NationStates Jolt Archive

Greeting from the Community of The White-Robed Monks!

Just about a year ago I posted the first 'The Wise One Will Answer'. It was mildly successful, and so here is version II.

The concept is simple: got a question.....get an answer. Ask just about anything you like. Just be aware that I am not an 'Ann Landers' type advice columnist. If you have problems with your girlfriend or boyfriend, go watch Oprah or Dr. Phil.

If you want to know about the mysteries of the universe......well, I'll do the best I can.

regards,

Abbot Mencius Merton

If God is loving, and loves his children, but abhors non-believers, then why is it more people die in intense religious countries than ones known for wide spread Athiesm?

Why is it that nations here are so quick to go to war, even against nations they've only just met?

If God is loving, and loves his children, but abhors non-believers, then why is it more people die in intense religious countries than ones known for wide spread Athiesm?

God is not only loving, He is Love. He doesn't abhor non-believers. "For God so loved the WORLD, that He gave His only begotten Son..." If your'e a warm body, youv'e got God's love all over you. I had a friend who told me that he didn't believe in God. I told him, " That's OK, He believes in YOU."

There is more death in "religious" nations because a majority has taken control, and they seek to impose their views on all people, no matter thier personal faith. The word 'religion' can be divided into two parts, 're-", which means "to do again", and the Latin word " ligios", which means " bound, to bind". So, we can say that the word 'religion' means " a return to bondage." If your'e a stiff, legalistic, 'I'm right and your'e wrong' type of person when it comes to the things of God, then your'e religious. If you want to be truly free, develop a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. He's there...and He'll listen.

Why is it that nations here are so quick to go to war, even against nations they've only just met?


Personally, I think it's because most of the players on NS are guys. And guys don't want to talk....they want action. If killing an opponent will get them what they want, well then they'll go to war to get what they want.

Funny how the history of the planet in RL mirrors NS history.

1: What is the French word for "bouquet"?

2: Was dead reckoning ever alive?

3: How do you know when to tune bagpipes?

4: Where do people turn back to, before the drawing board was invented?

1: What is the French word for "bouquet"?

2: Was dead reckoning ever alive?

3: How do you know when to tune bagpipes?

4: Where do people turn back to, before the drawing board was invented?


1. bouquet

2. yes

3. when they sound good to you

4. basics

Who's more brainwashed (or not): Atheists or Theists?

Who's more brainwashed (or not): Atheists or Theists?


Both could be considered equally brainwashed. They both have a concept of God created by man.

Why do these n00bs come on this board and then declare n00b war on the world??? I've been on here less than a month and at least 5 have come by, maybe more.

And do you find abortion constitutional?

Why do these n00bs come on this board and then declare n00b war on the world??? I've been on here less than a month and at least 5 have come by, maybe more.

And do you find abortion constitutional?


1. Because, in my experience, theyr'e a bunch of immature kids who just want to fight.

2. Not only unconstitutional, but murder.

What is the purpose of life and why are we here?

What is the purpose of life and why are we here?


The purpose of life is to relate to and understand God, whatever your concept of God might be. We are here to do His will.

The purpose of life is to relate to and understand God, whatever your concept of God might be. We are here to do His will.

What is the purpose of life if there is no God in the end?

What is the purpose of life if there is no God in the end?


A man very much wiser than me once said that he would rather believe that there IS a God and die and find out that there isn't, than to believe that there is no God and die and find out that there is. What have you got to lose by believing that there is a God?

you seem very wise. from what religeon do you hark from?

Also which do you believe came first. chicken or egg.

A man very much wiser than me once said that he would rather believe that there IS a God and die and find out that there isn't, than to believe that there is no God and die and find out that there is. What have you got to lose by believing that there is a God?

I believe the exact quote is, "I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." By Albert Camus.

you seem very wise. from what religeon do you hark from?

Also which do you believe came first. chicken or egg.


