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NY Times: "Are We Hard Wired to Believe in God?"
The case now being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court against President Bush’s office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives is giving atheists a voice in the media – at least for the moment.
Yesterday, Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation, the group that brought suit against the faith-based program, told ABC news, “[Religion is] the source of the greatest violence in the world.” Her husband, also co-president, told ABC that he is preaching “separation of church and state, and reason and kindness in place of superstition and ideologies.”
But their message is up against something more formidable than just superstition and ideologies and ironically, The New York Times was inadvertently pointing out one of their problems yesterday in a feature article.
Here’s why they can’t win legally or ideologically.
First, the Freedom From Religion folks do not have legal standing. The cornerstone of our federal judicial system is that only litigants who suffer some type of concrete injury can avail themselves of our courts. The Supreme Court has generally held that tax payer statues, which is their claim, is not enough to ask a federal court to prohibit any branch of government from doing anything the tax payer thinks is unconstitutional.
I am positive the Supreme Court will rule against this suit.
But secondly, there is a much greater issue that is being raised. And its one they can never win.
Their stated purpose is to essentially strip the roll of faith or religion from public life in America. While basking in their new-found media attention, various atheist groups are waging an internet recruiting campaign, running atheist summer camps, and have several best-selling books out there right now – including “Letter to a Christian Nation” by Sam Harris. Among other things Harris says, religion is nothing less than a global threat. He says people are dying over ancient literature.
But it was The New York Times, in an article yesterday, that probably spoke more to the issue than anything I have seen lately.
Make no mistake, The New York Times is no friend to people of faith or conservatives for that matter, but this article is rather revealing.
The article, “Darwin’s God,” is asking the question, “In the world of evolutionary biology, the question is not whether God exists, but why we believe in Him. Is belief a helpful adaptation or an evolutionary accident?”
The article quotes polls, which we have all heard or read, Harris says 6 in 10 believe in angels, heaven and the existence of miracles and life after death. They note a recent Baylor University poll that found 92% of respondents believe in a personal God.
The Times story is ten pages. I read it in less than 15 minutes. I strongly urge you to read it as well. (Click here to read the article).
This statement, I believe, is the premise of the entire story, “In short, are we hardwired to believe in God? And if we are, how and why did that happen?”
The answer to that question is profoundly simple.
“In the beginning God created … and then God said ‘Let us make man in our image in our likeness’ and let them rule … so God created man in His own image, in the image of God, he created him: male and female he created him.”
The Christian faith teaches that God our Creator has permanently imprinted each of us with His imprint. We can rebel and hide, but in the end, we cannot escape this eternal truth.
It’s interesting how even the Darwinians have to deal with this reality.
_____________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom
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53 Comments:
Gary,
a. Hardwired to believe in a Creator – With this I don’t necessarily disagree.
Though it is interesting to see a majority following one Creator in the West and another one or two in the East – what are the implications especially with respect to Election.
b. Cause of Hardwiring as Gen 1,2 – With this I don’t necessarily disagree.
c. Religion in the Public Sphere – The entrance of religion in the public sphere is shameful and anti-Christ. The true disciple of Jesus Christ does NOT want his religion dragged into the public sphere – it is far more powerful outside of the public sphere. To quote the Master – “My kingdom is NOT of this world”.
Those that seek to impose their religion on the rest of society via the public sphere ultimately seek oppression of those who don’t tow their line and it always results in violence and degradation. This is why these people want to eliminate religion from the public sphere. They have my full support.
d. Conservative – All that needs to said about these evil creatures whose God is their belly and who profiteer using the name of Jesus will be found below:
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/03/02/coulter-edwards/
This is essential listening if you want to get the gist on Ann Coulter - specifically calling John Edwards a faggot (replete with all the cutting body language). This is at a Conservative gathering (their response tells you the level of maturity and which spirit they are coming from).
Can anyone tell me this manifests Jesus Christ in any way??????
Gary, Jon - Isn't this worthy of comment?? Do you identify yourselves with Ann Coulter? Do you not rather condemn her as evil and anti-Christ???
Lord, please wash us from such people who use the name conservative but do evil and laugh while they do so!!!
