So, like, I'm this guy. And like, I do stuff...
Chemist, musician, artist, programmer, coach, husband, dad, uncle, etc.
So yeah.
Advice-wise? There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.
Website: Not My Site!
E-mail: sporkopolis2001@yahoo.com
Gender: Male
Occupation: Chemist
Age: 32
Member Since: October 16, 2003
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I'm atheist and i'm just curious what christians and creationists think about dinosaurs. like where they came from, when they lived, etc. Any christians ive asked about this just kind of avoid it (link)
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Well, most Catholics I know (myself included) don't have any issues with evolution - most priests I've talked to fail to see how evolution and the Bible can't coexist- it does help that we don't take the Bible as absolutely litteral, especially when you take horrible translations and lack of understanding of the early Hebrew languange... but anyway... the dinosaurs lived pretty much when we think they lived and were an essential stepping stone to arriving at us.
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What is the difference between them? I have decided to put my faith into one of them cause i know they both involve Jesus and the Bible but how are they different?do you go to hell for being one over the other? do they worship the same god? and where can i get a bible? also is it true that luthern is based off the bible. I have ruled out Catholic. Also is mastrubating a sin? I will rate 5's for decent help.
---former athiast (link)
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All Lutherans are Christian... not all Christians are Lutheran... Lutherans split from the Catholic church under their follower Martin Luther way back when.
The God of the Catholics is the same God of the Jews, Lutehrans, generic Christians, and any other faith descended from the Judeo-Christian family of religions.
Some old-school, closed minded thinking was that if someone didn't belong to your sect, they'd be going to hell. Since this meant that everyone was going to hell, people started to get their heads out of their asses and realize that was stupid to say that.
Masturbation is a matter of sexuality and some religions are rather strict about it, others less so.
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Does anyone know if the pendulum actually works? I just bought a pendulum workbook and kit at the bookstore.
I hold the pendulum over a board and ask it questions. It either answers yes or no by swinging in different directions.
What are good ways to test the pendulum? Someone told me to get a deck of playing cards and then ask whether the card was black or red.
It's not dangerous like the ouija board, is it?
(link)
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Things like the oiuja board, pendulums, etc... they do nothing - they are a form of entertainment - they are not actual forms of divination... just games.
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If God gives humanity purpose and meaning, what gives God purpose and meaning?
Is God meaningless and purposeless?! If so, wouldn't that mean that humans are just meaningless and purposeless, and that their "meaning" and "purpose" given by God is purely arbitrary? (link)
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See, we tend to think of God the same way we think of ourselves. God is not some person, waltzing about the store on Wednesday night during double-coupon madness... we cannot apply the same logic to God... it just doesn't work that way. It is difficult for us to fathom the concept of something being truly ultimate - a true pinnacle that has no higher thing than itself. We see things as infinite - time passing forever, space stretching outwards forever... but we fail to see infinity as a limitation to our understanding - instead it is our crutch to getting things to fit our observations. Yet we have these hints that there are things that we aren't able to observe and it throws our "laws" into chaos.
Purpose and meaning are what we find for ourselves. That line of thought cannot be applied outside the concept of our lives and our society. Perhaps it is simpler to say that God's purpose is to be God. God's purpose could also simply be what God did - make stuff.
Now, the purpose for people.. this actually gets complex, but less heady... I mean, for life to continue, you need more life... thus we have babies. That, in a sense, could be said to be our purpose. But doing that alone isn't enough... we formed societies and complex social interactions... so not only do we make babies, but we have expanded into the concept of trying to make our lives better - make life easy, more productive, conducive to creating stuff from the materials at hand. So it is arbitrary? Is it design? I mean, the world around us is happening and we can either live in it, or try to hide from it.
Anyway, that's enough late-night rambling... ;)
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Why do atheists have a problem with Christian's trying to spread their religon? They seem to always get so defensive and mean. It really bugs me because they can't have an open mind to what someone else says without flipping out. Like Christian religon says "help those who don't believe in God" or something, and the atheists just FLIP out. I've been open minded to many atheists I know and listen to what they say about it calmly without saying their opinions are dumb, but then when I mention my relgion, they say it's so stupid and get mad at me for talking about it.
