I am a theist "willing to discuss".

Harleyman comments on Oct 2, 2019:

The bible just doesn’t make any sense. To me evolution which is proven by science and what’s in the bible are contradictory.

dmatic replies on Oct 3, 2019:

Evolution is proven? You mean you know how the different species came into existence and all of life's origins?

I am a theist "willing to discuss".

george comments on Oct 2, 2019:

I read the whole Bible, 3 times actually, and the more I learned and figured out the less I believed any of it. It is very contradictory and very graphic with alot of stuff. I've even said if it wasn't for the fact people believed in god, the Bible would be on the banned for kids list. Just ...

dmatic replies on Oct 3, 2019:

Not sure about the supposed contradictions you mention, but, just because you may not understand the reason for an instruction, yet, does not mean that it cannot be understood. An instruction given by a loving God for our benefit. You're right, though, that shrimp is not a 'food' to be eaten. Shrimp are designed to clean up and filter the waters. And it wasn't simply two different fabrics....I think it was wool and linen were not to be mixed. Wool being animal based, linen from flax. Who knows, but it may be together they put off some negative effect for humans? Merely speculation on my part, however.

I am a theist "willing to discuss".

AndrewInVail comments on Oct 2, 2019:

This question seems to be aimed at former theists, am I right? If so, can non-former theists answer too?

dmatic replies on Oct 3, 2019:

Of course! Please do.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Oct 3, 2019:

@waynus Calvin was a misguided man, who approved of murder of those who disagreed with him. Disgusting.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@waynus OK. I posted a quick thing with the Atheist group. Earlier you had mentioned coming out of a "Reformed" church or background? Is that a Calvinist type of church? More directly to the point, I would like to ask you what so-called "Christian" doctrine you find untrue? Thanks.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@waynus You have not offended me at all! I am enjoying getting to "know" you and I think you are sincere and genuine. I plan to try to make a post in the Atheist group sometime soon. I think Christians need to repent for misrepresenting God, basically. Once again, my available time is short....If you want to know what I believe I'd be happy to tell you....but, that may not be important. what we both seek is truth....right?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@waynus I maybe have time to respond shortly to the first of your two posts here... and will get to the other later, Lord willing. Quite possibly I am not doing a very good job of articulating my position...though I am trying. In my post I "assumed" it was you who was doing the pitying. I do try to have empathy, but I'm not sure your accusation that I pity those on the outside of "my arrogantly and ignorantly held 'faith" is accurate. Certainly, I try to love and respect all people when I can. It is one of the reasons I enjoy our conversation and invest time in it. I want to understand you and your perspective. Not even sure how you are using the word Gnosis... Not even sure what your former "Reformed" faith was? I get that you don't believe that Jesus was resurrected. Actually, I believe in the resurrection of all people. But, I don't have time now, regrettably to continue...

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@Biosphere None taken! Should have put one of those smiley faces in somehow... So, you don't believe God communicates with His children?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@Biosphere Blunt the cutting edge of your thoughts? Like to make them more dull? You should study the scriptures which are sharper than any two-edged sword, able to , and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart! (Hebrews 4:12) Did you find your Bible yet?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@Biosphere What comment?

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

James comments on Sep 30, 2019:

I think your message here will resonate with the majority of Americans. Getting a message like this out is as essential as it is daunting. The problem we have is how to get out of this mess without it turning into an open civil war. Power hungry narcissistic liars are not likely to voluntarily ...

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@Seriousreason Yep...the dole....though it used to be thought of as a bit of a disgrace to be on "it"...at least people were a bit ashamed to have anyone know they were unable to provide their own way and they tried to got off the dole as soon as they could. Now, it seems it's a destination.

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

dmatic comments on Sep 30, 2019:

Nobody seems to know what right and wrong are anymore. Until we turn back to God it may not get better, but worse.

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@Seriousreason I think He did say something like that....way back in Genesis...but He didn't say He would be outta there...rather, He sent a flood and removed the offending parties and started over, so to speak. He then promised He would not destroy the world with a flood again...thus the rainbow. You know the story. It will be interesting to say the least, to see what is going to happen in the future...but I have no doubt He's got this.

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

dmatic comments on Sep 30, 2019:

Nobody seems to know what right and wrong are anymore. Until we turn back to God it may not get better, but worse.

dmatic replies on Oct 2, 2019:

@Biosphere I begin to understand your disbelief in a make believe god that ignorant people have foisted on your youth. "Eternal" punishment is a figment of their imagination. They have created a god in their own image. Anyway..."heinous judgment" needs to be ousted from your vocabulary and thoughts. Without God....no one could live.

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

James comments on Sep 30, 2019:

I think your message here will resonate with the majority of Americans. Getting a message like this out is as essential as it is daunting. The problem we have is how to get out of this mess without it turning into an open civil war. Power hungry narcissistic liars are not likely to voluntarily ...

dmatic replies on Oct 1, 2019:

@Seriousreason Bananas!

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

camerakid61 comments on Sep 30, 2019:

You have some good ideas, but you know only half the story of what goes on in the hallowed halls of government and behind their closed doors. Like so many Americans, you're so naive.

dmatic replies on Oct 1, 2019:

@Seriousreason International Financiers?

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

Seriousreason comments on Oct 1, 2019:

A thoroughly thought provoking read. Your efforts are appreciated. The funny thing with Trump tweeting ( as history will portrait that habit as a Presidential first) . Political commentators like Tim Pool for example point out . It's his way of communicating to his base . That otherwise could only ...

dmatic replies on Oct 1, 2019:

Beautiful commentary! Thanks

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Oct 1, 2019:

@waynus I don't "know" those guys, or entities, but, apparently, some "believe" in them, whoever they are. If one defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, which is the way I define it, then, people have all sorts of 'faiths'. Lots of people have hope, for example, and they often pass that hope, or faith, on to their children and often share it with others in their vicinity. I define religion as a way of life. I, therefore, think that everyone also has a religion, a way of life. There are many ways in the world. Where do all these 'ways' lead? Time will tell, unless, of course, you "happen" to believe the Bible and its counsel, which says there is a way which seems right to a man but the end, or destination, of it, is death. Most "ways" that men choose, lead to " death". Some of us are trying to find the way, the path, that leads to life. Of course, you think there is no such 'way', so you are resigned to the rather depressing idea that this is all there is. From non existence you have come and to non existence you will return. Have you considered the possibility that your conclusion is wrong? What if there was a 'way', a path, that led to life, would you not attempt, at least, to find it? And, if you found it, would you not try to follow it, by staying on the path, by trying to be alert for 'signs' along the way that may confirm to you that you were on the right path? You have concluded that that path doesn't even exist. That it is a "dead end". You, apparently, look with pity on those who are still looking for it, since, in your high minded approach to life and your vast experience with all paths, that you "know" they are all dead ends. Appreciate your concern, but we're probably gonna keep looking. The Jesus, you think is mythological, warned that few would find the path that leads to life. The rest will go through the path that leads through destruction or death...but, that, to me, is not even the "end". I believe that all will live...through Christ. Even you!