I thoroughly dislike the term "Christianity" because of the negative connotations many people attach to it. I prefer "believer". I'm not a Methodist, a Presbyterian, nor a Catholic. I believe that Jesus Christ is THE Way, THE Truth, THE Life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It says what it means and it means what it says.

No, I am not a "knee-jerk" bible thumper. If God said it, that settles it.

The chicken came first.

I believe the exact quote is, "I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." By Albert Camus.


Ah, yes. Forgive me. I first heard it way back as a sophomore in high school, and over the years has morphed into something a bit different.

bump

Which wieghs more a pound of Bricks or a pound of feathes?

Which wieghs more a pound of Bricks or a pound of feathes?

Uh... are you serious? They are the same... (even I can answer that).

More questions from me...

1) Through what measures and means sparked the Terror in the French Revolution?

2) Can you give me any tips on how to make my storefront better besides having pics? (You can find it in my sig.)

Why is Judaism considered one of the primary religions of the world if they only account for .02% of the world's population?

Why is Judaism considered one of the primary religions of the world if they only account for .02% of the world's population?

((I hope The White-Robed Monks doesn't mind me giving my opinions on some of these. If you do, I will stop))

Because the other two world religions (Christianity and Islam) stemmed from it. Also, because it is the focal point of a major political situation in the Middle East.

Uh... are you serious? They are the same... (even I can answer that).


Thank you...

More questions from me...

1) Through what measures and means sparked the Terror in the French Revolution?

2) Can you give me any tips on how to make my storefront better besides having pics? (You can find it in my sig.)


1..Simply put, the road to hell is paved with the best of intentions.

2..My limited dealings with storefronts leads me to say that the simpler the description of the products offered, the more you will sell. Too much 'tech' jargon turns a lot of people off.

Why is Judaism considered one of the primary religions of the world if they only account for .02% of the world's population?


Because God Himself chose the Hebrew people to spread the Word of His great love. It's not WHO you are that matters, but WHOSE you are.

((I hope The White-Robed Monks doesn't mind me giving my opinions on some of these. If you do, I will stop))

Because the other two world religions (Christianity and Islam) stemmed from it. Also, because it is the focal point of a major political situation in the Middle East.


Hey, I haven't cornered the market on knowledge and wisdom. If anyone wants to throw their 2-cents in, go right ahead. :)

bump for more questions.

bump

Hell, I'll ask more, I'm always open for questioning.

Which is better in your mind, Capitalism, or Socialism? Right-wing plans, or left-wing?

And what type of government do you see as most effective?

Hell, I'll ask more, I'm always open for questioning.

Which is better in your mind, Capitalism, or Socialism? Right-wing plans, or left-wing?

And what type of government do you see as most effective?


Any government based on a monetary system is doomed from the start. It automatically creates division, i.e., what to do with the money of/from the citizens of a given nation. I believe it was Bruce Springsteen who said: " Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king, and the king 'aint satisfied til he rules everythiing."

If man would base his government on the Word of God, as we do in the Community, there would be little if any need for money. There are over 2.7 billion people in the Community of the White-Robed Monks. We are governed by an Abbot, currently myself. All citizens live in a communal/intentional setting.

Some communities are small, no more than a few hundred. Some settlements number in the millions. Approximately 600 million citizens live and work abroad, in the other nations of the Xeraphian Empire, and beyond.

Our approach is simple: if there is a situation that needs attention, each and every citizen votes on it, and the numerical majority prevails. The leadership is selected by the Father Abbot. The Father Abbot is selected according to his ( or in some cases her, in which case she becomes Mother Abbess ) knowledge concerning Godly civil governing, as well as other overall knowledge. Three final candidates are selected, the populace votes, and the chosen one is the one who receives the most votes. There is no representative government. Each citizen is individually responsible for keeping abreast of the state of the nation, and acting appropriately.

This guy's good. How about a question from your Emperor?


