Why are only Christians blamed for the Crusades? From a purely secular point of view, how is it that Muslims were pouring into and conquering Europe and Christian nations banded together to fight them back to where they came from in resistance is seen as the Christians getting all the blame for that period? Is there some text that I haven’t read where the Muslims running through North Africa and into Southern Europe were conquering with love and gifts to the conquered?
The end times
- Thread starter GhostOfMatchesMalone
- Start date
Humans are fallible and are not fit for salvation without the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. You or I with only a list of good deeds would not be enough to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus isn't just a way to Heaven, he is the only way to Heaven.
My mommy and daddy loved each other so my daddy put his penis… heh heh penis inside my mommy and then some stuff came out of daddy into mommy. I grew inside my mommy until I was ready for the nice doctor to take me out.
I did not have a soul in the womb or now. I am the product of my parents’ DNA. God had nothing to do with it.
If you are asking bigger picture a mass of gasses came together and after the Big Bang the universe was created. On our one little planet those gasses created an environment that could sustain life as we know it. That life started in the simplest of forms and through evolution we got man. God did not create us.
Just think about what the Bible says logically. On the seventh day God rested? Am omnipotent being needed to rest? What about all of the geological and fossil evidence that refutes the creation timeline in the Bible? Science has proven that the Earth’s existence predates when the Bible says it was created.
I am not an atheist because religions fight. But please tell me if God exists why wouldn’t he come down from His mountaintop, announce his presence with authority, declare who is right and do something to stop his children he allegedly loves from killing each other?
He already did that. And it didn't change anything for the people who wanted to disbelieve.
There are no free lunches, if you want eternity in Heaven, you have to claim it.
In talking to atheists, often there was some event that happened in their lives that sparked a 'how could God let that happen???' reaction. On some level, I get that. We all ask those questions from time to time.
I think one of the biggest mistakes people, Christians and non-believers make, is they assume God exists to do stuff for us. I heard a pastor recently say something that struck me. He said so many Christians pray to God in a transactional way.
God please give me this, and I will do this. God help me with this, and I will love You.
He said we should pray to God and ask Him WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU? And when we begin to adopt a mindset of helping God, He will in turn help us.
It's totally changed my outlook toward prayer. I realized that almost all of my prayers were about stuff I wanted from God. Now when I pray, I try to ask God what I can do to be a better servant for Him. And I try to pray for these things especially when I need something from God the most.
But all of this starts by humbling yourself before the Lord. If you think you are smarter than God, you can't hear Him. I see in your posts above the same arguments I hear from every atheist. They are all the same. You don't want to believe, so you look for reasons to justify your doubt.
And pushing you to believe in something you don't want to helps no one. I only pray that you will put your pride aside and reach a point where you are confident enough to open your heart to possibilities you haven't considered.
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Much of today’s atheistic rhetoric derives from 19th century western intellectuals. As a result, many of the arguments are still focused on the dominant power structures of the west during that time.
Spoken like a true blind wandering sheep. You are bitter about something that you feel doesn't exist is quite telling about how you actually feel in your heart. Have you ever stubbed your toe and cried out, Satan-damn it!?!
I just asked a simple question, of which you answered to your liking, but not mine. So, let me try and delve a little deeper into your Atheistic brain. Go back to the beginning of human life (we'll just skip around plants and animals for now). How did we humans begin? You mentioned evolution and I concur there is evidence of evolutionary processes that have occurred throughout human history but not the way you believe it to be. Now I must warn you this isn't a trick question. Please think about your answer. Go way, way back to the beginning. Go beyond any available fossil evidence. Go to the very beginning. How did we arrive on earth the way we are today?
Dust from asteroids will be the next spin, I suspect.
If the Christians here found it hateful, then it was hateful. That's the standard we have for any other group besides Christians.