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

James comments on Sep 30, 2019:

I think your message here will resonate with the majority of Americans. Getting a message like this out is as essential as it is daunting. The problem we have is how to get out of this mess without it turning into an open civil war. Power hungry narcissistic liars are not likely to voluntarily ...

dmatic replies on Oct 1, 2019:

@Seriousreason Maybe....but Jimbo wrote: "...because we currently have a government which caters to people on the sole for votes."" Maybe I should have asked: "on the sole"?

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-26 HELL IS ...

dmatic comments on Sep 26, 2019:

War minister, do you care to discuss this? Or not?

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@warminster100 May I ask again? Why do think God judges?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@waynus Yes. I talk to people of different faiths all the time. In fact, I'm talking with one right now....you! I guess I'm still not sure of your definition of mythological. Do you believe existence is mythological? Do you not think we exist? I think we're experiencing reality, not a myth. I think our existence has purpose...and meaning. The reality we experience is that many many people have come and gone and some have felt led to share their opinions of reality with others. So, we have teachers. Now some of those teachers know what they are teaching about and others have not a clue, but they teach anyway. What most of us seem to searching for is Truth. Even how this reality can be explained? So, people are asking seemingly all the time: "What's up?" What's happening? What do you know? How are you doing? No really...HOW are you doing? How are you existing? Where are you going? Do you know the way? Many people have no clue, seemingly. Apparently, you think people make up myths to teach stuff. Like the myth that there is no God. That may, in fact, be the biggest myth out there. People believe the myth and so they stop seeking. If there is no answer why seek for one? If no one knows...why continue to seek to find the One Who does know? I believe there is one who has all power and knows the answers we seek. You don't. We simply have different faiths.

Americans are tired of the constant state of political warfare.

James comments on Sep 30, 2019:

I think your message here will resonate with the majority of Americans. Getting a message like this out is as essential as it is daunting. The problem we have is how to get out of this mess without it turning into an open civil war. Power hungry narcissistic liars are not likely to voluntarily ...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@JimbobNE "Dole"?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@JimbobNE Not sure drinking would have changed that reality either....we'll get 'em eventually....Lord willing.

Politicians of all stripes know only two things about economics.

dmatic comments on Sep 29, 2019:

Well, my friend, I confess that I do not follow Canadian politics! I know not what PPC, nor NDP stands for but can guess. I think your original proposition that politicians do not know too much about economics is right on! Sad though, isn't it? Most politicians, it seems, these days, have not ...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@FrankZeleniuk Yes! Even government worshippers!

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-28 SEND ...

dmatic comments on Sep 29, 2019:

Nothing can separate us from God. We are convinced. Romans 8: 35-39 Is 59 includes the idea that God's arm is not so short that He cannot save even though sins and iniquites have separated us for a while...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@warminster100 1 Timothy 4:10 ...because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. NASB The Savior of ALL men.

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@Biosphere Are you calling me addled minded?

Politicians of all stripes know only two things about economics.

dmatic comments on Sep 29, 2019:

Well, my friend, I confess that I do not follow Canadian politics! I know not what PPC, nor NDP stands for but can guess. I think your original proposition that politicians do not know too much about economics is right on! Sad though, isn't it? Most politicians, it seems, these days, have not ...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@FrankZeleniuk One of our Founding Fathers warned us about parties. I think they are avenues for great division. I think "progressive" is a misnomer.

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@Biosphere Nope. Didn't start drinking again. Funny, I don't seem to need to try to change my perception of reality anymore. Listening is good...mostly.

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@Biosphere We have all failed, my friend. But, God never fails. And, He promises not to hold our failures against us.

Daily in Christ by Neil T.

dmatic comments on Sep 29, 2019:

"God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Love this!

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@warminster100 Indeed, I do! Thanks

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-28 SEND ...

dmatic comments on Sep 29, 2019:

Nothing can separate us from God. We are convinced. Romans 8: 35-39 Is 59 includes the idea that God's arm is not so short that He cannot save even though sins and iniquites have separated us for a while...

dmatic replies on Sep 30, 2019:

@warminster100 Indeed...Salvation is all about God! The Savior of all men, especially those who believe.

Politicians of all stripes know only two things about economics.

dmatic comments on Sep 29, 2019:

Well, my friend, I confess that I do not follow Canadian politics! I know not what PPC, nor NDP stands for but can guess. I think your original proposition that politicians do not know too much about economics is right on! Sad though, isn't it? Most politicians, it seems, these days, have not ...

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@FrankZeleniuk Lots of parties in Canada! No wonder you are all so happy!

Nebraska and Adrian Martinez are facing 5 Ohio State tonight.

RMSPT comments on Sep 29, 2019:

The ugliest game I’ve seen them play in decades.

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@RafaelMspt I was just alluding to the whole "sports" addictions and why people care so much about these team things....

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@waynus Yes, I understand that too, (that I believe in God and you don't) and I am trying to understand how you think, as well. I do look forward to learning more, of course, and have never made a claim that I can "absolutely" declare something to be the way I say it is. Not sure I understand your implication of 'stories' as a way to understand reality, however. You may choose to listen to and value what atheists say, and call believers stupid for believing "stories"...but let's look at what atheists believe, though I'm not sure what they believe, if anything. Surely, they must believe something? How does an atheist determine what is true? Apparently, they claim There is no God. One can understand why they wouldn't want to believe the Bible because it says "The fool says in his heart there is no God"...and nobody wants to be a fool, one would think. So, what is their claim? That "life" came from nothing and goes to nothing? Honestly, that is the craziest thing I've ever heard. Their is no higher purpose to existence? It's all just make believe? Please help me understand how you have fallen for the idea that there is no God? I don't want to upset you, or maybe I do, but, your world seems very sad. If you are content in it that is your business. I'm happy to continue the conversation if you desire, but if you don't want me to pester you just let me know. I believe that someday, you, too, as will all of those who foolishly think they are "alone in the world", will come to understand and know God.