Sincerely,
In the purity and holiness of Jesus,
Human
I have never seen any support for or even the mention of Ann Coulter on this web site other than by Human who has posted his or "her" displeasure with Coulter several times on several different threads.
Does not salt and light illustrate some form of civic and cultural involvement on the part of Christians? How can believers shed light or reduce the deteioration of society if they hide out on the fringe of social interaction? I think we must be involved, not in forcing the Christian faith on people, but influencing our social process by integrating christian principles into our civic institutions and laws. Those principles have served our country well. Why would we want to run away from what works?
Jesus said, "Go into ALL the WORLD and preach the gospel to ALL nations..."
The difference between the religion and state in the United States is that Christianity does not FORCE belief on all of its citizens, nor does it FORCE support of its religion through taxation.
However, every other world belief system, including atheism, agnosticism, humanism, Islam, Buddhism, and any other ism you want to suggest, FORCES all citizens of the country, through pressure not to mention their own religion, to acquiese to their religion. It also FORCES the citizens of the nation to pay for the national religion by making the citizens pay taxes to implement the social welfare program that supports the belief of the government of that country.
IE In a communist country, all citizens are forced to not mention God and also to give all their work efforts to the "common good" as described by the government that holds that belief.
In a humanistic government, such as the Dutch, they have done away with all things Christian and Christian anything is not allowed in public. A pastor there was thrown in jail for preaching what he believed, forcing other pastors to not vocally endorse their beliefs, but to go along with the humanistic beliefs of the government. That government can then decide what their citizens need, and that usually includes the usual welfare program. It also decides the color of socks and names of its citizens, and any other thing it decides...."for the good of its citizens..." in its own humanistic religion.
And so on. Only in a Christian nation such as the United States, are all people allowed to worship as they please, because people can only become Christians by their own free choice. However, those who are trying to work for a "religion neutral" country are really working for a "religion free" country as described by themselves of course.
They are pushing their own religious beliefs on all, and have worked to have the state take over religion's responsiblities of the physical and spiritual well being of the nations citizens.
We need to reimplement the basic teachings of Christianity if we are going to keep our nation's freedoms that we hold so dear.
For everyone is created to believe in something and the only something that gives its citizens freedom is Christianity! Let us return to "One Nation Under God!"
Anon 2:54
With all due respect, your statement below is totally false.
"The difference between the religion and state in the United States is that Christianity does not FORCE belief on all of its citizens, "
Christianity has been forcing its believe including alcohol prohibition with its attendent violence on peaceful human beings since Constantine. I respectfully suggest that you do a little history reading - currently you are believing what the ideal but it is completely opposite of reality.
That, in fact, is my whole point.
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
Anon 1:54
You are correct insofaras I know that Gary has never mentioned Ann Coulter. However, Gary has upheld "conservative" movement many times and decried the "liberal" movement with great vehemence. The intent of my post was to show the true colors of the conservative movement.
It is my hope that if Gary truely hates evil as he says he does and as he would if he were a genuine disciple of Jesus, then he would explicitely condemn the evil of the conservatives as explicitly manifest in these video clips.
I have, however, yet to see him ever condemn this evil. Therefore, I assume he supports the human degradation and despising in contrast to the values of Jesus Christ. I assume he is maintaining so called 11th Commandement by not saying anything negative about that community which he truely identifies himself with - the conservative Republican community (vs. the community of disciples of Jesus Christ).
Sincerely,
A disciple of the only True Savior and God, Jesus
Human
I have never heard Gary promote conservatives, per se. He mentions them because many, not all, but many support some of the same social issues.
Christian and conservative are two different things. I find that rather clear on this sight. You may be blinded by your own predjudice.
To Anon 2:54 -
Amen.
Well said anon 2:54
Well said anon 4:23 and 1:54
Gary is pretty clear on the difference between conservatives and people of faith. I think he uses their support where they agree with the faith agenda and leaves it alone when he istalking about biblically based principles.
Why is that an issue anyway?
While some monoarchies in the past have forced Christianity on persons esp. in the dark ages, our republic was set up to allow freedom to worship as one chooses from the very start....the "pursuit of happiness."
