Christian Members


Well, you need both. For one the warehouse with prayers is not empty, its filled with well meaning people who are there to support the victims. Disaster victims suffer both bodily and emotionally. You need donations to heal the body and prayers to heal the soul. Just throwing donations at victims without emotional support is also ineffective. Some call this emotional support prayers, some call it empathy, some call it therapy, its all connected to mental healing.
 
I still don’t understand why you need to post in here.

I agree with this...

(...) most atheists (...) don’t want a higher power above them (...) want to be their own “God”.

I think most atheists just want to see the world for what it is and not extrapolate things beyond what's verifiable. And also not be forced to believe/pretend to believe in whatever. Some may talk about "the Universe" (or stuff like that) instead of "God" when it comes to describing something "greater than them", it remains however quite different from the concept of God as God is perceived as an entity that may have his own will and plans.
 
I agree with this...



I think most atheists just want to see the world for what it is and not extrapolate things beyond what's verifiable. And also not be forced to believe/pretend to believe in whatever. Some may talk about "the Universe" (or stuff like that) instead of "God" when it comes to describing something "greater than them", it remains however quite different from the concept of God as God is perceived as an entity that may have his own will and plans.
Seeing the world for what it is seeing a rational creator behind all of it, I think it’s a bigger leap of faith to think “BANG” the universe. Thinking something came from nothing is extrapolating things beyond what’s verifiable.
 
For the Lenten season.

"The 1963 recording of Allegri's "Miserere" (ed Willcocks, in English), Chapel of King's College, Cambridge.
The Choir of King's College.
Sir David Willcocks.
Treble solo: Roy Goodman.

Painting: "Landscape with Tobias and the Angel", Claude Lorrain."


11m 16s

 
What are you even talking about at this point? I don't even know anymore

You come across as someone who has no intellectual understanding of this conversation. You constantly respond with memes which are essentially the words and thoughts of other people. Are you not capable of an original thought? It makes you look like a child trying to take part in an adult conversation. Which of the biblical texts have you read?

You’re an atheist yes? So essentially you believe in the Big Bang? ie that Something came from Nothing. I’ll say it again, you believe that Something came from Nothing. Can you explain that? Do you actually know what Nothing means? Can you fully grasp that?

The only way that Something can come from Nothing is by way of something miraculous, No? So you have to acknowledge that that in itself is a miracle. That is what you believe as an atheist. You believe that a miracle took place. Only that you appropriate your miracle with being less meticulous. You have to accept that in order to believe that something came from nothing, yet you need to reject the miracle of God.

Do you know what God is? Who God is? What God actually means?

Essentially God is a creator. You believe that all of this just happened from nothing. That there is no miracle at play here apart from the miracle of your belief. Somewhat hypocritical to say the least. Our miracle is profound yet your miracle is just this inconvenient little thing that needs to be blindly navigated around in order to explain away.

Did you know that there is a mathematical code written into the DNA of every human being? Did you know that there is a mathematical code written into the genetics of every plant, fish, animal, every single living thing on planet earth?

Did you know that there is a mathematical code written into absolutely everything outside of planet earth in the universe?

Did you know that mathematics was a discovery and not a man made invention? Do you understand how profound and intellectually deep that is?

Did you know that the majority of the worlds great scientists, philosophers, great thinkers and geniuses more or less came to the same conclusion that based on the mixture of evidence and the fact that science alone is incredibly limited in its understanding that this in itself points to the idea of there being a creator?

Some or many would call that creator God.

As for all of the disasters in the world? I don’t know why that is. I don’t pretend to know all of the answers to life’s mysteries unlike many in the scientific community. As for the horrible things that human beings are capable of, God gave human beings free will and without free will we would all simply be robots. We would cease to be human. It is up to each human being to be kind, loving, caring, understanding, compassionate, empathetic and to help other human beings. Are you all of those things? Well you have the capacity for that within you and the bible, God, religion, when used in the right way and context is the manual to find your way onto the path and navigate your way through life striving to be all of those things and be Godlike, hence being an extension of God.

I used to be agnostic, the atheist belief always seemed incredibly dull, depressing, empty and unfulfilling to me. And the more I researched and read the more I leaned towards there being a creator. For me it is unbelievable that you feel this all just happened from nothing. Believe what you want to believe but don’t assume that those of us who believe in God are unintelligent, unread, unlearned or happy in some sort of ignorant bliss. On the contrary, most of us who are of this belief arrived here because we actually delved into it from a logical, scientific, philosophical, spiritual and greater awareness and at great pains while doing so.

Continue by all means to post your memes if that is all you are capable of in order to get your feelings across but without wanting to insult you it comes across as incredibly dim. Would you also enter into a Muslim or Jewish discussion with such memes in order to state you are atheist? Apart from stating ‘I’m an atheist” you don’t really need to add anything further unless it adds something to the discussion.

For pages and pages you’ve added zero to the discussion and are at the same time unwilling to be open to the ideas and philosophies being discussed. Has it ever occurred to you that you just might be wrong in your beliefs?

