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Post by captainusa1 on Apr 12, 2005 23:36:05 GMT -5
You're right, Springa. This isn't a contest. I boxed back in the day, so I can be combative and competitive at times. I'm better than I was, though.  You made some good points. We probably agree on certain issues. Our main disagreement concerns whether or not the Catholic Church should change its position on birth control. I understand why it seems like they're being intractable on this issue, but they believe that God opposes birth control. That's their position on the issue. You and I may disagree with them, but it wouldn't be fair to expect them to change their beliefs. Distributing condoms would be the same thing as promoting sin in their eyes. That's the main reason that I think that their position should be defended. You misunderstood my point about the failure rate of condoms and education in preventing deaths. I was referring to the terrible situation in Africa. Thousands of Africans continue to engage in dangerous sexual behavior even though they know that this is like playing Russian roulette. They're willing to take the risks. Information about safer sex should be distributed, but it's useless if people ignore it. It's the individual's fault if they refuse to heed the warnings. BTW, abstinence is emphasized in Uganda, and their mortality rate has been greatly decreased. |
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Post by molika on Apr 13, 2005 9:01:57 GMT -5
Such a diplomat Vela! It's not really about what I do, but about faith. In any case, I will relent since you do not want to speak about this subject. |
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Post by vela on Apr 13, 2005 10:45:30 GMT -5
Such a diplomat Vela! It's not really about what I do, but about faith. In any case, I will relent since you do not want to speak about this subject. Sorry if I gave you that impression. What I said I meant sincerely, not in a diplomatic way. It was obvious to me by your reply that there seems to be no confusion on your mind regarding the path that you want to follow. When I addressed my first question to you I did it because I noticed in your message an uncommon juxtaposition of your individual beliefs in contrast to what you called religion. So, I was curious as to how your arguments as an individual were so similar, almost identical, to the arguments we usually hear from "human invented" religions based on the bible. It is very likely that you'll agree that discussing about Faith is a delicate matter. A person's faith, (not the definition of the word "faith" itself), is not a static entity; it is something dynamic; it can grow; it can shrink; it can transform; it can break; etc. And for religious persons, it is always faith that serves to draw a dividing line between those that we tend to accept as our own and those that we reject as outsiders. This polarizing effect is inextricably linked to all "faith religions". In order to fulfill the commandment given to go and convert all the world, such religions must grow at the expense of unbelievers or believers of other faiths. So when you have more than one "faith religion" clashes are inevitable. As important as faith is or can be, I say that all creatures of an Almighty God should constantly strive to do more than simply believe. Wouldn't He be more pleased if you as a divine child would empower yourself with the Living Word and "play it by ear", from your heart, instead of trying to justify your every act with an unending litany of scriptural quotations? |
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Post by molika on Apr 13, 2005 12:49:35 GMT -5
You have an incredible way with words, Vela. You must be a writer. Thanks for clarifying what you meant by your former post.
I do agree faith is a very delicate matter.
It is more than simply believing, I will try to explain.
As a highly perceptive person you have noticed there are many religions ‘based’ on the bible that claim the very same things, however, there is one thing that clearly differentiates this sort of ‘religious world view’ from what is stated in the bible. This is the very topic you gravitated to, good works.
Let me illustrate what I mean. The ten commandments say murder is a sin. God’s penalty for sin is death. When Jesus walked this earth he told us that if a person has hate in his heart for his brother he has murdered him in his heart. Can you live up to that standard? I know I can’t. Breaking one commandment equals death. So what can I do?
This is where I realize my need for repentance and redemption. A truly repentant heart does good works because the weight of conviction on his heart outweighs any desire to sin. The bible says believe, repent and therefore do good works. The only way God will hear my petition is through Christ, the only way I can truly do good works is through Christ.
I think you share a general misconception most people have about faith. Of course I must do more than believe as I explained above, but what I can’t do is good works alone.
Yes, the Living Word does empower me as you say. This Living Word has power; it is God’s Word. I think God would be offended if I didn’t try to quote Him as much as possible. After all, He is the author and the finisher; none of this is about me.
I don’t expect you to understand me Vela, but I do appreciate you taking the time to have this discourse.
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Post by vela on Apr 13, 2005 14:26:09 GMT -5
Oh, how I long for the day when I'm sure you'll remember that, Molika.  |
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Post by molika on Apr 14, 2005 14:28:51 GMT -5
I cannot forget. That is my prayer.
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Post by OdinofOssetia on Jun 17, 2005 14:22:32 GMT -5
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