Starting with the invention of the printing press, enough people were able to read for themselves, that a person must "believe and be baptized" to be saved.
Anyone can believe as they will. Harmful actions are curtailed to allow freedom for all.
Alcoholism was rampant, and prohibition was passed as an ammendment to the Constitution by all the states. Work production increased and poverty decreased as wages actually made it home. But, since the ammendment went too far, the ammendment was voted out by the people. Our great system of government in action! Let's hope it stays that open and free!
Anon 5:33
The harmful error is the following phrase "harmful actions are curtailed to allow freedom for all".
Who decides what are "harmful actions"?? Historically harmful actions have included being a follower of Jesus Christ (the early church was severely persecuted because they were engaged in "harmful actions") being a Protestant (who were severely persecuted by Roman Catholics) being an ana-Baptist (who were persecuted by the Protestants), etc.
The problem is that the Evangelical right has chosen to define "harmful actions" as any behaviors that they don't like and bring oppression and violence even upon peaceful human beings who engage in them. At one point it was illegal to mail condoms through the mail because of the Evangelical right, women were not allowed to vote because of the Evangelical right, human beings were enslaved because of the Evangelical Right (you have not forgotten the Southern Baptist Convention have you?? - ever wonder where the term Souther came from?), Americans who were communists were persecuted because of Evangelicals, etc., etc. ad nauseum. The Evangelical Right has perpetrated some of the greatest evil on the planet along with the Roman Catholic whore.
re: Conservatives
Gary plays to the conservatives all the time. You will not hear ONE condemnation of the evil they have done. I have not heard one Evangelical condemn the stealing, killing and destroying engaged by the conservatives - not to mention endless lies and hypocricies most often to cement power and profit. These are all the most obvious matters.
When I hear condemnation of ALL evil - then I will hear the words of true disciples. What I hear both on the FNF blogs and most of the FNF posters are simply shrill partisans who don't even think or consider the Word of God but simply follow those who have discipled them (making them two-fold more a child of hell than themselves).
It is the same spirit of hatred and violence seen in the conservative Evangelical Right that crucified Jesus Christ. It is a hideous shame that so many who name His Name now follow the spirit of our Savior's murderers. And they use the same pathetic legitimizations for their evil such as "harmful actions are curtailed to allow freedom for all". This is the most mindless, demonic puke I can possibly think of - why would a child of God believe such demonic tripe.
Sincerely,
In He was dead but is now living and shall come quickly to judge the living and the dead - conservatives and liberals along with His own,
Human
Human what you say makes no sense.
And just so you know, even though you say in your first of many posts on this string "Hardwired to believe in a Creator – With this I don’t necessarily disagree"
it doesn't matter if you agree or not it is standard Christianity as is much of what you oppose.
Your words say one thing, but your arguments say quite another again and again and again.
"You will not hear ONE condemnation of the evil they have done."
For the record, I'm a reasonably conserative Christian and when I came across the Ann thing, purely by chance today (from a youtube link on another site), I thought it was pretty lame and immature. I don't support that kind of cutting on people, and I suspect Gary doesn't support it either. So, there's my personal condemnation of that kind of behavior for you, for the record.
Also, just keep in mind, when you say "Christians did this," and "Christians did that," just remember that there are many who call him "Lord, Lord" but "do not do the will of [His] Father in Heaven." Christians will be known by their love for one another and the fruits of the Spirit in their lives, not by just proclaiming themselves as Christians.
Mike
"For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel" Romans 9:6
It's amazing how the more science and psychology probe and expand their research, the more they come back to basic biblical truth. Usually in spite of their preconceived ideas.
Thank you for this wonderful blog
ANOM
254 Amen , That was very well stated .
1015 It is amazing when non believers discover Bibical truth they act as though they were the first .. Kind of cute really .
We enjoy so many freedoms in this nation , we have liberated so many people , have done so many noble things as a nation because of our belief in Freedom .. How sas their is actually a politically based movement that wishes to destroy our history to makie it appear ALL negative .
To mock and mis repressnt those beliefs those who fought and died to promote those ideals , either they be Evangelical or Non Believer , is just sad .
