Does anyone know if he/she is around anymore?
Thanks. I love his/her work and was wondering if they would be finishing some stories or not. I say he/she but if I had to guess, I would probably pick he. Just the flow of the stories I pick up on. anyway, thank you for responding.
He is still alive, but he has found religion or married religion (ie. his wife is religious and ordered him to stop).
He is still alive, but he has found religion or married religion (ie. his wife is religious and ordered him to stop).
I wonder what odd religion she is to issue such an order. Obviously not a Christian, because nothing in his stories is against the teachings of Christ, but she may be one of those odd sects that don't follow the Bible, but a set of senior church leadership doctrinal orders instead of the Bible.
There's still a lot of people in this great land of ours that believe that sex should only be between married people, for the purpose of procreation, and not something to be talked about or flaunted in front of others. Unfortunately, there is not much one can do to change their mindset, except possibly on a one to one basis.
I take heart that there is starting to be a real backlash against probably the most vocal and public example of this mindset, the dear old Westboro Baptist Church. At least that's what they call themselves, but they are a long ways away from the teachings of even the strictest real Baptist churches. Hopefully one day soon we will see the same kind of push back against the other off the wall oddball sects. I'm not going to tell anyone what they must believe, and expect the same courtesy from them. I am compelled by my beliefs to share with them peaceably why I think they are wrong, but that is as far as I will go. I will also listen courteously if they wish to do the same. I don't know who said it, but I believe there is a quote running around that says we are each responsible for our own damnation, and we have no right to blame someone else for it.
There's still a lot of people in this great land of ours that believe that sex should only be between married people
I am not sure about other states - though think it applies in more than one - but think that oral sex may still be illegal in Utah, though it doesn't help clarify the situation when it is referred to legally as sodomy.
To be fair, the Westboro Baptists may not be any more radical than the Pilgrim Fathers were in their time, as they were kicked out of more than one European country for being religious troublemakers.
though it doesn't help clarify the situation when it is referred to legally as sodomy.
As a legal matter, sodomy has never referred specifically to anal sex. The legal definition of sodomy is any "unnatural" sex act. Anything other than tab A in slot B is sodomy.
For many of us (maybe 10%) "tab A into slut B" is an "unnatural" act, as they won't even consider that combination, preferring either tab B into slot A, slut A into slut B, or oral all the way.
I always love Christian leaders to proclaim "normality" is whatever I do, even when it's against the law where they reside or even in most of the world.
There's still a lot of people in this great land of ours that believe that sex should only be between married people, for the purpose of procreation, and not something to be talked about or flaunted in front of others. Unfortunately, there is not much one can do to change their mindset, except possibly on a one to one basis.
There's a lot of people in the world who claim to be Christians but refuse to follow the teachings of Christ, while they prefer to follow Church Doctrine that's in direct contravention of the Bible. They're the ones you speak of in the quote above. Sadly, they're a vocal group who bully others to do what they want.
There's a lot of people in the world who claim to be Christians but refuse to follow the teachings of Christ, while they prefer to follow Church Doctrine that's in direct contravention of the Bible.
Just about all of them (Christians in general & Evangelicals in particular) claim to follow their Christ, but cherry-pick parts of the Old Testament to justify their hatred and bigotry and ignore New Testament parts that they disagree with. Ever notice how they go into a sputtering rage when anyone suggests removing the 10 Commandments (Moses, not Jesus) from government buildings, yet nobody suggests putting up the Beatitudes? (Matt. 5:3-11) They all clamor to allow leading entire school classes or school assemblies in prayer in spite of Matt. 6:5-6, which says public prayer is wrong.
A saying attributed to Mahatma Gandhi (unverifiable) goes "I like your Christ. Your Christians, not so much. They are nothing like your Christ." Whether he said it or not, it is certainly an accurate observation.
I personally have witnessed (not only once) "people" killing people - because of different religion.
And not only one religion: some were claiming that they were christians, other muslims, third hindus, etc...
All of them had mouths full of their religion, but none were true believers. All were just wrapped minds and stupid idiots who do not know how to use little gray speck between their ears not even to wipe their arses (asses for you from wrong side of big pond).
All they have left behind them is smell of rotten flesh and burned houses/villages, and just more pain and hatred.
No religion should give you right to kill someone else just because he/she/it believes in other god or does not believe at all.
Never.
All were just wrapped minds
Did you mean warped? If not, what were their minds wrapped with, cellophane, aluminum foil, wrapping paper?
Did you mean warped?
Yes.
See what's happening when you let some SSCP (Smelly Spelling Checker Program) run your writing ?
I personally have witnessed (not only once) "people" killing people - because of different religion.
And not only one religion: some were claiming that they were christians, other muslims, third hindus, etc...
All of them had mouths full of their religion, but none were true believers.
You understate. What about Christians killing Christians ?