Nebraska and Adrian Martinez are facing 5 Ohio State tonight.

RMSPT comments on Sep 29, 2019:

The ugliest game I’ve seen them play in decades.

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

Indeed, a tough game to watch. Another embarrassment after Game Day and all the hype. May have to reconsider priorities for Saturdays....for a few years, apparently. That is, if one identifies with, and lives vicariously, through various athletes from all over the country. There must yet be some lessons for us spoiled Nebraska fans to learn....I'm still learning.

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@JimbobNE I understand, Jimbo! I had a bit of faith in the Huskers, too....and the sun didn't rise this morning! Biosphere and I have been in conversation for a while about these things. I love the guy! He has given me permission to challenge his logical fallacies or contradictions, so I do, on occasion. Still trying to understand him...and myself for that matter! As for how old the earth is....only God knows. And that's the Truth, except also for those to whom He's shared that info. We gotta start somewhere in this challenge to understand reality don't we? For me, that begins with "In the beginning, God..." Where others start is their business, and if they want to talk about it, I'm usually happy to engage, because I like listening to their ideas. I entertain them if they seem to be entertainable. Presently, I am in discussion with a very smart man who seems to think he came from non existence...and is passing through existence...into non existence again. Doesn't make any sense to me, but I'm entertaining the idea. By the way, Noah's ark has been found, as has the remains of Sodom and Gomorrah....Just saying. It's also been known where the Ark of the Covenant is but it hasn't been brought out yet. God has shown and probably will show His Power again, as if He doesn't do that everyday for people who know how to see, or who don't blind themselves by trying to deny His existence. It is to His glory to conceal a matter, by the way...He doesn't need to show off, nor does He think like a human.....probably.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@waynus You wrote: "As I think I said I do not know how life began. How something came from nothing if in fact it did. I simply say none of the current religious explanations convince me that they are true. " I think you said something about absolutely going from non existence to existence to non existence. Not sure, however, what "religious explanations" you are talking about. Reality is what we are all trying to understand. Not knowing all the answers yet is OK. But, I think we make a mistake when we rule out things as being unreal, when in fact, we do know enough yet to conclude such a thing.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@waynus Then you wrote: "Who am I? A self aware being capable of thought and experience, my being is contingent on the ability to do both and ceases (at some point) when I become incapable of that, which may well be apart from physical death." So, somewhere along the "line" of your life, you became "self" aware? Presumably, you, after that, became other aware, too. But, you have not yet become aware of God? I trust that in your unfolding awareness that someday, you will also become aware of God and will experience the joy and wonder of getting to know God as you are presently experiencing the joy and wonder of getting to know yourself and others.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@waynus You wrote: "Love exists but it is not a physical/material thing. Is its existence contingent on the material world? Yes but it exists in a way that is observable and even measurable." We both agree that love exists. Wonderful. Where, then, did love come from? How does it exist? Do we KNOW that love is a result of, or contingent upon, material existence? Of course, we do not know that. You may assume that, of course, but you would not be being honest. You do not know how the existence of love came to be even though you can see it and measure it. Do you know love's definition?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@waynus Well, I think you SHOULD consider the circumstances of your birth monumental! Maybe that would give you a better sense of awe as to your origin and creation. A sense of awe, in my opinion, is the only way to look at "life". Maybe that is why there is so much depression and sadness in the world....or, at least, one of the reasons. To consider oneself as not a "miracle", or, not special in some way to the Creator, would be a very sad way to live. Maybe it's no wonder that there seems to be less love for God in the world. You suggest love can be measured. Do you even know how much your Creator loves you? How would you go about measuring it? Would you compare your own life to that of others that you think you see, or know? Like, would you measure His love for you by how much food and material blessings you have compared to those who have more and with those who have less? What about comparing the parents and upbringing you had with the circumstances of others? Is that how you would know how much your Creator loved you? I'm not saying you should become like the Pharisee as he stood praying and comparing himself to the status of the poor man who humbled himself before His Creator, nor am I saying that you should consider yourself more highly than you ought. Humility is a wonderful "thing". But, in my view, every life....every life...is "special" and has purpose to the Creator. We are all part of His plan. His-story.

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 29, 2019:

@Biosphere So, you don't believe anything that any man says or writes? That is hard to believe! Might be wise...but a little unbelievable. I'm not saying that anybody should believe everything...but, if that's how you want to try to live....I can understand why you feel the need to drink.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 27, 2019:

@waynus If you don't mind, I want to focus on your last paragraph and leave the rest....just for now. This is exactly my question to you. I've asked the question in different ways a few times previously. Who are you? Maybe it can be asked as what is your identity, but, somehow, I want to find out how it is even possible to go from non-existence to existence without a Creator. Probably, even a robot or AI cannot turn itself on, in other words, unless a Creator programmed it to do so. This "absolute" statement of yours, honestly, ASTOUNDS me. Do you actually believe that, or is it something you only want to believe. Who are you? is the question. Are you simply some combination of elements...a "body"? A "mind"? (What some people refer to as a soul?) Or, are you a spirit? Maybe you don't believe in spiritual things? Do you believe in things you cannot see? This is so interesting to me, I can hardly wait to hear your answers.

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-26 HELL IS ...

dmatic comments on Sep 26, 2019:

War minister, do you care to discuss this? Or not?

dmatic replies on Sep 27, 2019:

@warminster100 You say: "Sin must be punished." I would ask you who told you that? But, let's not jump too far ahead, yet. I'm not trying to trick you, by the way. What, do you think, is God's purpose for punishment, or chastisement...or even "judgement"?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 27, 2019:

@Biosphere "Forever" is a long time. Maybe I'll ask you what it is about the Bible that you seem to have such a hard time believing. Yeah, that's it. What, about the Bible and its counsel do you disagree with?

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-26 HELL IS ...

dmatic comments on Sep 26, 2019:

War minister, do you care to discuss this? Or not?