Anyway, to sum it all up, you basically just need to read the first sentence. (link)
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Really, a lot of athiests don't care. It is just the zealous athiests who think that no one should believe in anything that raise such a fuss.
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do ouija boards really tell the truth or do ppl just make it up? (link)
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being that it is a game made by Milton Bradley, a subsidiary of Hasboro, the same company who brings you Transformers and Pokemon... well...
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Hey, you answered a question about the book in the bible Revelations about how each reflects the times during which it was written. Like Nero for revelations, and general dark times during David. I was wondering if you are a historian of some sorts? And if you had any more information of this nature about other texts or books in the bible? I think it's fascinating, I'm glad you mentioned it, and I've now incorporated your last quote into my own theories of life, the universe, and everything. "Is the world ending? Only if we let it."
Thanks.
Nevaeh
P.S. Have you read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? (link)
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hmm... the Revelations thing was something I picked up from a Bible historian at the University of Dayton, and it was repeated again by the former director of religious education at our church. I wish I had more specifics to offer you, or in-depth knowledge on it, but my area of history is Medieval, and that's more a hobby than anything. My wife's degree is in history (amongst other things) so between the two of us, we tend to collect various bits of knowledge of history.
I'm really a fan of Joseph Campbell, who wrote The Power of Myth - he covers a lot of ground, both religious, philosophical, and in litterature/film. Fascinating things. I also really enjoy the Native American religion/mythology/folklore... especially where you see symbolic overlap with things from other religions.
I read the first 3 books of Hitchhiker's a few years back in one night. Completed the others by the end of the week. I would really re-read them one of these days.
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I have looked around a bit myself for the following question, and I will only take serious answers.
I would like to ask for links to text documents regarding revelation, and all the signs pointing to the return of Christ, and the end of the world, so to speak. I need info on the Anti-Christ. Some people believe he is already born. Some believed it was Hitler. Some believe G. W. Bush. I want opinions on this also.
For example When Israel becomes a state of its own, after that generation passes, Christ will return.
This is not exact quote....Obviously. However I need info of this nature. This is one of those signs. I need as much text and documents as I can possibly get.
Second, I need as many opinions from every perspective as possible. I.E. Atheists (I don't want "God doesn't exist. Don't worry about it.") I want reasons and such as to why you don't think it exists. All Beliefs are wanted here.
From what I have gathered, the Bible states after all signs are completed, Christ will return, and people get into Heaven, and the likes of this nature. The anti-Christ will be born. Do his 7 year business. Things will fall apart. Hell will be on earth, and so on. Most of the signs are done, and the end is near. What do you all think about this? I want as detailed answers as I can possibly get. I myself think the end could very well be soon. If you want to talk with me on this outside of advicenators, you can do so. Ask for my aim, or check my column. Solaris.
I did not go into too much detail, and I apologise. I want all of you to think about it really hard before you answer. Also...try to make the answers organized, and spelled correctly. Its easier on the eyes.
Thank you.
Solaris A.K.A. DemonDrummer21
(link)
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I find discussions on Revelations to be kinda funny.
Revelations was about Roman Emporer Nero. "The mark of the beast" and "666" refer to Nero. Revelations is political commenarty through symbolism - they were not speaking of events to come, but of what was happening to early Christians in the time of the Roman Empire.
If you look at Daniel in the Old Testament, it is very similar - dark, world-ending, all-gonna-die type things - they reflect the times during which each was written.
I suppose some could write similar things about today. Is the world ending? Only if we let it.
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What is the differnece between Catholic, Lutheren and Christian religions? I want to know about the differences befor i pick one. (link)
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The sheer amount of "wrongness" and ignorance being given as answers in this thread is astounding.
People sure have some weird-ass notions of what it means to be Catholic. Get a clue, people.
Lutherans... umm.. that whole Martin Luther and the start of Protestantism by splitting from the Catholic church...
