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Morley is correctly citing the passage I had in mind when I offered an example of mixed messaging (sorry I figured we were on the same page when you too referenced Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament). But I may be confused on the point you’re raising. We can pick another example, like Jesus neve...

But if god is all knowing and all benevolent, whatever those actually mean, the outcome would be exactly what he wants. If people don’t choose him, he’s the only one who knows why. Or if everyone can potentially know him, only he knows what inspiration or what information each person needs. But app...

My wife and I were on our way back from visiting a park and we passed by a rural Mormon church, and I had a very similar thought to the one you posted. I mentioned to my wife that the church made me realize apocalyptic cults need an Other to frame as an enemy to stay relevant to their adherents. Th...

One certainly can read anything anyway they want. My point is there are mixed messages in the Bible. Anyone who comes to Jesus must hate father and mother is pretty straightforward. If jesus knew his listeners would hate their families and is opposed to them doing that, then why did he command it o...

I don't read the passages you refer to as Jesus teaching his followers to spread hate. I read them as applying to Jesus and the effect he knew his teachings would have. He instructed his followers to put aside all worldly things, including familial relationships, and follow him. I think that's a fa...

I do think that atheism and secular humanism are an enemy of religious faith and ultimately civil society as we have known it. The term you are looking for is “anti-theism,” not “atheist” or “secular humanism.” In fact, if you’re actually interested in “civil society,” you should be thinking of sec...

But if god is all knowing and all benevolent, whatever those actually mean, the outcome would be exactly what he wants. If people don’t choose him, he’s the only one who knows why. Or if everyone can potentially know him, only he knows what inspiration or what information each person needs. But app...

Yeah, the power comes from trusting him enough to learn the lessons he has for us. When we learn those lessons, we become more adept at living life. If God weren't involved in our lives, then there wouldn't be any power to be had from that trust because there are no lessons being taught. So what po...

I'm not sure I follow you here. Yes, I think we sometimes feel like we have free will and can choose anything we want, but also, at times, circumstances just plain exist and limit our choices. I don't think it is all that different for God. Yes, he would love to save everyone, but when dealing with...

I’d think most of the signees are not SUU students. If they were that’d be huge since I’d guess a good percentage of students are lds. But yes agreed, think of it in a practical sense. Many students identify as lgbtq, no doubt. No need to get a speaker opposed to them.