What we are and what is this universe?
-
Paul Watson wrote: "I am not a follower of any organised/mass religion. I am still too young to be able to give you a standard answer to this. Many things I am still thinking about, many things I have yet to even start thinking about. I have much life left to live before I can claim any religion or belief system as my own." So you will choose your own religion with time, one which you think is true and you are not bound to choose any. Ok tell me what you think what is our end? where we will eventually go? are we totally destroyed after our deaths? Paul Watson wrote: Right now I believe in the universe and that that is all there is, which in itself is a lot. No being which stands outside of the universe and looks down on us. ok then what you think we have came from? and how did it happen. you see science says, livings things are created from living things and life is not possible out of life-less entities. for example, i you have ever studied biology, it was proved that a non-living cell can't create a living cell, only a living cell can produce another living cell. I wonder, if this is true and has been proven, from where did this very first living cell come from on earth which created other living things. @ish@ check my latest article in .NET section What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
Ok tell me what you think what is our end? where we will eventually go? are we totally destroyed after our deaths? Nowhere. You go to the same place you were before you were born. You don't remember anything from before you were born? Over a billion (or thousands of years if that's your view) passed before your birth and you don't remember even a fraction of them? You were in oblivion. Your brain wasn't formed yet. And after you die, you'll be in the very same state - unfeeling, unknowing oblivion. you see science says, livings things are created from living things and life is not possible out of life-less entities. Is God alive? If so, how did God get created if life can only come from other life? If not, then how did God create us (i.e. life)? A more interesting thought is not "where did life come from?" because there are ways to explain that. Rather, where did anything at all come from? This "stuff" all around us - the matter and energy of the universe. The stuff that the big bang was composed of. I don't really know. Perhaps science will find a solution. But, I can't really say for sure that science will - hence it is faith to say that science will explain it. Unfortunately, even if we accept that a "god" created the matter of the universe, it doesn't really say much about who god is. Afterall, maybe god is simply the being who created a universe with the laws which enabled it to produce life. That's a big thing, but it doesn't indicate whether god cares at all about humans. To him, we could seem like tiny little creatures with tiny little brains - similar to the way we look at ants. If god exists, I think there is a lot you can learn about him by looking at the world. Evolution itself is a brutal means to create life. You certainly can't point to Jesus on the mount of olives saying "the meek shall inhert the earth" and think that that's all there is to God. Afterall, at the very least, God used evolution to create life. Evolution relies on the weak being killed (or failing to mate) more freqently than the strong. Life on this planet is locked into a brutal struggle of kill or be killed. If a lion decided it didn't want to kill anymore it would starve (in fact, all large cats lack the biology to survive on a vegetarian diet). Earth is (almost) an entire planet of animals trapped in a system of kill or be killed - both preditor and prey. Inflicting death on the animal below it, trying like crazy not to have death inflicted on it from the animal above. If Go
-
If Muslim's believe the teachings of Jesus (and they say that they do), then why don't they believe he is the Son of God if that is what he taught others who he was?
Jason Henderson
start page ; articles henderson is coming henderson is an opponent's worst nightmare * googlism *Maybe you missed the subtlety or maybe you just chose to ignore what I wrote, either way, good night. I am in no mood right now to argue oranges to an apple merchant.
David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk
David Wulff Born and Bred.
-
Brian Azzopardi wrote: Ever heard of Darwin? Brian Azzopardi wrote: Ever heard of Darwin? Brian Azzopardi wrote: Ever heard of Darwin? So you are a follower of Darwin? :cool: Seriously, it's very sad that humans think they are so almighty that there couldn't possibly be something greater than them that they can't understand. I find it quite surprising that dev's, who spend their entire lives thinking outside the box, are prepared to have this limitation in their minds, instead of exploring the possibilities.