Sort of like Anglicanism/Episcopaleanism, where the King of England split from the Catholic church because the Pope at the time was a political asshat - Henry VIII wanted to be Catholic without the Pope... given the circumstances, I don't blame him.
I find it funny how so many of the "Christians" have put down everyone else, even going so far as to claim that Catholics have a superiority complex... ahem... who has the superiority complex now, eh?
BTW - the Catholic church no longer spouts off shit that says that non-Catholics go to hell... that's bullshit and is not the official stance of the Church, nor should it ever have been so in the past.
For those who think Catholicism has too many rules... well... our religion is you know.. about 2000 years old, give or take, and sprang out of the faith that Jesus followed, being Judaism, which is also stinking old.
also, ALL that you mentioned are Christian. That simply means to be a follower of Christ, of which Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, etc etc etc all are.
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I have 2 kids no husband. I have made alot of mistakes in the past escpecially being premiscuous. I have compltly turned my life around now. Is it too late for or will God forgive me and except me into Heaven. Please someone who belives in God or is a Pastor or something help me. (link)
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It is not up to any person to tell you if God forgives you. In fact, I think it is pretty well documented that one of God's big things is that whole forgiveness to whose who seek it.
You say you've turned your life around - do you believe that? It seems to me that you still question it - do you feel you should have done something different to seek forgiveness? Do you feel you havne't done enough? Or are you at peace with your decisions and feel that you can reconcile what's happened and move forward from here?
My thought would be that you have 2 kids, you're actively seeking reconcilliation, and you feel that you're now on the right course in life... What more could any God ask of you?
I mean, I don't like to toss around the whole "sin" word because I feel it overused... we live our lives, and we're given the ability to make our own decisions, including screwing up. If we screw up and learn from it, then we've got something... if we screw up and continue to do so, we've learned nothing, and we've got very little.
You've got something.
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Non-conformist? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God's only Son who died for us on the cross, was raised on the first day and was blameless and pure in all His ways?
(link)
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Do you know nothing about Catholicism?
Either way, this isn't relative to anything, and I do not expect you to understand how and what I believe, as I feel that matters of faith are personal.
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i am the same person that wrote witch/devil with the thoughts in my head. well kately i have thought about it a lot and all that, well in class i kind of fell asleep and i was aware that i had my eyes closed and all that, anyway i had a weirdish dream and it was a dream that the devil was dragging this guy i have never seen before in my life under the bed and killed him. this woke me right up but i hnever had a dream like that and now all i can think about is that dream and that guy i didn't even know and the fact that i might be a satanist what should i think about instead of this? (link)
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Have you considered submitting yourself for examination by a psychiatrist - possibly for the onset of schizophrenia? Just a thought.
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i am a christian,but i relate much more to the catholic ways. Is it sacriligious to be from a different form of christianity before becoming catholic, and is there a procedure to take before u can be one? (link)
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Most Catholic churches have a RCIA program that you'll have to go through. If you're already baptized in another Christian church, you won't have to be baptized again. RCIA ends with you receving the sacriments of 1st Communion and Confirmation at the same time. They usually schedule these for certain times of the year (usually around Easter, they might have them in the fall? again, check with the individual church).
As far as sacrilige... naw... in fact, many of the various christian sects are working hard at more cooperation and unity - we might live to see the day when some various Christians can all attend each other's services openly.
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I am to be Chrismated this week at my new Church. It is Melkite Greek Orthodox Catholic Church. I am disappointed that my grandparents refuse to come. On top of that they did not tell me the true reason that they aren't coming. They told me that it was the "weekly hair appointment" that couldn't be changed. Which is garbage. My father told me they would not come because their beliefs do not match. How do they know that without even walking in the church one time? I mean really. I don't know why I am suprised, but it has hurt my feelings a little bit.
They are good people and build churches as part of a mission in the Baptist Church. I have been Baptist up until now but two things have guided me to this church: the need to be a little more celebratory of Christ's Resurrection and Saviour of us people, and my fiance is the Cantor. If my fiance wasn't the Cantor or we weren't together, I would still like to be a part of this church.