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

@warminster100 Do you agree that God is love? Perfect love? And, therefore, everything He does is motivated by this perfect love?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

@waynus As I am thinking about an "absolute truth" that you have labeled curiously...I think it may be a good start to veer off into what we may not agree with. One would think an absolute truth is provable, firstly. Based on our agreement that we think, therefore we are....that our existence is "real" and we are not figments of our imagination... we then may go a bit further in our inquiry...Where did we come from?, may be a natural question. You seem to be absolutely saying that we came from nothing....from non existence. This is absolutely astounding to me. How can one reach such a conclusion? Without proof?

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-26 HELL IS ...

dmatic comments on Sep 26, 2019:

War minister, do you care to discuss this? Or not?

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

@warminster100 No, we both may agree with that statement. But, maybe we could discuss the possible erroneous understanding of some of the words and doctrines that the Bible teaches.

Babylon Bee: old twist on worship [babylonbee.com]

RobBlair comments on Sep 25, 2019:

Exodus 33:18-23 Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.” “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—before you. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”...

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

Interesting. Making His face to shine upon us and give us peace. He knows how to do that without showing the full glory. His Glory is what we lack. But, we are being changed from glory to glory....someday, hopefully, to be able to see Him face to face...as He wills

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-25 A TALE OF TWO ...

dmatic comments on Sep 25, 2019:

One of the biggest mistakes of this article is the assumption that hell is 'forever'. It is not.

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

@warminster100 Do you believe death wins?

Mr.

Seriousreason comments on Sep 25, 2019:

The sound of rapturous applause, is reverberating from any empathetic & understanding adult , after reading your comment. Benzodiazapines are an evil demon of a drug to ( once addicted) wean yourself off. JBP. is a unassuming hero . But a hero none the less . Thousands of people , young & old ...

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

Exactly, Serious! Thanks

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 26, 2019:

@waynus Guess I am not aware of any glaring and obvious problems, nor do I know what a "reasonable" view of history might be. The Bible has consistently been shown to be accurate historically. I wonder if you might be able to share with me any contradictions you might have found. Thanks. Non existence through life then non existence? That's very curious. How does one do that? What is the cause of existence, then? A non existent thing can suddenly become existent? How can that be? Do you hold any explanation or opinion of the very many reports following near death, or after death experiences? Or, reports of some people seeming to suggest reincarnation is a reasonable explanation for a person to know personal things of a person from a previous life?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 25, 2019:

@Biosphere Yep, you told me about your former "Christian" fanatic ways. That's why I knew you'd have a Bible lying around. You will get a kick out of the passage if you understand it.... I still am not sure why you think the Bible not true or whatever....though you seem to think it a grand conspiracy by someone because God used "men" to write some of His words that He inspired them to write. As long as God keeps me alive I will be honored to talk with you. You make me smile......sometimes.

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-25 A TALE OF TWO ...

dmatic comments on Sep 25, 2019:

One of the biggest mistakes of this article is the assumption that hell is 'forever'. It is not.

dmatic replies on Sep 25, 2019:

@warminster100 You conflate the lake of fire and 'hell'. or Hades, in your version. The lake of fire is the second death. Do you believe there is resurrection from the second death?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 25, 2019:

@waynus You wrote:"...I realised that Christianity was a mythological based religion and not an historically based one was very hard. " may I ask how you "realized" this? The whole Bible is History. You also make another assertion or an absolute without proof, if I understand you correctly. How do you know when you die you're dead? for example? How do you know you were not "somebody else" before you, whatever that is, came into your present form? Or, at least somewhere?

College football odds, lines, schedule for Week 5: Ohio State a huge favorite over Nebraska By Tom ...

dmatic comments on Sep 25, 2019:

I read that Ohio State was a 17.5 point favorite....I would take the Huskers. Before I heard any odds, I said to myself....It'll probably be 17. 16.5 Who knows? Just going to watch and hope.

dmatic replies on Sep 25, 2019:

@JimbobNE Agree! Good points, but I think they may have grown up a bit during and after that crazy Illinois game....but, of course, I am an eternal kool-aid drinker when it comes to the Huskers. I think they can win...with a few things go their way and maybe Ohio State comes in a bit overconfident?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 25, 2019:

@Biosphere It is a dilemma isn't it? Hearing God's voice can be a terrifying experience, when His voice shakes the mountains, so seeking to hear Him takes a bit of courage, or even desperation when one comes to the end of himself. But, the scripture also says He speaks with a still, small voice, too, so we often need to quiet our own voices of doubt and confusion, and those of others who would dissuade us...and listen. Then, of course, we have the Ezekiel 8 passage that reveals that God is certainly aware of the idols of our own hearts and will speak to us through them as He asks: "Should I be inquired of by these that have idols in their hearts?" In other words, it would be good for us to get rid of those idols...or, at least ask God to remove them, so we can hear clearly from Him. What? You don't think you're worthy to hear from God, or have a conversation with Him? You don't think God wants to hear from you? There is a passage from James that seems appropo: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him. But let him ask infaith, nothing wavering, Fro he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall recive any thing from the LORD. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Your dick comment causes me to point you to James 4:3, however. Find your Bible and read it.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 25, 2019:

@waynus The experience of thought is interesting. I agree that there seems no sensible reason to doubt the reality of the world, either. Are there people that do? The ontological, or metaphysical, questions remain, however. Beyond birth, beyond the physical reality that we experience, where, or what were we before we were "born"? One of my favorite memories of my grandson ws when he was 7 years old. He had come for a visit with his family and we were out walking when he said: "I'm having a little trouble sleeping". "What have you been thinking about?" I queried. "Well, if my mom and dad hadn't of made me, where would I be?" "That's a good one, buddy, what answer did you come up with?" "I'd probably be somebody else>" he remarked. I smiled. (He was 7...) Have we always existed? What is our beginning? What is life? What is death? What is our end? Where did we come from? Where are we going? What is our destiny? These are some of the questions that fascinate me. Certainly, I hope there is, in reality, a good God, Who created everything, Who has a plan and is in control. I have seen no evidence that that hope is misplaced. The faith I have been granted allows me to realize the substance of the things hoped for....and it gives me great peace....that even seems to pass my understanding. I don't know all there is to know, yet, but I am beginning to know the One Who does.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 24, 2019:

@waynus I am trying to understand where we are, as, sometimes, conversations that stretch over days can get disjointed. I am not saying you are disjointed. It is me, I am sure. If I may, I'd like to go back to a statement you made a few days ago: "There can be no intelligent exchange between people without agreement on the foundations." I think you then went on to suggest that anyone who begins where I do...with "In the beginning, God..." was incapable of having an intelligent discussion because they have erected an impenetrable wall...or something like that. We started this, I think, with a bit of a discussion of the origins of evil, and now, honestly, I don't know where we are. In between we talked a bit about ontology and metaphysics...the nature of existence..etc. My question is, what foundations can we agree on, so that we may have an intelligent conversation. Not sure I could keep up with you, but would enjoy the attempt, at least. How 'bout "I think, therefore I am". I agree with your premise by the way, because it is Biblical..."Unless two are in agreement they cannot, or will not walk together...or something like that...in Amos, I think. Thanks. We are getting a storm tonight so may lose my satellite connection, but will try to connect my thoughts in the morning, as I do, actually, have a few...after thinking about your previous post today.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 24, 2019:

@waynus I don't have much time to digest, nor answer your post, but, I may say that I don't know what modern, post-modern, classical, gnostic etc. "ways of thinking" are. Is that how you categorize truth seekers and fake truth seekers? Objective vs. subjective? I asked: Where do you begin? And, How do you know the path you criticize is a dead end? Faith is an interesting concept, isn't it? The Hebrews 11 (I think) definition is something like "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Still trying to understand that. In your world is faith a thing or not? I do appreciate you taking the time to try to educate me. I have a lot to learn....just want it to be true. Thanks...gotta go.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 23, 2019:

@waynus You wrote: "My purpose has not changed for my entire life, I want to know the truth. I do not know it already but I do know many pretend to know it and are happy to deceive and confound others with claims of absolute truth. What is difficult is the way such people never discuss anything in good faith. The moment you show them their claims are untrue they simply adopt a whole different approach again with one purpose to support the "truth" they already know. When this happens I tend to just walk away from them. They are not truth seekers they are like the early Gnostics; no matter how much you talk they already know the answers. This is what most of modern Christianity has become an assumption of truth without any evidence or understanding and from which no growth is possible. It is a complete dead end." I am glad that you are seeking truth. So am I. If I am wrong abut something, I do want to know it. When you say: "It is a complete dead end." Are you saying that as an absolute truth? And, may I ask, if so, how do you know that? Please, do not lump me in with "modern Christianity" whatever that is, or with Gnostics, whatever they are. I have been in parking lots of churches...white rock parking lots, where, the "modern Christians" presumably would have liked to stone me with the white rocks of their parking lot. I'm just a guy seeking for truth, and I trust God to show it to me as I become able to handle it. Thanks

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 23, 2019:

@waynus By the way...subsume? I definitely need a new dictionary.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 23, 2019:

@waynus Of course I am happy to hear your explanations, and then, if possible, examine them, but, it seems you have fallen for the same thing you warn of. it is true that I start my investigation of reality with "In the beginning, God..." What do you begin with? Maybe I was there, and maybe you were, too, but I don't seem to remember. Do you?

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 23, 2019:

@Biosphere I thought I'd shared with you my own story of God speaking with me? I'll reiterate if you want. But, I can understand your hesitation to believe that God would speak with anybody, not to mention the idea that many claim that He has spoken with them, yet, they seem to have been deceived. How does one know? There is much instruction contained within the Bible, and many examples to learn from. There, we discover that we are warned not to believe every 'spirit' either, but we are to test them to find out whether they are from God or not. Why should anyone believe anyone? All men seem to be liars in one form or another. Hypocrites. Blind. When someone relates an experience we may be considered wise to question the authenticity of such a story. Or, we may just be considered stubborn or tainted by other experiences. Some stories seem "unbelievable", especially if they don't seem to jibe with our own world view. Oh, woe is us! Who really KNOWS what is going on? You know how easy we are to be deceived...to believe something that is not true! Ever watched a good magician? Card tricks? Can you believe your lying eyes? So, what are we to do? Who or Whom do we trust? Who can we trust? Is there anyone who knows? Interestingly, my wife and I read aloud this morning our daily readings, and one of the chapters was 2 Timothy 3, which concludes with :"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...." I have found this to be true. Righteousness is something I seek. When God called me out of the "church system", I kinda protested, saying, "But, you know I need a pastor." (Simply because I had learned that I could not trust myself due to my past many mistakes, and I was a bit rebellious, shall we say) He responded with: "I'll be your pastor." I said: OK, Into the wilderness I will go....and we left the "organized church". That was about 20 years ago already...

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 22, 2019:

@waynus If you're talking about the concept of the Logos...that gets deep. The "Word" of God...obviously, very powerful and creative when it comes to all things. So, how was human language developed? Why doesn't everyone speak the same language? Of course, Christians have an answer. Evolutionists, merely speculation. Science and Psychology, both inventions by God, can be wonderful studies and disciplines, if, at least honest. But you may have seen the willful ignorance of many who refuse to acknowledge Intelligent Design, and, in fact, persecute those scientists and psychologists who are more advanced than they. What is your purpose or intent, if not to seek for truth? Unless, of course you presume to know all already? Why would anyone be afraid of TRUTH? Why, for example, are people afraid to acknowledge the Creator?

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 22, 2019:

@Biosphere I thought you were going to quit drinking? Tough, hey? The Bible's accuracy is astounding, by the way....even to it's numerical and gematrial proof! Gematria, by the way, if you're not familiar with it, is every word in the Hebrew and Greek is also a number, because each letter in those two languages is also a number.

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 22, 2019:

@Biosphere Study His "Word", which reveals His mind and will. And, of course, pray!

Students for concealed carry announces new empty holster protest... [ammoland.com]

Dmwils comments on Sep 21, 2019:

I feel sorry for these students they have yet to discover the dumbest people on earth with the least amount of common sense reside in academia land

dmatic replies on Sep 21, 2019:

But, you gotta love the protest?

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 21, 2019:

@JimbobNE It also may be that the times you addressed were also about men taking care of their own messes.