In your opinion, who was the greatest Stooge of all? Moe, Larry,Curly, or Shemp?

This guy's good. How about a question from your Emperor?


In your opinion, who was the greatest Stooge of all? Moe, Larry,Curly, or Shemp?

Hey what about the Other Brother...What was his name...ohhh yeah...Alaric wasn't it

This guy's good. How about a question from your Emperor?


In your opinion, who was the greatest Stooge of all? Moe, Larry,Curly, or Shemp?


Ah, the eternal question :rolleyes: Personally, I think it's a toss-up between Curly and Shemp.

Hey what about the Other Brother...What was his name...ohhh yeah...Alaric wasn't it


Even though your attempt at humor leaves something to be desired, I'm sure the Emperor won't cut your balls off for the remark..:p

This is fantastic... it's awesome to see someone standing up for God... and doing a great job of it too!

Keep it up. ;)

I agree 1000% on his/her standing up for God. I don't nessecarily agree with all that has been said, but I tip my hat to you Mr.White Robed Monks.

My Questions:

1.) Do you believe that a Communist Utopia is really a utopia?

2.) In a battle between Chuck Norris and yourself. Who would win?

This is fantastic... it's awesome to see someone standing up for God... and doing a great job of it too!

Keep it up. ;)

Thank you. God Bless You.

I agree 1000% on his/her standing up for God. I don't nessecarily agree with all that has been said, but I tip my hat to you Mr.White Robed Monks.

My Questions:

1.) Do you believe that a Communist Utopia is really a utopia?

2.) In a battle between Chuck Norris and yourself. Who would win?


No. Communism takes all sense of effort and creativity from the people by making them all equal economically. And, aside from Heaven, there can be no Utopia on earth, simply because there will always be one person who will screw it up.

Chuck Norris has a toupee. I have long hair, as did Samson. Draw your own analogy.

Abbot Mencius Merton

Any government based on a monetary system is doomed from the start. It automatically creates division, i.e., what to do with the money of/from the citizens of a given nation. I believe it was Bruce Springsteen who said: " Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king, and the king 'aint satisfied til he rules everythiing."

If man would base his government on the Word of God, as we do in the Community, there would be little if any need for money. There are over 2.7 billion people in the Community of the White-Robed Monks. We are governed by an Abbot, currently myself. All citizens live in a communal/intentional setting.

Some communities are small, no more than a few hundred. Some settlements number in the millions. Approximately 600 million citizens live and work abroad, in the other nations of the Xeraphian Empire, and beyond.

Our approach is simple: if there is a situation that needs attention, each and every citizen votes on it, and the numerical majority prevails. The leadership is selected by the Father Abbot. The Father Abbot is selected according to his ( or in some cases her, in which case she becomes Mother Abbess ) knowledge concerning Godly civil governing, as well as other overall knowledge. Three final candidates are selected, the populace votes, and the chosen one is the one who receives the most votes. There is no representative government. Each citizen is individually responsible for keeping abreast of the state of the nation, and acting appropriately.
That's probaly the best answer I've ever seen to that question...if there were more people like you in this world, we'd be a better community...Good job!

Anyway, I'll ask another.

Of the popes after Urban II, who issued the proclamation to launch the Crusades, who do you think has been the most accomplished Pope?

To be perfectly honest with you, I know very little about the Popes. Bascially, just what I read in the newspaper. Pope John XXIII had his Vatican II, which was a bold move back then, and Pope John-Paul II seemed to be a holy person.

I take it from your question that you are Roman Catholic. I am not. I do know a bit about the beliefs of the Catholic church, but that knowledge is limited to theology, not history.

Actually, I'm Presbyterian...just I know a lot about history.

A question, if I may:
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
Or, if you prefer, is television, in your opinion, on the whole good or bad? Further, has it gotten better or worse in your lifetime?

Which nation will come up to replace the United States as the top world power in the coming times, or will the US stay on top?