I have tried and tried to explain that this is not the Roman Catholic Church and some of the things I have learned. They are so prejudiced as to what a Catholic is to them. Which at one time I heard: mean, Italian, and wrong. Which none of the three are true.
I realize that they aren't going to change to my religion ever, but I am a bit upset they wouldn't come for my sake. At least they are coming to the wedding.
So do I bug them every day until the event so that I can see them, or just let it go? How can I get them to understand my decision? (link)
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I would just express your disappointment in their decision and how you'd hope that they would be more supportive of your chioces in your spiritual journey. I wouldn't bug them incessantly about it, because that will only serve to further alienate them. One day, maybe they'll be better able to see that they are taking something that is a personal decision and trying to play family politics with it. I've always found that kind of behaviour very unfortunate. I didn't realize that loving one's grandchild required a certain christian faith. ;) I hope they come around to finally realize that this isn't about them... this is for you.
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Why do sum people always say G-d insted of God!?It's only bad wen u use His name as a swear word!So its ok to say God if ur not swearing!it's soo annoying! (link)
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According to some religions, it is not correct to ever write God, so they use G-d instead.
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Right I have a christian friend who is like really serious about it, and I some times feel like she is constantly trying to convert me when I've told her that I'm not like her i'm not like a church go-er and it's just i've been bruoght up in a different way to her. I don't want to offend her but can any one suggest ways of making it clear that i don't believe half of what she's saying. (Thanks alot, i rate high!) (link)
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To add to what's been said so far, remind your friend that people have differing views on religion and spirituality - and your view is different that hers. Don't be afraid to "compliment" her on her strength of faith - that's a perfectly objective thing to do. Likewise, remind her that what you believe needs to develop on its own, and while her intentions are good, it isn't welcome at this time in your life, and while you appreciate her friendship, you really need her to lay off the religious overtones.
And the best way to say all that is as calmly as you possibly can. ;)
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Do you all think that you are responsible for what you dream about? Like, lets say for example, you don't cuss or something...Well, are you responsible for that kind of stuff? (link)
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Dreams have no real meaning, if that's what you're looking for. They are our brain's way of burning off excess energy, and it does so by nearly randomly processing thoughts derived from our memories and experiences. Some people are able to control their dreams to some extent, but not all people can do this. Most people do not remember most of their dreams, either.
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What is beauty? (link)
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Beauty is a subjective property.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
No two people will agree on the same things as being equally attractive.
There is beauty in most everything - some things are readily apparent, others are well hidden from the naked eye, but can be realized in other ways.
Beauty is looked for and yet easily overlooked.
Beauty is sought, but oft misunderstood.
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im really confused.im a catholic and bieleve in everything it teaches.iv been baptised and confermed too.but i also beilieve in abortion.i think women should have the right to choose if they want.is this a sin? does this mean im goin to hell? pleaz answer. (link)
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This does not mean you're going to hell.
Not all Catholics believe every last little bit of doctrine.
In fact, what many forget is this little thing called "Primacy of Conscious" - it basically says that if the Church says one thing and you really believe they are wrong, then go with your heart.
Yes, it creates a grey area that many don't like to address, but you're not alone.
I, for one, am Catholic. Personally, I would not choose abortion, and the point is moot for me (hell, I have 2 kids)... but I also don't think it fair to remove the ability of someone else to make their own decision. I will not stand here and say, "NO YOU CANNOT HAVE AN ABROTION! YAAARRR!!!" because that's just stupid. It is not my choice. It is not my life, and not my decision to live with. I will not choose for someone.
You're not alone. It is not a sin - and even if it were, that's what the whole basis of our religion is - forgiveness. So really, don't let it worry you.
Feel free to spew me a note if you want to talk more about this. ;)
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what are you guys opion of christians and other sprital stuff???>?? (link)
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I don't judge anyone based on religion. I take a very liberal view of all things spiritual in nature. I do not go around saying things like "man, christians suck" or "man, Catholics are insane" or "muslims are evil" because to do so is just ignorant.
I also generally separate matters religious (the rules created by people and the ritual surrounding their ceremonies) from matters spiritual (issues of faith, interconnectedness, communication with God, etc).
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