Taking down the biggest lies of gun control- [ammoland.com]

JimbobNE comments on Sep 20, 2019:

Dealing with 2nd Amendment killers is a long and difficult fight. I don't know if it will ever end. If we lose the 2nd Amendment, we will lose liberty. I see the zealots on the other side looking to push civil people willing to debate and discuss ideas into re-education camps. Many may think this ...

dmatic replies on Sep 21, 2019:

Probably no need to fear, friend. The future is coming. Trust God. He's got this.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 21, 2019:

@waynus Yes, "Saul" originally thought Jesus was a mythical figure who had subverted the minds of the weak and/or ignorant and was actually trying to rid the world of them...until the Resurrected Jesus confronted him. Obviously, he was converted then, had a name change and, humbly acknowledged he had been very very wrong. He was obviously a very smart guy who had been deceived by his own pride and the religious leaders of the day. Happens a lot! I believe you have a good heart....and you have good will toward all. Am I right? Appreciate that you feel confident in your own conclusions but don't feel the need to try to change others' beliefs. But, some of us DO want to know if we are wrong. Kind of a scary deal...but, if we are seeking truth...we should be fearless...right? Mythical...Fictional....what's the difference? Myths have the impression of not really real. Fictional does too. People believe all sorts of stuff that is both mythical and fictional but not true. Reality is truth. If ontology is anything, other than mythical or fictional study, it must seek the reality of existence. The truth. So, what is real? What is truth? Jesus is recorded as saying in a prayer to His Father: "Sanctify them in truth. Thy Word is truth." I have found that to be true. If I have been deceived, I would like to know that. Truth sanctifies. Truth sets us free. Is death real? Presumably, you don't now believe that the actual, historical, Jesus, rose from the dead? "Paul" said...IF He didn't, we are of all men, most to be pitied! Those of us who actually believe in our hearts that God, His Father, did raise Jesus after He "died"....are to be pitied....IF He wasn't resurrected. I think there is much evidence to support the belief, even though there was a great effort to squelch it. Obviously, there has been a very great effort to challenge even the idea of God being real...probably, from the beginning. Guess I am actually astounded that so many seem to buy the religion of evolution...but, it makes sense. If there is no God...no one to be accountable to, people think they can continue to do whatever they want. They seem to think they are their own gods and can make up whatever they want. Now THAT's scary, in my book! Given the history of "mankind", how could anyone trust in humankind to teach the truth?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 20, 2019:

@waynus Certainly, there was an attempt to kill the early 'church' and the evidence that they had seen with their own eyes, by the "powerful" of the day. But, may I ask what evidence are you seeking? You honestly believe that Jesus was a mythical creation? Created by whom? And, for what purpose? Even good 'ol Thomas...was skeptical...but believed after being shown. But, you don't believe him either?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 20, 2019:

@waynus Well, I'm glad you seem to hold no grudge against your forefathers who had inherited lies themselves, but, pray tell, whom did you study to conclude that there is no evidence from the early church, whom you now trust not to have lied to you?

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 20, 2019:

@Biosphere Re-reading your question, I want to emphasize the idea that "gaining access" to God's mind, can only be done by God....if He so chooses to share His mind and/or thoughts with anyone. I think this is called revelation. He does say, though: "My thoughts are not your thoughts and My ways are not your ways. My thoughts and my ways are higher than your thoughts and ways." If He chooses to share them with someone, undoubtedly, in my view, He has a purpose for doing so. When He speaks for example, His Word will go out and will not return to Him void (not accomplishing what He intended) It will accomplish that for which He spoke it! So, He speaks His Word to Moses and even writes it down on tablets of stone. For what purpose? His Law reveals His goodness and His will. But, even more than that, His will will be done. So, when He says for example ;Thou shalt not murder....Someday...No One will murder, anywhere! When He says Thou shalt not steal...He is prophesying that someday, No one will steal anything! Obviously, we have a long way to go before the realization of those conditions. His Word, as shared with various prophets throughout history reveals His plans to restore and reconcile the whole creation back to Himself, too. The idea that "hell" lasts forever is a terrible lie.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 20, 2019:

@waynus I must have mis-read this: "I now think that view has massive utility and explanatary power and is not easily replaced as a working hypothesis." Or, at least misunderstood it. Sorry. So, in good faith, you walked away....believing that Jesus is a mythical fiction, now. I am very sorry for you. Of course, your mythical fictional Jesus warned that MANY would come in His name, saying He is the Christ, but would deceive MANY! I'm so sorry you were deceived by them. Really. Being deceived is not fun, is it?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 19, 2019:

@waynus I think you are very smart and I hope to be able to keep up with you... So, you're not a "believer" now, but you used to be...but you still think your first paragraph holds water? Correct? If I may, we differ a bit, it seems, on evil's definition, though I like yours even better than mine, and, in how evil began. You suggest it was simply "allowed", where, in my view now, I think God created it. This obviously flies in the face of many's thoughts of "God". Actually, I love your thought expressed: "In the end however God will allow evil to achieve its logical end non-existence because evil is a rejection of reality which is the will of god." Evil is a rejection of reality. Very very interesting! So, you don't think evil is real? Non existence is evil's destiny? Thanks

Open letter to the EU To Whom It May Concern, I write to you this day as a British citizen ...

dmatic comments on Sep 17, 2019:

Who determines if there is a deal or a no deal? Both "parties"?

dmatic replies on Sep 19, 2019:

@ChrisODonnell how many parties are there?

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 19, 2019:

