Crosswords1 min ago
Is There Really a Devil?
211 Answers
Is there basis for believing that a wicked "spirit" creature exists? Or is this belief unfounded?
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Elderman
You say lots of things but you rarely make any coherent or logical sense. You earlier stated that, “... false religion has produced what is bad for humanity...”, but you never expand upon what qualifies a religion to be a 'false' one, or for that matter, a 'true' one. I can only assume that you simply think that any religious belief that isn't exactly the same as the one you believe in comes under your blanket heading of 'false'.
You further say, “... it is hard to comprehend why a person would walk up to total strangers and stab him to death or why someone would drive by a house and shoot at random...”. I agree that it is hard to comprehend random acts of violence but unlike you, I don't immediately ascribe god to that which I do not understand. That is the non-thinking religious person's get-out clause – 'I cannot understand it so I shall say that god (or the devil) is responsible'. It explains nothing whatsoever. It simply dismisses the act as being caused by an invisible, undetectable force and therefore removes any responsibility from the perpetrator.
You continue (in a post to Naomi), “... These questions do cause a person to think...”. But you are not thinking at all. You are merely abrogating responsibility to god or the devil. That's not understanding or thinking – it's the diametric opposite of understanding and thinking. You're using the 'god did it' cop-out again. Rather than address the issues why someone would commit a random act of violence – such as depression or mental illness for example - you simply dismiss it all as the work of the devil. You're not exactly a great loss to the clinical psychology set are you?
You further state, “... The fact is, your way of life can be pleasing to only one of two masters. Either you are serving God or Satan the Devil.”
This takes the biscuit. The classic 'false dilemma' argument – you're either with us or against us... oh dear me. Do you have any comprehension of just how moronic such a statement sounds to an atheist (or for that matter, to anyone who can read without moving their lips)? I could just as easily counter your statement by an equally ludicrous assertion:-
“You're either with the Flying Spaghetti Monster or you're against him.”.
http://en.wikipedia.o...ing_Spaghetti_Monster
I've said this before about your views; they would be funny if they weren't so pathetic.
You say lots of things but you rarely make any coherent or logical sense. You earlier stated that, “... false religion has produced what is bad for humanity...”, but you never expand upon what qualifies a religion to be a 'false' one, or for that matter, a 'true' one. I can only assume that you simply think that any religious belief that isn't exactly the same as the one you believe in comes under your blanket heading of 'false'.
You further say, “... it is hard to comprehend why a person would walk up to total strangers and stab him to death or why someone would drive by a house and shoot at random...”. I agree that it is hard to comprehend random acts of violence but unlike you, I don't immediately ascribe god to that which I do not understand. That is the non-thinking religious person's get-out clause – 'I cannot understand it so I shall say that god (or the devil) is responsible'. It explains nothing whatsoever. It simply dismisses the act as being caused by an invisible, undetectable force and therefore removes any responsibility from the perpetrator.
You continue (in a post to Naomi), “... These questions do cause a person to think...”. But you are not thinking at all. You are merely abrogating responsibility to god or the devil. That's not understanding or thinking – it's the diametric opposite of understanding and thinking. You're using the 'god did it' cop-out again. Rather than address the issues why someone would commit a random act of violence – such as depression or mental illness for example - you simply dismiss it all as the work of the devil. You're not exactly a great loss to the clinical psychology set are you?
You further state, “... The fact is, your way of life can be pleasing to only one of two masters. Either you are serving God or Satan the Devil.”
This takes the biscuit. The classic 'false dilemma' argument – you're either with us or against us... oh dear me. Do you have any comprehension of just how moronic such a statement sounds to an atheist (or for that matter, to anyone who can read without moving their lips)? I could just as easily counter your statement by an equally ludicrous assertion:-
“You're either with the Flying Spaghetti Monster or you're against him.”.
http://en.wikipedia.o...ing_Spaghetti_Monster
I've said this before about your views; they would be funny if they weren't so pathetic.
