I see your point, and its valid, i will look further into it. However you should know, god creates good men and bad men, even the bad men can be used to do his will. God is the creator and can use whatever tool he needs to use. I must accept this, i believe the bible to be true. But i will look further, because it is a very scary thought.
This "debate", "argument", or whatever you want to call it will not end. As long as humans have agency (which is given to us from God) we will all have our own opinions. You cannot press your opinion upon another. The thing that I find most interesting about this debate is that if atheist truly do not believe in God, why do they feel a need to try and crush something positive in another's life? It's been said there are no atheist in fox holes. I myself believe in God and Jesus Christ. Does they Bible contradict itself? OF COURSE. Is the truth out there? OF COURSE. Do you TRULY want to know the truth? If so, take some time and check out this site: http://www.mormon.org/ Give it an honest chance and it will answer a few questions about life for you.
I don't know that, but the fact you do is what I find troubling. Because it necessarily follows from that belief, that all actions of men are part of "God's plan." And so, as I said, the destruction of the earth, wrought by the actions of men, is sanctioned as "God's plan." I neglected to add - an avatar of a guy with a machine gun in his hand might be considered as something other than "thall [sic] shall not kill."
Does my avatar show murder? I dont see murder, i see an admiration of guns, I see a stand for the second amendment, i dont see murder. I have never murdered anyone. Sorry once again your statement is loaded with doo doo
Well, Kadesmith, I have no issue with religion, so long as it doesn't harm mankind. If it brings you peace, and you live peacefully, I honestly say, all the best. Live and let live is truly how I feel. The problem is that many do not countenance anything other than an absolutist stand. From the link you provide, I take it you are Mormon, for example. My brother is as well. A smattering of thoughts on Mormons, on this very forum, for example, will show you that many here consider you a cult follower, at best.
I believe God to have control over everything, i wouldnt dare to limit him. If the world was to end, your right, it would be Gods plan.
Yeah, Guns don't kill people. (Although the lead projectiles that come out of them at alarminging high rates of velocity might do some damage)
Of course, because someone who was fundamentally against killing would certainly depict themselves brandishing and automatic weapon. That's exactly what someone would do if peace was the main tenant of their religion. Don't embarrass yourself further by trying to defend your obvious hypocrisy.
No, it's actually not. You have said: In other words, pretty basic. Uh, don't kill. I don't see how that squares with: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showpost.php?p=6091825&postcount=25 "Wanting to fight" is a euphemism for "I'm ok with killing." (And are you in the military? You go to a range with a machine gun?) Coupled with your contention that all actions of man are ordained by God, with its necessary implications, I find your view deeply troubling. Self defense is natural. Justifying killing as an ordained act of God is beyond unnatural, in my opinion. I don't often agree with Stox, but I agree with him here. It isn't hard.
Definition for a cult - "Cult typically refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception." I can't argue that, but atleast I am happy and enjoy my life and I hope the same for others.
And therefore anything that transpires is ordained. I understand this is your belief, but beyond my opinion, namely, that this is ludicrous, I find this view dangerous as hell.
Kadesmith, I am not naming you as a cult member, others on this forum are. My point was that absolutism, in any framework, is dangerous. Perhaps calling you a cult member is more innocuous than killing as an ordained instrument of God, but it's all the same mindset, in my opinion.
Actually, I do not believe in God and the Bible thing. But I feel that the Bible is a very important Historical Book which has to be read by everyone who wants to be educated.
If someone was to come into my home and try to harm me or my family, i would shoot them, weather they die or not would be up to God (I'm sure you'll have a ball with that one) I know that the bible says to turn the other cheek, and i struggle with that command to this day. This is a command i will more than likely fall short of. I am a proud man, a sinner, but my sins have already been washed clean. The main point is, i don't want to kill anyone. And i never would unless my life or family were at risk.
So, you actually didn't mean what you said? And I do find troubling the notion of "washed away." I am a former Christian, and I do know the concept. Trouble is, "oops - just committed serial murder. Hey! I'm a Christian! I can "wash it away"! It is the same logic that says all is ordained of God. So, any act is, in essence, excusable. You are unfortunately making Stox's point re: Hitler quite tenable.
I don't even know where to start on this one. Have never seen anyone trip over their own argument so spectacularly before. We would have to assume then, As it's up to god if actions ultimately result in someone dying, That; 1. Nobody can be guilty of murder. ultimately it's god decision whether they die or not. 2. You get to do whatever you like and if a certain consequence arises from your actions it's ok because god ultimately sanctioned it by the fact that it occurred. 3. Hitler didn't kill jews, He simply gassed them. it was god that decided they were to die. Or is that kind of logic and reasoning only used when it's you trying to justify your own obvious hypocrisy?
1. I did mean it. Its a freedom statement, i believe in freedom, and would fight for it, like i said, i tend to fall short on turning the cheek. 2. No such thing as former Christian. OSAS 3. Washed away in the blood of Jesus. You've never heard that? Its a rather common statement Murder should be defined. Is murder committed in the act of self defense, or under war conditions. Serial murder is nothing a Christian would do. I dont want to kill people, a serial murder loves to kill, or wants to. You cant compare what i would do to what a serial killer would.
Bible doesn't say don't murder though does it, it says don't kill... You would be interpriting what it meant, Would you?
Unfathomable. You tell me. Please explain - "Once saved, always saved" - this is your drift? Fine platitude, but no basis in my world, anyway. Of course, as I was preaching by the time I was 14, and living in reclusion in the wilderness for vast stretches, all in preparation for the Second Coming. The point is quite simple. Your logic excuses any behavior, since sin is merely "washed away." Hmm. Could be me, but I thought it couldn't be misinterpreted. Is there a meaning to "kill" that eludes me?