I knew it would end badly when I first met Chris in a Canberra alleyway and he said 'try some - it won't hurt you'..... - Christian Graus on Code Project outages A moment of silence please. A programmer's best friend has passed beyond that great exception in the sky.... - Mark Conger on "The coffee machine has died"
Megan Forbes wrote: So you are a follower of Darwin? :laugh: @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
Shaun Wilde wrote: Lets take the 10 commandments the main basis for 3 of the worlds main religions Really ? Which ones ? Judaism I'll give you, Christianity is built on Jesus explanation of the commandments - 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself'. And Islam rejects Christ and the Bible in all but lip service. Shaun Wilde wrote: 8 of them contain 'shalt not' not 'shall'. Pretty negative don't you think? Let's review them - don't kill people, don't steal, don't build resentment for your friends by desiring the things they have, don't mistreat your parents, which of these things strikes you as having a negative impact on society ? Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
Christian Graus wrote And Islam rejects Christ and the Bible in all but lip service. Islam never rejected the Christ and Bible. Islam believes the existance of Christ and the Maryam. Islam differs to the point where they are said to be SON of GOD. sorry for English\Grammer\Spelling mistakes.
-
Brian Azzopardi wrote: that they used to kill people for doubting them. It's a shame that so many judge God by those who falsely claim to follow Him. For the record, religion being used as an excuse to wage war is as old as religion itself. That does not make God wrong. Brian Azzopardi wrote: There is nothing greater than human beings and there is everything. What a sad world you inhabit if you believe this. Brian Azzopardi wrote: Religion is full of dogma, constantly closing doors. That is true. Relgion is generally also not about God. Brian Azzopardi wrote: Science and people of a curios nature always leave the door open to the unknown, waiting, indeed, hoping for the next new thing. It sounds to me like science is your religion. You're wrong though. Scientists are also people, and for every scientist that presents bad science to support his misreading of the Bible ( for example the young earth theory ), there are 100 that ignore the evidence before them regarding the creator. Have you seen the BBC series 'The Human Body' ? He talks often of amazing design, and of things that simply could not evolve ( for example the process of birth, had it at any stage not existed, would have rendered us extinct ), and then goes on to explain what he was taught at school, and what his mind has been closed to accept without question. Brian Azzopardi wrote: You surely cant be certain he/she/it exists? What proof do you have? Not believing is not a sign of arrogance, it's just facing the facts. I have never met you, therefore I presume you do not exist. Is this a logical or sensible course of action for me to take ? Or should I presume I simply haven't tried to meet you, nor have I had the chance. I am certain God exists because I have seen many healings such as that Megan mentioned, because I've been healed by God myself, and because the Bible lays down a specific promise to people willing to ask God to show that He exists. That experience was, is and will always be proof enough to me that God exists, and that's exactly the way He planned it. Brian Azzopardi wrote: When was the last time the pope was waiting for the next new thing? Doesn't he invent them himself, and claim inspiration from God for doing so ? Seriously, organised religion had nothing to do with God when Jesus came, why would it be different n
Christian Graus wrote: Brian Azzopardi wrote: You surely cant be certain he/she/it exists? What proof do you have? Not believing is not a sign of arrogance, it's just facing the facts. I have never met you, therefore I presume you do not exist. Is this a logical or sensible course of action for me to take ? Or should I presume I simply haven't tried to meet you, nor have I had the chance. I am certain God exists because I have seen many healings such as that Megan mentioned, because I've been healed by God myself, and because the Bible lays down a specific promise to people willing to ask God to show that He exists. That experience was, is and will always be proof enough to me that God exists, and that's exactly the way He planned it. I fully agree with you on this and on many other points. :-O @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
Christian Graus wrote And Islam rejects Christ and the Bible in all but lip service. Islam never rejected the Christ and Bible. Islam believes the existance of Christ and the Maryam. Islam differs to the point where they are said to be SON of GOD. sorry for English\Grammer\Spelling mistakes.