Tell you what I'll do for you @StevieBGator I'll incorporate a writing for you to make life easier in answering and to soak your thoughts into. It's long but informative. I wrote this a long time ago when I was debating an Atheist. Enjoy the read:
Here’s a simple thought for all who deny a creationist viewpoint. What gives life to cells? Better yet, where did that cell come from in the first place? You need a starting point, none of which you have any proof of. But even if you could trace your heritage of human life back to a single cell, what gave that cell life? What was the fuel that turned it on? Of course, you’d have to, once again, go one step back and ask where that cell came from in the first place. What gave that cell the necessary components inside itself to get turned on in the first place. These are undeniable aspects that render God as the source of all life and the creator of all-in-all in this vast universe.
The simple answer to everyone’s questions concerning evolution is that God allows such a limited process to develop within the framework He started when He created man. In other words, man did not form because of evolution. Evolution in a very limited form developed because of God who first created man. He made man, not molecules that miraculously evolved into a human being over millions of years.
Think about that for just one second. How did man originate initially? Not one person on the evolutionary front has the answer, hence the theory of evolution. Yet, Atheistic/evolutionary believers will stake their lives on that theoretical premise and exclude/ignore what is slapping them in the face. Can anyone please explain how we humans evolved from microorganisms? How can a human being become “life” and grow into us from a few cells that somehow put themselves together in such a way that human life evolved from it? And when did it go backwards and depend upon procreation for the replication of this human life? I mean, I don’t see too many babies being formed in some pond scum, crawling out onto a beach somewhere and start scrounging for food.
The bible says God made man and woman. God said to populate the world. How? By procreation. By having sex. Poof, out comes baby. Now that baby is dependent upon suckling from the mother for life, or it will die. It cannot sustain itself.
An Atheist will always want proof, and yet they have no proof of their own. It appears on the surface that it is easier to deny God than to believe in God. On the contrary, the bible says blessed are those who do not see yet believe. Faith. To walk in faith is difficult for any Christian. Doubt always creeps into the mind of a Christian. Yet, it always end with faith, and that is what is so cool. Atheists would say that way of thinking is so shallow and naive, yet it is so powerful and rewarding. Since I cannot explain it all, I must accept it by faith. Living in faith provides the opportunity to become humble and to accept what cannot be explained.
At the root of Atheism is pride—the opposite of humble faith. To even suggest that there is no God is prideful. They have to see through a prideful position by putting themselves above God. For me, since I cannot explain the Universe, the Earth, the Human existence, reasons for life itself, then how can I say one way or another that God does or does not exist?
For me, I cannot provide evidence of how the Universe started and why, therefore, I cannot deny the opportunity to believe in a creator of this great Universe. Just because I cannot find proof of God’s existence and creator of the universe does not mean I must deny His existence. What if that proof were discovered after I have passed away? What becomes of me? If proof comes after I have died, then that discovered proof would suggest that God was there during my life time and yet I denied it. This is comparable to what I call, The Thomas Effect. Thomas denies the resurrection of Jesus by saying in John 20:25, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” Jesus’ reply while standing in front of Thomas was to stop doubting and just believe.
Funny thing, the proof of the existence of a living God is all around us. Nature itself is proof enough. But then skeptics would follow up by wanting to put their fingers in the nail holes and their hand into His side. They will continue with the excuses of disbelief by resting their objections on why the Christian God is considered the only God and the creator of all? Crazily, the Christian God is the only one claiming to have risen from the dead. All other gods are dead and buried or simply figments of their imaginations. Believing in the Christian God brings meaning to life. Otherwise, what is its purpose? Why are we here? To earn a wage and have a good living and then we die? What good was that?
And speaking of good, why do we all have to form ourselves under rules and regulations to do good and be good? Where did that concept come from and why if we are only here a short time? Why not chaos? Why not simply take from those who have lots and have fun with it? Why not have as much fun on earth as we can because when we die it doesn’t matter because we are dead. And since we are dead what good did all that good, fun living provide us? Can’t look back on it for all of eternity and see how much fun we had—we are dead! I feel sorry for Atheists. They’re missing out on so much in this life and in the next.
