my own faith did not survive an 'outside test for faith'.
below, the author gives an example of how outsiders to most religions examine those religions critically, and dimiss them.
turning a critical eye towards my beliefs was a bit scary, but i decided it was the only proper thing to do, for me.
Farkel, That makes a lot of sense. I agree with that. It cuts to the chase and yet believers don't see it that way. They have "FAITH" THEY MAKE A LEAP, without any proof of any kind. They will live and die with their belief system.
I think it is fear of the unknown when they die coupled with wanting to go to a better place.
Blueblades
my own faith did not survive an 'outside test for faith'.
below, the author gives an example of how outsiders to most religions examine those religions critically, and dimiss them.
turning a critical eye towards my beliefs was a bit scary, but i decided it was the only proper thing to do, for me.
Leavingwt. This is a good one. You are absolutely right. I have been reading books on the history of the world. They all have a theme about belief systems. History has demonstrated that "man" has made up his "GODS" and written so-called Holy Books in every culture, place and time on this planet.
When we honestly review the history and cultures of the world, one has to let go of all belief systems that have been proven to be taught depending where you were born and raised on this planet.
However, for those who cannot let go of their belief system for whatever reasons they have, I can understand that. I too at one time would not let go of the Catholic Church which I was born into. Then I did let it go and became a JW. Now at 65, I have let all the belief systems go.
What will happen when I die because of this letting go? Who really knows?
Blueblades
i found out someone i know is terminally ill. before i would put my jw hat and give them comfort from the bible and the hope of resurrection.
but now that i dont believe in paradise nor in heaven what do you say to someone who is terminally ill and still has some religious beliefs?.
Very nice Aguest. I agree that we should honor them with what they believe and comfort them with all words positive.
Blueblades
i welcome any comments on the most recent dialogue i had with an ex-jw who wants to be readmitted after 44 years of disfellowship.
talk about returning to one's own... somebody stop me:there seems to be a lack of affinity and reality in our recent textual exchange on the subject, originated by you that armaggeddon is imminent or highly likely to happen very soon because signs cited in the gospel of matthew are increasing alarmingly.
derek, thank you for your concern for me and what you think is your attempt to save me by getting me to become one of jws who will be spared.
Maputo95, I recommend: "Captives of a Concept" Anatomy of an Illusion. Understanding the illusionary concept that holds Jehovah's Witnesess captive, by, Don Cameron. Go to the members section and pull up his name for further information.
Blueblades
energy and matter are neither created nor destroyed.. consequently, the building blocks of existence are actually finite parts.. to create things in "tomorrow" which are new, something has to be dismantled to leave spare parts for tomorrow's new thing.. the old thing deteriorates, (dies/disintegrates) and the parts become available to make the new thing.. time travel requires going to a place where today's parts are available to be rearranged.. some of today's things persist as they are, of course.
they only travel through time by persisting as they are.
(mountains, for example.).
Lots of good conversation here on time travel. All of us use language to explain what we think we know at the present. We then use language again to change our thinking on time travel as we get more information on energy and matter. And so, Bluesapphire is right when she says it is all a matter of semantics.
Steven Pinker addresses "The Stuff Of Thought, language as a window into human nature." The Blank State, Words and Rules, the ingrediants of language, How the mind works. the language instinct."
On this topic that Terry has posted we use words to explain in simple terms and sometimes complex words to try explain what we think we know about time travel, i.e. Our use of prepositions and tenses taps into peculiarly human concepts of space and time, and our use of nouns and verbs tap into mental models of matter and causation.
Like Terry, I'm not saying I'm right and you are wrong,for what do I know about anything including time travel, space, energy, matter ,causation,etc. I'm not a scientist, I just read about science and other interesting subjects.
I have a shirt, on it, it reads, "Think, it's not illegal yet." Certainty, topics like this one that Terry has posted and all of you have responded to, gives us pause and makes us think....I think.
Blueblades
energy and matter are neither created nor destroyed.. consequently, the building blocks of existence are actually finite parts.. to create things in "tomorrow" which are new, something has to be dismantled to leave spare parts for tomorrow's new thing.. the old thing deteriorates, (dies/disintegrates) and the parts become available to make the new thing.. time travel requires going to a place where today's parts are available to be rearranged.. some of today's things persist as they are, of course.
they only travel through time by persisting as they are.
(mountains, for example.).
Terry, even so, we do not know what science will discover that will make time travel possible. When I read about the history of man's discoveries throughout human existence, great leaps have been made in all the disciplines from A to Z.
While at this time what you have given as a good explanation of why time travel does not work, I would of also stated, as far as we know now.
Blueblades
one of the things that has frustrated and bothered me greatly is how the wts has invented their own definitions for koine greek words that already have meanings.
the word death is one of those.. .
throughout the past 2000 years the word death has been widely known and accepted to mean not only that the corporeal body has died, but with regard to spirituality, it has meant that one exists forever knowing they are separated from christ and the father.
I understand not accepting the WTS's definition of "Death". Explain why you accept the Bible's definition, when it too is man's interpretation, depending on what belief system you accept as truth.
Blueblades
does anyone realize that dinosaurs are mentioned in the bible?
god told us he created all the beast of the field didn't need to.
mention dinosaurs seperatly.
Ask Steven Spielberg if his movie Jurassic Park was fiction.
Blueblades
to the household of god, israel, and those who go with... may you have peace!.
a week or so ago i ran across a post asking what happens when we die.
i had meant to respond then, but got distracted and then could not find the post again.
The absolute truth about what happens to you when you die is answered by Deepak Chopra. The burden of proof is given by him. Read it if you really want to know what happens when you die. "Life After Death, The Burden Of Proof."
If you have any doubts about the afterlife, you won't after reading this one.
It is a penetrating and insightful investigation into the greatest mystery of existence. By facing death we will come to a deeper realization of who we are.
All who responded to this topic will find this a better and more sure answer to the question posted here.
Blueblades
i dare any christian out there to watch this video and try to defend your unloving, no mercy, no forgiveness faith/god that you all claim to have.. anyone in their right mind watches this in disgust.
how can anyone want to serve a god that demands this type of vile behaivor towards others?.
notice the poor ignorant african people being brainwashed into believing this tripe.
I'll ask it again, why do animals have homosexual behavior? Why is the Bible silent about this? If it is so disgusting, why has God, Creator, Evolution etc, let animals do it?
Blueblades