A question, if I may:
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
Or, if you prefer, is television, in your opinion, on the whole good or bad? Further, has it gotten better or worse in your lifetime?

None. Most descriptions of angels show them to be human size or greater.

Television programming is bad, not the machine itself. And it has definately gotten worse in the last 20 years.

Which nation will come up to replace the United States as the top world power in the coming times, or will the US stay on top?


The USA, I'm afraid to say, is in the self-destruct mode. The similarities between the fall of the Roman Empire and the current conditions in the US is astonishing. But....as bad as it may be, it is still the greatest nation on earth (RL). If/when it falls, all the rest will go down with it.

To attempt an answer to your question, Amazonian Beasts -
Eventually, the US is likely to fall behind somewhat. However, America's in good position to remain fairly strong, given its high tolerance for immigrants and its significant technological and military lead, along with the natural advantages of dominating a weak hemisphere and controlling a continent. We're not quite yet in full free-fall; things are rough, but the barbarians are not yet at the gates...

I'm not sure if India or China will surpass the US; however, they seem more likely to me than other contenders. Europe lost too many people in the world wars and cannot replace them with immigrants, who it can't properly integrate into its society, as an element of the cultures of most European nations is being from those nations. Japan has a smaller, but still extant, population problem; further, it's never had the natural resources to properly compete. Russia is still far behind, and doesn't really have the strength to make a run at returning to superpower status.

I always saw the US declining gradually, to a modern Italy or Britain level...and either someone like China or Japan taking the reigns, economic pwoerhouses rather than military.

Probably a modern Britain...

What do you think of the author Umberto Eco?

A question:

If everyone in a town attends church every day for mass or just plain simple church service or in the general sense attends some form of religious communion and listens to a preacher talk of the wonders of God from a book, do those people truly believe in God?

Don't think I've heard of him...unless you're asking WRM...

Probably a modern Britain...

What do you think of the author Umberto Eco?


Ah....the Name of the Rose. Splendid novel. And an admirable job was done on the movie. I honestly haven't read anything else by him.

You should try Foucault's Pendulum; it's quite good.

Who, in your mind, is the best poet in history?

Kay my question is..
If a man teaches a boy how to kill and only how to do evil and that boy goes out and kills thousands of people. Due to judicial law the boy was sent to jail while the man walked out free and in peace.

Who is more guilty the boy who does all evil or the man who teaches all evil yet never does evil himself and how should people work towards healing that boy...

A question:

If everyone in a town attends church every day for mass or just plain simple church service or in the general sense attends some form of religious communion and listens to a preacher talk of the wonders of God from a book, do those people truly believe in God?


Only God can look upon the heart. Some of the most outwardly pious men of history have been the worst whoremongers and murderers around. " They call Me Lord....but their hearts are far from me."

You should try Foucault's Pendulum; it's quite good.

Who, in your mind, is the best poet in history?


How can you judge something like that? It's not the poet that's important, but the poem. I'm a big fan of Khalil Gibran, but there are so many talented ( inspired? ) poets out there, I wouldn't know where to begin to look for "the best".

Here's a question...

How would society today best go around reversing the trends of raising the newer generations to be anti-faith, against working for achievements, and expecting everything be handed to them through life?

You should try Foucault's Pendulum; it's quite good.

Who, in your mind, is the best poet in history?


Y'know, come to think of it, I was in Borders a few years ago, and picked FP up and began to read. After about 20 pages or so, I just couldn't concentrate. I should pick it up now. Maybe I'm in a better frame of mind.

Perhaps I should rephrase my question; what poets do you particularly like?

Only God can look upon the heart. Some of the most outwardly pious men of history have been the worst whoremongers and murderers around. " They call Me Lord....but their hearts are far from me."

That's not answering the question. That's a statement that implies that you don't know the answer.

