim the same thing?
I dont belong to any religion.
7) How do you settle the debate and find out which of these religions, if any, is the right one?
I dont believe any religion is the right one.
8) Why does God allow all these false religions to exist?
I dont know.
9) Is the bloody history of Christianity consistent with what is supposed to be a religion of love, or does it simply illustrate the consequences of abandoning reason for faith?
No its just what happens when man abandons Christ & God for their own glory.
10) If everything is the product of a grand design by an omniscient, benevolent designer, why is the history of life a record of horrible suffering, blundering waste, and miserable failures? Why does this God go through billions of years of such carnage without yet arriving at His goal?
I dont know.
11) Why did God intervene so many times in human affairs during antiquity (according to the Bible) and yet not do anything during the Holocaust of the Second World War?
Cos God isnt with the Jews any more.
12) Why should one¹s inner convictions about the existence of God indicate that He/She/They/It exists outside of that person¹s mind?
Theres plenty of proof that God exists outside my mind. God is good, right? And its not really possible for anything good to exist just in my evil little mind.
13) Can a God who would abandon His children when they needed him the most still be considered all good?
He doesnt abandon His children as far as I know.
14) If something is not rational, should it be believed anyway?
Dont know.
15) If the God of the Bible is all good, why does He himself say that He created evil? (Isaiah 45:7)
The Bible doesnt say that in that verse...
16) Is there a better way than reason to acquire knowledge and truth?
Theres only one way.. to go to the source. But I dont know how to.
17) If you would answer #16 with faith, then why are there so many contradictory faiths in the world?
Didnt answer with faith - the "religions" are all from man, not from God.
18) Is comfort more important to you than intellectual integrity?
I dont know, I dont think I have ever know intellectual integrity
19) What would it take to convince you that you are wrong?
Proof
20) If nothing can convince you that you are wrong, then why should your faith be considered anything other than a cult?
I actually dont have a set belief now and dont belong to any man made religious organisation and NEVER will
21) If an atheist lives a decent, moral life, why should a loving, compassionate God care whether or not we believe in Him/Her/It?
Dont know
22) Why do so many religious people thank God when they survive a disaster, yet fail to be angry with him for causing the disaster in the first place?
Who says God caused it?
23) If you demand that the atheist disprove the Judeo-Christian God, are you prepared to disprove the existence of Zeus, Odin, Ra and all the other ancient gods and goddesses?
Yeah, false gods and stuff, like the many false religions today. Im sure if this system goes on for another few thousand years, there will be loads more mythical gods based on TV shows we have now and celebrities etc, and people will think they are real
24) Why is the number of atheists in prisons disproportionally much smaller than their numbers in the general population?
Dont know.
25) Is the brutal, vengeful and bloodthirsty God as depicted in the Old Testament still a loving God?
All with good reason, AND YOU KNOW IT.
26) Should any religion that demands we elevate faith over reason be trusted?
NO religion should be trusted.
27) How can the same God that, according to the Old Testament, killed everybody on Earth except for eight people be considered as anything other than evil?
God isnt evil. Now if he hadnt spared those 8 people, then you wouldnt be here to complain. You should be grateful.
28) Is the acceptance of religious mysticism, magic and miracles consistent with our understanding of good mental health?
I dont think I have ever had good mental health.
29) Must we hate our families and ourselves in order to be good Christians? (Luke 14:26)
I hate myself but thats nothing with trying to be a good Christian. I just hate myself cos im evil.
30) Since the ancient world abounded with tales of resurrected Savior-Gods that were supposed to have returned from the dead to save humanity, why is the Jesus myth any truer than all the others?
Cos Jesus is the ONLY true one.
31) If the Bible is the standard for morality, why does it not forbid slavery and war?
Read the Bible...
32) If the Bible is the inerrant word of God, why does it contain so many factual errors, such as the two contradictory accounts of Creation in Genesis?
The Bible's not the word of God
33) Why isn¹t the Bible written in a straightforward way that leaves no doubt about what it means?
Its been twisted around by man
34) The last time Christianity attained total power, it resulted in the Dark Ages, so why should we expect anything different from Christian fundamentalists today?
Hell on earth springs to mind...
35) Has anyone ever been killed in the name of atheism?
Plenty... China, Russia, etc...
36) Why does history show that every time a fundamentalist religion has gained power, tyranny and persecutions have soon followed?
Cos they are not doing the will of God

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE BELIEVER!

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