Here’s a simple thought for all who deny a creationist viewpoint. What gives life to cells? Better yet, where did that cell come from in the first place? You need a starting point, none of which you have any proof of. But even if you could trace your heritage of human life back to a single cell, what gave that cell life? What was the fuel that turned it on? Of course, you’d have to, once again, go one step back and ask where that cell came from in the first place. What gave that cell the necessary components inside itself to get turned on in the first place. These are undeniable aspects that render God as the source of all life and the creator of all-in-all in this vast universe.
The simple answer to everyone’s questions concerning evolution is that God allows such a limited process to develop within the framework He started when He created man. In other words, man did not form because of evolution. Evolution in a very limited form developed because of God who first created man. He made man, not molecules that miraculously evolved into a human being over millions of years.
Think about that for just one second. How did man originate initially? Not one person on the evolutionary front has the answer, hence the theory of evolution. Yet, Atheistic/evolutionary believers will stake their lives on that theoretical premise and exclude/ignore what is slapping them in the face. Can anyone please explain how we humans evolved from microorganisms? How can a human being become “life” and grow into us from a few cells that somehow put themselves together in such a way that human life evolved from it? And when did it go backwards and depend upon procreation for the replication of this human life? I mean, I don’t see too many babies being formed in some pond scum, crawling out onto a beach somewhere and start scrounging for food.
The bible says God made man and woman. God said to populate the world. How? By procreation. By having sex. Poof, out comes baby. Now that baby is dependent upon suckling from the mother for life, or it will die. It cannot sustain itself.
An Atheist will always want proof, and yet they have no proof of their own. It appears on the surface that it is easier to deny God than to believe in God. On the contrary, the bible says blessed are those who do not see yet believe. Faith. To walk in faith is difficult for any Christian. Doubt always creeps into the mind of a Christian. Yet, it always end with faith, and that is what is so cool. Atheists would say that way of thinking is so shallow and naive, yet it is so powerful and rewarding. Since I cannot explain it all, I must accept it by faith. Living in faith provides the opportunity to become humble and to accept what cannot be explained.
At the root of Atheism is pride—the opposite of humble faith. To even suggest that there is no God is prideful. They have to see through a prideful position by putting themselves above God. For me, since I cannot explain the Universe, the Earth, the Human existence, reasons for life itself, then how can I say one way or another that God does or does not exist?
For me, I cannot provide evidence of how the Universe started and why, therefore, I cannot deny the opportunity to believe in a creator of this great Universe. Just because I cannot find proof of God’s existence and creator of the universe does not mean I must deny His existence. What if that proof were discovered after I have passed away? What becomes of me? If proof comes after I have died, then that discovered proof would suggest that God was there during my life time and yet I denied it. This is comparable to what I call, The Thomas Effect. Thomas denies the resurrection of Jesus by saying in John 20:25, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” Jesus’ reply while standing in front of Thomas was to stop doubting and just believe.
Funny thing, the proof of the existence of a living God is all around us. Nature itself is proof enough. But then skeptics would follow up by wanting to put their fingers in the nail holes and their hand into His side. They will continue with the excuses of disbelief by resting their objections on why the Christian God is considered the only God and the creator of all? Crazily, the Christian God is the only one claiming to have risen from the dead. All other gods are dead and buried or simply figments of their imaginations. Believing in the Christian God brings meaning to life. Otherwise, what is its purpose? Why are we here? To earn a wage and have a good living and then we die? What good was that?
And speaking of good, why do we all have to form ourselves under rules and regulations to do good and be good? Where did that concept come from and why if we are only here a short time? Why not chaos? Why not simply take from those who have lots and have fun with it? Why not have as much fun on earth as we can because when we die it doesn’t matter because we are dead. And since we are dead what good did all that good, fun living provide us? Can’t look back on it for all of eternity and see how much fun we had—we are dead! I feel sorry for Atheists. They’re missing out on so much in this life and in the next.