Exactly. I am aware that Islam invents a Christ who denies the claims that He made in the Bible. Hence they reject Christ. Inventing their own does not change that. If you're a follower of Islam, I'd be happy to explain to you why Islam cannot co-exist with Christianity, or Jesus. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
-
Shaun Wilde wrote: Lets take the 10 commandments the main basis for 3 of the worlds main religions Really ? Which ones ? Judaism I'll give you, Christianity is built on Jesus explanation of the commandments - 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself'. And Islam rejects Christ and the Bible in all but lip service. Shaun Wilde wrote: 8 of them contain 'shalt not' not 'shall'. Pretty negative don't you think? Let's review them - don't kill people, don't steal, don't build resentment for your friends by desiring the things they have, don't mistreat your parents, which of these things strikes you as having a negative impact on society ? Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
Christian Graus wrote: Islam rejects Christ and the Bible in all Islam does NOT reject christ or bible. It's just that Islam says : "God has no SON or DAUGHTER" @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
Christian Graus wrote: Islam rejects Christ and the Bible in all Islam does NOT reject christ or bible. It's just that Islam says : "God has no SON or DAUGHTER" @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
Islam used the name of Christ to gain respectability and heritage. However, while it uses the name of Christ in vain, it does not preach or believe Him. Both you and the prior poster have answered the question. If Islam is right, the Christ is a liar, and not one to follow in any case. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
-
Islam used the name of Christ to gain respectability and heritage. However, while it uses the name of Christ in vain, it does not preach or believe Him. Both you and the prior poster have answered the question. If Islam is right, the Christ is a liar, and not one to follow in any case. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
ooops... take it easy Graus :). you know, i created this thread just to know what other people think about their existance and their purpose and all... the questions that usually come to my mind... but i think most of the people are taking it in some other direction. i would say all of the people that please remain cool :), we are intelligent, open-minded people and we respect each other's religions and believes. There is nothing to fight on, be patient. @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
ooops... take it easy Graus :). you know, i created this thread just to know what other people think about their existance and their purpose and all... the questions that usually come to my mind... but i think most of the people are taking it in some other direction. i would say all of the people that please remain cool :), we are intelligent, open-minded people and we respect each other's religions and believes. There is nothing to fight on, be patient. @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
That's fine, I respect other peoples God's given right to be wrong. However, it is patently untrue to say that Islam believes in Christ or respects Him. How can I follow Christ and not respond to such a statement ? I still like you, but what you said is incorrect. That is the mark of an intelligent person IMO, we can disagree without making it personal. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
-
That's fine, I respect other peoples God's given right to be wrong. However, it is patently untrue to say that Islam believes in Christ or respects Him. How can I follow Christ and not respond to such a statement ? I still like you, but what you said is incorrect. That is the mark of an intelligent person IMO, we can disagree without making it personal. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
Christian Graus wrote: it is patently untrue to say that Islam believes in Christ or respects Him :) Let me say being a Muslim that Islam believes in Christ and respects him a lot :) Christian Graus wrote: I still like you Thank you so much :). i like you too :) Christian Graus wrote: IMO What is this IMO? :~ Christian Graus wrote: we can disagree without making it personal Yes, right. But without making it personal you see we can discuss like what our religious or belief says on this, but giving our personal perceptions/experiences about other's religions or belief systems, i think we must be pretty much sure while expressing it. So trust me :) Islam does respect and believe in Christ :). @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