You worship Michael Jackson to the point where you watch and listen to him every single day of your life yet I don’t see anybody bombarding you with unoriginal predictable memes. Any why would they? It would be somewhat unkind, even cruel. Maybe exercise a greater awareness and common courtesy.
 
You’re an atheist yes? So essentially you believe in the Big Bang? ie that Something came from Nothing. I’ll say it again, you believe that Something came from Nothing [...]
Don't want to derail your post - which is interesting - but couldn't help myself, I need to post this, lol. You reminded me of this skit from Pete Holmes which I love. I'm not making any comment about creation bc idrc. It can't be proved and the convo just goes round in circles, imo. I'd rather listen to Allegri's Miserere. But I do love this little skit and, comedy aside, he does make an interesting point, I think. Also, need to point out, imo he's not talking about scientists, necessarily, just people who don't buy into the religious creation story.

There is some swearing! :eek:

 
Don't want to derail your post - which is interesting - but couldn't help myself, I need to post this, lol. You reminded me of this skit from Pete Holmes which I love. I'm not making any comment about creation bc idrc. It can't be proved and the convo just goes round in circles, imo. I'd rather listen to Allegri's Miserere. But I do love this little skit and, comedy aside, he does make an interesting point, I think. Also, need to point out, imo he's not talking about scientists, necessarily, just people who don't buy into the religious creation story.

There is some swearing! :eek:

Oh my days that is hilarious. Thanks for sharing it lol.

I come at this discussion really from being an agnostic who had an atheist father who felt like that allowed him to take no responsibility for his life and actions, and to sort of do nothing.

I suppose really my introduction into spirituality was through MJ, songs like Keep The Faith, We Are The World, Heal The World and sings of that ilk.

My apologies to Michael’s Lover if I’ve come off as rude but I have found some of the posts dismissive and condescending. A lot of atheists seem to have this sort of arrogance about all of this. It just baffles me.
 
Seeing the world for what it is seeing a rational creator behind all of it, I think it’s a bigger leap of faith to think “BANG” the universe. Thinking something came from nothing is extrapolating things beyond what’s verifiable.

The guy who came up with the initial Big Bang theory (not with the words Big Bang) was a Christian (and not just a random Christian), already discussed on this forum (likely in Atheist thread , maybe here also) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Lemaître

Most scientists agree that we don't really know how the Universe was created, and, even if our understanding grows of what may have happened from a physical/geometrical point of view, we don't know "why" or how it started at the very beginning and what was before. (All theories you may hear about Universe cycles, parallel universes or even about "nothing"... are really just unverifiable hypothesis for now, though the media like to push spectacular things forward in overly simplistic ways... but I guess we all know this on this forum.) Scientists (which I think is a very different word than "atheist" and suits this sentence better) agree that we don't have answers to everything, while believers force-push an answer into that unknown knowledge-space.

When scientists say "we don't know something", and believers say I believe something but keep using "conditional" flavours in their explanations, they could almost reach an agreement. (And of course some scientists just believe in God(s) too.)

Regarding atheist/agnostics... I just know of all kinds of flavours... I don't know the demographics.
 
The guy who came up with the initial Big Bang theory (not with the words Big Bang) was a Christian [...]
And, of course, Georges Lemaitre is just one of many Christians who were also scientists. Antoine LeVoisier, Leonhard Euler, Gregor Mendel, Arthur Compton, John Dalton, Charles Barkla. I'm sure there's loads I've never even heard of. Newton, obviously! LOL.
 
Oh my days that is hilarious. Thanks for sharing it lol.
I've never watched anything else from this guy and I don't know anything about him but I do love this clip. There's a few complaints in the comments below the vid but I do think he's making a valid point. And, arguments aside, it's still really funny! :ROFLMAO:

I come at this discussion really from being an agnostic
I'm basically allergic to labels. I don't love the word 'agnostic' but it definitely seems to create a space that's more interesting than atheism. At least, in my experience it does.

who had an atheist father who felt like that allowed him to take no responsibility for his life and actions, and to sort of do nothing.
Oh, that's disheartening. :(

I suppose really my introduction into spirituality was through MJ, songs like Keep The Faith, We Are The World, Heal The World and sings of that ilk.
I do love the fact that Michael was always so upfront about his beliefs, his commitment to prayer, his continued belief in God - however he defined that in any era of his life. He didn't apologise and he never evangelised. Perfect combination, imo.
 
The guy who came up with the initial Big Bang theory (not with the words Big Bang) was a Christian (and not just a random Christian), already discussed on this forum (likely in Atheist thread , maybe here also) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Lemaître

Most scientists agree that we don't really know how the Universe was created, and, even if our understanding grows of what may have happened from a physical/geometrical point of view, we don't know "why" or how it started at the very beginning and what was before. (All theories you may hear about Universe cycles, parallel universes or even about "nothing"... are really just unverifiable hypothesis for now, though the media like to push spectacular things forward in overly simplistic ways... but I guess we all know this on this forum.) Scientists (which I think is a very different word than "atheist" and suits this sentence better) agree that we don't have answers to everything, while believers force-push an answer into that unknown knowledge-space.