. Something that the churches don’t teach you, As you know, the Bible is a book that at one time was widely respected. In these days, unfortunately, fewer and fewer people read it. Yet when we are discussing the Bible, so I cannot do so in a satisfying way if I fail to refer to the Bible,
Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world.” And the apostle John said that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) So Satan’s world—his organized human society—is made up of various closely connected parts. An important part is false religion. Common sense seems to be so lacking in today’s world that an observant man once noted, ‘Common sense, in truth, is very uncommon.’ How can we acquire common sense? What are its benefits?
While it takes time, sustained thought, and consistent effort to develop good sense and fine judgment, common sense is certainly attainable. Consider three factors that can help us to acquire common sense.
Study the Bible, and follow its advice. The Bible, written in the finest language and with clear logic, is an excellent aid in gaining wisdom and good sense. (Ephesians 1:8) For example, the apostle Paul admonishes fellow Christians: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.” (Philippians 4:8) If we consistently follow this advice, sound judgment and prudent behavior will result.
Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world.” And the apostle John said that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) So Satan’s world—his organized human society—is made up of various closely connected parts. An important part is false religion. Common sense seems to be so lacking in today’s world that an observant man once noted, ‘Common sense, in truth, is very uncommon.’ How can we acquire common sense? What are its benefits?
While it takes time, sustained thought, and consistent effort to develop good sense and fine judgment, common sense is certainly attainable. Consider three factors that can help us to acquire common sense.
Study the Bible, and follow its advice. The Bible, written in the finest language and with clear logic, is an excellent aid in gaining wisdom and good sense. (Ephesians 1:8) For example, the apostle Paul admonishes fellow Christians: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.” (Philippians 4:8) If we consistently follow this advice, sound judgment and prudent behavior will result.
The Bible assures us: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to [God’s] promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17) Sometimes when the Bible speaks of “the earth,” it means the people who live on the earth. (Genesis 11:1) So the righteous “new earth” is a society of people who receive God’s approval.
16 Jesus promised that in the coming new world, those approved by God would receive the gift of “everlasting life.” (Mark 10:30) Please open your Bible to John 3:16 and 17:3, and read what Jesus said we must do to receive everlasting life. Now consider from the Bible the blessings that will be enjoyed by those who qualify for that wonderful gift from God in the coming earthly Paradise.
17 Wickedness, warfare, crime, and violence will be gone. “The wicked one will be no more . . . But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth.” (Psalm 37:10, 11) Peace will exist because ‘God will make wars cease to the ends of the earth.’ (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 2:4) Then “the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more”—and that means forever!—Psalm 72:7.
18 Jehovah’s worshipers will live in security. As long as the Israelites in Bible times obeyed God, they lived in security. (Leviticus 25:18, 19) How wonderful it will be to enjoy similar security in Paradise!—Isaiah 32:18; Micah 4:4.
19 Food shortages will not exist. “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth,” sang the psalmist. “On the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.” (Psalm 72:16) Jehovah God will bless his righteous ones, and “the earth itself will certainly give its produce.”—Psalm 67:6.
oh look. i can copy and paste too. begone with this garbage.
16 Jesus promised that in the coming new world, those approved by God would receive the gift of “everlasting life.” (Mark 10:30) Please open your Bible to John 3:16 and 17:3, and read what Jesus said we must do to receive everlasting life. Now consider from the Bible the blessings that will be enjoyed by those who qualify for that wonderful gift from God in the coming earthly Paradise.
17 Wickedness, warfare, crime, and violence will be gone. “The wicked one will be no more . . . But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth.” (Psalm 37:10, 11) Peace will exist because ‘God will make wars cease to the ends of the earth.’ (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 2:4) Then “the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more”—and that means forever!—Psalm 72:7.
18 Jehovah’s worshipers will live in security. As long as the Israelites in Bible times obeyed God, they lived in security. (Leviticus 25:18, 19) How wonderful it will be to enjoy similar security in Paradise!—Isaiah 32:18; Micah 4:4.
19 Food shortages will not exist. “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth,” sang the psalmist. “On the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.” (Psalm 72:16) Jehovah God will bless his righteous ones, and “the earth itself will certainly give its produce.”—Psalm 67:6.
oh look. i can copy and paste too. begone with this garbage.
