THE GLADIATOR

Joined

• started 14 topics
• posted 2,719 times   see topics posted on
• send a message

Posts by THE GLADIATOR

• 
  68

  Christians used to be sure of what they believed...

  by THE GLADIATOR in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  recent events on this board have got me thinking, which is no small feat.

  christians are arguing more with each other than with atheists.. christians used to be sure of what they believed solid in their faith and certain of its foundation cornerstone and what he was called.

  only non-believers cast doubt and were crushed under a mountain of bible passages that were heaped upon them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  I have just returned from an annual chilli festival in West Dean Sussex UK. Tasted some mighty hot chillies but was not prepared for the heat on this thread.

  With regard to my ‘jealousy’ towards Shelby hearing from Jesus, I believe I have adequately explained myself. Nevertheless I would like to share a moment from my past.

  When I was a boy we had very little in the way of material things. My brothers were always bored with nothing to play with. I was never bored. Fortunately I had a vivid imagination. I could conjure up anything I wanted in my imagination. I had imaginary conversations with people. I heard voices and made friends with people who existed only in my mind. I could make up jokes, tell them to myself and laugh out loud when I got to the punch line.

  I even had a horse that I could gallop down the road to the local store on. The lady store owner always asked how the horse was and gave me free nuts to feed it. I also had a panda that was so real he had a small chair of his own to sit on. Occasionally a place was set at the table for the panda.

  One day I announced that the panda had gone. My father asked where? I told him that didn’t need him any more. Soon after, the horse went too. Now I have to live in the real world. I envy people who are still capable of such illusion.

  Peace
• 
  68

  Christians used to be sure of what they believed...

  by THE GLADIATOR in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  recent events on this board have got me thinking, which is no small feat.

  christians are arguing more with each other than with atheists.. christians used to be sure of what they believed solid in their faith and certain of its foundation cornerstone and what he was called.

  only non-believers cast doubt and were crushed under a mountain of bible passages that were heaped upon them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  I did not look for any deceit in what you posted, at all but gave you the benefit of the doubt (why wouldn't I?). I am saddened to learn that my candor may have been wasted (or so you suggest) because you were never serious to begin with (or you now wish me to believe).

  I have just read your post Shelby and I cannot understand what your point is. I have been totaly honest with you and meant every word I said.

  I cannot be jealous that Jesus talks to you and not me if I don't belive he exists. What I can be, is jealous of is your illusion which I am unable to share. Illusion offers comfort and respite from reality. It is a luxury I don't enjoy. Of course you belive that I along with many non theists and Christians are deluded. This is of course why we debate these positions on the forum.
• 
  68

  Christians used to be sure of what they believed...

  by THE GLADIATOR in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  recent events on this board have got me thinking, which is no small feat.

  christians are arguing more with each other than with atheists.. christians used to be sure of what they believed solid in their faith and certain of its foundation cornerstone and what he was called.

  only non-believers cast doubt and were crushed under a mountain of bible passages that were heaped upon them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  Well, as always Shelby, your response is comprehensive, sincere and perceptive. I have just used the word sincere in my last post because Christians do seem to be entirely sincere.

  When I say that ‘I would like Christ to speak to me, even though I don't believe he exists; that I would still like to believe that I can hear him speaking to me. ’

  What I am saying is that I would like to be able to enjoy having such an amazing illusion in my life. My disposition prevents me from enjoying this luxury. It’s not a choice. If I could keep illusion alive I would still be a Jehovah's Witness.

  At the same time, I could be utterly deluded and missing out on the reality of Jesus and his existence. I think this unlikely but to you it is a reality and I wish you well in your spiritual journey. I appreciate the time you take to dissect my often facetious comments and believing that I may be worth saving.
• 
  68

  Christians used to be sure of what they believed...

  by THE GLADIATOR in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  recent events on this board have got me thinking, which is no small feat.

  christians are arguing more with each other than with atheists.. christians used to be sure of what they believed solid in their faith and certain of its foundation cornerstone and what he was called.

  only non-believers cast doubt and were crushed under a mountain of bible passages that were heaped upon them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  “ Gladiator, I think you understand love and kindness very well... and if you forget once in a while, you've got an awesome wife to remind you ;) ”

  Shush Tammy! If this were to get out, people will start to doubt I’m a gladiator and it is the only illusion I have left.

  Your post is as always kind and sincere. The things we desire and ask for usually manifest. You attribute this to Jesus, whereas I suspect these things come from inside ourselves. In any case, starting out with good motives is a positive way to live and leads to harmony within and with others.