I have not been here for a while .. But I believe we need to pray for Human , that the Holy Spirit touch his heart . That God put people around him that could guide him to get the help he needs .
Amen
Anon 6:02
"Standard Christianity" - whatever that is?? The only Christianity I know of is Biblical Christianity ("by your traditions (= standard Christianity), you have made VOID the Word of God"). There is, at best, limited, if any meaningful reference to humans being "hardwired to believe in God" discussed in scripture. There is a text which discusses eternity being put in the heart of man - I doubt this is the same thing but I am open to that. If there is, I welcome any references myself. This also addresses Anon 10:15.
Regardless of the lack of specifics, I suspect Jehovah has indeed hardwired man. That is my point.
If you have any other specific issues in which you question, please state them, and I will address them in the same biblically rigourous and referential manner.
Anon 9:42
Thanks for your comment - it is heartening to see. I am actually very conservative. What Ann did and the evil of those who call themselves conservatives (but are not) is anti-Christ - it is the mocking and disparaging of the creation of God. Genuine disciples of Jesus Christ should be outraged at this blasphemy. I don't see that outrage - rather I see the Evangelical community as a whole either ignoring or actually joining with the evil.
Mick
You point is half true and half false. This is because you have allowed the right wing to deceive your mind. Much of what they say has some truth which pulls you but you need to listen to all of it. Since most of us did not have any education regarding the right wind (since we grew up in a typically left wing culture), we could not be on guard against the subtility of Satan in this area and, thus, were easily deceived because they mixed the name of Jesus (whom we know is the Truth) with their evil.
Reality is that both the American people and the American government have done MUCH good - AND MUCH evil (as had every other nation and people). I won't cite you all but a couple of well known instances including the Ku Klux Klan, Alcohol Prohibition, the McCarthy era, the Vietnam war, spying on its own citizens and removing their constitutional rights, etc. You should know better but apparently you have chosen to ignore history and truth for partisan politics. In this you make yourself nothing but a shill for right wing - is that all your salvation is worth??????
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
Dear Human, if you are still connected to Mars Hill, may I gently and lovingly suggest that you talk some of your beliefs out with a pastor, and accept any correction he/she might offer. I do not mean to criticize; I want only to encourage. Your hostility toward your perception of the "right" is escalating in a disturbing manner. I continue to strenuously pray your way back onto the Path and for your ability to accept guidance with grace. God alone knows how much He daily gives to all of us who believe.
Mick - just saw an Andy Griffith, and thought of you.
very disturbing-but it was there earlier until people started seeing he and Vishanti and Reverend D and anonymous were all the same person. It is nothing new--it was just masked for awhile.
Human, Gary is right--we are hardwired. It is Biblical even if you don't think so. It isn't even a gray area--just Biblical basics. Please see a pastor--I don't have the time to look it all up for you. But since you claim to be a Christian of 30 years, I'm sure you will have the resources.
Our forefathers always hoped that people would control themselves, so there would be basically no laws needed for much of anything, other than the Constitution.
When alcoholism was rampant and Mrs. Whats-her-name marched down to the bar to smash it up so that a few husbands wouldn't be able to spend the food money for the children, she started taking action against something that was causing harm to those she had daily contact with. She started the prohibition movement, and there was enough need for it that it spread, and did a lot of good. There is a time and season for correction on freedoms abused. So that freedom to go to the local pub was taken away, by very popular movements.
After a time, it was deemed that prohibition went too far, and was removed by the people.
I can't imagine what human could possibly have against the corrections that this movement inspired.
Anon 3:42
Not only was that movement incredibly destructive to individuals - it was incredibly destructive to society in its self-righteous, arrogant zeal to oppress. It brought massive violence and destruction to mostly totally peaceful human beings (as does the War against People who use psychactives does today).
I am puzzled why you can't see this evil and why you have legitimized such obvious stealing, killing and destroying.
The appropriate way was through education - as it is today for those who abuse narcotics.
The reality, as you and I both know, is that there is NO harm in anyone having a beer. Ms. Self-Righteous violent woman would have you and I be attacked for having a beer. How insane is that??????