But let us stop with that question and pursue a different course, since I doubt that I will get an answer: What is this God that you call upon and say that only He should know what is on the mind?

Kay my question is..
If a man teaches a boy how to kill and only how to do evil and that boy goes out and kills thousands of people. Due to judicial law the boy was sent to jail while the man walked out free and in peace.

Who is more guilty the boy who does all evil or the man who teaches all evil yet never does evil himself and how should people work towards healing that boy...


First off, there's a difference between 'killing' and 'murder'. The Commandment, in the original language, says "Thou shalt not murder".

Secondly, what your'e describing is the difference civil guilt, and moral guilt. Yes, the boy committed these crimes, and must be punished (civil guilt). But he was trained to do this. The guy who trained him has moral guilt all over him.

The healing question would be a lengthy discussion, probably not fit for this forum. If you want to talk about it, contact me at zentzu@care2.com

Here's a question...

How would society today best go around reversing the trends of raising the newer generations to be anti-faith, against working for achievements, and expecting everything be handed to them through life?


By being able to recognise what is True, and what is false. Or put another way, what the difference is between Truth and Reality.

Thanks White, I'll probably contact you tommorow or some times if its okay...I'm suppose to be studying :rolleyes:

Perhaps I should rephrase my question; what poets do you particularly like?

Khalil Gibran, Rabindranath Tagore, Thomas Merton, St. Francis of Assisi, and just about any haiku.

That's not answering the question. That's a statement that implies that you don't know the answer.

But let us stop with that question and pursue a different course, since I doubt that I will get an answer: What is this God that you call upon and say that only He should know what is on the mind?


I imply nothing and answer to the best of my ability.

The Jews call Him YHWH. I call Him Jesus.

I imply nothing and answer to the best of my ability.

The Jews call Him YHWH. I call Him Jesus.

What is He? I didn't ask for a name.

What is He? I didn't ask for a name.


What He is and Who He is are one and the same thing. His Name is above all that is named.

If your'e asking me what, in the physical sense, He is, all I can tell you is that He is God, Creator of all. If your'e looking for a deep metaphysical discussion, I'm not interested. Discussing that which is Infinite is impossible in human language. I dislike theological discussions because theology is the art of taking the simple things of God and making them difficult.

What He is and Who He is are one and the same thing. His Name is above all that is named.

If your'e asking me what, in the physical sense, He is, all I can tell you is that He is God, Creator of all. If your'e looking for a deep metaphysical discussion, I'm not interested. Discussing that which is Infinite is impossible in human language. I dislike theological discussions because theology is the art of taking the simple things of God and making them difficult.

I think that it is quite an irony that you profess to be knowledgeable in theology, and yet you refuse to discuss it.

Perhaps you are right in saying that it is quite difficult to discuss the infinite in terms of the finite, but it strikes me odd that you have spent most of this thread in a total ridicule to the very ideal of God, using His name to explain things that you cannot clearly reveal to others whether you understand them enough to conjure a reply [your comments on other subjects don't fit into this category].

I beg to differ about your comment. True, what and who are the same thing, but if you were to point to a pencil - something that you have never seen before and of which you have no familiar concept - and ask me, "What is that?" and I replied, "That is a pencil," I really haven't answered the question. All that I have done was give it a name. Perhaps, if I were to reply "That is a pencil; an instrument with which one may press firmly on the sharp end and embed a marking, to create a form of writing - and if you press firmly on the marking with the flat, dull, rubbery side, the marking is removed from that surface. Granted, you should use a flat, porous surface on which you can use this instrument or else you might not achieve the result that you desire from it." And perhaps I could elaborate more and demonstrate what that pencil is.

Granted, I didn't expect an answer about God to be like the pencil, but I hope that you realize to what ends I ask. The truth I completely expected you to answer in the manner that you answered, in part because I doubt that you hold a sincere belief to God, that you would go about and publicly use it in vain. If you do, you certainly don't demonstrate it very well. So please stop this nonsense, unless you are willing to engage in eclectic discussion with a real intent to discuss. God is not a question/answer forum...