Examples: Pope Innocent III crusade to kill off all Christians in South West France who didn't accept him a head of their church and pay tithes to RC priests. (Tied in with this was the church ordered killing of all residents of Beziers to kill the very few Cathars there)
2nd example; the murder of Protestants in Great Britain by Catholics from Ireland
You understate. What about Christians killing Christians ?
Oh I don't understate. I have seen this too. And too many times. And with my own eyes.
Same fate - two version, too much blood - Roman catholic and Greek/Russian catholic.
But - have you seen something with your eyes (not on telly)? And, I'm not speaking about soldiers killing each other.
Have you had a chance to see a body of old woman in her seventies killed and dumped to pigs just because she was member of wrong religion?
Or children who did not even known what religion is murdered just because of "religion"?
When you see them with on your own eyes, then you may speak to me about understating.
But - have you seen something with your eyes (not on telly)? And, I'm not speaking about soldiers killing each other.
Yes, family. To be precise an aged widow
Sorry to hear that.
I was lucky - only one member of my extended fammiliy died from guns (seven of them managed to escape sure death minutes before other side entered their village to pillage and burn everything, but lost their homes and spent a year in my home before managed to bounce back...)
but cherry-pick parts of the Old Testament to justify their hatred and bigotry and ignore New Testament parts that they disagree with.
I think you'd enjoy the theological points I make in my story on same sex marriage. To a Christian following the teachings of Christ and not the false doctrine issued by past church leaders to gain power, there are only 2 commandments listed in the Bible.
https://storiesonline.net/s/11815/same-sex-marriage-d-eb-acle
To a Christian following the teachings of Christ and not the false doctrine issued by past church leaders to gain power, there are only 2 commandments listed in the Bible.
Of all the words attributed to Christ, (whom I do not believe was any single historical figure) There is not one word about homosexuality or gay marriage. There are three references in later writings by followers, but none of those writers ever met Jesus in person, or even were alive yet in his time.
Of all the words attributed to Christ, (whom I do not believe was any single historical figure) There is not one word about homosexuality or gay marriage. There are three references in later writings by followers, but none of those writers ever met Jesus in person, or even were alive yet in his time.
Of all the Jewish people mentioned in the Bible Herod and Jesus are the only two they can find confirmed information of in the Roman records. Jesus never said anything on same sex relationships, all of that is in the Old testament. However, the 3 cardinal doctrine points Jesus gave were the 2 great commandments of love God and to love they neighbor and to Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and to give unto God that which is God's. Thus the church shouldn't stick it's nose in to the government at all. As I say in the story, the church should have nothing to do with the government marriage laws or ceremonies, and should just stick to the religious marriage rites that have nothing to do with the government.
Of all the Jewish people mentioned in the Bible Herod and Jesus are the only two they can find confirmed information of in the Roman records.
And the written mentions of Jesus were put down around 80 years after the fact and are 2nd or 3rd hand retellings, at least. Nothing at all from the period of history he was supposedly walking the earth.
All of it convinced me decades ago that The Goat Herders Guide to Life, the Universe & Everything is a total fabrication - Old & New Testaments.
And the written mentions of Jesus were put down around 80 years after the fact and are 2nd or 3rd hand retellings, at least. Nothing at all from the period of history he was supposedly walking the earth.
From the research work I've read the records they mention were contemporary with when Jesus was wandering around as an adult.
However, the real issue is the book known as the Holy Bible is supposed to be the doctrinal source for Christians, yet most of the major churches that claim to be Christian have very little of their actual doctrine derived from what is attributed to Jesus in the Bible. Most of their doctrine is edicts issued by past church leaders to increase their power base and influence.
From the research work I've read the records they mention were contemporary with when Jesus was wandering around as an adult.
That's not consistent with everything I've read. I've been interested in the subject of the existence (or not) of a historical Jesus for about 50 years. I'd be interested in reading your sources.
That's not consistent with everything I've read. I've been interested in the subject of the existence (or not) of a historical Jesus for about 50 years. I'd be interested in reading your sources.
I had a similar interest for about as long. I have a huge list of research records etc that's on the computer the Gestapo took 2 years ago and still have. The only significant source I can remember was the author Gordon Strachan because his name sticks in my mind, but without all the notes I made over the years I can't be sure if the source records were listed amongst his books or not.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Strachan_(minister)
And the written mentions of Jesus were put down around 80 years after the fact and are 2nd or 3rd hand retellings, at least. Nothing at all from the period of history he was supposedly walking the earth.
There was a supposition, floated several years ago in a well-regarded book, complete with a lot of circumstantial evidence, that "Christianity" was actually 'invented' by a single Jewish Scholar working for the Romans (he was married, I believe, to the Roman Emperor's family). In essence, it was a way to denigrating the Jews they were at war with, and controlling the population.
And the written mentions of Jesus were put down around 80 years after the fact and are 2nd or 3rd hand retellings, at least. Nothing at all from the period of history he was supposedly walking the earth.
The thing to remember is that the oral tradition of story telling was still alive and well at that time. Most of those who were later credited with writing the books of the New Testament were of an age with Jesus, and shared their recollections of His life and ministry with those around them. If I remember correctly, most of those writings are credited with coming from around 40AD to 60AD, with Revelations being the last at around the 80AD number.