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
Mimi,
Jesus has called us out of BOTH the left and the right (see Jim Wallis' book if you need some education here). Why would decide to go Right wing rather than Christ??? Why sell your salvation for a bowl of maggots? I know that your Pastor may try to deceive you to make Right wing politics synonymous with Christ - perhaps you are too young in Christ to see the difference or simply deluded by being too close to a community (both happened to me); HOWEVER, the distinctions between Christ and the Right wing are OBVIOUS and severe. The right wing is pathetic, sick and anti-Christ in its core and it manifests in violence and oppression at every point. John Calvin is a great example in his burning of Michael Servetus ALIVE (talk about the manifestation of the love and healing of Jesus....)
BTW - What did you think about the Ann Coulter degradation of John Edwards - do you see her beautifully manifesting Christ here???
That has been my question - only one person has answered so far.
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
Mimi,
BTW - with all due respect, at no point have you specifically addressed a single item I have said. If you are going to exhort me - as you successfully have in the past - then at least have the courtesy to be specific as you did in the past.
Don't be deceived, God is not mocked, he/she whom sows to the Right will reap their evil.
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Dear Human, Ann Coulter's comment was insensitive; - not unlike Bill Maher on Cheney or Howard Dean on the Republicans or the Huffington bloggers who wish Cheney dead or the producers of the film that depicted our president being assasinated or William Byrd and the N-word or John Murtha's media conviction of soldiers in contrast to innocent until proven guilty, and on and on. Perhaps Coulter simply meant to crack a "joke that fell flat", like John Kerry and the soldiers in Iraq. Or perhaps you think her comment demonstrates prejudice. Hey, you wanna see something REALLY insensitive? I can provide any number of links to see people being beheaded by dull knives and swords in the Middle East. Now that's an example of EXTREME prejudice, in my view.
I have attempted to address your questions and arguments in the past, Human, I truly have - but with the exception of your calming down the tone (thank you) it doesn't really seem to make any difference what I and others say. You still think we are possessed. You see, your speech comes across as smoldering with anger, and I can't figure out why. I guess I think that if you've really been a surrendered Christian for 30 years(and yup, I again acknowledge my infant status :), you wouldn't be so frustrated with the "Evangelical Religious Right".
I'm sorry I can't meet you point to point, but again, better bloggers than I have tried, much more articulately, to absolutely no avail. Alas and wellaway.
Thank you, Mimi. Well said
This post has been removed by the author.
Hiding behind children, Gary???
Fortunately for Mimi, I do not drop bombs when those I confront hide behind children (and then blame them for the murder of the children).
Sadly I know that you would be quick to do otherwise.
"Satan came to steal, kill and destroy"
"I have many things to judge and to speak but He that sent me is true and I will speak the word that He gives me"
Sincerely,
In Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory
Human
Yes Mimi I see your point.
Mimi,
I appreciate some your points (as always); they are well taken.
A few notes:
a. You have NEVER addressed as single substantive theological/Biblical issue I have raised. Therefore, I am quite puzzled why you would criticize me at all??
Your effort here to address the Ann Coulter issue is the first time I have actually seen you address anything I have said on your own. I think, with appropriate adjustments, you did very well. My goal is to work together with you to fulfill what Jesus wants for each of us - someone how have gotten a chip on your shoulder because you have identified with a political community rather than the person of Jesus Christ. Thus my inquiry - will you sell your salvation for a bowl of pottage??
b. Thank you for your earlier admonition - I have followed it very well and it was worthwhile. I believe you have made the same effort and I appreciate it.
I hope you can grasp that you do make a difference and the I receive honest, Biblically based input (as I have done from Mick).
c. Insensitive - Is that what we call mockery and disparagement of another peaceful human being?? Is that a little judicious re: a person who is a blatent racist, etc.??
d. Cheney/Bush - Cheney/Bush have engaged in treason against American and must be executed for their high crimes (this was made quite clear in teh Libby trial). I am hopeful the US Congress will proceed accordingly. Cheney/Bush have engaged in crimes against humanity and must be executed according to international and US Law. I am hopeful the Hague and UN will proceed accordingly.