Christian Graus wrote: it is patently untrue to say that Islam believes in Christ or respects Him :) Let me say being a Muslim that Islam believes in Christ and respects him a lot :) Christian Graus wrote: I still like you Thank you so much :). i like you too :) Christian Graus wrote: IMO What is this IMO? :~ Christian Graus wrote: we can disagree without making it personal Yes, right. But without making it personal you see we can discuss like what our religious or belief says on this, but giving our personal perceptions/experiences about other's religions or belief systems, i think we must be pretty much sure while expressing it. So trust me :) Islam does respect and believe in Christ :). @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
Aisha Ikram wrote: Let me say being a Muslim that Islam believes in Christ and respects him a lot With respect, I have no doubt that the Jesus presented to you by Islam is a figure of respect for you, but he is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible, the only name by which man can be saved, the Son of God and the one true Saviour. Aisha Ikram wrote: What is this IMO? In my opinion. Aisha Ikram wrote: So trust me Islam does respect and believe in Christ I guess there is no point in arguing this point. As a follower of Islam, how often do you read the New Testament ? Do you believe that Jesus healed people ? That He rose from the dead ? That people are healed by Jesus today ? Actually, I'd love it if you answered this, I've asked a few Islamic folks to give me a better perspective of Islam and all have refused. I'm interested to know what Islam offers you as evidence of it's being true, and what you believe being a follower of Islam offers you in terms of benefits in this life, and the one to come ? Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
-
Aisha Ikram wrote: Let me say being a Muslim that Islam believes in Christ and respects him a lot With respect, I have no doubt that the Jesus presented to you by Islam is a figure of respect for you, but he is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible, the only name by which man can be saved, the Son of God and the one true Saviour. Aisha Ikram wrote: What is this IMO? In my opinion. Aisha Ikram wrote: So trust me Islam does respect and believe in Christ I guess there is no point in arguing this point. As a follower of Islam, how often do you read the New Testament ? Do you believe that Jesus healed people ? That He rose from the dead ? That people are healed by Jesus today ? Actually, I'd love it if you answered this, I've asked a few Islamic folks to give me a better perspective of Islam and all have refused. I'm interested to know what Islam offers you as evidence of it's being true, and what you believe being a follower of Islam offers you in terms of benefits in this life, and the one to come ? Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
Christian Graus wrote: Do you believe that Jesus healed people ? That He rose from the dead ? Yes we do believe it. Christian Graus wrote: Actually, I'd love it if you answered this, I've asked a few Islamic folks to give me a better perspective of Islam and all have refused. I'm interested to know what Islam offers you as evidence of it's being true, and what you believe being a follower of Islam offers you in terms of benefits in this life, and the one to come ? Well i would love to give you some perspective of Islam, but you see Christian, i think i am too young to argu on this topic, also i myself need some detailed studies to answer your questions. you see my father says, don't give your comments on something about which you are unsure. so there are certian things which i mentioned earlier i know they are correct, but there are other which i would like to study .... Definitely if you are interested we can talk about this ... i won't refuse at all.:) Ok tell me what do you believe about the existence of Christ. we say he is alive and still with God and one day he will come back to this world .... and all. you see Christian, this is not about Islam or Christianity, but you see i believe in God (Allah) as He exists. Ok tell me what you ppl say about MAGIC or BLACK MAGIC?? some of the people said here that how would prove the existence of God, i would like to ask them what they think of this magic thing? @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
Aisha Ikram wrote: Let me say being a Muslim that Islam believes in Christ and respects him a lot With respect, I have no doubt that the Jesus presented to you by Islam is a figure of respect for you, but he is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible, the only name by which man can be saved, the Son of God and the one true Saviour. Aisha Ikram wrote: What is this IMO? In my opinion. Aisha Ikram wrote: So trust me Islam does respect and believe in Christ I guess there is no point in arguing this point. As a follower of Islam, how often do you read the New Testament ? Do you believe that Jesus healed people ? That He rose from the dead ? That people are healed by Jesus today ? Actually, I'd love it if you answered this, I've asked a few Islamic folks to give me a better perspective of Islam and all have refused. I'm interested to know what Islam offers you as evidence of it's being true, and what you believe being a follower of Islam offers you in terms of benefits in this life, and the one to come ? Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