When scientists say "we don't know something", and believers say I believe something but keep using "conditional" flavours in their explanations, they could almost reach an agreement. (And of course some scientists just believe in God(s) too.)

Regarding atheist/agnostics... I just know of all kinds of flavours... I don't know the demographics.
The evidence we have is Jesus. His life, death and resurrection. If that isn’t enough evidence then idk what is. By the way, Believers shouldn’t say they know everything because there is no way anybody could know everything about something.
I do love the fact that Michael was always so upfront about his beliefs, his commitment to prayer, his continued belief in God - however he defined that in any era of his life. He didn't apologise and he never evangelised. Perfect combination, imo.
It honestly is difficult as a Christian in the sense that the moment we spread the gospel or good news, it comes across as forcing someone to believe. If you had some exciting news that there was eternal life after death and all you had to do was accept Jesus as your savior and He would forgive all your sins, I would hope you would tell people right?
 
I've never watched anything else from this guy and I don't know anything about him but I do love this clip. There's a few complaints in the comments below the vid but I do think he's making a valid point. And, arguments aside, it's still really funny! :ROFLMAO:


I'm basically allergic to labels. I don't love the word 'agnostic' but it definitely seems to create a space that's more interesting than atheism. At least, in my experience it does.


Oh, that's disheartening. :(


I do love the fact that Michael was always so upfront about his beliefs, his commitment to prayer, his continued belief in God - however he defined that in any era of his life. He didn't apologise and he never evangelised. Perfect combination, imo.
It’s hilarious. 😆

Yes I think my father waisted a lot of his life on running away from problems. He’s not all bad. Your perspective changes a lot when you get a bit older and I don’t hold it against him. I just feel sad for him from time to time I guess.

I love how you described MJ’s beliefs. You’re on point.
 
“no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I love this thread. While it is sad that Atheists on here persecute us and try there hardest not to believe, God protects, guides and loves us. Keep pushing guys, eternal life is at hand!!
 
Posting without comment, purely as FYI.

@VaticanNews

"Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!

The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV."


GqcXA8VXEAAz5fB
 
A Pope from the USA??? 😶 I liked his opening words, though.
I haven't caught up yet. I've seen a couple of scathing comments about him so I'm reserving judgement. Plus, y'know ... give the guy a chance! It's only been about one hour, I don't want to start jumping up and down already! We shall see.

Anyways, still thinking about leaving the Catholic Church 🫥
I'm sure it can't be an easy decision. You'll likely feel conflicted if you stay but also might be conflicted even if you leave. Faith is hard enough, religion is even worse, lol.

Maybe seagull was the spirit of Pope Francis lol
He's like, 'I'm outta here, mate! I'm done! It's been exhausting!' :ROFLMAO:
 
I haven't caught up yet. I've seen a couple of scathing comments about him so I'm reserving judgement. Plus, y'know ... give the guy a chance! It's only been about one hour, I don't want to start jumping up and down already! We shall see.
(y)

I'm sure it can't be an easy decision. You'll likely feel conflicted if you stay but also might be conflicted even if you leave. Faith is hard enough, religion is even worse, lol.
THIS 😅
He's like, 'I'm outta here, mate! I'm done! It's been exhausting!' :ROFLMAO:

:ROFLMAO: 🥹
 
Looking forward to the seagull memes 😆 :love:
Sorry! I'm being so boring. I'm still posting election stuff.

Seagull memes would be awesome! 😊

Anyway ...

@VaticanNews
"Our Editorial Director reflects on the spiritual significance of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost accepting the papal ministry as an act of trust in Christ, who guides the Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV."



cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg


"Surrendering oneself to He who guides the Church

Our Editorial Director reflects on the spiritual significance of accepting the papal ministry as an act of trust in Christ, who guides the Church.

By Andrea Tornielli

The Diocese of Rome has its Bishop, and the universal Church has its Pastor. The Conclave has designated the Successor of Peter. Thank you, Holy Father, for accepting. Thank you for saying “yes” and for abandoning yourself to the One who guides the Church.

The memorable words spoken by Paul VI come to mind again—words he addressed to the students of the Lombard College in December 1968, during the difficult period of post-Council unrest:

“Many,” said the Pope, “expect from the Pope dramatic gestures, strong and decisive interventions. But the Pope believes he must follow no other path than that of trust in Jesus Christ, who cares for His Church more than anyone else. It is He who will calm the storm. How many times has the Master said: ‘Have faith in God. You believe in God, believe also in me!’ The Pope will be the first to carry out this command of the Lord, and to abandon himself—without anxiety or inappropriate worry—to the mysterious working of Jesus’ invisible yet certain assistance to His Church. This is not a sterile or passive waiting; it is a vigilant waiting in prayer. This is the condition Jesus Himself chose for us, so that He may act fully. Even the Pope needs to be helped by prayer.”

Today, it is the world that is in the midst of a storm—shaken by war and violence. Let us pray for peace. Let us pray with Peter and for Peter. And, confirmed by him in the faith, let us also learn to abandon ourselves to the One who reigns from the wood of the Cross, bearing on Himself the wounds of humanity."
 
Back
Top