I found it to be a contentious cry for help. God works in mysterious ways.
The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can be converted from one form to another with the interaction of heat, work and internal energy, but it cannot be created nor destroyed, under any circumstances.
So something has always existed and pre-existed the big bang. What existed before the big bang? Only one religious tome truly addresses this question. The Eternal I AM who exists outside time and space.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
See below.
From NOVA on PBS:
www.pbs.org
26 min 31s mark
"Everything that has happened or will happen, it all exists" - Greene
So something has always existed and pre-existed the big bang. What existed before the big bang? Only one religious tome truly addresses this question. The Eternal I AM who exists outside time and space.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
See below.
From NOVA on PBS:
The Fabric of the Cosmos: The Illusion of Time
Hosted by Physicist Brian Greene PhD
NOVA | The Fabric of the Cosmos: The Illusion of Time | Season 38 | Episode 17 | PBS
It defines our lives, but what is time really? Have a look into its true nature.
www.pbs.org
26 min 31s mark
"Everything that has happened or will happen, it all exists" - Greene
FTR, I took no part in any of those wars.
You took no part in the genocides committed by Stalin, Mao or Pol Pot...but they were atheists and they did horrible things. Does that mean I can lump you in with them?
Clearly it does not. So....do you see what I'm getting at here?
So something came from nothing? That's your proposal? Hint....yes, that's what you are proposing.
If you disagree, where did all that "stuff" come from? The first molecule, the first atom, the first sub-atomic particle...who was its mommy and daddy?
You are demanding proof. God demands faith. If God came down and provided proof, faith would not be required.
I thought this was pretty hateful. In today's lingo maybe intolerant works better.
This was my real point. I was saying that without saying it but I intended to work my way there.
And it's worth remembering that most Christians have a personal relationship with God. He is indeed our Father. When you insult someone's father, they get pissed. It's highly disrespectful.
It's like taking the Lord's name in vain. I see even some here that call themselves Christians doing that. It infuriates me every time.
I feel you and insulting my faith can infuriate me as well but I just have to remember, "vengeance is mine."
Easier said than done.
The end is near according to AOC, by 2026 the earth will die and all inhabitants with it. Those dang carbon emissions did us in.
Cow farts. Which are more intelligent than AOC's mouth farts.
That's a nit nice way of saying sheep don't think, but there is truth in it, to an extent. Lots we don't know, lots we are likely never to know, so I am not sure religion and non thinking are too heavily correlated past the surface. It's a black hole so how far do we need to think before we realize that?
Couldn't disagree more. My faith causes me to consider (think) more, not less.
My faith in intelligent design does not make me less intelligent or less of a deep thinker. In fact, those who do not believe in intelligent design have a HUGE gapping hole in the science of how we got here.
That was my point, after you get past a certain point. In the beginning though faith is a shortcut, and it is about following something.
We agree more here.
The issue with his statement, and it's his issue instead of mine, is that I never feel the need nor the desire to call those without faith, stupid.
IMO it is telling that he does.
I know many smart and stupid people, some religious some not, not sure I would use smart to differentiate. I do think there is some merit in being independent and untethered in regards to freedom of thought, but it's not for everyone, that's for sure, sometimes the wind blows pretty hard.
Yea, I was tracking you there.
Less with you here. That wasn't the case for me. I've never been much of a follower. In fact, I'd probably do well if I followed a bit more often.
I can't speak for others, just my journey.
Haha...I've accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior if that's what you are asking. I follow His devine guidance.
I would struggle mightily as a Catholic however. I'm not going to go further than that as I have no intention to insult anyone's faith.
Not at all. I just don't feel like my faith limits my freedom or movement or however you want to define it.
I don't mind discussing my faith or why I believe as I do in the least.
I just didn't want to insult anothers faith. And honestly, I'm very likely ignorant on much of that subject.
I feel guidance or like I'm being drawn towards something more than I ever feel a tether or a restriction. I guess that's a decent way to describe it.
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