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cynic said:
Again, it's been over two decades since I noticed it, but there are two distinctly different accounts of Judas' death and the reasons behind the purchase and naming of the "field of blood". If memory serves me correctly, one account was given by Peter and the other by John.
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Cynic, thank you. I found it. :)

Matthew 27:5
And he [Judas] cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Acts 1:18
Now this man [Judas] purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Explanation here: http://www.tektonics.org/gk/judasdeath.php
 
Tink said:
Well done for expressing your views, Chris, food for thought for many, and the good thing about this thread.
Btw, thanks burglar and cynic for the comments at the start..

Religion and Science to me are both important, and both play a major role in working together. They come from different angles, but both provide plenty in society.

I like to see the balance of both.
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Hi Tink,

I'm not afraid of offending a few of those posting in religious threads,
I am not here to make friends!

I see that you have a "Fox Terrier" mindset.
I hope you have the resilience to withstand the onslaught.

If you have not already figured, my mum passed away recently.
For the first time in my life, I can express myself clearly and unashamedly.

I mean no harm to any living creatures.
Don't know why I needed to say any of that?!
 
Hi burglar,

I am not quite sure what you are telling me, but whatever comes along, I can deal with it.

Sorry to hear about your mum, but glad that you can express yourself openly.

I think we should all be entitled to say what we think, thats what we are here for :)
 
I am of the belief that the message that Christ delivered is what is important! If the fruit is good then one can have confidence in the tree that produced it!

Other cultures throughout history have received synonymous messages of truth (good fruit) from their own teachers. Monopolisation of the truth is not only unnecessary, it is contrary to my understanding of Jesus' key teachings!

Some of the posts in this thread offer interesting examples of how easily one can rationalise a myriad of personal opinions. It should now be evident that an ardent scholar can easily construct plausible rationalisations to support a broad spectrum of conflicting viewpoints on the Christian teachings!
This is why I believe it is important to acknowledge one's own capacity for error when attempting to interpret the meaning of such texts!

Debates pertaining to "infallible" doctrine and/or monopolisation of truth, tend to distract from Jesus' message. Arrogant claims of having chosen the only infallible belief system are tantamount to the judging of all other belief systems as false and, as such, tend to provoke inimical and derogatory responses.

Some cultures believe that one's illusory belief in superiority over others is a trick that evil intelligences use to lead people astray.

"I know I am right! So therefore you are wrong! Therefore, it is okay for me to disrespect you! By the way, you are not a victim here because I am oppressing you for your own good! I know that's what God/Science/Logic wants me to do!"

Do these sentiments sound familiar?

I know some will recognise these attitudes in others whilst failing to acknowledge ownership of same.
One need only ask oneself: "Am I truly infallible?". (An honest answer to this question can reasonably be expected to reveal one's personal capacity for error!)

P.S. I know myself to be so incredibly capable that I am actually capable of incredible errors!
 
All people are entitled to their thoughts and experiences, and we don't all have the same.

Sadly, some people need to get personal, which does absolutely nothing in the discussion.
 
Some thoughts.
I appreciate your posts :xyxthumbs
These are all friendly (but direct) responses.

cynic said:
I am of the belief that the message that Christ delivered is what is important! If the fruit is good then one can have confidence in the tree that produced it!
The main purpose of his message was repentance for sins and that he was going to do for the sins of the world and those who accepted him as the Son of God could accept this free gift of salvation. His claims were are clear.
Doing "good things" is obviously what he taught too, as many other cultures do. However, if he is the Son of God, then he is the one I will listen to about origin, purpose and life after death. Anyone who dies and rises again deserves my attention above all others.

Other cultures throughout history have received synonymous messages of truth (good fruit) from their own teachers. Monopolisation of the truth is not only unnecessary, it is contrary to my understanding of Jesus' key teachings!
Truth by definition is exclusive.
Two or more belief systems cannot all be correct (only parts can be). Either 1 or none are correct.
It's the same with the correct answer on an exam paper.
This doesn't give us a reason to start wars over it.


Some of the posts in this thread offer interesting examples of how easily one can rationalise a myriad of personal opinions. It should now be evident that an ardent scholar can easily construct plausible rationalisations to support a broad spectrum of conflicting viewpoints on the Christian teachings!
This is why I believe it is important to acknowledge one's own capacity for error when attempting to interpret the meaning of such texts!
You have to interpret the text in the same way as any other historical text.
Who did Jesus say he was?
What did he teach?
What is the historical evidence for the resurrection?
If someone is going to apply some metaphysical interpretation to the text and deny that Jesus claimed to be the son of God, and deny that he died and rose from the dead (despite evidence) then I can't stop them. But I certainly won't view every interpretation as equally valid. Rubbish.
People can make up all sorts of meanings but what Jesus stated and did is clear.


Debates pertaining to "infallible" doctrine and/or monopolisation of truth, tend to distract from Jesus' message. Arrogant claims of having chosen the only infallible belief system are tantamount to the judging of all other belief systems as false and, as such, tend to provoke inimical and derogatory responses.