And of course, I would be remiss in my faith if I did not include this passage:
2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)
[21] For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
And before anyone jumps me - the principle of inerrancy states that the original writings were inspired of God and therefore inerrant, but acknowledges that any copies made were done by men, and were subject to errors in transcription and translation. Which is why bible scholars have such a fun time trying to reconcile different versions of the same writings.
The thing to remember is that the oral tradition of story telling was still alive and well at that time. Most of those who were later credited with writing the books of the New Testament were of an age with Jesus, and shared their recollections of His life and ministry with those around them.
Ain't it amazing how similar his life was to earlier religious figures, god & demigods? {/sarcasm}
the principle of inerrancy states that the original writings were inspired of God and therefore inerrant
Sort of like all the current movies and TV shows which are inspired by true events, written in an age where it ain't difficult to conduct research, interview witnesses and determine the real from the fanciful.
in an age where it ain't difficult to conduct research, interview witnesses and determine the real from the fanciful.
As technology improves, it also becomes easier to construct ever more convincing fakes.
One of the most interesting takes I've heard on the conspiracy theory that the Moon landing was faked was from an expert in video equipment. His opinion was that given the state of the art in video cameras during the Apollo missions, a convincing hoax would have been more difficult and more expensive than actually going to the moon.
One of the most interesting takes I've heard on the conspiracy theory that the Moon landing was faked was from an expert in video equipment. His opinion was that given the state of the art in video cameras during the Apollo missions, a convincing hoax would have been more difficult and more expensive than actually going to the moon.
I saw an entry on Facebook that said the moon landings were fakes, and were directed by John Cameron. But they were very expensive because he insisted they be filmed on location.
There's a lot of people in the world who claim to be Christians but refuse to follow the teachings of Christ, while they prefer to follow Church Doctrine that's in direct contravention of the Bible. They're the ones you speak of in the quote above. Sadly, they're a vocal group who bully others to do what they want.
I think sadly that holds true for just about all religions. More killing has been done in the name of god than almost any other reason. Its almost like the religion (regardless of form) gives the killers the excuse for their actions. I think that holds true for all faiths not just Christianity. In all of my reading that all religions basically teach the same basics. Very few if any stress violence towards others.
I think that holds true for all faiths not just Christianity.
All except for Zen Buddhism (at least i don't know of any Zen wars).
Sounds like a great series name "Zen Wars!"
There's a lot of people in the world who claim to be Christians but refuse to follow the teachings of Christ, while they prefer to follow Church Doctrine that's in direct contravention of the Bible.
Sadly, the Westboro Baptists are anything but Christian in their temperament (they're not much into forgiveness, 'turning the other cheek' or 'judge, lest ye not be judged', as their main claim-to-fame is protesting funeral shouting profanities at the mourners. They're also protest schools, shouting anti-gay slogans (they visited out tiny community, and everyone ignored them).
There is no law prohibiting anybody from starting a "Baptist" church. You could start your own Baptist church and REQUIRE sex outside marriage - and it would be a Real Baptist Church
There is no law prohibiting anybody from starting a "Baptist" church. You could start your own Baptist church and REQUIRE sex outside marriage - and it would be a Real Baptist Church
Yeah, but I wouldn't expect to much fellowship with the other Baptist congregations.
Yeah, but I wouldn't expect to much fellowship with the other Baptist congregations.
They would probably get along as long as they prohibited dancing...
Thirteen states' statutes purport to ban all forms of sodomy, some including oral intercourse, regardless of the participants' genders: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah.
Sodomy laws in the United States - Wikipedia
Most people who call themselves Christian seem to have forgotten these verses. Jesus came to fulfill all the requirements given in the Old Testament, and replaced them with the following.
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
[37] Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
At one time I was studying to become a Pastor. As such I took a lot of theology classes. We were taught that the Old Testament had two uses - A history of the people of God, and a reminder of how easy it is to fall away. If you think about it, every commandment in the Old Testament can be found in those two statements.
I'm not trying to preach, and I'm not trying to convert anyone. I am just sharing the things I have learned over the years and when I studied these things much deeper than most Christians ever do.
Go to you tube and listen and watch the late great Christopher Hitchens rip apart every religion ever invented by man - they haven't got a leg to stand on.
One of his best put downs - " When you see a new born baby, what do you think? How beautiful !! or pass me the sharpened stone knife so that I can mutilate its genetalia in the name of the lord !
Circumcision was given as a way of fostering community among the Old Testament believers. It was something that non-believers didn't do. As such, it can be looked at as kind of a rite of passage of the time. If you read the book of Acts, it tells where Peter and Paul had a strong disagreement over whether or not the new converts to Christianity were also being converted to Judaism, and as such had to follow all the Old Testament rules. Paul showed the so-called Judaizers that they were wrong and that being a Christian only required following the two statements I quoted before.