Good thinking involves sourcing diverse information. A sensible decision make trys to find evidence both for an against their preconceptions.
Elderman only has one source which he accepts without question on absolutely everything so little wonder he has such a warped sense of morality.
The Bible is a manual of bigotry and prejudice. Only the weakened authority of the church stands between us and their fascist philosophy which they have brutally enforced whenever they had the power to do so.
This fact is evident in the theocratic regimes seen in the Middle East today.
Elderman only has one source which he accepts without question on absolutely everything so little wonder he has such a warped sense of morality.
The Bible is a manual of bigotry and prejudice. Only the weakened authority of the church stands between us and their fascist philosophy which they have brutally enforced whenever they had the power to do so.
This fact is evident in the theocratic regimes seen in the Middle East today.
Bridie............ “You say lots of things but you rarely make any coherent or logical sense”
Something that the churches don’t teach you, According to God’s Word, there are only two kinds of religion: one true, one false;
Some people think that all religions are pleasing to God. The following Bible verses show that this is not true:
The fault lies, not with all religion, but with false religion. A widely respected religious figure, Jesus Christ, indicated that false religion produces bad works, just as a “rotten tree produces worthless fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) What are some of the fruitage does false religion yield?
“Meddles in War and Politics” Across Asia and beyond,” says the journal “power-hungry leaders are cynically manipulating people’s religious sentiments for their own needs.” As a result, the journal warns: “The world threatens to sink into madness.” A prominent religious leader in the United States declared: “You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops.” His solution? “Blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” By contrast, the Bible says: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4:20) Jesus even said: “Continue to love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44) How many religions can you think of whose members engage in war?
“Spreads False Doctrine” Most religions teach that the soul or spirit is some invisible part of a human that survives the death of the physical body. By means of this teaching, many of these religions exploit their members, charging money to pray for departed souls. However, the Bible teaches a different doctrine. “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (Ezekiel 18:4) “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) Jesus taught that the dead will be resurrected—an unnecessary action if humans had an immortal soul. (John 11:11-25) Does your religion teach that the soul does not die?
“ Tolerates Immoral Sex” In church groups ordain gay and lesbian members of the clergy and urge governments to recognize same-sex marriages. Even churches that condemn immorality have tolerated religious leaders who have sexually abused children. What, though, does the Bible teach? It plainly states: “Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God’s kingdom.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Do you know of religions that condone immoral sex?
What does the future hold for religions that produce rotten fruit? Jesus warned: “Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:19) Yes, false religion will be chopped down and destroyed! But how and when will this happen?
Something that the churches don’t teach you, According to God’s Word, there are only two kinds of religion: one true, one false;
Some people think that all religions are pleasing to God. The following Bible verses show that this is not true:
The fault lies, not with all religion, but with false religion. A widely respected religious figure, Jesus Christ, indicated that false religion produces bad works, just as a “rotten tree produces worthless fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) What are some of the fruitage does false religion yield?
“Meddles in War and Politics” Across Asia and beyond,” says the journal “power-hungry leaders are cynically manipulating people’s religious sentiments for their own needs.” As a result, the journal warns: “The world threatens to sink into madness.” A prominent religious leader in the United States declared: “You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops.” His solution? “Blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” By contrast, the Bible says: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4:20) Jesus even said: “Continue to love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44) How many religions can you think of whose members engage in war?
“Spreads False Doctrine” Most religions teach that the soul or spirit is some invisible part of a human that survives the death of the physical body. By means of this teaching, many of these religions exploit their members, charging money to pray for departed souls. However, the Bible teaches a different doctrine. “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (Ezekiel 18:4) “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) Jesus taught that the dead will be resurrected—an unnecessary action if humans had an immortal soul. (John 11:11-25) Does your religion teach that the soul does not die?
“ Tolerates Immoral Sex” In church groups ordain gay and lesbian members of the clergy and urge governments to recognize same-sex marriages. Even churches that condemn immorality have tolerated religious leaders who have sexually abused children. What, though, does the Bible teach? It plainly states: “Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God’s kingdom.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Do you know of religions that condone immoral sex?
