If God Is...?

[AVG-JOE]

Prayer? this is dancing around with arms waving in the air wailing and such.

But strangely enough the church considered dancing a sin and going to movies, etc.
You would burn for that kind of behaviour.

That's insane. (No offense to anyone who believes that stuff).

 

[Avatar4321]

I guess what gets to me is the notion that God and science can't coexist. Between the naivety of the Fundamentalists that refuse scientific evidence to the folks that can reason the complexities of the Universe, but still think it's all a random coincidence.

One side as bad as the other.

I've always thought that nature was the way God does things, and science was the study of nature; therefore, science is simply the study of the way God does things.
I do not believe that the Bible is the complete, inerrant and inspired word of God; however, I find that within its pages there is much wisdom. I think the following verses are significant:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalms 19:1-3, KJV).

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, KJV).

There is no conflict between science and God, nor could there be. Things cannot operate contrary to the design of their Creator. Pure solid lead will always sink in pure liquid water and, and all of creation must act and interact in strict accordance with the laws of God which I call nature.

Totally agree with that there. With my finite understanding I am not going to pretend to think I know all that God has to reveal concerning science nor the Kingdom.

I also agree with your view of the Bible. I don't understand why people want to attribute to the Bible qualities it never claims.

 

[HUGGY]

I guess what gets to me is the notion that God and science can't coexist. Between the naivety of the Fundamentalists that refuse scientific evidence to the folks that can reason the complexities of the Universe, but still think it's all a random coincidence.

One side as bad as the other.

Science has already shown you more than enough evidense of the truth of "random" events. Philosphy did not show you the earth is a sphere. Words do little to explain what "is". No god produced the pictures of our planet from space which makes it obvious to anything with even a resemblance of a brain what the deal is. Then take a look at the moon...real close up.. Millions of craters... and the comet that hit one of the moons of jupiter I believe.. That was science that SHOWED us what "is". Not some sky fairy male or female.

 

[uscitizen]

I'm sorry you weren't ever overtaken by the Holy Ghost, USC.

Most times, in my church, there wasn't a translator tho......
When in prayer why would someone need to have their heart translated for others?

Prayer? this is dancing around with arms waving in the air wailing and such.

But strangely enough the church considered dancing a sin and going to movies, etc.
You would burn for that kind of behaviour.

I'm sorry you were brought up in that kind of environment. Those types of expressions of faith do not reach me either. Of course, to each their own...I don't mean to dismiss or diminish anyone else's method of worship....but it's not how I was raised.

I can see how such zeal could be a turn off to someone. But there are other ways, other churches. Obviously, the choice is yours....so don't think I'm preaching to you.

Ohh I have tried other way and other churches over the years. I have a couple of preachers I call friends, I also used to go the the seminary at Asbury and chat with the theologians there.
I am abbie nermal, I have no need for heroes or gods. Never did.
I am content the way I am, Thanks for your concern.

 

[uscitizen]

I'm sorry you weren't ever overtaken by the Holy Ghost, USC.

Most times, in my church, there wasn't a translator tho......
When in prayer why would someone need to have their heart translated for others?

Prayer? this is dancing around with arms waving in the air wailing and such.

But strangely enough the church considered dancing a sin and going to movies, etc.
You would burn for that kind of behaviour.

I was brought up in the AG church too. When I was a child it all made a big impression on me until one time someone was speaking in tongues and then two people began to interpret, but the interpretations were different. From that point, I figured it was bullshit. It made me question a lot of other Church dogma as well.

Ahh you me and Sarah Palin

 

[uscitizen]

Prayer? this is dancing around with arms waving in the air wailing and such.

But strangely enough the church considered dancing a sin and going to movies, etc.
You would burn for that kind of behaviour.

That's insane. (No offense to anyone who believes that stuff).

Yeah my thoughts as well.

Now the exact same chruch does not view going to movies and dancing as sins.
Sins are sins and do not change like that.

And the infighting and such that goes on in churches.... cliques, etc....
Just examples of how very few humans can be true Christians.

 

[Avatar4321]

Yeah my thoughts as well.

Now the exact same chruch does not view going to movies and dancing as sins.
Sins are sins and do not change like that.

And the infighting and such that goes on in churches.... cliques, etc....
Just examples of how very few humans can be true Christians.

I dont care for the infighting much. I've always been for the philosophy that if i cant convince a man that my way is best, i lift him in his way.

 

[Intense]

Prayer? this is dancing around with arms waving in the air wailing and such.

But strangely enough the church considered dancing a sin and going to movies, etc.
You would burn for that kind of behaviour.

That's insane. (No offense to anyone who believes that stuff).

Yeah my thoughts as well.

Now the exact same chruch does not view going to movies and dancing as sins.
Sins are sins and do not change like that.

And the infighting and such that goes on in churches.... cliques, etc....
Just examples of how very few humans can be true Christians.

People are People, Each with different measures of the same Spirit. Human Nature is what it is, in many senses, regardless of Faith, even in spite of it. There is outward and inward, too. Just as easy to focus on the blessings, even that of extended days, spent in the company of loved ones, as to spend time throwing stones. Comes a time we each need to open up our eyes, even if it's just for piece of mind.

 

[Avatar4321]

People are People, Each with different measures of the same Spirit. Human Nature is what it is, in many senses, regardless of Faith, even in spite of it. There is outward and inward, too. Just as easy to focus on the blessings, even that of extended days, spent in the company of loved ones, as to spend time throwing stones. Comes a time we each need to open up our eyes, even if it's just for piece of mind.