Wishing Cheney dead is simply obedience to the law - it is quite distinct from the blatent disparagement against a man who has engaged in . Further, the fact that THE WHOLE CPAC joined in for the entertainment shows exactly the evil, anti-Christ heart of the Right wing. Therefore, while I appreciate your effort, the analogy is in error and not relevant.
I am open to other options. If someone were to say the same re: George Will - I would condemn them as you would.
d. Guilty until proven innocent - I would not work on this one too much in light of Guantanamo. The reality is the US Military murders civilians on a regular basis (start with My Lai although it has always happened) and engages in cover up incessantly. This has been exposed so many times, it is obvious that this machine must be shut down. We will protect ourselves AND get half our taxes back. The world will be much safer - I don't need the US Military and its anti-Christ evil - I need Jesus only for my protection!!!
e. Coulter and Kerry - Did you ever watch the video?? No joke that went flat - Ann enjoyed every minute of her anti-Christ mockery and disparagement of the peaceful human John Edwards.
f. Prejuidice - I can show you call kinds of pictures of civilians murdered by Bush/Cheney and the US Military as well as the Israli military and the evil, anti-Christ legitimations they make for their murder - if you want real prejuidice. But let's continue with John Calvin - lets take a look at burning a living human being at the stake? Why would be involved with a community that uses the teachings of terrorist murder like John Calvin??
g. Possessed - I doubt you are possessed. You are young, zealous, having come up of a secular culture and caught up in a religous movment that is intertwined in right wing politics. Hopefully, as you continue to submit your heart and mind to Jesus Christ and His and my Father, you will be cleansed to realize that He alone is important - and you will hear His voice rather than that of Fox News.
h. Anger/Frustrated - Please read Jn 8 - esp. the last half as Jesus spoke to those Jews that said they believed on him (these religionists were of the same spirit as Right wing evangelicals)
Talk about smolding anger and frustration...
I hope you continue to pursue the Lord and question everything you hear - whether by me, by your Paster, by Gary, by your mother and father and keep your heart and mind totally pure before the Lord. This is the only way you will work through any of these issues.
"My Kingdom is NOT of this world!!"
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
Anon 6:14
Better think a little further - I have given you material to do so. I know that you will not get anything to think with in an Evangelical Right church - so I am providing some material to begin the process. Happy to work it through with you as always.
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
So Mimi just how far does your argument extend in excusing behaviour? How bout just short of beheading someone? Or maybe if they use a sharp knife it would be OK? You, are one seriously sick woman.
2:54 babbles :"nor does it FORCE support of its religion through taxation."
So i guess we all imagined those "faith based intiatives" thingie.
You are ublievably ignorant about Dutch culture, I bet you've never been outside this country. You've certainly never been to the Netherlands, because your descriptions bear no resemblance whatsoever. It never ceases to amaze me the way professed Christians lie with such ease and ability.
Oh, and BTW the "under God" is a cold-war atifact contemporaneous with HUAC and McCarthy, not some treasured tradition to return to.
Hi Human, FYI I'm in my early fifties, survived the hell that was the 60's, buried both parents, am growing my children in Christ, grew up Catholic and abandoned it as heresy, and was born again five years ago. Praise the Lord!
Anon 10:55 My intention was to suggest that perhaps as a culture we are spitting and foaming about the wrong things. Ann Coulter can be "rehabilitated" - Al Qaeda cannot.
Human, I have read over and over your post regarding the Pres & VP. I am rendered speechless by your words, and I now know there is anything further to discuss. Your soul is too warped and withered, and you need some comfort and true direction. Seek Peace, my dear fellow Human, for Peace is offered to all who believe. May God gather you to Him in Grace.
Mimi,
re: Al-Quaida Rehabilitation
What makes you think that the vast majority of adherents to Al-Qauida cannot be rehabilitated? Do you have so little faith in Jesus Christ that you don't think He is strong enough to truely transform men's hearts???? You are young in the faith indeed...