What does the future hold for religions that produce rotten fruit? Jesus warned: “Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:19) Yes, false religion will be chopped down and destroyed! But how and when will this happen?
Ankou
//oh look. i can copy and paste too. begone with this garbage.//
Whoopee! How clever of you!
Just a pity you don’t have full understanding of what you have copied!
beso
//The Bible is a manual of bigotry and prejudice. Only the weakened authority of the church stands between us and their fascist philosophy which they have brutally enforced whenever they had the power to do so.//
Certainly the church has a lot to answer for. It has twisted and misquoted the Bible. To study the Bible one needs to prepare oneself, his mind and heart. It is more than just reading. One needs to meditate on what is read. Religious leaders prefer to speak what they think rather than what the Bible teaches. One reason why so many people are leaving the churches – it does not act on what it teaches, a case of “do as I say, not as I do”.
Many religious leaders doubt the Bible themselves. So how can they teach it?
//oh look. i can copy and paste too. begone with this garbage.//
Whoopee! How clever of you!
Just a pity you don’t have full understanding of what you have copied!
beso
//The Bible is a manual of bigotry and prejudice. Only the weakened authority of the church stands between us and their fascist philosophy which they have brutally enforced whenever they had the power to do so.//
Certainly the church has a lot to answer for. It has twisted and misquoted the Bible. To study the Bible one needs to prepare oneself, his mind and heart. It is more than just reading. One needs to meditate on what is read. Religious leaders prefer to speak what they think rather than what the Bible teaches. One reason why so many people are leaving the churches – it does not act on what it teaches, a case of “do as I say, not as I do”.
Many religious leaders doubt the Bible themselves. So how can they teach it?
Elderman, As I've already said, there is no such thing as 'true Christianity', and in fact there should be no such thing as Christianity at all. Jesus had never heard of Christianity - he was a Jew - and it hadn't been invented in his day.
Christians from every branch of Christianity claim to be 'true Christians', so please tell us in plain English what you, personally, mean by that expression. Then we might understand where you're coming from - because at the moment I don't believe anyone has a clue - despite all your waffling. So ... what is the criteria that makes someone a 'true Christian'?
Christians from every branch of Christianity claim to be 'true Christians', so please tell us in plain English what you, personally, mean by that expression. Then we might understand where you're coming from - because at the moment I don't believe anyone has a clue - despite all your waffling. So ... what is the criteria that makes someone a 'true Christian'?
i don't know why you bother asking really, it'll only be gobbledygook, or this link copied and pasted (i.e. someone elses gobbledygook).
http://www.truthwatch...s&file=article&sid=96
http://www.truthwatch...s&file=article&sid=96
I don't know why you bother asking really, it'll only be gobbledygook, or this link copied and pasted (i.e. someone elses gobbledygook).
Who will be destroyed? As we might expect, it is the wicked. “When the wicked ones sprout as the vegetation and all the practicers of what is hurtful blossom forth, it is that they may be annihilated forever.” (Psalm 92:7 [91:8) But let us not be misled by adopting the world’s viewpoint as to what is righteous and what is wicked. God plainly tells us that much of what this world views as commonplace is wicked in his eyes. Fornication, adultery and homosexuality may be tolerated by modern-day society, but those who practice such things will not be spared alive by God at the end of this world of things. Likewise, those who are liars, thieves, drunkards and murderers will be barred from the realm of God’s kingdom. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)
Who will be destroyed? As we might expect, it is the wicked. “When the wicked ones sprout as the vegetation and all the practicers of what is hurtful blossom forth, it is that they may be annihilated forever.” (Psalm 92:7 [91:8) But let us not be misled by adopting the world’s viewpoint as to what is righteous and what is wicked. God plainly tells us that much of what this world views as commonplace is wicked in his eyes. Fornication, adultery and homosexuality may be tolerated by modern-day society, but those who practice such things will not be spared alive by God at the end of this world of things. Likewise, those who are liars, thieves, drunkards and murderers will be barred from the realm of God’s kingdom. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)
