thews wrote:If it's not true Stem, then it doesn't mean dick... seriously. Rationalize it six ways till Tuesday, but it's not true and at some level you know this.
Neither is what you believe, but that doesn't seem to change what you believe.
I suppose that's the joy of religion. You have a justification for being a hypocrite.
God belief is for people who don't want to live life on the universe's terms.
jon wrote:Sorry stem, I can see how people benefit from Church programmes etc, but I can see people gaining this kind of comfort from all different walks of life and organisations without the cost (financial and personal) and without the guilt trips. For instance, you wrote "by myself I am nothing". That is not true. You may find additional self worth from your interactions and associations, but that is true of any interactions, not just religious experiences.
The Church makes me cross and that affects my tone, sorry.
understood. no big deal. I agree people can gain many, if not all, the same benefits from many sources outside the Church. God is beyond the Church, though. And, as I've said many times before, the Church isn't for everyone. I'd imagine many will be better off eternally and in this life without the Church. I'mcomfortable with that.
Love ya tons, Stem
I ain't nuttin'. don't get all worked up on account of me.
In the face of madness, rationality has no power - Xiao Wang, US historiographer, 2287 AD.
Every record...falsified, every book rewritten...every statue...has been renamed or torn down, every date...altered...the process is continuing...minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Ideology is always right.
Doctor CamNC4Me wrote:Thews is an extremist idiot. Realy.
Coming from you, the one who needs to attack people on their admitted faults on all fronts without an ounce of compassion, I hardly find your insults worth the time to read their intended sting little man. Here's a good example of just how shallow you are: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19316 Have you posted anything worth reading in the last year?
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. 2 Tim 4:4 They will turn their ears away from the truth & turn aside to myths
In the face of madness, rationality has no power - Xiao Wang, US historiographer, 2287 AD.
Every record...falsified, every book rewritten...every statue...has been renamed or torn down, every date...altered...the process is continuing...minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Ideology is always right.
thews wrote:If it's not true Stem, then it doesn't mean dick... seriously. Rationalize it six ways till Tuesday, but it's not true and at some level you know this.
You offer such wonderful messages. Well, let's just say you have the potential to offer such wonderful messages.
The point Stem, is that Joseph Smith was a fraud and this is a fact. There is nothing Christian about Mormon doctrine. If you believe in seer stones and you actually believe in Joseph Smith's incorrect translation from the pagan book of the dead, then I understand why you also believe that God's will includes polygamy... something you reject. Cognitive dissonance will wage war eventually, and when that happens... the point where you acknowledge the truth, I'll be here for you.
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. 2 Tim 4:4 They will turn their ears away from the truth & turn aside to myths
In the face of madness, rationality has no power - Xiao Wang, US historiographer, 2287 AD.
Every record...falsified, every book rewritten...every statue...has been renamed or torn down, every date...altered...the process is continuing...minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Ideology is always right.
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. 2 Tim 4:4 They will turn their ears away from the truth & turn aside to myths
Baker wrote:I would suggest that the abandonment of such a sense of specialness is a significant obstacle for many who would otherwise leave the church. The loss of a chosen identity, special access to the divine, etc. Yet, in giving it up, in realizing one's ordinariness among humankind, is an extremely freeing and fulfilling experience.
Would ordinariness be the result of salt that has lost its savor?
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
I'm not necessarily saying this pejoratively. Just as a matter of fact.
stemelbow wrote: What I seek to acheive is a genuine desire to help other people, be there for them and understand who they are. I seek to learn to love and appreciate people and where they are coming from. There is far more to it, but that is the gist of it.