I dont think everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God has it. Ill let God determine who is who, but I dont think the Holy Ghost is flashy, so to speak.

 

[uscitizen]

Yeah my thoughts as well.

Now the exact same chruch does not view going to movies and dancing as sins.
Sins are sins and do not change like that.

And the infighting and such that goes on in churches.... cliques, etc....
Just examples of how very few humans can be true Christians.

I dont care for the infighting much. I've always been for the philosophy that if i cant convince a man that my way is best, i lift him in his way.

Does not work too well in the jealousy and power struggles that happen from time to time in virtually all churches.

I also do not agree with dynastical churches, they tend to fall apart.
The crystal cathedral, etc.


Just as a humor note. I always chuckle when Christians get to trying to one up each other on who was the biggest sinner before they were saved.
Perhaps that is my problem I never sinnned enough? Was always a nice polite guy...

 

[Moonglow]

There is no Holy Ghost, the spirit lives after you die, many ghosts are here on Earth. But Christ is not a ghost, nor is God.

 

[uscitizen]

There is no Holy Ghost, the spirit lives after you die, many ghosts are here on Earth. But Christ is not a ghost, nor is God.

How do you know this?

btw I have never seen a ghost holy or not.

 

[Avatar4321]

Does not work too well in the jealousy and power struggles that happen from time to time in virtually all churches.

I also do not agree with dynastical churches, they tend to fall apart.
The crystal cathedral, etc.


Just as a humor note. I always chuckle when Christians get to trying to one up each other on who was the biggest sinner before they were saved.
Perhaps that is my problem I never sinnned enough? Was always a nice polite guy...

Ive never seen that before. Most people i know dont talk about their past sins. They are in the past.

 

[uscitizen]

Does not work too well in the jealousy and power struggles that happen from time to time in virtually all churches.

I also do not agree with dynastical churches, they tend to fall apart.
The crystal cathedral, etc.


Just as a humor note. I always chuckle when Christians get to trying to one up each other on who was the biggest sinner before they were saved.
Perhaps that is my problem I never sinnned enough? Was always a nice polite guy...

Ive never seen that before. Most people i know dont talk about their past sins. They are in the past.

Hmm AG does it, Many Methodists I have been around do it.
Maybe it is a Bible Belt thing?

 

[Avatar4321]

Does not work too well in the jealousy and power struggles that happen from time to time in virtually all churches.

I also do not agree with dynastical churches, they tend to fall apart.
The crystal cathedral, etc.


Just as a humor note. I always chuckle when Christians get to trying to one up each other on who was the biggest sinner before they were saved.
Perhaps that is my problem I never sinnned enough? Was always a nice polite guy...

Ive never seen that before. Most people i know dont talk about their past sins. They are in the past.

Hmm AG does it, Many Methodists I have been around do it.
Maybe it is a Bible Belt thing?

Could be. I dont understand being proud of your sins. if you are proud of them it doesnt sound like youve actually repented of them.

 

[uscitizen]

Ive never seen that before. Most people i know dont talk about their past sins. They are in the past.

Hmm AG does it, Many Methodists I have been around do it.
Maybe it is a Bible Belt thing?

Could be. I dont understand being proud of your sins. if you are proud of them it doesnt sound like youve actually repented of them.

I guess it is bragging rights like who lost the most weight among a bunch of dieting women?

And how much beind saved changed you?

Got me, I just get a chuckle out of it.
Gnite think I will go beddy bye.

 

[there4eyeM]

"Terrible how early christians were vandals and murderers."

I'm not in the religion, but the man, Jesus, was enlightened. If 'Christian' means 'little Christ', then most who call themselves this do not have the right. Using the name is not the same as living it.

Like a lot of names. 'Republican'. 'Democrat'. 'Socialist'. 'Fundamentalist'..........

 

[Borillar]

Prayer? this is dancing around with arms waving in the air wailing and such.

But strangely enough the church considered dancing a sin and going to movies, etc.
You would burn for that kind of behaviour.

I was brought up in the AG church too. When I was a child it all made a big impression on me until one time someone was speaking in tongues and then two people began to interpret, but the interpretations were different. From that point, I figured it was bullshit. It made me question a lot of other Church dogma as well.

Ahh you me and Sarah Palin

Heh, my cousin who is a pastor, thinks Palin is some kind of modern day Esther. She was all hyped about her when McCain picked her to be VP.

 

[uscitizen]

I was brought up in the AG church too. When I was a child it all made a big impression on me until one time someone was speaking in tongues and then two people began to interpret, but the interpretations were different. From that point, I figured it was bullshit. It made me question a lot of other Church dogma as well.

Ahh you me and Sarah Palin

Heh, my cousin who is a pastor, thinks Palin is some kind of modern day Esther. She was all hyped about her when McCain picked her to be VP.

Yeah I had an uncle who was an AG preacher. Preached in a different church than the one I grew up in though.
He died long before Palin but I remember his distress over the Jimmy Swaggart mess, who was also AG.

 

[Avatar4321]

I was brought up in the AG church too. When I was a child it all made a big impression on me until one time someone was speaking in tongues and then two people began to interpret, but the interpretations were different. From that point, I figured it was bullshit. It made me question a lot of other Church dogma as well.

Ahh you me and Sarah Palin

Heh, my cousin who is a pastor, thinks Palin is some kind of modern day Esther. She was all hyped about her when McCain picked her to be VP.

I never would have reached that conclusion