The truth is that I have an article depicting an Islamic judge who DID in fact work with several young Al-Quaida members and they ALL repented. Funny how love and education work to bring health - as opposed to prohibition, violence and oppression. Seems kind of obvious.
re: Ann Coulter
Ann Coulter - well, that is a tougher nut, but the Jesus I know, the Lord of Glory sitting at the right hand of God can change her heart - though I know she is not the least interested in Him or having her heart changed. She loves her evil - she is truely reprobate.
re: Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rice/Libby
They have engaged in treason against the American people and our country. What is the penalty for treason???????
Mimi - Do you believe in the death penalty? I ask again, what is the penalty for treason? What is the penalty for using a public office for personal gain? For betrarying a CIA covert agent??
Please judge according to righteousness rather than according to appearance. This is why new converts desparately need to wash their minds with the pure Word of God rather than right wing politics twisting the Word for political power and personal gain - Jesus condemned them - and He died for it (but God had other plans!!!! Hallelujah!!!).
Please reconsider in light of the truth that I have provided. I am willing to work through with you on any point.
Sincerely
In the love and truth of Christ,
Human
Hi Mimi
You Go Girl .
Strange , You know I always thought the death penalty would help save lives , and understand prohibition of drugs as a means to stop kids from ruining their lives . With the length of people waiting on death row and appeals not sure that is a deterent . But I can see either side ...
The war on drugs is a failure , but to stop fighting it is a sin .
So many kids loose their way because of drugs and the EVIL culture it has . How can a Christian not see that ?
Different opinions are always available , but here you do not get a Bibical based disagreement . Just pray for the man .. He shares no beliefs with Mars Hill , his belief of people who believe drugs should be outlawed are sining . Or Evangelicals are bigots , and his right wing hate talk . Most people at Mars Hill actually vote republican , they are good people . I have been thinking of sending his stuff to their Pastor , the man is crying out for help .
Mick,
You have never engaged me rationally or Biblically though I have repeatedly requested that you do (and continue to be willing to do so).
You are welcome to send ALL my posts the Mars Hill pastor - his name is Mark Driscoll - do you want his email address???
re: Drugs
You have a grievous misunderstanding of the use of psychoactives - plants/chemicals which God made (Gen 1:11), called "good" (Gen 1:12) and gave to mankind (Gen 1:23) and did not prohibit (Gen 2). If you have a problem with my position - GO TALK TO GOD, I am just following His Word.
Why do you call "evil" that which God called "good"???? That is really the heart of the question.
The error you are making re: the culture issue is that the "looser" culture exists REGARDLESS of drugs - they are into other forms of entertainment as well - motorcycles, TV, sports, and these same loosers abuse drugs along with these other idols rather than being responsible with their use of God given gifts.
This situation is IDENTICAL to the alcoholic - yet 95% of human beings don't have one bit of a problem with using alchol - and 95% of human beings don't have one bit of a problem with any form of naturally occuring psychoactive (you just don't see them because they are not on the news - they are professionals, including law enforcement who live normal lives that enjoy the gifts of God just like they enjoy alcohol, sports, etc). The same is exactly true for example of coca which is used by the indgienious people in South America IN THE SAME WAY YOU USE COFFEE. You have created a red herring and on this basis you destroy millions of souls every years using violence and oppression. Shame on you for advocating this evil on false pretenses and shame on every other evil soul that blashphemes the Creator!!!
As always, I am willing to work together with you through each of these issues - though they are simple if you wish to work with the Word of God and judge righteous judgement rather than judging according to appearance.
Last, you did NOT address A SINGLE issue I raised re: Mimi - shame on you again for condeming me without even being specific.
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Human
Mimi, you were defending bigotry, and now amount of hand-waving and rationalization will obscure that.
yeah, yeah, yeah, Human Oohhhh I mean anonymous at 10:55 and 3:23PM.
Mick--Human doesn't attend Mars Hill. I don't know where you live but it is a well known church in the Seattle area. It was probably the easiest name to come up with.
Mimi you are a delight. Too bad you don't live around here.
Yes, most of us have reached your conclusion not to engage in further dialogue with Human and for the exact same reasons you names.
Mimi, thank you and right on!
ok the comments on Bush/Cheney are just plain psycho and evil human. What reality are you in? None the people I see day to day are in.
Get some help Human. Your magic has made you sick in the head. I won't go along with your charade that you are a Christian. You are Vishanti which is magic/witch. You wonder why you have so may problems? That is a good place to start looking.
Human needs prayer , and medication .
And electro-shock treatment.
After his recent posts regarding the execution of our leaders, I would like to add a really good cult deprogrammer into his treatment plan. Not sure an RC exorcism would help.
Mimi,
I am puzzled that I have always reached out to you and have been supportive of you and yet you want to hurt me - a totally peaceful man.
What spirit have you been drinking of?
Sincerely,
In the Holy Spirit of Christ,
Human
The truth is, Human, that I find your comments shocking and frightening. Your negative passion is quite scary. Your defense against "oppression and violence upon peaceful human beings" simply does not square with your desire for the deaths of our nations leaders and your anti-Israel stance. Is it because YOU think they're guilty of treason? I believe Sandy Burger is guilty of treason, but I certainly do not wish for his death. You and I have had interesting exchanges on this sitw (thank you Gary and Jon) but I really do have to draw the line at your vicious views. There really is nothing left to respond to. My wish is that you discover true salvation, and I really do pray for you daily. That is my love for you, which I am commanded to do.
Hi Mick, the death penalty presents problems, certainly. However, I think even I might be persuaded to flip the switch on John Couey. IF swift justice were to be administered to twisted monsters in human form who have confessed, I say go for it.
Wow - I've missed out on this thread (of course the bulk has nothing to do with the blog entry)
What isn't even being brought up is the 'hard wiring' referred to is in the nature of a cognitive defect, not as a good thing:
We are hardwired to think that other beings know what we know til the age of 4 or so
We are hardwired to think that some active principle causes things we experience as a survival benefit
We are hardwired to not be able to really grasp the idea of our own demise.
Add them all together and you get the biologically derived need for religion - a system that lets us pretend that all these hardwired mental modules are deriving correct answers even when they really aren't.
But then I've pointed that out before - our need for churches and casinos is due to inherent mental defects of the human species. Doesn't mean we shouldn't accomodate them, just means we shouldn't lose sight of the fact they are mental defects that not everyone necessarily has or has in the same way.
You have a RIGHT to practice your religion, others have a RIGHT to NOT practice your religion. Just acknowledging each others rights in this regard would make this world a much better place.
Mimi,
I appreciate you addressing me with dignity and respect. That is how I have treated you and will continue to do so.
To answer your question whether I believe these individuals have committed treason against the American people, please read and consider:
George Bush, Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld (the latter two have been lurking in Federal Gov for decades), Condaleeza Rice are guilty of treason, raping and destrying the beautiful country of America, her young people, her reputation and, more so, are guilty of crimes against humanity and murdering babies, children, women and peaceful human beings by intentionally dropping bombs on urban areas which they KNEW would murder human beings (this murder is legitimized and cloaked by the perinnally evil US Military as "collateral damage" - but the true disciple of Jesus Christ who judges NOT according to appearance but according to righteousness knows that intentionally killing peaceful human beings, esp. children, is MURDER). All these evil people are guilty of murder and God has given us the punishment - it is DEATH. As a Bible Believer, I know that the Death Penalty is appropriate in certain instances. They will face eternity in hell for their evil - "it would be better for a rope to be tied around their necks with a stone and dropped in the deepest ocean than to hurt one of these little ones. Typically stoning or burning at the stake was deemeed appropriate for this kind of evil (read your Bible for J-C values on this one if you have any questions).
All baby killers deserve death and I plead with both our government and the international governments and, mainly, the Holy God, Judge of the quick and dead, to bring these evil, murderous, demonic spewing infidels to their end with the hope that never again will America be raped by the likes of Haliburton and other rich, white, corporate barons.
I hope this makes sense - these are simply the facts that you already know as well as I. It is a matter of washing our minds in the truth instead their propaganda and lies.
Human I think you are one of the most intollerant bigoted people I have run across.
Human is really Ward Churchill with too much time on his hands.
Wayyyyyyyyyy to much time?
Human got a job yet?
Love the spirit of Christ....mockery...
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