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”So you see it as a clash of civilizations? A battle royale to the death between the Caliphate and the Infidels?” *** From the premise that the Caliphate are them and the Infidels are us, yes, I really do see this as a clash of civilizations. I actually thought so, even before Bush said it. I see it, not only as clash of Middle East v. Western culture and ideology, but in the realm of the unseen, a clash of spiritual civilizations. I’m not eluding to anything hocus-pocus, just the basic belief in Good v. Evil, as in God v. Satan. In other words, I am persuaded that there is war in the unseen realm that manifests in human events.
Presently, I do not suspect these current events are the “battle royale”, but certainly, one of many events that are leading to that to that point in time, on the stage of history. The entire Israel/Middle Eastern arena is a barometer, to the person with a Biblical world view. The root dynamic stems from Abraham and his sons, Ishmael (the son conceived outside of the promise) and Isaac (the promised son via Sarah-grandfather of the 12 tribes if Israel) However, no one has any idea, how long it will take for final events, or at what point in time we will know when we have crossed that threshold.***
“The era of blind consumption just for the sake of consumption needs to draw to a close if we are to survive as a species. Being a steward over something carries the implication that you are to care for that something and turn it over in at least as good a shape as you got it.”***I couldn’t agree more. Since the dawn of the industrialized era, we have had to learn the meaning of stewardship, replenishment and balance. One of my biggest disappointments with the Republican admin, is that nothing noteworthy has been accomplished to move this country away from oil dependence. I think it is imperative, not only environmentally speaking, but we have a lethal enemy that could gain control over middle eastern crude and shut us down. Personally, I am inclined to think the later is more pressing than global warming concerns, but would surely help to get off the petrol burning. I’m of the mind, given today’s technology and explosion of knowledge and discovery (what an awesome time to be alive) that we are capable of developing real solutions and ways of doing things better, smarter, cleaner, passing on new and innovative solutions to other industrialized countries as well. I am most definitely not in favor of turning over our welfare to Al Gore and his subscribers.***
“Since no man knoweth the day of His return, don't you think it would be a good thing to have a nice, blue and greeen Earth for Him to come back to?” ***This is not meant to sound flippant at all, but this would be the least of my concerns. I would be concerned with the earth remaining sustainable, for as many generations as will inhabit it. Again, no one knows how long or when His Return is, so we need to take care of our home. Once that time does arrive, I do believe Heaven and Earth will be under “new” construction.
“LOL, I'm one of those people who will stop to pick up turtles off the road and move theme somewhere safe, wade into the swimming pool to save a garter snake when all my friends are thinking I'm nuts.” ***Ditto***
“People's beliefs can be used to manipulate them, the more ardently they believe something the easier it is for someone to manipulate them via that belief. That's why strong (dogmatic) atheists are a little difficult to deal with sometimes. It's hard to spot the flaws in people we think we strongly agree with, learn the lingo and say the right thing, push people's buttons and you can get away with a lot.” ***Oh, how right you are! For a Christian, it is a responsibility to guard your self from deception or manipulation. The Bible warns of false prophets and false declarations, and instructs that we should be “armed with the knowledge of the truth”, so that when we hear a lie, we recognize a lie. As I have grown in my faith choice and my knowledge of the Scriptures, the Word has become the Authority in my life, the Standard by which I measure all that confronts me. Now, before I sound too uppity, let me declare that I do have times of struggle over who’s got the authority. Oh, and I haven’t found you to be difficult.***
”Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? So many things are a matter of perspective. For many of us looking at Christianity from the outside it really appears that more than a few of you are easily manipulated by snake oil selling charlatans.” ***I have seen professing Christians, taken in by doctrines or practices that I could find no Biblical foundation for, no matter how they spun it. Some were new, zealous babes, eating up everything they were hearing, not knowing, what they should spit out. I really do not understand how the more established Christians get so sideways with certain doctrines. They will ignore a dozen passages that oppose their conclusion, and cling to the one scripture that is benign. I feel that I should also address another aspect, particularly from the perspective of those looking at Christianity from the outside. The Bible and Jesus Himself, teach many things that would be unacceptably over the top, for some one who is not a believer in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and the restoration that was accomplished for all. In the opinion of the secular world, Christians believe in fairytales, anyway.***
Y'all do realize, I hope, that Jesus the Christ never once mentioned abortion, gays or free market capitalism. A lot of the things the Christ talked of were of taking care of others and turning the other cheek when struck, going the extra mile. ***You are correct, abortion is never mentioned. However, I would like to offer the following references, that clearly demonstrate the worth, value and ownership of the fruit of the womb. This is a small example of the variety of scriptures that are found, just by searching “womb”.
ISAIAH 44 2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the WOMB, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the WOMB, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; ISAIAH 46 3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the WOMB: PSALM 139 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's WOMB 9 But thou art he that took me out of the WOMB: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon thee from the WOMB: thou art my God from my mother's belly PSALM 127 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the WOMB is his reward ISAIAH 44 2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the WOMB, which will help thee; ISAIAH 46 3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the WOMB ISAIAH 49 1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the WOMB; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. ISAIAH 49 1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the WOMB; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. 5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the WOMB to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. 15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her WOMB? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee EXODUS 21 22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that HER FRUIT DEPART from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. PSALM 139 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and WONDERFULLY MADE: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Here are a few of the scriptures pertaining to homosexuality;
ROMANS 1 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their LUST one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. LEVITICUS 18 22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is ABOMINATION. LEVITICUS 20 13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an ABOMINATION: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. JUDE 1 7 Even as SODOM and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. ROMANS 1 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the NATURAL USE into that which is against nature:
Free Market Capitalism; Got me! This will be a great research project. I honestly do not know the origins of capitalism, other than our founding fathers intended to craft a free society, whereby individuals were free to act on their God-given talents, and pursue their destiny. But, if I find that capitalism is inspired by the Bible, I will let you know.
”The non-religious and the liberal theists are watching what is going on with the Republican party in horror. The rhetoric coming from the Republicans is truly poisonous in my opinion and a lot of us who know history are starting to flash back on 1934. Your side is terrifying us and just about all the rest of the world right now and y'all don't even have a clue.”***I agree that we are in terrifying times. I would ask that you would be more specific. I would like your opinion of what is going on in the GOP. Help me out with the reference to 1934. Seriously, I don’t want to be clueless, what are you actually referring to?
Run the words on the Waffen SS belt buckle image below through Babel Fish and let me know what you think. *** Very disturbing***
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