@Biosphere "why you think/believe other men have gained private and personal access to god's mind; in particular his/her (or it's) agenda for humankind &/or the universe in general." Discussion: Interesting question to ponder, but I assume you mean those who "wrote the Bible"? And by "gained" do you mean to say they, of their own will or accomplishment "gained" such access, as if they "deserved" to have so gained? Let's take, for example, Amos 3:7 "Surely the LORD God will do nothing but, he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Is it true? Proverbs 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." One would think that God can either choose to reveal something or keep it unrevealed...unrevealed so that no one could know it...correct? Why would he choose to revel anything? That depends. Men and authors make up all sorts of stuff. Is it true? Depends. It is true that they made it up....or, were they inspired somehow? Depends. Some people lie and deceive. Some do so wittingly, and others do so in ignorance....because they, too, have been deceived but don't know that. There were many false prophets in the day, too. (As there are today) So, the obvious dilemma for the people that heard them speak, was: How do we know if what they say is true? How do we know that God has sent them to speak to us? Good question. I think Deuteronomy 13 answers that question. In my view, nobody knows anything...except God. In my view, God knows the end....from the beginning! How that is possible remains a bit of a mystery to me ....generally, because I may not be smart enough to understand it anyway, yet. But, it may have something to do with His being "outside" time itself, being its Creator and all. One scripture says:" In Him we live and move and have our being..." It is even possible that the He is, already, in all time dimensions....Maybe it is all NOW to Him....but, let's leave that quandry for another day. So, we (some of us) assume that God knows everything. Everything there is to know. Is that assumption valid? We don't know, yet. Anybody who thinks they know anything, doesn't yet know it as he ought (I cor. 8:2?) One thing it is safe to assume, presumably, is that the creator of the brain knows more than the brain He created. The One Who created the eye, sees more than the eye He created. In other words, there is more to see. There is much more to 'know'. That, in my book, is very exciting. Now, how does one see it or know it? Only if the blindness is removed by the Creator, who says He, Himself, even blinded the eyes of His supposed people so that they would not see....yet! and, here is to my point...only if He REVEALS the knowledge to us. (much more to say on this subject ...

..they even look like bigots and barbars.

dmatic comments on Sep 17, 2019:

Ha! And what DOES a bigot or barbar look like? Funny.

dmatic replies on Sep 17, 2019:

@RobBlair Thanks, though I'm not sure I get the Barbar one! A RINO dressing up as an elephant? The other way around?

Abortion bans failed in the 19th century. They'll also fail in the 21st- [reason.com]

RobBlair comments on Sep 16, 2019:

About half of the patients that receive an abortion don't survive the operation. Murder bans, theft bans, ... "Reason" totally misses on this one. I'll also point out that trashing Roe v Wade does not change New York or California's stance on abortion. Suggesting that it will return abortion ...

dmatic replies on Sep 17, 2019:

@SpikeTalon Are you saying that some Libertarians think murder should be legal?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 17, 2019:

@waynus As a very young person, I queried to myself the following conundrum: If God created everything "good", where did "evil" come from? We, in those days, blamed all evil on the devil....but what force caused the devil to "sin"? If there was no evil in existence, where did it come from? I carried the query many, many years without an answer. And it always bugged me...especially when listening to the self-assured talk, who seemed to think they had everything figured out. Today, in my perspective, I have, so far, concluded, that God created it, too. God created all things, including evil, in my present view.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 17, 2019:

@waynus Interesting. Thank you for the definitions. There is so much to learn and study about life and reality. One of my favorite quotes is from my relative youth I attribute to Hermann Hesse, I think, who either imagined it being spoken by some yogi or shaman or Siddartha: "There is a reality, my boys, and nothing can change that. However, truths, that is, opinions of reality, are countless in number, and each is just as true as it is false." I, really, must get a more modern dictionary. The one I use has a 1989 copyright, and is fairly fundamental, but lacks many of the modern usages of words if it even has the words themselves. In one of your definitions I needed to look up at least two of the words used...to no avail. "The analytic view is of metaphysics as studying phenomenal human concepts rather than making claims about the noumenal world, so its style often blurs into philosophy of language and introspective psychology." "Noumenal"? Phenomenon is (1) an observable fact or event. (2) an outward sign of the working of a law of nature. Is a noumenon an unobservable fact? "No evidence of such a being"? It appears to me that the "evidence" is all around us! You're right to impugn human imagination, however. Of course, every human thinks they 'see things', and what they claim to see is right in their own eyes. Can we trust our lying eyes?, is a caution we must all grapple with. Seeing with insight,apparently, is the pursuit you have wisely chosen. Or, unwisely, as the case may be. A "life" without "faith" can be difficult, but am certain that it, too, will be rewarded "in the end".

Living Truth Daily Devotion 2019-09-14 THE WAY...

dmatic comments on Sep 16, 2019:

I agree that humility is one of the highest qualities, but I disagree with this common misunderstanding of Ez. 28 and Is. 14. These passages were directed the the kings of Tyre and Babylon. Respecfully. Satan was created evil. Jesus agrees.

dmatic replies on Sep 16, 2019:

@warminster100 Who are you sorry to? What do you think Jesus meant by saying that satan has been a liar and a murderer from the beginning?

Kris Kobach sent names of Nebraska residents to ICE while running for Kansas governor ...

JimbobNE comments on Sep 15, 2019:

I've been following this for a long time. Fremont has 27000 people and dumped more than 100 k into this legal mess, which nobody even knows if it had any effect. I am not a fan of illegal aliens, but spend govt money wisely.

dmatic replies on Sep 16, 2019:

@JimbobNE What is it that you think the lanlords are required to do? The government, you know is us, by the way.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 16, 2019:

@waynus It's becoming clearer! I should have done this word study thing moons ago! Thanks for being the impetus of it! "Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely, since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them." Metaphysics: " : a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often epistemology metaphysics … analyzes the generic traits manifested by existences of any kind— J. H. Randall (2) : ontology sense 2 b : abstract philosophical studies : a study of what is outside objective experience OK, So, where were we? Apparently, you don't "believe" there is a Supreme Being?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 16, 2019:

@waynus Thanks, though I still don't understand that word...I'm going to have to look up metaphysics, too: " Definition of ontology 1 : a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being Ontology deals with abstract entities. 2 : a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence Abstract entities? A particular theory? What's the theory? the "nature" of being? My copy of the dictionary was copyrighted 1989....I'm way behind...No wonder the world is so confusing.

Kris Kobach sent names of Nebraska residents to ICE while running for Kansas governor ...

JimbobNE comments on Sep 15, 2019:

I've been following this for a long time. Fremont has 27000 people and dumped more than 100 k into this legal mess, which nobody even knows if it had any effect. I am not a fan of illegal aliens, but spend govt money wisely.

dmatic replies on Sep 16, 2019:

@JimbobNE Not sure I understand your perspective. What is your beef, exactly? The renters go to the city and get a license to rent. It is city government who may then share the info received, but when Obama was in office, there was no cooperation.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

@waynus Guess my "New" Merriam-Webster is not sufficient. Ontological is not there!

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

@waynus You're way above my pay grade. I'm not sure I understand you. I need to go look up the word ontological... Whatever works for you. Thanks

Kris Kobach sent names of Nebraska residents to ICE while running for Kansas governor ...