Some cultures believe that one's illusory belief in superiority over others is a trick that evil intelligences use to lead people astray.

"I know I am right! So therefore you are wrong! Therefore, it is okay for me to disrespect you! By the way, you are not a victim here because I am oppressing you for your own good! I know that's what God/Science/Logic wants me to do!"

I think it's ridiculous to claim that the Bible is infallible because I say so.
To the contrary I encourage you to look at is as simply an historic text.
Look at the evidence for Christ's life, death and resurrection.
Be objective and honest in your review of the evidence.
Go WHEREVER the evidence leads you.

Also interesting to note that anyone who follows Christ will not hate or disrespect anyone.
We can disagree (like maybe we are doing now), but there is no excuse to hate or disrespect, and anyone who does it not following Christ's teachings, but their own teachings.

There is nothing wrong with looking at the evidence and believing I am right simply based on that.
That is not arrogant.
What is wrong is using that belief system for personal superiority and control.

Do these sentiments sound familiar?

I know some will recognise these attitudes in others whilst failing to acknowledge ownership of same.
One need only ask oneself: "Am I truly infallible?". (An honest answer to this question can reasonably be expected to reveal one's personal capacity for error!)

P.S. I know myself to be so incredibly capable that I am actually capable of incredible errors!
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‘Fake Snow’ Reported In Multiple States?

The surprise storm that has largely crippled the southeastern US has generated a buzz online as people post videos of the snow’s weird characteristics.

There is no doubt in many minds, that there is some sort of geo-engineering going on across the Nation, and around the world.

What we do not know, is the specifics behind it, and what the purpose is.

We do know however, that the strongest weapon any military could posses is one that can manipulate the weather at will.

People all across the country have recently began posting videos, and photo’s, of snow that will not melt.
Some people are even reporting that the snow has a strange odor, like chemicals.

Is the snow natural, or the result of a Geo-Engineered or HARRP attack?



As the conspirators say - SNOW DOESN'T ACT LIKE THAT...

http://www.adguk-blog.com/2014/01/fake-snow-reported-in-multiple-states.html?m=1

The truth......

Debunked: Fake Snow, Burning Snow

https://www.metabunk.org/threads/debunked-fake-snow-burning-snow.3026/
 
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My concern, which I know has been brought up in a few threads, is the distribution of drugs for every little thing, rather than working through things spiritually, with some cases.

We seem to be turning to drugs for every little emotion, rather than working through things.

This is where I can see the balance in the two is a good thing also.

Just my thoughts..
 
Tink said:
My concern, which I know has been brought up in a few threads, is the distribution of drugs for every little thing, rather than working through things spiritually, with some cases. We seem to be turning to drugs for every little emotion, rather than working through things. This is where I can see the balance in the two is a good thing also. Just my thoughts..
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This society is all about bandaid solutions in many areas.

People don't want to put in the work that is required to overcome certain issues so they look for a quick fix.

Obviously the severity of cases vary and there are times when medication may be beneficial or even necessary. But it should be the exception and not the rule. The last resort.
 
pavilion103 said:
The main purpose of his message was repentance for sins and that he was going to do for the sins of the world and those who accepted him as the Son of God could accept this free gift of salvation. His claims were are clear. Doing "good things" is obviously what he taught too, as many other cultures do. However, if he is the Son of God, then he is the one I will listen to about origin, purpose and life after death. Anyone who dies and rises again deserves my attention above all others.
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Jesus was not the "Son of God" he only claimed (by some interpretations) to be. This is not established fact but myth. The notion that some degree or level of belief in a fantastic claim qualifies one for a free ticket to eternal servitude in an imaginary paradise is absurd nonsense. There is NO evidence for resurrection period. The so called accounts of such in the Bible, embraced by Christians as fact (incredibly), are untrustworthy and unreliable in the extreme.

Jesus, like many before and after him, had a delusional messiah complex. His teachings on the afterlife must be seen in this context, they are a fiction used to assert moral and heavenly authority over his followers.

Truth by definition is exclusive. Two or more belief systems cannot all be correct (only parts can be). Either 1 or none are correct. It's the same with the correct answer on an exam paper. This doesn't give us a reason to start wars over it.
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This is a misnomer frequently rolled out by Christians. Truth is by definition "a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle..." As such the term "truth" can't be applied to the core claims of Christian doctrine since none of this fantastic mythology can either be verified or claim to be indisputable fact. All human religion at its core is just myth and legend when it comes to invented deities, one or many matters not.

You have to interpret the text in the same way as any other historical text.
Who did Jesus say he was?
What did he teach?
What is the historical evidence for the resurrection?
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Jesus' claims about who he was are much less important than the proof or evidence put forward in support of such claims and there is no proof or evidence he was the "Son of God" placed on Earth by virgin birth to redeem the original sin of an imaginary Adam and Eve (the claimed progenitors of all humankind, except for Neanderthals and other humanoid forms that don't closely resemble modern humans in the fossil record because they immediately discredit the Genesis account.)

There is no verifiable or historically accurate evidence for resurrection period. I have investigated this thoroughly over the years and concluded it's just part of the tapestry of fraud put forth as fact in Christian mythology.

Go WHEREVER the evidence leads you.
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Exactly, and since there is nothing more than conflicting anecdotal evidence in iron-age scrolls (written and rewritten many years after events in most cases) for what Christian's believe then one should look elsewhere for explanations of existence and origins.

Also interesting to note that anyone who follows Christ will not hate or disrespect anyone.
We can disagree (like maybe we are doing now), but there is no excuse to hate or disrespect, and anyone who does it not following Christ's teachings, but their own teachings.
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Disrespect only has relevance in the context of something that otherwise deserves respect. Religious mythology is undeserving of respect with regard to unverifiable fantastic and incredible claims about origins and eternity, moral superiority and the inerrancy of any particular magic book or collections thereof.

Religious fantasy is a product of human imagination and when acknowledged as such leads to no conflict. However, when asserted as absolute truth with eternal consequences for disbelief it becomes a tool for manipulation and control that turns otherwise free thinking humans into obedient drones, willingly enslaved by religious dogma in the vain hope of obtaining some form of eternal life and salvation from an imaginary hell. Not only is such belief not to be respected, it must be challenged as a fraud and exposed as such.
 
I could easily respond to all of that but it is clear that you are angry with God for not existing!
This is a heart issue not a head issue. Personal swipes are embarrassing.

Anyone who says there is no evidence for the resurrection is delusional. There is so much evidence that intellectual minds have gone out to disprove it and become Christians!!!! That at least suggests some evidence haha, if not an abundance.

I am happy to discuss these things with people, but you are simply a troll. An extremely ignorant one at that! If your facts were as strong as your emotion I would enter into a proper discussion.
 
Something very ironic is that everything you have stated is merely opinion. The thoughts invented in a human mind.
 
pavilion103 said:
I could easily respond to all of that but it is clear that you are angry with God for not existing!
This is a heart issue not a head issue. Personal swipes are embarrassing.

Anyone who says there is no evidence for the resurrection is delusional. There is so much evidence that intellectual minds have gone out to disprove it and become Christians!!!! That at least suggests some evidence haha, if not an abundance.

I am happy to discuss these things with people, but you are simply a troll. An extremely ignorant one at that! If your facts were as strong as your emotion I would enter into a proper discussion.
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Such an arrogant, dismissive and frankly childish reply is more indicative of your anger not mine. How can one be angry with an imaginary deity?

With respect to "facts", I am asking for evidence while you're asserting supernatural fiction as fact. Asserting ignorance is an uninformed claim, I am happy to match my understanding of scripture to yours at any time. I think you would discover I am well versed in Christian mythology and argument having studied it for years.

Keep in mind that my comments are not really directed at you since I consider that you're hopelessly steeped in religious dogma and Christian myth. My comments are directed at those who have a more balanced view on the subject and are perhaps undecided about religion and where to lean.

I have encountered so many like you over the years. Practically everything you have written in these threads are themes and arguments I've heard preached from the pulpit, regurgitated, repeated and repackaged by Christian drones time and time again. It's the same silly, illogical and emotive arguments used as a blueprint by Christians to defend the faith. Nothing original or insightful just the same old faith based arguments invoking scripture as the final backstop. Why not surprise everyone here with an argument that isn't faith based or relies on the veracity of claims in a magic book that can't be verified.
 
I think these religious threads are hysterical. Watching supposedly sane (perhaps we need to redefine insanity) people jump through hoops to try and convince others that their version of sorcery is the true and correct version is just fantastic. :xyxthumbs

My favourite howler is taking the Bible as fact.
 
I will have to find some time to provide evidence for the resurrection. Although I am thinking maybe it is a waste of time as you're conditioning seems to be clouding your ability to converse without insults or objectivity.

The most dismissive and ridiculous comment is "no evidence for the resurrection". If you have genuinely researched it as you claim you would have certainly come across it. This is why I would question the research you have done if you have not discovered something as basic and fundamental as this through historic research. Staggering.

What is most ridiculous is that often the same people that provide posts like the couple above hold to macro evolution as fact! And the atheistic world view! When it is a completely unscientific theory. Then if start at the beginning and ask "give me one scientific example of something coming from nothing" and they can't. Same with life from non life, genetic information increasing etc.
And with zero scientific evidence brand it as fact. Yet dismiss the scientific and historic evidence that points to firstly, a God, and secondly, the Christian God!
 
An a separate note for some of the others.

The greatest evidence for faith healing I saw in 2010. I haven't shared it on here I don't think.

At my church we had a well known healer from India. A guy that I personally know had a broken leg. He had crutches and went up for healing.
The next day he came back able to walk (and jumped on his leg). He went to the doctors who could not explain what happened. The crack in the bone was restored.

No doubt some people will somehow try to automatically dismiss the supernatural and desperately find an alternate solution (sorry none exists) or maybe even try and discredit me as a liar as a diversion. I'm not sure most even realize that this sort of stuff actually does happen!

I've read many well documented cases supported by eye witnesses eg Azusa Street Revival, Smith Wigglesworth etc... but to see this first hand was amazing.
 
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