  I understand why Christians argue among themselves. It is the way to arrive at conclusions and consensus. When it’s done in public I can’t help joining in with the entertainment.

  I guess I don’t take these matters so seriously any more. After all I have nothing to lose, no position to defend. What I am looking for I have yet to find.
• 
  68

  Christians used to be sure of what they believed...

  by THE GLADIATOR in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  recent events on this board have got me thinking, which is no small feat.

  christians are arguing more with each other than with atheists.. christians used to be sure of what they believed solid in their faith and certain of its foundation cornerstone and what he was called.

  only non-believers cast doubt and were crushed under a mountain of bible passages that were heaped upon them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  "And their problem is rooted in a kind of jealousy... which says, "Why is Christ speaking to YOU, and not ME? What makes YOU so special? Surely, if God/Christ were going to speak to ANYONE... it would be to ME."

  Unfortunately, few recognize the utter haughtiness and arrogance in such thinking."

  Thanks for your reply Shelby. I think you have rumbled me - I am jealous. Why have I not been chosen? I would like Christ to speak to me. Even though I don't believe he exists, I would still like to believe that I can hear him speaking to me.

  Alas I am destined to wander though life alone, wondering what I am doing on this god forsaken planet. But you tell me it's not god forsaken, it is me that is forsaken. I realize that this is because I lack faith. Nor am I big on the love thing.

  Like many others here, I have not made a choice as to whether to believe or not. It is simply that b elief eludes me. As the bible says, 'faith is not the possession of all people.'

  Peace & may your gods go with you
• 
  45

  I'm back!

  by tec in

  1. jw
  2. friends
  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  Welcome back Tammy. Glad you had a good time on your trek across the US . I have missed you too.

  I don’t like to tell tales but without you here to keep order, some Christians have been disputing with each other. It seems that when your are away the mice will play.

  I told them that when you got back someone would have to stand in the corner. I too have been stirring the pot but that’s to be expected.
• 
  68

  Christians used to be sure of what they believed...

  by THE GLADIATOR in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  recent events on this board have got me thinking, which is no small feat.

  christians are arguing more with each other than with atheists.. christians used to be sure of what they believed solid in their faith and certain of its foundation cornerstone and what he was called.

  only non-believers cast doubt and were crushed under a mountain of bible passages that were heaped upon them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  I see this thread has been and brought back from the edge of oblivion, a resurrection no less.

  In some ways I wasn’t sorry to see it fade away because it was a rather sarcastic take on two posters recent dispute. My reason for posting was a response to the many claims that some Christians publicly make. This often brings them at loggerheads with other Christians as well as atheists. My reasoning is that if certain people believe that Jesus really does speak to them then they can take my suggestion seriously.

  I ignore most of these claims but every so often I enter the arena for a little fun and mischief and to remind folks that I am still alive.

  Some good points Wobble!

  Thanks for your comments Tammy. I hope your holiday is going well and Jesus is not getting travel-sick keeping up with you.

  And thanks also to PSacramento for your diplomacy and patience. "I take discussion and disagreement over totalarianism any day!"
• 
  11

  Prayer

  by yrkdnme in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  i am interested to know from other long time wittnesses if they had a hard time with prayer after leaving the organization?

  when i left i found it so difficult to pray to "jehovah" and still do to this day.

  i am always more comfortable with just "god".

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  Praying to Jehovah is bound to conjure up all the subconscious trappings inherited from being a Jehovah's Witness. Using a different name for god is bound to free you from such a burden.

  The real problem for me was not talking to Jehovah but getting him to talk to me. What I had to say was of no importance, whereas Jehovah may have had something of value to impart to me. I will never know.

  Why not try Allah or Zeus. You are just a likely to get a reply?
• 
  24

  The Problem with the problem

  by Terry in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  jehovah's witnesses have an invisible problem which is as unseen as jesus.

  the problem with their problem is that it is unseen.. what do i mean by this?.

  no future.. the future jehovah's witnesses prepare for is not their future at all.. the jw future is armageddon (very soon!

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  A touching story Terry.

  We work to obtain or keep the things we value. As the bible says, where our treasure is there our heart will be. It all comes down to whether we live in the real world or an imaginary world that has been dreamt up. If that world is bible based it will provide a false hope but leave us out of touch with reality.
• 
  34

  Besides me, who's the toughest SOB here?

  by sooner7nc in

  1. jw
  2. friends
  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  THE GLADIATOR

  Don’t be fooled by the gladiator costume.

  I'm just a chocolate éclair - so be gentle with me.