JimbobNE comments on Sep 15, 2019:

I've been following this for a long time. Fremont has 27000 people and dumped more than 100 k into this legal mess, which nobody even knows if it had any effect. I am not a fan of illegal aliens, but spend govt money wisely.

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

Actually, the ACLU tried to sue, but lost. Fremont won, and the ACLU got nothing from Fremont. How long you been following the issue Jim? The ordinance requires all renters in Fremont to obtain a license and pay the $5 fee. Those opposed to it outspent the ones in favor 11 to 1, but the city voted twice and it passed with 60% voting in favor. Usual suspects were opposed to it....the mayor, the chamber of commerce, those wanting cheap labor, etc....By the way, Kobach wasn't going to charge anything to Fremont, but the mayor and council insisted. Then they jacked up property taxes to pay the "for sure legal fees that they expected" to try to defend it in court, but Kobach won, so no legal fees to speak of, but the city kept the 1.5 Million they raised....and put it into the general fund! Long story...but I agree with Wiegert! Kobach's a great guy!

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

@waynus So, you don't think there is such a thing as evil? It's just a term? Does that explanation work for you? Or, is it adequate?

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

@Biosphere We're doing fine. Wife's much better...thank you. You and I will meet someday. A camping trip would be great. But, until then....What do you want to talk about?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

@waynus Well, thanks for the answer to my question of where the quote came from. May I ask you where you think evil comes from? By the way, I think your assertion that no believer can answer that is in error. Thanks

The true core of the Jesus myth is represented quite well here. [youtu.be]

dmatic comments on Aug 18, 2019:

"The only gift ...independent intelligence"......Very sad. The guy thinks he knows more than he does....and that that he thinks he knows ain't so.

dmatic replies on Sep 15, 2019:

@Biosphere Well, I hope you get untied some, soon....but, to your point: "My point is pretty clear that biblical detailed concepts are entirely contingent on other humans which are definitely fallible." In my 'world view', EVERYTHING is contingent on God...if I understand the use of the word 'contingent'. You are right to point out that based on our upbringing we probably have a tendency to see things a bit, through the eyes of our progenitors...but, or and, depending on your 'understanding' of how we all got here...it would appear that we can trace our ancestry back to a common "parent" or set of parents? (Not sure what you think is going on) (You've been too tied up, or drunk to tell me) :) Lots of diverse ideas out there, you'd agree. So, what happened? Why don't we all see things the same? The same way our ancient forebears saw things. ..".and we got to get ourselves back to the Garden" (Joni Mitchell) And, we should take the highway of holiness to get there! The phrase in the desiderata comes to mind: "and, whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should." These things imply a Creator. No? Life itself screams that Truth! But, that's right, you're mad at Him...as are most of the people He's created! I've heard the following and I believe it: Half of the people are angry at God, and the other half don't know that they are angry at Him! Everybody seems to think they have a better way to run the universe than the one they are living in! An all wise, all powerful, loving God couldn't exist! Just look at the state of the world! OK...what is true? That's what you and I both want, correct? If there is a God Who created all things, the good and even the evil....how would we find Him?Her? Where would we start looking for Him/Her? Why would we want to look? Especially when we see such misery in the world He's created. Who really is responsible for all this? You will be surprised when you find my answer to this last question. I don't want to overburden you so will quit for now...If any of this causes you to want to respond...please do...

Hundreds of Michigan schoolteachers subjected to Islamic propaganda Thomas More Law Center ...

SpikeTalon comments on Sep 13, 2019:

The public school system and religion do not mix.

dmatic replies on Sep 14, 2019:

The public school system does not mix well with Truth, either.

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 14, 2019:

@waynus I suppose good and evil can be 'relative' according to ones perspective. An attacking wolf "pride" or pack, would consider it evil if a hunter with a gun disrupted their quest for dinner of antelope, if the hunter aimed his rifle at them. The antelope might consider that a good thing, however. But, to say there is no absolute morality goes against my grain. I have rassled with a statement my good friend once told me long ago. He said: while quoting somebody important: "There is nothing right or wrong, thinking only makes it so." (Thoreau or Shakespeare)? Anyway, I don't buy it. God, the Creator of life, by right of creation gets to decide the definitions of right and wrong. most of us know that murder is wrong, for example.

Daily in Christ by Neil T.

dmatic comments on Sep 13, 2019:

Do emotions lie?

dmatic replies on Sep 14, 2019:

@warminster100 Emotions come from the heart?, Is the heart the 'gut', or the mind? Emotions....caused by the way we think? So our own heart lies to us? Why would our hearts do that to us?

If anyone is to consider God real, one must admit three things: God said: "I create darkness and ...

dmatic comments on Sep 5, 2019:

Just joined this group, and I hope it is not a foolish endeavor. You bring up a great scripture! Is. 45:7 I think. Other scriptures point to the truth of it, as well, but many do not comprehend...or, at least those who have created a god in their own image, do not comprehend the depth of this truth....

dmatic replies on Sep 13, 2019:

@camerakid61 I, too, have seen the harm that many have caused, because they don't even know God, though they claim to! We all have much to learn. God created you and He created me...and He created evil. A question might be...Why do you think He created evil? Please don't not believe in God because so many misrepresent Him.

Man banned from every WalMart store for legal open carry- [ammoland.com]

James comments on Sep 12, 2019:

I like that gunstore meme where the sign says "Welcome Walmart shoppers"

dmatic replies on Sep 13, 2019:

NICE!

To my fellow Americans, in observance of 9/11.

James comments on Sep 11, 2019:

It is good to be patriotic.

dmatic replies on Sep 12, 2019:

Yes, but to be willingly deceived?

To my fellow Americans, in observance of 9/11.

dmatic comments on Sep 11, 2019:

Who planned the attack? Why did Building 7 fall? Still don't have answers.

dmatic replies on Sep 12, 2019:

@James Wow. A long, but good article. Thanks for sharing it. Seems pretty obvious to me...

What are these coins for?

SpikeTalon comments on Sep 10, 2019:

You could exchange them for site merchandise (hats, shirts etc) once you have enough of them. You could donate them to fellow members as well if you enjoy their content and want to tip them.

dmatic replies on Sep 11, 2019:

How do you find out what merchandise is available and how much it costs?