If I haven't said it bluntly, I take offense to this thread, using God's name and authority for entertainment value. If you are true to your words about what you profess to believe, this thread wouldn't exist, except by the will of someone who desires the conversation - to which then you oblige to offer guidance...

But go as you please. Test your thoughts on God and see how the people react to its intoxication. I tell you this: you make more blind people than you make free people.

Actually gods says this is our purpose in Genesis chapter 1 verse 28-31

God blessed them and said "be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it . rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

Then God said "I give every seed-bearing plant on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with a seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all to all the beast of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground everything that has the breath of life in it-O give every green plant for food." and it was so

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. and there was evening, and there was morning-the Sixth day.

our job is to look after the earth

I think that it is quite an irony that you profess to be knowledgeable in theology, and yet you refuse to discuss it.

Perhaps you are right in saying that it is quite difficult to discuss the infinite in terms of the finite, but it strikes me odd that you have spent most of this thread in a total ridicule to the very ideal of God, using His name to explain things that you cannot clearly reveal to others whether you understand them enough to conjure a reply [your comments on other subjects don't fit into this category].

I beg to differ about your comment. True, what and who are the same thing, but if you were to point to a pencil - something that you have never seen before and of which you have no familiar concept - and ask me, "What is that?" and I replied, "That is a pencil," I really haven't answered the question. All that I have done was give it a name. Perhaps, if I were to reply "That is a pencil; an instrument with which one may press firmly on the sharp end and embed a marking, to create a form of writing - and if you press firmly on the marking with the flat, dull, rubbery side, the marking is removed from that surface. Granted, you should use a flat, porous surface on which you can use this instrument or else you might not achieve the result that you desire from it." And perhaps I could elaborate more and demonstrate what that pencil is.

Granted, I didn't expect an answer about God to be like the pencil, but I hope that you realize to what ends I ask. The truth I completely expected you to answer in the manner that you answered, in part because I doubt that you hold a sincere belief to God, that you would go about and publicly use it in vain. If you do, you certainly don't demonstrate it very well. So please stop this nonsense, unless you are willing to engage in eclectic discussion with a real intent to discuss. God is not a question/answer forum...

If I haven't said it bluntly, I take offense to this thread, using God's name and authority for entertainment value. If you are true to your words about what you profess to believe, this thread wouldn't exist, except by the will of someone who desires the conversation - to which then you oblige to offer guidance...

But go as you please. Test your thoughts on God and see how the people react to its intoxication. I tell you this: you make more blind people than you make free people.


I was going to let this go, since it appears to me that you find enjoyment in argument. But there are a couple of points I will address.

First off, I didn't start this thread with the intent of it becoming a forum for the discussion of deity. Most people don't have either the interest or ability to go very deep in the things of God unless they are believers. So, if you consider this entertainment, and are offended by it, I apologise. I was simply trying to answer questions at a level that most people would readily understand them.

I do not like discussing theology with anyone because it is not only a volatile subject, but one that is of personal belief and resultant commitment. What you believe may be subtly or greatly different than what I believe. We are all entitled to believe in peace, without finger-pointing and anger being involved.

If I cannot clearly reveal to others the things of God, that is where faith comes in. " Faith is the evidence of things not seen..." Faith is also corresponding action to what you say you believe. There is nothing worse than trying to define God. If you define what He is, you are also defining what He isn't. You are putting God in a definitive box, limiting Him to your awareness of Him.

Your statement as to whether I have a sincere belief in God is a judgement based on your perception of what I said and how I said it, not the condition of my heart, which as previously stated, only God can see. " Do not judge, lest you be judged in like manner..."

Discussion of eclectic subjects is no longer part of my world. In my youth, I argued with the best of them, to no appreciable effect. Now, I simply believe.