Ok can you give me some link to Bible, i would like to have a look at it. I never saw bible... but i would like to see it. @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
-
Christian Graus wrote: Do you believe that Jesus healed people ? That He rose from the dead ? Yes we do believe it. Christian Graus wrote: Actually, I'd love it if you answered this, I've asked a few Islamic folks to give me a better perspective of Islam and all have refused. I'm interested to know what Islam offers you as evidence of it's being true, and what you believe being a follower of Islam offers you in terms of benefits in this life, and the one to come ? Well i would love to give you some perspective of Islam, but you see Christian, i think i am too young to argu on this topic, also i myself need some detailed studies to answer your questions. you see my father says, don't give your comments on something about which you are unsure. so there are certian things which i mentioned earlier i know they are correct, but there are other which i would like to study .... Definitely if you are interested we can talk about this ... i won't refuse at all.:) Ok tell me what do you believe about the existence of Christ. we say he is alive and still with God and one day he will come back to this world .... and all. you see Christian, this is not about Islam or Christianity, but you see i believe in God (Allah) as He exists. Ok tell me what you ppl say about MAGIC or BLACK MAGIC?? some of the people said here that how would prove the existence of God, i would like to ask them what they think of this magic thing? @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
Aisha Ikram wrote: , i think i am too young to argu on this topic So you're not currently a dedicated follower of Islam ? Aisha Ikram wrote: my father says, don't give your comments on something about which you are unsure He sounds like a wise man. :-) Aisha Ikram wrote: Ok tell me what do you believe about the existence of Christ. we say he is alive and still with God and one day he will come back to this world .... and all. But you deny that He was the Son of God ? I believe He is alive, and that the reason He rose again was to make *the* way to restoration of the relationship between God and man, that He went back to His Father in order to send the Holy Spirit, who indwells those who would accept Him, and that God shows His power to His people with signs and wonders today. Aisha Ikram wrote: you see Christian, this is not about Islam or Christianity, but you see i believe in God (Allah) as He exists. Not to be unkind, but the Bible says even the devils believe in God. Belief is of no value unless it is followed up in action, in doing what God would have us to do. Aisha Ikram wrote: Ok tell me what you ppl say about MAGIC or BLACK MAGIC?? I think it's a bunch of hooey, but to be honest, I'm happy enough with the power of God in my life to not care enough to look into it. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
-
Ok can you give me some link to Bible, i would like to have a look at it. I never saw bible... but i would like to see it. @ish@ What is Common Language Runtime(CLR)?
http://www.blueletterbible.org/[^] It allows you to search, you could search for Son and find stuff like Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. Luk 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him]. Jhn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jhn 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Just a handful of the many verses that say Jesus was the Son of God. You should start in the New Testament, with the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They tell the story of Jesus life. Acts tells the story of the start of the church and the spread of the Gospel. Everything past that is instruction to Christians, mostly written by Paul. Christian No offense, but I don't really want to encourage the creation of another VB developer. - Larry Antram 22 Oct 2002 Hey, at least Logo had, at it's inception, a mechanical turtle. VB has always lacked even that... - Shog9 04-09-2002 Again, you can screw up a C/C++ program just as easily as a VB program. OK, maybe not as easily, but it's certainly doable. - Jamie Nordmeyer - 15-Nov-2002
-
We have the freedom to accept (believe) or reject them; it is our choice. (grin) It's not about accepting or not accepting. It's about knowing what to accept and not what to accept. I could equally say, "You have the choice to accept evolution or not". I've seen so many people mislead by so many false theories that I know it's about having a good reason to believe what you believe. Anything other than good evidence is just logical games we play with our own minds. ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion
I actually agree on what you said. These messengers showed various reasons to convince us to believe in their messages. They asked us to reflect on the things around us, such as the nature sorrounding us, our own bodies etc. In that sense, scientific findings are complementary to their messages.