If I've given the impression of using God for entertainment, it was not with any intended malice. I apologise if it offends you, but I will not stop speaking what I believe to be the Truth just because you don't like it.

I don't make anyone free....."Whom the SON sets free is free indeed...."

What do you see as the greatest invention in human history?

What do you see as the greatest invention in human history?


The printing press.

bumpeth

bump

Which ruler do you think was worse: Stalin or Hitler?

What is the sound of one hand clapping?

I was going to let this go, since it appears to me that you find enjoyment in argument. But there are a couple of points I will address.

A defense is most admirable.

First off, I didn't start this thread with the intent of it becoming a forum for the discussion of deity. Most people don't have either the interest or ability to go very deep in the things of God unless they are believers. So, if you consider this entertainment, and are offended by it, I apologise. I was simply trying to answer questions at a level that most people would readily understand them.

I understand. If your intention is not to engage in such discussion, then please plainly state it or otherwise suffer the penances of interpretation. I apologize for hastiness in interpretation.

I do not like discussing theology with anyone because it is not only a volatile subject, but one that is of personal belief and resultant commitment. What you believe may be subtly or greatly different than what I believe. We are all entitled to believe in peace, without finger-pointing and anger being involved.

If I cannot clearly reveal to others the things of God, that is where faith comes in. " Faith is the evidence of things not seen..." Faith is also corresponding action to what you say you believe. There is nothing worse than trying to define God. If you define what He is, you are also defining what He isn't. You are putting God in a definitive box, limiting Him to your awareness of Him.

Have you ever pondered about God, and what it is to exist as God? For is it not also true that through coming to know God, one comes to understand what one exists as?

Your statement as to whether I have a sincere belief in God is a judgement based on your perception of what I said and how I said it, not the condition of my heart, which as previously stated, only God can see. " Do not judge, lest you be judged in like manner..."

I judge no person for who they are; I judge their actions and discern the merit of those actions - the person, I do not judge.

Discussion of eclectic subjects is no longer part of my world. In my youth, I argued with the best of them, to no appreciable effect. Now, I simply believe.

Simply believing does little when in the argument of those who simply believe that there is no God. If it is a simple belief that you bear of God, then I would implore you to rethink your thoughts to be certain of His existence, for it is through this self-knowledge and the conversations that one fosters in communion to understand - if only minutely - the grandeur of God's existence. Simply believing is not enough for me, because I may know that God exists, but for the person who follows in the footsteps of Thomas, simply believing may not be enough for them.

If I've given the impression of using God for entertainment, it was not with any intended malice. I apologise if it offends you, but I will not stop speaking what I believe to be the Truth just because you don't like it.

It is not that I do not like the Truth that you speak; it is only the manner in which you are speaking it - in which case, you have already explained your reasoning behind the entire thread, so I again apologize for a hasty reaction.

I don't make anyone free....."Whom the SON sets free is free indeed...."

But again, if you must quote:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to dine wih him, and he with me." [Revelations 3:20].

Perhaps this quote, from an unknown contemplative/mystic of old, will sum up my position:

" And so I urge you, go after experience rather than knowledge. On account of pride, knowledge may often deceive you. But this gentle, loving affection will not deceive you. Knowledge tends to breed conceit, but love builds. Knowledge is full of labor, but love, full of rest."

Which ruler do you think was worse: Stalin or Hitler?


Hmmm...which is worse, cancer or leukemia?

What is the sound of one hand clapping?


Silence

Who wrote the works of Shakespeare?

I have it on good account that the majority of Shakespeare's works were written by Shakespeare.

bump

I've been looking over a few of the newer threads. Since it looks like there's going to be a massive war in the near future, I thought I'd try and answer some questions before everyone's dead....

I've been looking over a few of the newer threads. Since it looks like there's going to be a massive war in the near future, I thought I'd try and answer some questions before everyone's dead....