-
Brian Azzopardi wrote: I know that in your post you were criticing my position but I couldnt help using your own arguments against you. I hope you don't mind Not at all - I love debate :) Brian Azzopardi wrote: why do you percieve the existence of God. You surely cant be certain he/she/it exists? What proof do you have? Having grown up in an area of extreme natural beauty, it has always been easy for me to believe in God, just by looking around me. It also seems to me that humans wouldn't have the desire for a greater being if it were unnatural, and we were purely developed from evolution. Proof. I have only one memory of tangible proof that would satisfy your question. In high school I was in boarding school. Every Tuesday a local church would have members come round and we could miss evening study hall if we wanted and attend their teaching instead. While I did believe in God, I have to admit that getting out of study hall was a big motivator for all of us. One evening they prayed over this younger (14 year old, still growing) boy, that his one leg which was about 2 inches shorter than the other would grow to become the same length. Seems perfectly reasonable - he was still growing, why shouldn't it catch up over the next 4 to 5 years while he grows to adulthood? The only thing was, by the end of the prayer they were both the same length! I wish I had kept my eyes open. Otherwise it seems that proof is all around us, in every beautiful thing we see. Equally we can see evil every day, and don't have to look too far to find it. One thing I always find surprising is that people are more than happy to believe in the evil supernatural, but question the good. Asking me to prove something that we have both agreed is beyond our comprehension is ludicrous. Do I believe? Yes. And I always will. :)
I knew it would end badly when I first met Chris in a Canberra alleyway and he said 'try some - it won't hurt you'..... - Christian Graus on Code Project outages A moment of silence please. A programmer's best friend has passed beyond that great exception in the sky.... - Mark Conger on "The coffee machine has died"
One evening they prayed over this younger (14 year old, still growing) boy, that his one leg which was about 2 inches shorter than the other would grow to become the same length. Seems perfectly reasonable - he was still growing, why shouldn't it catch up over the next 4 to 5 years while he grows to adulthood? The only thing was, by the end of the prayer they were both the same length! I wish I had kept my eyes open. I grew up in a church that did these "faith healings". Miracles tended not to last and I began to think that people were whipping themselves up into suppressing pain and, therefore, believe in miracles. (Because if the pain was gone, the "healed" person believed they were healed and the people around the "healed" believed healing had taken place). I've heard about the leg-stretching thing before. I think it's easy to fake it by pushing and pulling on one or another leg. I think sometimes faith healers actually believe in the miracles they "perform", getting caught up in their desire to believe and other people's belief. Other times, they have simply out-and-out lied. Not always for bad reasons, but because they feel that their belief is "right" and if it takes a fake miracle here and there to get people to believe what is right, then so be it. (Look up the former evangelist Mike Warnke, who flat out made up stories.) ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion
-
Brian Azzopardi wrote: Scientists have managed to artificially create "life"; i.e. they got a bunch of chemicals to exhibit certain properties which collectively are called "life". I don't believe that. Could you cite the study? "Any clod can have the facts, but having opinions is an art." Charles McCabe, San Francisco Chronicle
How about this? First synthetic virus created[^] It is, of course, debatable whether a virus is "life". Nevertheless, this virus synthesis occured by taking nucleotides and assembling them into the same pattern as the known DNA sequence as polio. And - viola - they have the polio virus which is capable of self-replication (but only with the help of a host). ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion
-
Aisha Ikram wrote: you see science says, livings things are created from living things and life is not possible out of life-less entities. for example, i you have ever studied biology, it was proved that a non-living cell can't create a living cell, only a living cell can produce another living cell Where was this proven and by whom ? Perhaps science was not one of you better subjects or you have a religious bias toward certain aspects of it. I fully expect that "life" will be created by man in the next decade in the laboratory. That ought to put a dimple in the religious chin for sure. Richard When I reflect upon the number of disagreeable people who I know have gone to better world, I am moved to lead a different life. Mark Twain- Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar
How about this? First synthetic virus created[^] In this case, scientists started with simple nucleotides (I don't think anyone would argue that they are alive) and assembled them into the same pattern as the known DNA sequence as polio and they produced a polio virus which is capable of infecting and reproducing. Of course, it is debatable whether viruses are alive. They have no capacity to replicate themselves except through hijacking of a host's cells. ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion